Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-10
FOR PERMANENT HALL
Future Place for the Inaugu-
raj Balls.
ACTION OF CONGRESS
HOUSE BELIEVED TO BE IN EARN
EST THIS TIME.
Not Thought Pension Office Can Be Sc
cured Again-Suggestion for
Raising Fund.

granting the pension building for the pur-
pose of the inaugural ball is somewhat
similar to the celebrated Patti farewells." :"
Four years ago the pension office bill was
passed positively for the last time and
yesterday it was passed again positively
for the last time according to many of
the leading members of the House, who
voted favorably after hours of debate. Last
evening the members of the inaugural COM
mittee, who have been working hard to OBJ
tain this permission from Congress were
greatly pleased. Today there is a feeling
that perhaps Congress is not fooling in its
farewell to the pension office bill, and that
the District of Columbia must secure a
building of its own between now and next
inauguration day, March 4, 1909
This is the psychological moment to be-
gin campaign for a permanent convention
building in the District of Columbia said
sentiment was general among the more
conservative business men. I'VE ought not
to wait until three months before the next
Inauguration to begin canvaSSing for a
new structure which would accommodate
the inaugural crowd, for then we will be
up against the same difficulties which con-
fronted us this year." continued the gen
tleman interviewed
Il believe the business men of this COM
munity are alive 10 the fact that a build
ing of this character would necessarily at
tract many conventions of wealthy and In
huential citizens who otherwise would go
to other cities where accommodations are
better. And l further believe that these
business men and other men of wealth
who are interested in the welfare and
beautfiation of the capital city of the coun-
try would subscribe generously to fund
for the erection of a grand and imposing
hall. But the time to begin is now, while
the need is so apparent, and while the op-
position offered the pension office scheme
n hn of sa,,f. twas &c fpn h
in the minds of the people I really believe
Congress was sincere this trip, and that if
we want an inaugural ball next time we
will have to construct a building stretch
canvass covering over the grass on the
White lot.''
Funds for Permanent Hall.
Already within twenty-four after the ac-
tion of Congress, steps are under way to
start fund for a permanent inaugural
hall, and it is probable that a permanent
subcommittee of the present inaugural
committee will be appointed to take charge
of the project.
This will be termed the permanent fund
committee" and it's ambition will be to
raise about 5000, 900 from the citizens not
only of the District of Columbia, but of the
country. If the Inauguration is to be a
national affair hereafter, conducted by
national leaders, and not house party
with the District of Columbia as host
which was the original idea, then it is
argued that the citizens of the whole
country should be asked to contribute, each
one his mite, to the end that a magnificent
structure may be erected, where the in
augurations of future presidents may fit
tingly be commemorated with song and fes-
tivities. If the committee can raise 100000
or possibly 100000 in this manner there is
a belief that Congress will loosen the purse
strings of the national treasury and add
another hundred thousand to the fund.
This would allow the construction of hall
which would remain for many inaugura-
tions a source of pride and satisfaction to
the people of Washington and to the nation
at large.
Good-Sized Delegation Promised.
General Wilson heard from st. Johns s
Academy of Annapolis today and has as
surances that a'good-sized delegation from
that institution will be in line March next.
Word also was received from General Chat
fee. to the effect that battalion of West
Point cadets, 452 strong, will positively at
tend the inaugural. This was practically
assured, as announced exclusively in The
Star a week ago, but the exact number Of
the delegation remained to be determined
a meeting of the committee on parks and
reviewing stands will be held late this aft
ernOon in the rooms of the Washington
stock exchange, in the Adams building
mittee, will preside, and will receive a re-
port from his subcommittee Oh plans, SUBJ
mitted by Mr.. Glenn Brown.
Chairman Fred. d. Owen of the commit
tee on street decorations has obtained
headquarters in the building of the Brad
bury Piano Company, 1925 Pennsylvania
avenue, where the meetings of his COM
mittee will be held. The committee on mu-
sic will meet at the New Willard tomor-
row afternoon at 4:45 o'clock.
The Republican Club of Harvard Univer-
sity has accepted invitation from the
inaugural committee to head the collegiate
section in the inaugural parade.