Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-03-03
NOTWITHSTANDING
When the President.Elect Sets
Foot in the Capital.
WEATHER DOES ITSELF PROUD

All the Principal Actors in Thursdsy's
Ceremony Now on Hand-How the Nc
kinley Party Dodged . Throng at the
Ebbitt House-Msjor Dimes with Presi-
dent and Mrs. Cleveland-Gossip About
the Csblnet-The Roll Not Yet Complete
Now York the Dimculty.
washington. March 3-The national
capital now shelters the outgoing and
Incoming presidents and vice presidents,
and preparations for the grand cere-
monies marking the change Of admins
trations go on with feverish haste and
hustle. Mckinley and Hobart were well
coined to their future home by one of
those glorious. bright days. such as
Washington takes pride in when in the
mood. The entry OF the two was made
with little ceremony and COM
paratively slightest public de-
monstration. The presidential party ar
rived about 11:2o a. m. and by a clever
coup the president-elect gained en-
trance to his hotel without crowding
And inconvenience. All the preparations
at the hotel indicated that the entrance
would be made on the Fourteenth street
side Of the hotel. There was a guard Of
policemen at the door and the corridors
leading in from that point were kept
ostentatiously clear.
Scheme Acted to Perfection.
The ladies' entrance from F street was
left comparatively unnoticed save for q
policeman or two to keep back the
crowd. At 11:20 there was a cry Of
Here they come" as the first carriage
OF the presidential party drove up
Fourteenth street. Every one crowded
forward toward the corridor leading to
the Fourteenth street entrance. The line
Of policemen and hotel people bent
wavered and broke before the pressure
and let the crowd surge down the cor
ridor In wild rush to the Fourteenth
street door.
Which Was How They 's(sot Left."
But 1t was only feint. The president
elect and his party got out Of their
carriages at the street front OF the
Ebbitt. and In a moment were in the
elevator and shooting skywards to their
quarters. Secretary Porter. heaving
Q sight OF relief, raised q
undermined silk hat in grave salute to
his disappearing chief. and then elbowed
his way over to the entrance Of the
ladies' parlor to receive the gentle
maledictions Of a crowd Of ladies pinned
in behind the policemen. the disap-
pointed ones admitting that the flank
movement had been cleverly done, but
declaring the secrtary TOO mean for
anything"
Major Goes to Dine with Cleveland.
President Cleveland and Mrs. Cleve-
land last night entertained at dinner
President-elect Mckinley. The invita-.
ton was extended through Secretary
Porter several days ago. but up to q
late hour yesterday afternoon 1t wa.
doubtful whether or not IL could bs
carried out. owing TO the indispositior
Of President Cleveland. Word came t.
Porter. however. about 5 o'clock tha
the president had so far recovered from
his rheumatic attack as to able to carry
out the engagement. which was re-
newed In pressing form. At p. m
Major Mckinley was driven to thu
White House. II was expected tina
Mrs. Mckinley would accompany he
husband to the dinner. but owing to tn,
exhaustion that followed the exciting
events Of the journey from Canton ant
the day In Washington. she was unabl,
to do 30.
Nothing FORMAL About the Function.
At the White House the president
elect was greeted cordially by Presiden
Cleveland. NO lad been In waiting
with Mrs. Cleveland for the purpose
Without delay dinner was announced
There was nothing elaborate about tn,
dinner or the decorations. Mrs. Cleve
land had given her personal attention
to the arrangements. and the table dec
orntions and menu were exceedingl!
simple and In good taste. Freed from
the restraining influence Of others, tn
retiring and incoming presidents ant
Mrs Cleveland chatted without for
ity. and without doubt the president
elect received many hints as to the cas-