The times., 1901-03-09
Circulation Statement.
fnnururn,tnr the President.


slider whether or not such events as they
are conceived, prepared for. and admins
tered under local auspices are benehclal
20 Washington, or, in sense to which we
shall allude, creditable to the nation.
once In four years the city is invaded
BY a great crowd of strangers. Thousands
OF soldiers are imported from the States
70 make the celebration as little civic ana
as much military and imperial as possi-
ble. and this year a battalion Of native
infantry was even brought on from Porto
Rico so that the popuiaCe might enjoy an
object lesson Of the Presidents personal
rule over our colonial possessions. The
PENNSYLVANIA troops we always have with
US. bringing their own peculiar ideas OF
decency and decorum. For a matter OF
seventy-two hours at the beginning OF
each quadrcnnate the town is I'm an up
roar. partial or complete. on Inaugura-
tion Day ali public and mercantile busi-
ness is suspended and on the night be-
fore and the night after the noble defend
ers of the Keystone Commonwealth dig
nifty and peace engage I'm seasonaoie
fights with the police kick and cuf un-
offending negroes. and storm a station
house or so.
Does It pay? Certainly It does pay our
hotel keepers. who at such times enjoy
the privilege of charging double rates for
their hospitality, and at that are com
PEELED to turn away patronage; and it
pays the saloon keepers. But who else?
Surely not the local tradesmen. AS In
auguration Day is a holiday In Washing
ton, they are virtually compelled to close
their stores. and If they did not there
would be no shopping, for the surging
masses OF people in the streets on such
occasions are sightseeing and thinking Of
anything but hats and shoes, or clothing
and haberdashery.
The Inauguration ceremonies and pa
Eeant form q national event in everything
but the responsibility Of providing the
means and organizing and directing the
forces necessary to make II brilliant and
successful. That falls every four years
upon the shoulders of the business men of
this comparatively small community,
community which, singularly enough in
such connection. has been without voice
OF vote in the election Of the President for
whose accession to power II provides the
money and facilities for the whole nation
TO celebrate. A guaranty fund has 10 be
subscribed by our merchants and traders.
II is true that almost invariably sum
equal 10 the amount Of this fund is real
lied from the sale OF seats on public
stands. from the sale Of tickets to the In
auguration Ball, and from money paid
for certain special privileges.
All the multifariouE arrangements for
such an Inauguration as we saw the other
day are made by a committee IF business
men who for at least six weeks are forced
TO neglect their own affairs and avoca-
tions and devote unremitting care and
toll TO the public service. Does anyone
suppose that the game is worth the candle
to them?
The whole people of the United States
elect the President. and, through their
constituted national authorities. ought to
inaugurate him. If it be the purpos7 Of
the party successful in the preceding
Presidential campaign to give their tri-
1lrnphant candidate military and i'm
perial ovation. it would be better, more
disnffed. and juster to accomplish It
through Congress. than by the appoint
ment by the Chairman Of the National
Committee OF that party. Of body Of
residents in the Capital City-persons
unendowed with political rights. and as
residents hardly 70 be ciassed as ciu-
zeus-to take eH the risks and trouble in
cident TO the work Of preparation and
administration. Congress should make
adequate appropriation TO cover the eX-
pense Of these events.
II the lawmakers of the United States
think It well 10 suspend all local business
for & dsy. and to put the Pension Office
out Of commission for 8 month. thereby
entailing q loss Of not less than twenty
five thousand dollars for clerical services
paid for but not rendered during the
time, Congress. Of course. is the best
judge OF the proper thing In the prem
fses II the two Houses agree that il Is
an edifying spectacle for people used
70 thinking that the civil power is su-
perior to the military 70 watch the i'm
perial progress Of a new American mon
arch from the White House 20 the Capt.
tol and back again, surrounded and
guarded by masses Of cavalry, artillery
and infantry, and, for that purpose. tC
invite the presence Of whole divisions OF
State militia. besides all the regulars
marines. and bluejsckets AZ disposal
that also is g matter for Congress to de
eide II is also within its authority t.
order that the principal thoroughfare OF
the town shall be turned into q second.
hand lumber yard for two or three weeks
In any event the burdens and responsi-
binties OF the occasion should not again
be imposed upon Washington alone TIL,
Inauguration should be al national cost
which indeed might be recoUped (as It Is
in 8 large measure uow) at explained
above. The Committee Of Arrangement,
should be q joint committee OF the Sen
ate and House Of Representatives. anc
not number OF washingtonians taker
from their desks, counters, and counting
rooms 70 make a national holiday.
just as an academic proposition It q
perhaps an open question whether or not
fn the matter Of Presidential Inaugura
tions. we are not departing rather luridll
and rapidly from the ancient landmark
Of republican simplicity, IN transform
ing the swearing in Of a citizen TO serv
-four years as Chief Magistrate int,
something very ike the coronation
pageant and ceremonies OF Europeal
Emperor or King. For nearly two dec
sdes these functions have been growinl
steadily more ornate and suggestive o
royal rule, and less democratic in thei
tone and suggestions. The greatest az
fsir Of the kind in scope, attemptet
RTs ndeur, and attendance was that o
The Fourth Of March last past Did tina
keene strike the lover Of free institution
apder q plain. Nom n-military gover1lmen
Of the people, appropriate TO sue
ideas or concepts? Except to suggest III