Evening star., 1901-03-05
INAUGURAL BALL
Continued from Third Page,

MS party ABOUT o:lo o CLOCK. some time De-
fore the announced hour the crowd began
to gather about the west entrance, all anx
ious to catch first glimpse of the chief ex-
ecutive and his distinguished guests.
In anticipation of the Presidents coming
the several hundred members of the floor
and promenade committee, under the direc-
ton of DIR. Ralph jenkins, the chairman,
began the work of clearing an avenue
down the center of the court through
which Mr. and Mrs. Mckinley were ex
pected to lead the opening promenade of
the memorable function. The aisleway
was soon perfected the floor committeeman
forming two long lines-a human barrier to
the throngs banked on either side.
There was some delay in the start of
President Mcknley's party from the White
House. and IN consequence it was quarter
past 10 when the word was whispered
throughout the assemblage, He is COM
ing. The western doors swung open. and
the President, with Mrs. Mckinley on his
arm, stepped smilingly into the gorgeous
ball room. Mr.. Mckinley could not sup
press an expression of admiration as his
gaze swept the magnificent scene. On the
Presidents right walked Mr.. John Joy Ed
son, chairman Of the inaugural committee,
who had escorted him from the White
House. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commanding
the United States army and chairman Of
the inaugural reception committee. walked
beside Mr.. Mckinley. The Vice President and
Mrs. Roosevelt. who had been accompanied
by Mr. T. f.. Roessle first vice chairman
of the inaugural committee entered just
behind the President. The cabinet officers
and members of their families had arrived
meantime and formed a part OF the Presi-
dents party.
Entering the ball room the distinguished
guests turned to the right and ascended the
steps leading to the first balcony. On the
way upstairs Mrs. Mckinley, who was
much fatigued by the events of the day,
became somewhat faint. The progress of
the party was not interrupted by the Incl
dent however, and the retiring rooms pro-
vided in the private chambers of the COM
missioner of pensions, located at the south
west corner of the second floor, were soon
reached.
On account of Mrs. McKinleys fatigue
It was decided to cancel the arrangements
made for the promenade on the floor of the
ball room. News of the abandonment of
the plan spread very quickly, and the path
way through the crowd which had been
formed was dissolved almost In an instant
The thousands of people the floor soon
occupied the space which had been reserved
for the Presidents tour Of the room.
Mrs. Mckinley was SO much improved a
few seconds after reaching the private
rooms the President. who was very anxious
to appear on the floor announced that he
thought Mrs. Mckinley would after all, be
able to participate in the march with com
fort. A hurried consultation was had be-
tween Chairman Edison of the inaugural
committee, Gen. Miles and Chairman Jen-
kns of the floor and promenade committee.
The latter stated that 1t would be impossible
in a reasonable length of time to again
clear sufficient space IN the crowd to per-
NIT of the promenade. 1t was then reluc-
tantly decided to abandon the program
which had been arranged. Those on the
floor of the ball room were no more deeply
disappointed at the cancellation of the OPEN
ing promenade than the President and Mrs.
Mckinley.
With the abandonment of the opening
march an impromptu reception was inau-
gurated in the Presidents chambers. He re-
ceived the members and ladies Of the cabi-
net, the members of the diplomatic corps
who were present, the members of the Su-
preme Court and the inaugural committee
Vice President and Mrs. Roosevelt received
next in line to the President The vice
President was In a particularly happy frame
of mind. Among the guests who passed
along the receiving line were many old
acquaintances of Mr.. Roosevelt. He mad
word of hearty greeting for each one In
many cases he slapped his old friends on
the back.
"Well. I certainly am glad TO see you
again, old man."
My, but It's good Just TO look at you
again, old fellow
These remarks punctuated the Vice Pres'-
dents handshakes, which were most cor
dial in character. Mr.. Roosevelt would also
whisper some words into the ears or MS m
innate acquaintances. His conduct through
out was marked by thoroughly democratic
manner.
The reception continued for some minutes
President Mckinley was very gracious lie
seemed worried, however concerning mrs.
Mckinley, and excused himself to visit hcr
in the chamber where she had laid aside
her wraps Mrs. Mckinley was feeling
much better and so it was determined that
the President and party should proceed AT
once to the elaborate reviewing palcony
which had been constructed at the west
end of the hall, entrance being had by steps
leading down from the first balcony OF the
building.
Chairman Edison led the march to the
Presidents stand. Mr.. Mckinley walked on
Miles on the left. AS they approached the
balcony the United States Marine Band, at
the other end OF the hall, began the first
strains of Hail to the Chief" and wave
Of applause swept through the bu1ldlng.
The President, bowling his acknowledgements
on either side assisted Mrs Mckinley to
a seat in the center Of the stand, taxing
the chair to her right Mrs. Roosevelt sat
at Mrs. McKinley's left and the Vice Presi-
dent to the left Of his wife. The members
of the cabinet and others in the preslden-
tial party filed the stand to It's utmost
capacity.
The sight which now greeted the gaze
was one Of bewildering magnif1cence. Look
ing from his elevated position the Pres
ident faced an assemblage OF. nuinahis ma ny
great court and corridors. The first bal-
cony was lined with faces. The President
viewed at more leisure the gorgeous deeora- cora;
tions and again expressed his entfre adml-
ration of the beautiful effect.
Above was the pale yellow Of the grace
fully draped ceiling, on either side the
long swinging loops Of incandescent cleo
trio bulbs punctuated at intervals with
electric stars. Each gilded pillar along
the seemingly interminable colonade OF the
balconies, was entwined with the electric
bulbs and green vines. Below was a sea of
restless humanity, the manifold colors OF
the ladies' costumes forming indescribable
combina tions to complete a scene of splen-
dor which had called forth the best ef-
forts of the most prominent decorators In
the whole country. Both the President and
Mrs Mckinley were deeply impressed by
the magnitude and magnificence OF the
great festival.
The guests at the ball on the floor below
maintained a respectful silence. while the
band completed the rendition of Its musical
tribute to the Presidents appearance. AT
the conclusion Of the selection, however,
another sweep Of applause extended
throughout the assemblage. Then the
opening strains Of the first dance number
on the program were waited down the
court In the distance the President could
see the young people present beginning
their evening Of terpsichorean enjoyment.
In the dancing the most prominent figures
perhaps other than those Of the very beau
tiful women, daintily and deliberately
gowned, were the cadets from the Military
oj In tI,oivr ion