Evening star., 1896-12-24
Chairman Bell Returns From His
New York Trip.
COMPLETING INAUGURATION PLANS
Meeting of the Committee Held
Last Night.
PARKS AND RESERVATIONS

Chairman Bell returned from new 1Ork
this morning and during the day announced
the appointment of Gen. Nelson b. Miles,
In command of the United States army, as
chairman Of the committee on reception,
and the generals acceptance Of the posi-
ton. Mr.. Bell was engaged while in New
York in comforting with Gen. Horace Poc-
ter Mr.. Brainard. H. Warner, chairman of
the committee on civic organizations, being
also present. When Mr.. Bell was asked
by Star reporter about his trip he said it
was satisfactory in every way.
Gen. Porter is fitted in an eminent way
for the important duties under his charge"
said Chairman Bell. He is most certainly
the right man in the right place. He is
about to deliver the oration at the opening
of Grants tomb at Riverside and ID busily
engaged on work in connection with the
coming Inauguration of Governor-eiect
Black of New York, but he still finds time
to keep fully abreast of the demands upon
him as chief marshal of the Inauguration
ceremonies here. He has appointed Mr.. A.
Noel Brakeman his chief of staff and Col.
H. c. Corbin adjutant general.
1T was decided" continued Chairman
Bell, Ito dismiss the parade next inaugu-
ration day at Washington Circle instead
Of the White House as on former occa-
sions and Gen. Porter said that the pro-
cession would pass at the rate Of 12,OOO
four files front. Gen. Porter has issued
circular letter to governors of the various
states asking them to inform him what
troops and organizations will come from
their respective commonwealths to par
ticipate in the parade and the positions of
these troops in line will be assigned in
time for notification to be sent to the vari-
Gus marshals of the parade, SO they may
study them up before coming to Washing
ton. Gen. Porter will also have a large
map prepared, showing the formation, plans
of the parade, with the assignments OF the
various bodies denoted in different colors.
This map will be hung at headquarters
and those commanding the various bodies
in the parade will be requested to look 1t
over before March 4, that there will be
no confusion on the streets. In the civic
division as well as in the military division
all organizations will be assigned to places
in line in the order Of the states. Mr.. War
ner will appoint all his aids in the civic
division subject to the approval of the
cadets from West Point and Annapolis will
both participate n the parade"
This morning Chairman Bell and Mr.. A.
T. Britton had a consultation with Secre-
tary of the Interior Francis over the use OF
the pension office for the holding of the
inaugural ball Secretary Francis prom
ised to send Mr.. Bell favorable answer to
his official letter of recent date reGeestIns
this use of the building. the details of which
will be referred to Pension Commissioner
Murphy for arrangement.
Parks and Reservations.
Chairman Willard of the committee on
parks and reservations has appointed the
following subcommittee: To consider
plans proposed for stands on cross streets
and reservations, Thos. c. Noyes, Thos. II.
Gale Daniel Macarty, w. P. Lipscomb and
S. NJ. Curr den; to consider plans for Official
pl ogram Wm ]. Marsh. E. B. Hay and S.
NJ. Curriden; to consult with District Com
of inr1S
II. H. Graham, S. T. s. Morsell and Robt.
]. Callum.
The Care of CoIored Visitors.
The twenty-eight colored members of the
committee on public comfort met last night
at headquarters and considered arrange
mepts for the reception of colored visitors
to the city during the Inauguration. Chair
man Levi P. Wright vas present and or
ganized these members into a subcommit-
tee, with Mr.. Robert H. Terrell chair
man, to which will be referred all commu-
n.cations received from colored military
civic organizations and individuals.
In this connection there has been some
Interesting correspondence. Mrs. A NJ.
Curtis of 452 3Ith street, Chicago, wrote
that she understood there would be diff
Guilty in colored people going to the inau-
guration finding places to STOP the ho-
tells would not receive them. In reply to
this letter, Chairman Wright Immediately
wrote Mrs. Curtis, assuring her that there
would be an abundance Of accommoda-
tions for colored visitors, as the public
fers to board and lodge them, as well as
white visitors, and described the plans of
the committee in this connection II am
determined" said Chairman Wright. in
concluding his letter. that no reason shall
exist why the colored visitors shall not re-
ceive the same consideration as our white
friends. If you can suggest anything that
will help improve these arrangements, /
ball l,ee 1o6 f0 a
The committee on badges has decided to
adopt a bronze badge of appropriate de-
sign to he worn by the members of the in
'augural committees.
Street illumination.
An important Teeting of the committee
on illumination and fireworks was held last
night. 1t was largely attended, and pre-
sided over by Chairman NJ. 1. Weller. 1t
was determined to form twenty-five SUBJ
committees, the chairmen of which and the
officers of the whole committee to consti-
tute an executive committee, whose decision
on matters, subject to approval of the ex-
ecutive inaugural committee, should be
final
Chairman Weller announced that the
plans to be followed in beautifyinR the
city could not be determined until ii was
found what amount would be apportioned
to the committee for expenditure. 1t was
the general opinion that the results of the
committees work should surpass those of
any Of its predecessors, and It was decided
to recommend that Illuminated arches be
placed across all streets which intersect
Pennsylvania avenue, each arch represent
ing a state territory. Plans Of these
arches were submitted to the committee
and were favorably passed upon, although
no decision to recommend the plans was
reached. The pyrotechnic display will also
be long-remembered feature in connec-
ton with the Inauguration.
| Carriage Arrangements.
The committee carriages is consider
| ing the system to be followed in the man.
agement Of vehicles at the Inauguration
ball and during the stay of the crowds in
Washington. There was a meeting last
night and various improvements on former
methods were suggested The subject win
| be further discussed at meeting to be
| held the first Wednesday In January
Banquet Committee.
| The first meeting of the banquet com
mittee was held last evening, with Chair
man George 8. Williams and Messrs. Frank
B. Noyss. P. v. DeGraw. w. A. Boyd. Ross
Thompson. J. Dewitt Arnold. A. g. Dag
gett. Ormsby McCammon, John T. wilkins
and 9. A. Lyon. Jr.. present. Mr.. Noyes was