St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1909-03-10


rations have been going on to make this
the largest and finest ceremony of the
lind ever witnessed in Washington and
Of of the committees worked most
sssiduously to make it a great success.
February was generally so unusually
mild and pleasant that the buds on the
trees and shrubs appeared, but March
came in cold and chilly. Many large
stands lined Pennsylvania Avenue, which
would accommodate nearly $4,000 per-
sons, besides many seats in shops and
offices on the avenue. Prices ranged
from S3to SIS each on the stands, accord
mo to the location, and private Offices
commanded higher prices, where one
was sheltered from the inclemency of the
weather; seats over a grocery store on
the avenue were So. Senator Depew
paid $500 for a room in the Corcoran
building opposite the treasury for him
self and friends, and smaller ones could
be had for SIS room, to see the inau-
gural parade. Hotels and restaurants
charged double price for food. Many of
the governors and staff stopped at the
New Willard and the Raleigh, both on
Pennsylvania Avenue, or at other lead
ing hotels; the governor of Vermont and
staff are registered at the Raleigh. Many
persons expected to realize enough money
during the week to pay for number OF
months rental for their houses. The
majority of houses on Pennsylvania
Avenue, as well as the leading streets,
we're heavily draped with flags and
bunting. "The Court of Honor" ex-
tending from 18th to 18th streets on
Pennsylvania Avenue, beyond the White
House, was unusually handsome; there
were four colossal white pillars at each
end of the court, surmounted by very
large gilt baskets filled with beautiful
bright flowers, while from the standards
between heavy cables of green laurel
were festooned, and myriad-colored cleo
trio lights ilumined the whole at night
making it most beautiful sight, quite
like fairyland. Three search-lights,
placed near the Peace monument, cast a
brilliant light over Capitol Hill. and
when the whole length of Pennsylvania
Avenue was lighted at night it was a
brilliant scene, with the throngs Of
people from all over the United States
walking on the street.
Many clerks in the Pension building
enjoyed a vacation, while the workmen
were preparing it for the inaugural ball.
There were four grand entrances for the
public going in various vehicles and the
fifth was for the President. The tickets
for the ball were So and $3.50 for the
supper There were FIVE concerts on Fri
day and Saturday at 50cents each when
general public could see the decorations
and enjoy the music. The Philippine
ConStabulatory Band, which made a
record at St. Louis, and the Marine
Band were the favored ones. The In
augural Chorus had been drilling for
number of weeks under Percy Foster and
the Band of Manila of 80 musicians I'M
der Captain Loring. The ball opened at
8 p. m. Green and white were the color
scheme for the decorations; cream white
edged with green on the walls, with oc-
casional flashes of gold or some color,
but artists call it an ivory palace, to be
like fairy scene, wreaths of smiax, as
paragus, and delicate vines on the white
groundwork, and beautiful azalias, roses
and other flowers were interspersed
The Presidents stand was very hand
some, The many electric chandeliers
Hooded it with beautiful mellow light.
Fremen were constantly on guard
against fire. The reception committee
were stationed at the four entrances to
welcome guests, besides the diplomatic
corps, the senator's and representatives
and prominent guests.
The new large Union station OF white
marble, 755 feet long, was none too
large for the thousands OF guests who
arrived on every train, bringing in politi-
cal delegations, clubs, military organiza-
tons from all over the United States and
the 33 tracks were convenient for the in
coming trains, with thousands OF visl-
tors. Major Sylvester had many police
experts from the larger cities to help in
detecting the crooks and professionals
who came to the city to ply their profess
sion. The President-elect was well
guarded by police and $40 of the best
known citizens were sworn in to help
guard him, but dressed in citizens
clothes. The parade was divided into
different districts to guard the entire
route. There was quite a discussion
about which band should play Hail to
the Chief" as only one would be allowed
the honor and it was thought the Philip
pine should be the one coming from such
a distance. 1t is stated that Mr.. TAFT is
not musical critic. Report is current
that an effort will be made in the next
Congress to make new song, my Own
United States" by Julian Edwards, one
OF the old composers, national anthem
and some of the bands played it on lnau-
guration day.
Considerable sport has been had at the
White House about clearing up the cellar
tor it is claimed that there are several
hundred big sticks" in the cellar pre-
sents to Mr.. Roosevelt during seven
years, and an Iowa farmer recently sent
one four feet long, weighing about 25
pounds thinking he might like it in his
African trip. Another present sent him
from New York was beautiful hunters
knife.
The Coo.o~o N1ooL;ao+o, U,;vercitv