EX-PRESIDENT TAFT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1605, 23 November 1912, Page 6

EX-PRESIDENT TAFT.

MAY VISIT AUSTRALIA; In a recent statement to the Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. J. J. Simons, of West Australia,' who led a. party of 40 Australian boys around the world, and has recently returned, made a lengthy reference to the party's experiences in America,' and also furnished a number of useful reflections on American and international affairs. On visiting Washington the boys wero allowed the exceptional privilege of entering the tomb of Washington, which, by an irrevocable rule, is allowed to be opened only threo times a year. As a special compliment to the' Australian people, President Taft arranged to have the party admitted to the tomb, and a very imposing ceremony was carried out by the visitors. A wreath, to which a bunch, of gum leaves was attached, together with an. ■Australian flag, was placed upon the sarcophagus. As the wreath was being placed in position buglers sounded the "Last Post," while the boys stood to attention. The cercmony was witnessed by hundreds of American tourists, who stood with bared heads during the proceedings. Thb incident occasioned much comment in Amerioari. papers, which' referred to the closer relations daily growing between the peoples of Australia and' America. • On tho following day the tourists were received by President Taft, at White House. During his speech Mr. Taft stated: "If I am ever called upon to lay aside the burdens of office, I fondly hope that'l shall have an opportunity of making an extensive tour through your young Commonwealth. I have long promised myself.this pleasure, and Ihopo that before many years I shall be able to carry out this idea,and thus learn to know Australian people better.". Mr. Simons said: "The great dilterenco that struck hie between the psople of the United States arid those of Australia is tho comparative solemnity of our own countrymen. We seem to take our joys too sadly. There is not the demonstrativenessnor the emotionalism of tho American. We found the people demonstrative, emotional, and full of idealism. Mr. Roosevelt has a firm grip of our national ideals, and the relationship of Australia with the world. Ho referred in terms of appreciation and gratitude to the great demonstrations made in honour of the American ilect. Mr. Roosevelt also said that one point which our countrymen are prone to forget is that the destiny of tho Pacific Ocean will, to n great extent, depend on the kind of understanding which exists between people of tho United States nnd those of Australia the interests of tho two nations being irrevocably intertwined in the great Pacific question."