Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-03-20

written for THE EgtCAN by l.. W. H., of
Fraakuni
WASHINGTON, D. G. March s-sunday,
Mareh3, vas charming day, prophetic, It
was hoped, OF the day to follow. Large
congregations were In evidence at all the
morning church services. The latter part
OF the day, however, in the streets, was
moving panorama. Arriving trains were
adding large quotas OF military bodies to
those already on the march, whose bands
were escorting them 10 headquarters.
Throngs OF resident and visiting sight
seers were everywhere. Flags, and the
national colors 10 various designs, we're
artist lly draped aud festooned at every
vantagr point, reminding the eastern
contin CENT" OF the Ellsworth carnival on
a taEe scale. The electrlcs were packed
and tmmed with masses of humanity.
Ste "a takirs, with small wares and badges,
were shouting their barga aims at Intervals,
aud he time seemed little like a Sunday
afternoon.
w shes for an equ4lly bright to morrow
were expressed and deyoutly hoped for.
But Inauguration day weather is ever I'M
reliable, and Notwithstanding all we'll
aa hentlcated representations, March 4
dawned with towering clouds Washing
tonians were early alert, moving and busy;
the strangers within her gates were no
less active, and al an early hour Pennsyl-
yania avenue was alive with humanity, or
rather, on either side was living, moving
mass, roped in from the broad thorough
fare. Reviewing stands had been erected,
and on balconies, roofs and within win
dows, seats were at premium. From one
OF the latter at a good elevation one party
could do deal OF sightseeing.
A yoiley OF applause finally heraidcd the
approach OF President Mckinley, who,
lifting his hat and bowling right and left,
rode on to other greetings. Wee President
Roosevelt and other men OF note were also
heartily applauded as they passed In re-
view to the capitol. The music of the
various bands was inspiring and the
marching columns OF civic Hnd military
bodies was splendid display. To quote
from the Post;
awhile he procession was. In the main,
like unto all other inaugural displays, the
man would have been very blind indeed
who did not gaze with wondering eyes upon
the battalion of dark skinned Porto Rican
soldiers, clad In the uniform OF the United
States. For the first time In the history OF
this country, an American dependency was
represented la the national tribute to
president. This q one was sufficient to
make the day memorable. IL marked an
epoch in the nations career. 1t was a
strange, unwonted spectacle, and told with
powerful emphasis the story of the new
ora upon which the United States has
entered under President Mckinley. The
Porto Riean soldiers, marching under the
American flag, neither citizens nor sub
jects, we're easily the most unique and
significant feature Of the procession.
The mounts were selected with great
care showing hundreds of fine horses,
some praneing excitedly, others TO the
"manner bred". The parade had reached
the capitol before the rainfall, fortunately
for the participants. As the disappointing
drops fell, the ihrongs each side OF the
avenue did not lessen, apparently, children
as well as adults standing the live hours
and more through to the end. sapy had
wisely provided themse yes with umbrellas
and newspapers for further protection and,
with their lunches, seemed unmindful OF
any Inconvenience from rain or surround
ings.
The long wait was finally over, for the
booming OF cannon announced to the
patient oniookers that the exercises at the
capitol were nearing completion, where
also the dampness was the disappointing
feature, though OF short duration. The
return parade was an equally grand
spectacle, the enthusiasm undated, cheers
and music intsrmingled with commands
OF the officers. as regiments, battalions
and brigades followed the escort back to
the White House.
According to published accounts, the
evenings festivities were gorgeous and
delightful in the extreme, The pension
building, a vsrItahle palace of beauty,
where the magnificent costumes of the
ladies' added brilliancy to the surround
ing loneliness, was fitting finale to the
grand pageant OF the day in honor OF our
distinguished president. William Me-
Kinley, and his chivalrous colleague, vice.
President Theodore Roosevelt.
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