The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1909-03-05
FAIR WOMEN
GRACED THE
GRAND BALL
BeWildering Scene in the Vast
Hall as the Taft Triumph
= Approached Climax.
MAGNIFICENT GOWNS,
GORGEOUS UNIFORMS
SENATOR SUTHERLAND WIFE
AND DAUGHTER coNSPICU-
Gus IN THE THRONG.

Washington, March 4.-Magnificent IN
its splendor and presenting a scene of
rare beauty which quickened every hu-
man emotion. the inaugural ball tonight
was the climax of a day of triumphs
for William H. Taft. In the vast hail
of the pension building, resembling a
dream of faiTyland, mingled fair
women, beautifully gowned and from
every CLINE; men JNhose names are
known in every corner of the world !;
diplomats in court raiment; statesmen
in sombre attire, officers of the army
and navy in their gorgeous uniforms.
and ordinary American citizens whose
presence testified to the democracy of
the affair
In the gallery thousands of American
girls looked down upon the scene.
President Taft Happy.
President Taft appeared particularly
lisht-hearted and unmindful of the SER
ious things as he and Mrs. Taft aBo
Vice President and Mrs, Sherman
made their promenade around the great
hall, where on every side they were
fianked by members of the reception
committee of which Gist Blair was
chairman and Thomas r. Walsh vice
NtldifildAAs lH8 lNO ldlltI anu tilE AtAl4l-
taTy and naval aides at the White
house forming the escort.
The president had a delightful ten
minute reception in his room following
his arrival, during which he greeted a
number of personal friends. including
Ambassador JusseTand of France, Rob
ert. Charlie and Miss Helen Taft, his
children, and Mss Torrey, the presi-
dents aged aunt who came from New
England to attend the inauguration.
Met by Committee.
Both the presidential and vice presi-
Dental parties were met at the door
by the ball reception committee, OF
which Theodore w. Noyes was chair
man. and escorted them to their respec-
tive rooms. Mr.. and Mrs. Sherman ar
rived shortly before O'Clock, and the
president and Mrs. Taft half an hour
later.
There was a cordial and hearty greet
ing to the distinguished guests by the
vast assemblage whenever they ap-
peared.
\ chance glance upward as the prom
enade was about to conclude brought
the president face to face with his chill
.s6ren. who had taken seats i'm his box,
and there was a keen manifestation OF
pleasure and affection in his salutations.
Music was furnished Dy Ine marine
band and the ministers orchestra, the
former varying its promenade selections
of Hail to the Chief with the star
Spangled Banner"
Dancing was INDUCED in as the hours
progressed, but this was impossible
earlier in the evening because Of the
dense crowd, conservatively estimated
at 10000
Hall Densely Crowded.
President and Mrs. Taft went to sup
per In the presidents room shortly after
10 O'Clock. followed by Vice President
and Mrs. Sherman. BY this time the
hall was so crowded that only d small
SPACE at one end could be kept clear
for dancing.
Those who could find room took po-
sitions in the gallery 10 watch the vast
assembiage on the floor, where people
of every walk of life rubbed elbows and
made their way about the hall as best
they could. With the approach or mid
night there was a slightly perceptible
diminution in the number of couples on
the floor, and from this hour on the
crush was gradually relieved. At mid
night there was better opportunity foI
dancing. and the entire floor was soon
filed with moving mass. presenting q