The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1909-02-26
JACK HARRIS LETTER.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22nd

| suppose we all should be billing
over with patriotism on this gee
lorious date of the birth of the
Father of what once was his coun-
try but which now belongs prin-
cipally to a few New Jersey trusts,
but someway it don't strike me so.
The weather is no better than it
was woodchuck day, but all business
has been suspended in the city ex-
cept congress and the kids have
whooped 'er up to their hearts
content Congress hardly recog-
nizes holidays by knocking off work,
and the memory Of the historic
ancestor is only observed in the
senate by the reading of his farewell
address by some senator selected
for the job. A legal holiday here
turns loose all the department
clerks for a twenty-four hour lay
off, and they utilize it by remaining
In bed, going to the country or
calling on congress out of curiosity.
A holiday is the only time they have
for looking at congress, and they
usually drop in during the day.
They have to-day, in swarms, and
have evidently enjoyed themselves
as much as an excursion from Os-
kosh.
The weather for the last week
has been unseasonably warm, in
consequence of which the trees
have begun to bud and some of the
earliest flowers have broken ground.
There has been occasionally a
chilly day to discourage them, and
as there are likely to be more snow
f1urries real spring is not expected
Just yet. 1t is of course impossible
to prognosticate Inauguration
weather next week, but it is not
likely to be cold. There may be
rain, but an unusually high tenn
perature is probable. By the way,
here is the program for Inauguration
day:
10 A. M-Morning escort Of the
president-elect from the White
House to the capitol by the veteran
Grand Army division.
II noon-Exercises at capitol,
concluding with administration of
oath of Office to the president-elect,
followed by his inaugural address.
1890 p. Information of mill
tary grand division in streets south
and southeast, and of the civic divi-
sions i'll streets west and northwest
of the capitol.
80 p. M.-Afternoon escort of
President Taft by the military and
civic grand divisions from the CAPT
tol to the White House at the con-
clusion of his inaugural address.
3 to 6 p. M.-sReview ef military
and civic grand divisions by the
president from his stand in the
court of honor in front of the White
House.
7:30 to 9 P. M.-Display of fire
works.
9 P. M.-Inaugural ball at Pen
sion Office.
The above is the skeleton of the
greatest show on earth. Fill in all
the cracks and crevices with every
thing dreamable in the way of more
Dr. less gorgeous hilarity, and you'll
have the days work. Large num-
Oers of Vermonters singly and in
parties have written their intention
IF being present, and our unofficial
delegation is certain to be an I'M
Large one. Room will be
'ound for everybody, whether they
ire expected or not, so don't stay at
home for fear you won't find a room,
4 dinner and a warm welcome.
Senator Gallinger is now closing
eighteen years OF service as repre-
sentative of his state in the senate,
md will enter upon his fourth term
lext week Thursday. This breaks
III records in point of service in the
enate from New Hampshire. Sena-
or John p. Hale was in the senate |
eSs than sixteen years, Franklin |
Pierce less than one term, Levi |
Woodbury. less than two terms and |
jeremiah Mason, the great lawyer,
me term. Two terms only were |
,iven John Langdon, the first presi-
lent of the senate under the con-
titution. After years of expert |
nent. the state has evidently de-
ided that DR.. Gallinger is about .
What it wants, and honors herself 4
IS well as him in keeping him there.
{ realizes the fact that strength /
nd efficiency comes from length Of
eTvice, which the other New Eng
and states long ago discovered.
his is the whole secret of New
1ngland's tremendous preponder-
nee of influence in congress in
General and the senate in particular.
t has evolved such towers of