The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-05
Pension Building Is Like a Dream of FaiyIand With
 its Life and Music
PRESIDENT TAFT IS THE
 CENTER OF ATTRACTION
Brilliant Scene Is Presented During the Ball as the Distinguished Per sonages Take Part In the
 Evenings Functions.

Washington, March 4.-Magnihcent in its splendor and presenting a scene of rare beauty which quickened every human emotion, the inaugural ball to- night was the climax of day of tri- umphs for William H. Taft. In the vast hall of the pension building, re- sembling a dream of fairyIand mingled fair women, beautifully gowned and from every cline; men whose 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 citi- zens, whose presence testified to the democracy of the affair.
 In the gallery, which extended about the four sides of the ball room, thous ands of beautiful American girls looked down upon awe-inspiring scenes.
 President Taft appeared light hearted and unmindful of serious things as with Mrs Taft and Vice President and Mrs. Sherman they made their prom enade around the great ball room. where on every side they were hanked l by members of the reception commit l tee, of which Gist Blair was chairman and Thomas F. Walsh vice chairman, the two latter and the military and naval aids at the White House form ing the escort
 Short Reception.
 The President had a delightful 10- minute reception in his room following his arrival during which he greeted number of his personal friends in- cluding Ambassador Jusserand of France. Master Charlie, Robert and Miss Helen Taft. his children, and Miss Torrey the Presidents aged aunt, who came to attend the inaugural and on whom he met her the President be- slowed an affectionate kiss. Both the presidential and vice presidential par ties were met at the door of the pen sion building by tbe ball reception com mittee, of which Theodore w. Moves was chairman, and escorted to their respective rooms MT. and Mrs. Sher- man arriving shortly before o'clock, and the President and Mrs. Taft half an hour later.
 There was a cordial and hearty greeting to the distinguished guests by the vast assemblage whenever they appeared and they were kept busy in acknowledging the applause of the multitude of friends A chance gaze up- ward the promenade was about to conclude brought the President face to face with his children who had taken seats in his box and there was keen manifestation of pleasure and affection in his salutations.
 Beautiful Music.
 Music was furnished by the marine band and by Ministers orchestra, the former varying it's promenade selection of Hail to the Chief" by "The Star-Spangled Banner" The compositions were espe- cially effective and were sweetened and mellowed by the acoustics of the court. Dancing was indulged in the hours progressed, but this was impossible earlier in the evening because of the dense crowd which was conservatively estimated at 10000.
 President and Mrs. Taft went to the supper in the Presidents room shortly after 10 o'clock, followed by the Vice President and Mrs Sherman. By this time the hall was so crowded that only small space at one end could be kept clear for dancing
 Those who could find room took posi- tions in the gallery to watch the vast assemb blaze 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 of midnight there was a slightly perceptible diminution in the number of couples the floor and from this hour on the crush was grad ually relieved. With the arrival of 12 o'clock the desciples of Terpschore found better opportunity for dancing and the entire floor was soon filled with a nov ing mass that presented a briliiancy of color and gayety seldom equaled
 Mingling on the Floor.
 Although a part of the gallery near the Presidents box had been reserved for the distinguished guests, diplomats and other officials mingled with those on tha floor
 The President and Mrs. Taft and the Vice President and Mrs. sherman re- turned from the supper to their box at 1i:S0 o'clock.
 The Presidents party left the pension building shortly before midnight
 The President and his family returned to the White House as they had come in his new automobile Those who occupied the Presidents box were President Tafts three brothers and the ladies of their fam flies: Vice President and Mrs. Sherman; Governor Harmon of Ohio and Senator Bradley of Kentucky.
 Vice President and Mrs. sherman re- mained for a short time after the Pres ident had left.
 President Taft was given a cordial re- ception and the grace and beauty of the ball made a fitting close to MT. Tafts day. He did not join in the dancing and gracefully refused when called upon for