Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-06
Problem Occasions Worry.

The question whether the inaugural cere-
monies proper should extend three days, or
be concluded on Saturday, March 4, is CIV
ing the members of the executive commit
tee considerable worry. The inaugural ball
is an absolute necessity. The good people of
Washington are patriotic, but could not be
expected to donate 100000 and three months
of time and labor just to induct into of
fee the President of all the people. Hun
dreds of the busiest men in Washington
give their time every four years to this pub
lie service, and, as matter of principle.
they should not be expected to give their
money. too The inaugural ball solves the
difficulty, giving the visitors and others who
have done no work in the preparation of the
ceremony an opportunity to see the Presi-
dent and his official family in bali costume
to enjoy themselves with dancing and feast
ing and incidentally contribute their mite
toward the expenses. Prior to midnight the
Inaugural ball is not really ball. There
Is much formality, and a restless curious
throng, pushing hither and thither BY mid
night the crowd lessons, there is breath of
fresh air. and room for a waltz or a two
step. Then the fun begins and for three or
four hours enjoyment is at it's height
Should Cease at Midnight.
If the ceremonies are concluded In one
day, and that day is Saturday, propriety
will demand that the ball cease at mid
night. This would bring the affair into the
class of the public presidential receptions. a
crush, rush, hand-shake and a good
bye. The question of a one-day or three
Gays celebration is one which the executive
committee will consider carefully. tomor-
70" morning, when it meets to perfect its
organization and begin it's inaugural work.
Inc suggestion of three days meets with
approval on many sides. 1t is pointed out
mat Saturday could be devoted to the
parade and the formal induction into office
OF the President. Sunday as many as might
care to could rest up for the strenuous work
OF MONDAY. The ball could be given Mon
Gay evening, when every one, particularly
those who were in the parade, would feel
better, physically and mentally, and when
they may dance and enjoy themselves until
sunrise. II they care to. This will give
everybody his moneys worth, and should
serve to swell the receipts for tickets and
dinner to more than the sum needed to de-
fray expenses. Then Washington's poor
folks could be given helping hand in the
of the inaugural ball would be intensified.
The Floral Decorations.
Another point in favor of the three days
ceremony, as brought out In The Star yes
terday. is that the floral decorations, which
will be profuse and costly, could be put into
place as late as Monday afternoon, and
would be fresh and beautiful, not only for
the ball. but for the concerts which follow
ball is held Saturday night the flowers
could be enjoyed for only few hours Sun
day the flowers would be locked up In the
pension office, unless a sacred concert
should be given. and sacred concert might
draw unfavorable comment from MANY OF
the good citizens of this and other com
munities. By Monday they would be wilted
and faded and by Tuesday they could not
ing prepared by members of the executive
committee. and some interesting discus
sion is expected when the meeting is held
tomorrow.
to state positively that the use of the pen-
sion office for the inaugural ball has been
practically promised to the inaugural com.
mittee by the leaders in the House of Rep
resentatives, the confidence of the inau.
gural officials Is significant From unof.
hclai sources it Is learned that one of the
first acts of the present session of Congress
will be to pass resolution permitting the
use OF the building: The financiers are as
sured that this will be granted within a
few days, and their generous contributions
show that they have no fear on that score
No Other Building Available.
Commissioner West. who visited the Can
itol yesterday to pay his respects to the
chairmen of the District and appropriations
committees in both Houses not only dis
cussed with them various matters of pro-
posed District legislation. but also, as one
of the vice chairmen of the inaugural COM
mittee, conferred with several senators and
representatives regarding the use OF the
pension building for the inaugural ball.
Il was very much gratified." said Com
missioner West today, ito find a very gen
eral sentiment in favor of the use of the
pension Office building. Vice President-elect
Fairbanks, who is the chairman of the Sem
ate committee on public buildings and
grounds. expressed himself In the most
favorable terms while Senators Lodge, Cor
man. Cockrell and others with whom I
talked on the subject said that no other
suggestion deserved consideration
1.-THE feeling in the House Is that no other