PRESIDENT FORCED TO CANCEL NEW YORK TRIP AT LAST MINUTE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 10, 1923, President Warren G. Harding sent a telegram to "those in charge of arrangements for the testimonial meeting" to be held that evening in New York City for General and Mrs. Ballington Booth* of the Volunteers of America" informing them that he would be unable to accept their invitation to speak at the event.
When the President arrived at the office this morning, he "hoped...to be able to go" to New York but discovered before noon that "it would be impossible for him to leave" Washington.
The President also informed the Chamber of Commerce of the United States he would be unable to speak at their annual meeting also to be held in New York City.
*Ballington Booth (1857-1940) was born in Brighouse, England & became a Colonel in the Salvation Army at age 23. BB became a U.S. citizen in 1895 & was co-founder of Volunteers of America, a Christian charitable organization. He was First General of VOA 1896-1940.
SOURCE
"President Gives Up Trip To New York," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
