The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-03-05
ECLlPSES FORMER INAUGURATI0Ns
Decorations Present Picture of Unusual Spendor-Despie
Unfavorab1e Weather Enthusiastic Thousands
Gather in Tribute to Nations Head.

reviewing stand at the white house a
little before 6 O'Clock.
Considering the weather conditions,
the parade, in point of numbers, close
ly approximated the official record
The promptitude with which it was
handled by the grand marshal was de-
cidedly above the average for such an
event.
The weather was not favorable for
the parade, slow drizzle at intervals
wetting uniforms and accoutrements,
but fortunately the weather was mild,
SO no parader suffered hardship from
the elements. In point Of beauty the
military display never has been sur
passed in Washington. The contingent
of infantry, cavalry and artillery were
uniformed as though for the most ex-
acting inspection and their discipline
was beyond criticism. The same could
be said with equal emphasis Of the
naval contingent. The marines, a
splendid body Of sea soldiers, and the
jackies, with their rollicking free and
easy step, were especially we'll re-
ceived by the crowds. The naval
contingent was larger than ever had
been seen in Washington parade and
the impression it produced reflected
the highest credit on the naval Off
GERS who had brought their commands
to such state of perfection.
The youthful cadets from West
Point and Annapolis in the severe
simplicity Of their uniforms, quick,
snappy action, and machine-like step
with which they performed every
evolution, were body quite apart and
distinct from all the others. The
band with the naval cadets created
much comment, and was, perhaps, the
best musical organization in the whole
procession, rivaling even the famous
Marine band of the Washington bar
racks.
One of the unique features of the
military display was battalion of
the Porto Rican regiment, recently
organized in our island possession and
recruited from among the native pop
ulation. They were not to be distin-
guished from the other regular regi-
ments, except by their swarthy COM
plexions and evidences in their
marches Of an enthusiasm that won
them continuous applause along the
line Of march. Their welcome was of
the Warmest.
The civic division consisted of clubs
from all societies, many of them
unique in their uniforms and regalias
and displaying decided proficiency in
maintaining their formation and keep
ing up to the high standard set by the
military division.
There were two features in connec-
tion with the civic division this year
that struck the notice of those ac-
customed to inaugural parades. One
was the turnout of khaki clad, cam
paignh HATED, rough rider marching
clubs from the several states, and the
other was the appearance in line of
the cadet corps representing a large
number of educational institutions in
Washington and elsewhere.
Off to the south of the broad bosom
OF the Potomac, seven warships, one
of them, the historic Hartford, Ad-
miral Farragut's flag ship at the bat
tie of Mobile bay, rocked at anchor.
Pennsylvania avenue, decorated
with miles of buning and with thou
sands of flags trembling and futtering
in the gentle breeze, was lined with
an impene trable mass of people so
early, who had apparently arisen for
the purpose of getting good positions.
They filled the terraced stands and
balconies, stood in the windows and
on the roofs, while blaring bands,
clear drawn bugles and galloping
aides told of the military leglons
marching deep in the tangle of streets
to take their place IN the grand pro-
cession.
Washington had decked herself as
never before for the second Inaugural
tion of Mckinley and the induction
into the vice presidency of Roosevelt.
She has been many times bride.
Today she was truly regal for her
twice accepted lord. She was dressed
like a queen. The committee in charge
had insisted upon uniform and har-
monious decorations. The scheme was
superb and it was admirably executed.