Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-28
Population of National Capt.
tai Is Swelling.
CROWDS ON THE STREETS
Early Arrivals for Most Part Folks
of Experience.
GET SETTLED BEFORE THE RUSH
Employees at Union Station Expect to
Handle Throng Without Diff
culty-Avenue Incidents.


capital from the cities and from the
country, from all over the land they are
trailing in to see the great auadrennial
show in Washington. Some Of them are
old stagers who have witnessed many in
augurations. Others are here for the first
time Many of the arrivals are bridal
couples.
A decided increase in the number of in
coming passengers was noted at the I'm
ion station several days ago and the tide
of humanity flowing toward the city is
gradually swelling. Those who are COM
ing now are the experienced ones, who
desire to get comfortably settled before
the rush begins. They know what it is
to reach Washington in the midst of con-
fusion the day before inauguration, when
brass bands are playing in the railroad
station and in the hotel Hobbies, render
ing conversation with clerks and baggage
men task. when 1t is difficult to get
cab and when all the street cars become
"stand-as-yOu-ride" cars.
The inexperienced are waiting until
later when they will pay for their ex-
perfence as all strangers in a crowded
city do on the occasion of their first visit
No Difficulty Handling Crowds.
Up to this time the employees at the
Union station have had no trouble in
handling the crowds and they are conf
dent that with the ample facilities pro-
vided they will be able to take care of
everybody comfortably when the rush is
at it's height.
Like the railroad station, the hotel lob
bies are beginning to take on a holiday
look. The clerks in the principal hostel
ries are busy all day answering telephone
concerning
OF securing accommodations. In most Of
the hotels all the rooms for inauguration
week were engaged weeks ago and the
usual answer the clerk gives over the
phone is:
I'm sorry, but we are filled up. We
can take care of you until Tuesday. or
maybe Wednesday, but not after that.
Advance Guard Has Troubles.
Most of the arrivals at the hotels are
the advance guard Of the various organi-
cations which are coming to take part in
the inaugural parade. They are here to
make the necessary arrangements and tell
their friends just what to do when they
get here Wednesday.
One fat, jolly-looking individual from
Pennsylvania sat in the lobby Of one of
the big hotels last night and recounted
his woes.
Il came here ahead Of an organization
from our state to fix things up" he said
Every time 1 think l have 'em fixed
and am considering what theater I'll at
tend, here comes a fool telegram from
some member of our gang. either saying
he is not coming or asking me II l can't
get a room for Bill Jones wife and two
daughters and look after them when they
arrive.
Now. I barely know Bill Jones and
have never laid eyes on his wife or daugh-
tiers. yet this idiot wants me to meet EN-
at that fifty-acre station and close herd
'em while they are in Washington. Did
I answer the telegram? I did. l wired
the fool to tell Bill Jones 1 had jumped
over to New York and would not be back
in Washington until the morning Of
March f."
Folks Change Their Minds.
Similar complaints are heard every
where. AS usual people are changing
their minds about coming to the inaugu-
ration four or five times before they final
ly decide one way or the other. and their
friends a this end Of the line are kept
in q turmoil as a result.
But barring a few little trifes like I'M
certain minds, everything is moving rap
idly toward the big day this week. With
the progress of work on the stands and
street decorations the spirit of the crowds
is getting brighter and livelier, and last
night was one of the livelieSt along Penn
everybody in Washington seemed to be
out.
Street Fakirs in Evidence.
The street fakirs had a great time.
Hundreds Of them were wandering up
and down with souvenirs to sell, from
tiny canes. with the Taft-Sherman flag
attached. to BILLY Possums.'
Huh" one aged colored man remarked
as he strolled along with package under
each arm, "ef dat was real possum dat
man might do some business with me. /
amt had a good. fat possum sence
dunno when, but don't take no stock In
nothin' less'n its sho' nuf article.
All along the line Of march the work of
preparation is so far advanced that it
can be easily completed by Tuesday night.
Wednesday will be given over to cleaning
up. The electric display on Pennsylvania
avenue will blaze forth Wednesday night,
and for three days the city will be given
over to the inaugural crowds.