Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-03-11

Washington, March 1.-The first chief
executive to take the oath of office in
the chamber Of the Senate in rs years,
William Howard Taft to-day became
President Of the United States
Accompanied to the capitol by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and a guard OF honor
through swir, OF binding snow. MI
Taft returned to the White House 1ust
as the sun began to force its way through
the thinning clouds OF gray. sudden
blizzard sweeping In from the northwest
last night, to set away the weather
bureaus optimistic promise Of Fair and
somewhat cooler caused an abandon
n1ent Of the outdoGr ceremonies on the
famous east front Of the capitol much 20
Mr. raft's chagrin. am threatened for a
time TO stop the brilliant pageant OF the
afternoon.
Pr almost superhuman efforts pas
sageway was cleared along the center
Of Pennsylvania avenue. however and for
nearly three hours President TAFT and
viee-President Sherman reviewed a pass
ing column which was replete with
martial splendor and picturesque with
civic display.
DEPARTURE OF ROOSEVELT.
Following the brilliant and impress
sive ceremonies IN the Senate during
which both President and vice-prcsi-
dent took the oath Of office. Presi-
dent Roosevelt. again private citi-
zen. bade an affectionate adieu 20 his
successor. while all in the historic
chamber looked on In silence. Then
he hurried away through a side door
to take train for New York. As he
passed out Of the chamber Mr. Roosc-
Welt was given an ovation quite the
equal Of that rendered to the new
President. Outside the Capitol the re-
firing chief executive was met by 500
members Of the New York county
committee ana under their escort was
driven to the Union station. a short
three blocks away. A band at the
bend Of the column playing "Auld
Lang Syne" told the story OF the
march and Mr.. Roosevelt was COM
PEELED time and time again to acs-
nowledge the cheers from the throne
which lined his way.
There was a wait OF nearly two
hours at the station during which
Mr.. Roosevelt held an impromptu re-
ception in the presidential suite
Many Of his old friends among gov
eminent officials and the diplomatic
corps sought him there for Ana
word OF farewell As he made hi
way to the train shortly after thre'
o'clock Mr.. Roosevelt was cheered b,
thousands.
To all whom he spoke Mr. Roosevelt
declared that while he had "a bull
time" as President he was glad to la
down the duties OF ONCE. He paid tri
butte to his successor and especially com
nented upon the latter's inaugural ad
dress as a splendid effort.
THE INAUGURAL BALL
President and Mrs. Taft were the &C,
tiers Of interest at tho eliminating tea
ture Of the memorable day-tho iraue
ural ball in the pension building. TIL
scene In the cavernous building. whic
rad been transformed into a canopie
court OF ivory and white. was anothe
OF the brilliant pictures which are QUAD
rennially painted here by the gatherin
Of vast and brilliant assemblage frol
every section Of the country. With a
the color and movement of a militar
spectacle, with the influence Of delicat
" tinted gowns and the interest OF
personnel seldom equa!led at soc
function, the inaugural ball holds
place unique in the history making Of
day.
While the ball was in progress Il
doors, a display OF fireworks on Il
monument lot in the rear OF the Viii
House marked the end OF the outdo
celebration. For hours the thinly clou
ell heavens were aight with screamil
rockets. with sun clusters that cha
lenged tho brilliance OF day, with fe
'cobras' and all the fantastic crea,lo
OF modern pyTotechnic skill
ENTERTAINS YALE CLUB.
Prior to his visit to the ball Preside
Taft had entertained at tea In the VIII
House the members Of the Yale club; n
dined with Mrs. Taft at seven o'clock a
had stopped In at the Metropolitan cl