West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-03-11
William Howard TAFT Now President
OF United States.
WEATHER WAS WILD AND WOOLLY
Outdoor Ceremonies Abandon
lien Roosevelt Says Adieu-eriI-
liant Fireworks Close the Day.

WASHINGTON, March 9.-The first chief
executive To take the oath of office in the
chamber OF the senate In 20 years, William
Howard Taft, last Thursday became prcsi-
dent OF the United States.
Accompanied 10 the capitol by Pr,si-
dent Roosevelt and guard of honor
through swirl of binding snow. Mr..
Taft returned 10 the White House lust as
the sun began 20 force its way through
the thinning clouds of gray. A sudden
blizzard sweeping i'm from the northwest
Wednesday night TO set awry the weather
bureaus optimistic promise of "fair and
somewhat cooler" caused an abandon
ment OF the outdoor ceremonies on the
famous east front of the capitol, much 90
Mr.. Tafts chagrin, and threatened for a
time to stop the brilliant pageant of tho
afternoon.
by almost superhuman efforts passaec-
way was cleared along the center of Penn
sylvania avenue, however, and for nearly
three hours President Taft and Vice Presi-
dent Sherman reviewed passing column
which was rcplete with martial splcndor,
picturesque with civic display
-
Following the brilliant and impressive
ceremonies in the senate, during which
the president and vice president took the
oath of office, President Roosevelt. again
private citizen, bade an afrcc,ionate
adieu to his successor, while all in the
historic chamber looked on i'm silence,
and then hurried away through a side
door TO take train for New York. As
he passed out of the chamber Mr.. Roose
welt was given an ovation quite the equal
OF that rendered to the new president.
President and Mrs. Taft were the CEN
ters of interest at the eliminating feat
ures of the memorable day-the inaugural
ball in the pension building. The scene
IN the cavernous building which had been
transformed into canoped court of
ivory and white, was another of the bril-
liant pictures which are quadrennially
painted here by the gathering of vast
and brilliant assemblage from every sec
ton of the country. With all the color
and movement Of military spectacle,
with the softening influence of delicately
tinted gowns and the interest of per-
sonnel seldom equaled mt a social func-
ton, the inaugural ball holds a place
unique in the history-making Of the day.
While the ball was in progress indoors
display of fireworks on the monument
lot in the rear of the White House marked
the end of the outdoor celebration. For
hours the thinly clouded heavens were
alight with screaming rockets, with sun
clusters that challenged the brilliancy of
day, and all the fantastic creations of
modern pyrotechnic skill. Aerial salutes,
floating festoons, Illuminated balloons,
and scores Of other features made the dis
play visible from one end of the capital
city TO the other.
Prior TO his visit 10 the ball President
Taft had entertained at tea in the White
House the members Of the Yale Club:
had dinner with Mrs. Taft at 7 o'clock.
and had stopped in at the Metropolitan
Club to say few words at the dinner of
the class Of rs at Yale.
Mr. Tafts day was one Of continuous
cheers and plaudits from the moment he
first appeared on the White House portico
TO go 90 his Inauguration until he re-.
turned late at night an unwilling leave
taker from the inaugural ball.
44N
The extra session Of the sxty-first con-
gress will convene at noon March 10. fol-
lowing a proclamation Of the president,
TO begin the work Of revising the tariff
schedules. Until then many Of the mem
bers Of congress will remain in Washing
ton, while others, those who live in near.
by states, will return 10 their homes.
There will be no committees appointed
at the next session Of congress except
those absolutely necessary to carry on
the tariff revision and conduct the two
branches Of the legislative department of
the government. by special order all
the committees will hold over in the SEN
ate, but no work other than that per-
tanning to the tariff will be- referred to
them.
In his inaugural address the president
said that in view Of the long and difficult
task he did not believe the members Of
congress should be taxed with any other
business, and his message at the opening
OF the next session will in all probability
contain inaIrnrlinr,a ,.r,l. 81. IL - -.