Evening star., 1900-12-12
FIRST CENTURY
Nation Commentaries
Its Completion.
IMPOSING CEREMONIES
Magnificent Display Of the
Country's Soldiery.
MANY GOVERNORS IN LINE
Notable Event in the History of
the Union.
rTVJ- M
MANY GOVERNORS IN LINE
FEATURES AND INCIDENTS

Beneath skies undimmed as the nations
Elories and under a sun as bright as the
Unions destiny the representatives Of
united country met today in celebration of
the one hundredth anniversary of the es
tabliShment of the seat of federal govern
ment at Washington. For the time being
the government suspended operations to de-
vote itself to the appropriate recognition
of the notable anniversary. The resident
and the cabinet. the senators and the rep
resentatives. the governors of many states
and the citizens who are happy in the pos
session of the proud heritage of American
liberty combined to form a gathering more
impressive than any which has hitherto
assembled within the nations borders. All
were alike inspired with the tremendous
significance of the day. A century rcpete
with all that means progress and advance
ment and enlightenment was behind Them
and they perceived in its magnificent sweep
OF successes prophetic promises of a COM
ing century no less fertile in the accom-
plishrent OF all the aims and Intentions
sentimental and praC Ctica1. which the des-
tiny of America holds in store for the other
peoples of the world Everywhere waved
the beautiful flag which symbolized the
achievements of the past and which Will
be the guidon to carry American freedom
onward in the future wherever human
hearts beat for liberty, and everywhere
the sentiment that goes with the stars
and stripes was alive and apparent. From
an early hour the streets were filed with
expectant thrOngs seeking vantage points
whence TO view the parade, and flag draped
windows framed living pictures at all
points along the route.
At the White House.
foo. ,.,f, -l,;4
:Touse function was strong evidence of the
care given 20 all details by Chairman Ed
son and the committee having charge of
the ceremonies. All comment was of
favorable kind. While the White House
force of officers and ushers had the ham
ding of he guests the plans We're made by
the committee. assisted by Secretary Cor
teIyou whose aid has been valuable.
At all ,he gates were police officers who
admitted only those having cards of invi-
tetion. At the White House doors invita-
tons were again required. In consequence
Of this care there was no crowding and un-
pleasant features were distinctly absent
The seating capacity of the east room was
sufficient
The handling of vehicles in rha grounds
ras wi hout hitch. The police officers were
trained men IN White House affairs and
knew what to do.
AS the guests arrived they We're received
by a subcommittee of the citizens commit
tee. who acted as uahers, and We're escort
ed to seats. Harrison Dinenan was the
chairman and associated with him were
Col. w. II. Crook. G. A. AsDnwaIl Thos
\ ]. Fisher. George Welch. Lewis Clephane
A. NJ. McLach'en. John Joy Edison. jr. F
O. Beckett and Montgomery Blair.
Chairman Edison personally looked after
elany of the details Of the exercises and re
reived the concentrations of nearly every
body The President himself expressed
pleasure at the perfection of the program
and the ease and smoothness with which it
was carried out.
The ceremonies commenced with the re-
ception of the governors and their stats
and other distinguished guests by the Pres
Eient in the blue room. Those who were re-
ceived assembled in the red room. filing into
TIE blue room, where the President and
cabinet stood In the big hallway was sta
toned the Marine Band, under the leader
hip of Lieut.. Santelmann. The hallway
md red blue and green parIors were dec
rated with beautiful pot plants, flowers
md foliage In the flood of the electric
fight they presented spectacle of rare
beauty The brilliant uniforms of the staff
officers of the governors added much TO the
beauty of the scene
The first sign of activity when the
Marine Band struck Up Hail to the Chief
This was at 1890 o'clock, and as the band
began the President was descending the
stairway leading TO the blue parlor. With
him were the members of the cabinet
walking two by two. All the members Of
I the cabinet were present. except Attorney
General Griggs, who is out of the city. Gov
Roosevelt of New York spent some time in
the Presidents apartments before the
President and his party walked down stairs