Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-17
CUSTOM FOR YEARS
CITIZEN TALKS OF INAUGURAL
RECEPTIONS AND BALLS.

One of Washington's philosophical citi-
zens, who is deeply interested in the sue
cess of the coming inauguration, has given
the question considerable study, and in
conversation to reporter of The Star
today said
For the past hundred years reception
to the President, on the occasion Of his
Inauguration, has been the principal feature
Of the civil side of the ceremonies. In the
early stage coach days this function was
not largely attended. but in the past twenty
years or more, owing to the extension and
convenience of railroad travel. from 1900
to 1900 persons, coming from all parts Of
the United States. have participated in each
of these great public receptions.
The convenience and safety of this great
audience Is always a matter of primary i'm
portance. Upon completion of the pension
building. and since the Inauguration Of
President Cleveland in 1885, this building
has been successfully used
This great concourse has been safely ac-
commodated therein. without accident Of
any kind, and without injury to persons.
records or government property. The PEN
sion building is constructed solely of brick
and thing, steel being used only for the
roof. The building Is wholly fireproof. and
In that respect is admittedly model of
safe construction. 1t has four large exits.
This great concourse OF people enter, leave
and in most part remain upon the ground
floor during the whole period occupied by
the reception.
THE great central court of the building
easily accommodates this vast throng. It
was designed by General Meigs for pre-
clsely such occasions. Spacious rooms open
out upon this great central court, and, in
construction, the building is most admira-
bly, planned for just such exercises. It's
size permits all visitors to attend the recep-
ton who so desire. and hence there are no
limitations of space which compel disap-
pointing Determinations because Of lack OF
room.
Records Safeguarded.
The valuable records are always safe
guarded with utmost care There has never
been complaint of the loss of a single pa
per. The preparation quadrennially for this
great national function leaves the building
in much better condition and appearance
Injury from fire, to records, Is hence I'm
possible The decorations surrounding the
great central court, will be treated with
fireproofing, and every precaution thus taxi
en- to avoid injury to persons or property.
An ample force OF firemen is constantly
present, and the slight fires reported by the
Secretary of the Interior on former occa-
sions were instantly extinguished by them.
mo other public building could accommo-
date. in any reasonable. safe or proper
way, such a great concourse of people. The
rotunda of the Capitol building will held
about 5000; the hall of statuary about 600
The approaches thereto are through narrow
Railways. where crush and jam, with result
ing discomfort and injury, is Inevitable
even were 1t possible to put the Capitol in
order for such function. In the brief
hours intervening after the adjournment of
Congress on March Inaugural day. The
stairways also are narrow, and wholly in
adequate to accommodate such a throng.
The attempt to use the magnificent Capt.
toll building would be most disappointing
and harmful.
mo building should be used where such
vast crowd Is compelled to ascend and
descend stairways to reach the floor on
which the reception Is held. ground
floor building Is requisite and demanded
by every consideration Of safety and COM
fort.
Five Successive Receptions.
Five successive. and successful, inau-
gural receptions have been held In the
pension building. Experience thus gained
enables those In responsible charge, on
each Of these successive occasions, to
conduct the entire affair. inside and out