Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-05

wv The first chief executive to
' take the oath of office in
the chamber of the senate in sew
enty-six years, William Howard
Taft, became president of the
United States today.
Accompanied to the capitol
through swirl of binding snow
by President Roosevelt and
guard of honor, Mr.. Taft returned
to the White House just as the
sun began to force It's way
through the clouds.
A sudden blizzard sweeping in
from the northwest last night set
awry the weather bureaus opti-
mistic promise of fair and some
what cooler" caused an abandon
ment of the outdoor ceremonies
on the famous east front of the
capitol, much TO Mr.. Taft's cha
grin, and threatened for time to
stop the brilliant pageant of the
afternoon
However, passageWay was
cleared along the center of Penn
sylvania avenue and for nearly
three hours President Taft and
Vice President Sherman reviewed
passing column which was re-
plete with martial splendor and
picturesque with civic display.
Following the inaugural cere-
monies in the senate, Theodore
Roosevelt, again private citizen,
bade an affectionate adieu to his
successor, while all in the historic
chamber looked on in silence, and
then he hurried away through d
side door to take the train for
New York. AS he passed out OF
the chamber Mr.. Roosevelt was
given an ovation quite the equal
of that rendered to the new presi-
dent.
Outside the capitol, the retiring
chief executive was met by 800
members OF the New York Re
publican committee and under
their escort was driven to the
Union station, short three
blocks away.
There was wait of nearly two
hours at the station, during
which Mr.. Roosevelt held an I'M
promptu reception in the presi-
dental suite. Many of his old
friends among government Off
cials and the diplomatic corps
surrounded him there for final
word of farewell.
To all with whom he spoke,
Mr.. Roosevelt declared that
while he had "bully time" as
president, he was glad to lay
down the duties of the office. He
praised his successor and espe-
cially commented upon the lat
ter's inauguaral address as q
splendid effort.
President and Mrs. Taft We're the
centers of interest at the culmlnatlng
| feature of the day-the inaugural pail
in the pension building. The scene In
| the caVernous structure, Wnlcn ndu
| been transformed into canopled court
of ivory and white, was another or the
| brilliant pictures uuadrennially painted
here by the gathering OF vast ana
brilliant assemblage from every section
of the country. With all the color and
movement of a military spectacle, with
the softenng influence of delleately
ta i,,fa of a
sonnel seldom equaled at a social func-
| tion. the inaugural ball holds place
| unioue In the history making OF the
| day.
While the ball was in progress in
| doors display of fireworks on the
monument lot in the rear of the White
House marked the end of the outdoor
celebration.
Heavens Bright with Rockets
For hours the thinly clouded heavens
were alight with rockets, with sun Gus
ters that challenged the briliancy of
day, with fiery "cobras," and all the
fantastic creations of modern pyro-
| technic skill.
Prior to his visit to the ball, Presi-
dent Taft had entertained at tea IN the
White House the members of the Yale
club; had dined with Mrs. Taft at
o'clock and had stopped in at the Met
ropoitan club to say few words at
the dinner of the class of rs at Yale.
Mr.. Taft's day was one of continuing
| cheers and plaudits from the moment
he first appeared on the White House
portico to go to his Inauguration until
he returned late tonight, an unwilling
leave-taker from the inaugural BALL
Mr.. and Mrs. Taft were the guests of
the Roosevelts at the White House last
night. setting new precedent in the
courtesies of the executive mansion. as
they did again today. when Mrs. Taft
accompanied the newly made president
and Mr.. Sherman, the new vice presi
dent, from the capitol at the head
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