Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-03-04
Opening of New Admins
tration is Made at
Noon Today
BEFORE A MULTITUDE
Ceremonies the Most Imposing
of Any in the History of
the Nation.

Continued from Page One)
troops and organizations were not all
the crowd had for it's entertainment
Directly in it's front preparations were
in progress for the Inauguration itself.
A monster stand in the form of an
open amphitheatre had been erected
on a line with the rotunda of the cap
1tol, and there decorators were engaged
in arranging for the ceremony and ush-
ers busted themselves learning the sec
tons TO be assigned to the various of
ficials and distinguished guests.
stand In Semi-CIrcIe.
The stand itself was of symmetrical
architectural proportions, on a different
plan from those used in former years
For this occasion it had been built in
the form of a semi-circle inclining to a
level platform on which was placed a
pavilion for the presidents personal
use. The amphitheatre accommodated
nearly 1000 persons. Jutting out from
the main entrance the platform. with
Its decorations of flags, bunting and
flowers was in brilliant contrast to
the naked purity of the stately capt.
toll, on which, by act of congress, no
decorative draping is permitted
Some time before the beginning of
the inaugural ceremony several thous-
and persons holding tickets emitting
them to seats on the stand began to
take their places By ~ O'Clock, the
human garden, which had fiourished
in the senate and house galleries, was
transplanted to the open air. amphi-
theatre. The brilliant costumes of the
women gave to the scene the finishing
touch of color. Added to the acre
of people seated. who looked down
upon 10 acres standing, were hundreds
banked upon every projecting ledge
of the capitol and filling the windows.
begins mt O'clock.
At about l o'clock the official party
came through the main door. Cheers
were sent up from the enthusiastic
multitude. all eyes were directed that
way and strained to get the first
glimpse of the president Shouts of
there he is were heard frequently,
but in nearly every instance the cry
was sounded in false alarm.
The official entrance was dramatic
All except those who were participat-
ing in the ceremony were seated.
When the justices of the supreme
court, with the exception of Chief JUS
tice Fuller. emerged from between the
Corinthian pillars and marched down
the sloping carpeted aisle to their /
station, they were greeted with ap- |
plause. The justices wore their robes !
and skull caps. Then came the mem !
bers of the diplomatic corps in their |
gorgeous uniforms and they evoked |
thunderous applause. Led by Count |
Cassini. the Russian ambassador and |
dean of the corps and followed by |
the others in order of precedence. they |
took seats on the right of the stand. |
Strolling in after them came members |
of the cabinet, senators and represen- !
tatives in congress.
Roosevelt Welcomed.
Taking as a signal the arrival of |
Mrs. Roosevelt and a party of friends.a
and a moment later of Vice President
Fairbanks and his escort. the applause ,
subsidized to await the coming of the I
man OF the hour. Suddenly the crowd /
on the stand began 10 cheer. This was !
taken up by those Immediately in front /
scented arms. the committees uncover
ed. and soon the great sea of people !
was waving hats and flags and shout |
ing itself hCarse.
President Roosevelt came forth from
between the massive pillars quietly ,
and composedly. He was escorted by
Chief Justice Fuller. With measured
tread in harmony with the dignified
step OF the chief justice. the president
advanced in state down the long aisle
OF distinguished guests. BY this time
all were standing and nothing could /
be heard above the roar of thunderous
welcome.
Immediately following came. arm in
arm. the members of the committee
on arrangements. AS the president
passed down the aisle he barred his
head and with characteristic sweep of
his hat bowed in acknowledgment OF
the salutations from the stand and the
ovation from the people. His manner
was not that OF a man mourning oner-
Gus responsibilities. three years in the
white house having familiarized him