Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-28
ARRIVAL OF TAI
NEXT SECRETARY OF WAR COR
DAILY WELCOMED.
Went to White House and Subsequently
Had Conference With Secretary
Root at the Department.

William H Taft, the former governor
general of the Philippines and new Secre-
tary of War, arrived here over the Pennsyl-
vania railroad at 5:15 o'clock yesterday af-
ternoon. His train was the regular con-
nectiOn of the Chicago limited. He was
enthusiastically welcomed by large gath
ering at the station. Lieutenant General
Adna r. Chaffee. chief of staff of the
United States army; Assistant Secretary
OF War Oliver and Colonel Clarence Ed
wards, chief of the division of insular af-
fairs, formally greeted the new head of the
War Department,
Others of the party at the railroad sta
ton included Harry Worley of Cincinnati,
Ohio, an old friend of the Taft family;
Louis Torres and Antonio Torres. sons Of
an associate justice of the Philippine su-
preme court, and their Philippine friends.
Jose Varis and Fileman Perez
Greeted With Cheers
Governor Taft was escorted down the
long train shed by General Chaffee and
Assistant Secretary Oliver. and as they
reached the gates and passed through. a
lane formed in the crowd there was a pro-
longed outburst of cheers which was re-
peated vociferously by the people gathered
outside. Governor Taft, with Gen. Chaffee
and Colonel Edwards, both in full uniform,
entered one carriage and General Oliver
followed In another and led by Troop r
of the 18th Cavalry from Fort Myer, which
had been drawn up in the plaza in front
of the depot. they were rapidly driven to
the War Department, where Secretary
Root formally welcomed his successor.
From there the new secretary was driven
to the Arlington Hotel, where apartments
had been reserved for him. Governor Taft
looked the picture of health. He said he
had had an enjoyable trip and was in ex-
cellent health. He was accompanied by
Mr.. Carpenter. his private secretary. Mrs.
Taft and their children did not accompany
the governor, remaining in California for
an indefinite stay
Governor Taft was guest. at the brilliant
reception which Senator Alger gave last
night to the retiring Secretary of War, Mr..
Root. Governor Taft stood near Mr.. Root
in the receiving line, and had met nearly
all official Washington before he had been
In the city four hours. Invited to meet the
retiring Secretary of War were the Presi-
dent, the cabinet, the diplomatic corps, the
Supreme Court and other distinguished
persons prominent in official life here. AS
dean of the diplomatic corps Count Cassini,
the Russian ambassador, gave Governor
Taft most cordial greeting on the part of
his confreres in the corps. The two spent
some time In conversation.
Received Many Callers.
Governor Taft spent the morning at his
hotel, where there was constant stream
of callers. Later IN the day he went to the
White House, and thence to the War De-
partment for conferen"" with Secre.sry
Root. Govcrs,Jr Taft given a re-
ception tomorrow evening ~ tie fesir.ng
Secretary of War and Mrs. Got in their
Lafayette square home This receptiou
promises to take rank among the most
brilliant social events of the season, and
will mark the farewell of Secretary Root to
Washington society.
Gov. Taft and Secretary Root remained
to luncheon with the President.