Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-05-01
PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR THERE
Park in Memory Of First Chief Exc
cutive Cedicated-Swanson Orator
OF Day-Taft Speaks Briefiy-eriI-
liant elimination of "Old Home
Week" Program.
(By Associated PreSs.)


idrnt Taft attended, ,oday in this city
a celebration of the 12Gth anniversary
OF the first Inauguration of George
Washington and the laying OF corner
stone in dedication Of a park to the
memory of the first PTesiden;.
Vice President Sherman, Speaker
Cam on. Governor Swanson, CT Nirsi-
trict of Columbia. a large congression-
al party from Washington and dis
1inguished guests from a number CT
states sat in The stand with the Pres
ident as the most notable parade in
the history of Alexandria passed in
review. Every branch of the United
States service was represented in che
imposing array OF troops. and some OF
the most famous Of the military Or
ganizaticns of the Old Dominion help
ed to make UP the long column.
Taft Met by Governor.
President Taft made the journey
from Washington to Alexandria anil
return in an automobile. He was &C
companied from Washington by Cap
tain Archibald Butt, his military aide.
and On the outskirts Of Alexandria
was met by Governor Swanson and a
troop Of the 18th United States Cav
airy which acted as escort during his
stay in Alexandria
The day was overcast from early
morning and during part Of the after
neon there were heavy showers. Just
before the time set for the parade to
begin. however. the sun broke through
the clouds and shone brilliantly for
the remainder OF the day.
President Taft was not included in
the list of the days speakers. but
he expressed in a few words at the
park exercises his appreciation Of Vir-
ginia's hospitality.
Swanson the Orator.
Governor Swanson was the orator
at the dedicatory exercises. The
corner stone was laid with full Ma
sonic ceremonies by the Alexandria
lodge. A. F. & A. NJ. Of which George
Washington was the first master.
The people Of Alexandra always
have regarded Washington as having
been one Ct their fellow townsmen.
During his long residence at Mount
Vernon he made frequent trips to the
then small. Virginia community and
attended church there. He also was
an active member cf the volunteer
firemen.
Today's celebration was a culminat-
ing feature of odd Home Week" at
Alexandria. TIE city has been thfoOS-
ed since Sunday last with f1rmer re
sidents, who came from all sections
OF the country to renew old acquaint-
ances and associations and with many
visitors from Washington and various
Virginia cities.
Richmond Military Attend.
The Richmond Light Infantry Blues.
in gorgeous full dress uniform and the
Richmond Howitzers. In Khaki with
their field guns. were among the state
irons that attracted attention in the
ling parade The Blues acted as
persouaI escort to the President dur
ing a part of his stay in the city
urover The Alexandria Light 1nfan-
try. the Washington High school
cadets. divisions Of United States
cavalry coast and light artillery. in
fantry. marines and naval blne JACKIE =
made Nd the military divisions. Vet
Gran french and secret societies
made up the civic division.
The atmosphere Ct the days celebra-
ton was purely Of the South. The
score @. bands in he parade nearly
all played Dixie in passing the re-
viewing stand ant set the gathered
crowds TO cheering.
Maryland. ~Suwance River" and
other anthems Ct the South shared
bonors with the old war song.
The Star Spangled Banner" aud
Hail To The Chief. however. were
nc, forgotten, and when Governor
Swanson presented Mr.. TAFT at the
mark exerciscs as Our President the
Virrinians chccred with spontaneous
enthusiasm.
G5yerncr Swanson paid a glowing
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