Evening star., 1909-04-18
GREAT THRONG OUT
ON POTOMAC DRIVE
CONTINUED from First Page.)

the musicians Of the Orient. They were
lust as much at home with the familiar
American melodies and marches as WITH
the songs of their native land
And the Band Played "Dixie."
And when. in Godfreys "Reminiscences
of All Nations" the band played Dixie
it's efforts called forth unusual ap-
plause. The concert was brought to
close with THE Star Spangled Banner.
At a wave Of the hand from Capt. Low
ing the musicians arose to their feet and
niayed the air with spirit and meaning
OF their own. It inspired those around
them, and the men In the crowd stoou'
uncovered, until the air was fnisned
That the concert was eminently success
ful was apparent. 1t is true 1t is lone
distance from the cars and the city
main thoroughfares TO the faraWay pano.
stand on Potomac drive. and the !oO'
passengers looked jaded and weary when
fhey again got back to Pennsylvania ave-
nue.. But their fatigue did not seem to
remove the lingering pleasure OF the
afternoon nor prompt murmurings OF
discomfort. The Potomac drive seems
an ideal place for public concerts. its
accommodat tions are unlimited, and with
the addition Of seats for those who walk
the element Of fatigue will be reduced to
q minimum.
Potomac Drive" President Says.
The name Of Riverside drive" was
given the roadway in the official circular
Of Col. Cosby. the engineer omcer IN
charge Of public buildings and grounds,
promulgating the regulations for the
drive. President Taft, however. took a
hand in christening it yesterday and for
mally and officially designated it "Po-
tomac drive"
1t is understood the drive is to be
widened. The present width Is forty-hve
feet, and, 1t Is said. twenty feet will be
added. making total width Of sixty
Ave feet.
The Identification Of Potomac Park will
be continued. under Col Cosby's direc-
ton, by planting along the drive flower
ing cherry trees. famous in Japan. bu,
comparatively scarce In this country. One
hundred have already been secured and
will be planted at once. One thousand
more are on the way from Japan to add
of the mayor Of Toxic to Mrs. Taft, who
has taken such deep interest In the new
park. The only tree OF the kind else
where in Washington Is at the corner OF
Connecticut avenue and @ street.
1t is the intention to make Potomac
Park one OF the spots Of ideal beauty an
this already city beautiful OF the nation
COIAaAlty - LACKING.
The President enjoyed himself thorough.
ly. and Mrs. Taft did. too. So did everybody
else. from the society folk down to the
people who tramped a mile or more from
the center Of the city and found easy
resting places on the grass. AS stated
Mr.. and Mrs. Taft entered thoroughly
into the spirit Of the occasion. There
was no formality about their attendance
Their automobile arrived at the north end
of the enormous ellipse a few minutes
after the band began playing at the
southern end. and they drove around
to the music. staying till the last note
was played.
Wherever they went secret service mer
followed. as well as some local bicycle
policemen. In front were policemen to
see that their machine did not get into
too great tangle: No effort was made
to keep other carriages and the pedestri.
ans at a great distance at any time. and
everybody had a close look. Those who
passed back and forth in vehicles of every
description were always close enough tc
speak to the President and the first lady
Of the land. and they all did 30. whether
they knew them personally or not. Mrs
never wearied OF dofing his hat and look.
ing pleased to see them.
With the Presidential automobile
everywhere 1t went rode Capt. Archibald
Butt. military aid to the President. He
was dressed In a lose-fltting black sacl
derby hat. He rode a handsome black
horse.
Mrs. Taft's Costume.
The President was clad in his usual
black frock coat and gray trousers and