The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-03-04


WASHINGTON, March William
Howard Taft was inaugurated prest-
dent or the United States in the sen
ate chamber OF the capitol. al noon
today The terrific storm which has
ragged in Washington for twenty-four
hours made the outside ceremony I'M
possible. The parade also was prac-
tically abandoned, leaving only an es-
cort for President Taft back to the
White House.
Inauguration day was ushered In
with fierce snow and sleet storm
The storm was punctuated by hasheS
OF lightning aud thunder. Ii struck
Washington in its worst fury shortly
after midnight and the national CAPT
toll was cut off for some time from the
outside world SO far as wire communi-
cation was concerned
The wires OF both the Western
Union and the Postal Telegraph cons
panies. after having given trouble all
night, went down completely under the
strain. Even the local weather bureau
could not get reports OF Washington
weather conditions.
Trains bearing visitors from the
southwest. west and north were snow
found and many could not reach the
capital in time for the parade Penn
sylvania-ave was filed with snow anu
slush The snow alternated with RAIN
fall during the night and early morn
ing. and was accompanied by peals OF
thunder and flashes OF lightning. II
was one OF the most remarkable me-
neurological demonstrations ever wit
messed
Mr.. Taft said he did not mind the
snow and wind i'm the least. but Sena-
tor Knox. in charge OF the program,
declared II would be unwise 10 sub
ject the aged CHIEF justice and older
members OF the senate to such severe
weather
AS soon as the newly made president
had completed his address he was es-
corted to his carriage by the commit
tee and driven back to the White
House. his carriage being surrounded
by Troop A, OF Cleveland. mounted.
Ii was announced that President Taft
would review the parade at least In
part and that that feature would not
be abandoned although It was greatly
curtailed, few OF the political marching
clubs caring to negotiate the heavy go
Ing, the SuON DtihS diiiicoN W a. man
knees In the streets. The military
and the marines and blue jackets,
however. took their places IN the line.
IL was ten forty-fve o'clock when
Messrs. Roosevelt and Taft reached
The capitol They were in closed car.
rage, accompanied by secret service
men, and members of the committee
Of arrangements.
The ceremony of inaugurating the
president followed the Inauguration OF
the vice-president, In the senate cham
her. and was witnessed by a brilliant
asseInblage.
A picturesque feature OF every in
Guguration was witnessed, this being
the appearance Of the ambassadors
and ministers from foreign nations
With all the pomp and ceremony In
cident To court etiquette at home they
came into the room. their resplend-
ent and myriad-colored garments
forming an attractive picture Of color
against the decorous black OF the
American dignitaries about them. The
diplomats took the place OF honor as
signed them.
Following them, In the order named.
came the members OF the cabinet: the
delegation OF visiting governors; the
admiral OF the navy and his aide; the
chief OF the army and his aide; officers
or army and navy. who by name have
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