ELABORATE PLANS MADE FOR PRESIDENT TAFT

Few events in the city have had more advance preparation than a visit by President William Howard Taft on Oct. 26, 1909. Taft's visit created quite a stir in town, as the president arrived at dawn aboard the flagship of a 16-ship flotilla moving down the Mississippi River. Taft was making an inspection tour of the river, examining whether to deepen the channel.

Elaborate plans were made for a crowd some believed would go as high as 25,000 people and churches were asked to assist in preparing meals for the throng of people. Not only was the president arriving, but a number of governors, members of Congress and cabinet members were also aboard the fleet of ships.

E.F. Regenhardt was chairman of the President's Day committee, which met several times a week getting ready for the visit.

A special badge, designed by a St. Louis firm, was given to President Taft to display later in the White House.

The Miller Brothers, who had their Wild West Show in town, assured Regenhardt that they would provide all horses and equipment the city needed, because the show horses were used to crowds. Special trains were also scheduled by the Frisco Railroad to accommodate the crowd of people wanting to come to Cape Girardeau.

The Cape Girardeau Bell Telephone Co. made arrangements to notify all residents when the president's boat was approaching by three long rings of the phone.

City residents were warned that the early morning visit could leave them vulnerable to looters and advised them to "keep your eyes open and your money in your pockets."

At 4 a.m. Oct. 26, telephone bells began ringing in the city, a signal that the fleet of ships had passed Neelys Landing. The riverbank was lined with people, from Cape Rock through the downtown.

Shortly after 5 a.m. Taft arrived but did not come ashore until 6 o'clock. Regenhardt greeted him and presented him with the souvenir badge. The parade moved to Academic Hall, to a stage on the terraces. Gov. Herbert S. Hadley introduced Taft to the huge crowd.

The crowd was impressed by Taft's famous smile, and he prefaced his remarks by saying: "It's not so bad after you do get up." He also added that he would remember two things about the trip: his having walked with a gentleman larger than he was, referring to Regenhardt, and the spectacle of the rising sun.

At the conclusion of his 20- minute speech, Taft planted an elm tree near Academic Hall. He then returned to the riverfront, where a large crowd gathered and remained until the last boat had left.