Quezon, We Hardly Knew Ye

Philippine President Manuel Quezon (1878-1944)

You could hardly call the 1937 appearance of Philippine President Manuel Quezon in Waco a visit -- more like a flyover with a Santa Fe train substituting for a plane. The Quezons, however, did emerge briefly during their stop in Waco and spoke to onlookers. General Douglas MacArthur, meanwhile, couldn't even be bothered to come out of his berth for a quick photo opportunity.

Waco Times-Herald, April 7, 1937

QUEZON PAYS TEXAS A VISIT

ISLAND PREXY GETS GLIMPSE OF THIS CITY

Philippine President and His Family Pose for Photographer on Platform at the Katy Depot

PAYS TRIBUTE TO CONNALLY

Says He Expected to Have Texas Senator's Birthplace Pointed Out to Him From Train

President Manuel Quezon of the Philippine Islands, passing through Waco just before noon on his way to Mexico, almost spent the whole of his visit sitting in a drawing room in his shirtsleeves talking to two men. But when he was notified that Mrs. Quezon, walking on the platform with members of their party, had been cornered by a photographer, and that he was wanted, he began to show signs of interest.

Afraid of Being Left

He looked out the window and exclaimed, "But you don't want my picture now. The train is moving!"

Assured that the southbound Texas special, on which he was riding, would not pull out of the station until his party were fully assembled, he put on his coat and descended to the platform, only to find that Mrs. Quezon had hurriedly boarded the train when the train began its first move. She was discovered with a group in the sitting room of Katy President Matthew Sloan's private car, which was at the rear of the train, and she and her small son, Manuel Jr., joined her husband on the platform for a picture taken by Ray Kirkland, Katy photographer.

Quezon's remarks were brief: "Needless to say we are happy to be in Texas and see your wonderful state."

Knows Tom Connally

He commented that he had come to know Tom Connally, “one of the most influential members of the Senate,” and expected to have the Texas senator’s birthplace pointed out to him as he passed Eddy. “It is remarkable how many Texans born on the farm have come up to commanding positions in the business world and especially the political world at Washington.”

Traveling with him were his family, but the daughters Aurora and Leneida were still asleep, and could not be persuaded to get up, according to Miss Ollie Floyd of Washington, D.C., secretary to Judge W.E. McMahon. The judge, one-time member of the Philippine court of first instance, now legal adviser to an oil firm in Mexico City, is with the party, as is his niece, Miss Jeannette Birdsong of Greenville. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, military adviser to the Philipine government, was also on the train, but could not be found and resisted messages sent to him to appear in the picture with the Quezons. Camp MacArthur, which existed in Waco during wartime, was named for his father, according to Capt. T.J. Davis, who was traveling with him.

Sloan Making Trip

President Sloan of the Katy is making the trip into Mexico with the party, and has his private car at their disposal, although they have reservations in a car ahead. Big bowls of Texas wildflowers, blue bonnets and Indian paintbrush, decorated the dining room of his car, where the table was set for lunch.

Quezon, of medium height, trim, and with black eyebrows in direct contrast to his graying hair, has the alert, stern face that would be expected of this man who has served as Philippine delegate in congress and the senate, and who has skillfully fought that small country’s battles many a year. His wife is small, with black hair and eyes, a pleasant face. She wore a dark traveling suit and walked hatless up and down the platform.

Gen. Basilio Valdes, deputy chief of staff, who spent a few minutes on the platform, said he knew well J. Weldon Jones, former Baylor boy who is now acting high commissioner of the Philippines until ex-Gov. Paul V. McNutt of Indiana, recently appointed by President Roosevelt, arrives to take the place vacated when Commissioner Frank Murphy came home and was successful in his campaign for governorship of Michigan. Murphy’s activities for amicable settlement have been outstanding in recent strike negotiations in automobile plants in Michigan.

In Texas in 1928

President Quezon was in Texas in 1928, to attend the Democratic national convention at Houston. This is his first visit since then. He passed straight through the state Wednesday to Mexico, on a trip which he says is not at all political in nature, but prompted because of “the common historical background Texas and Mexico have with the Philippines as ancient colonial possessions of Spain.” On his return he will spend a day in San Antonio, where he will be entertained, and a day in Dallas where a luncheon is being planned for him April 15. The party expects to be back in Washington April 17.

Besides those named, Dr. Carlos F. Romulo, legal adviser, and Major Manuel Nielo, aide to General Valdes, were in the party.