The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-05
INA UGURAL BALL ROOM
 SCENE OF RARE BEAUTY

roses. appropriately supported by drap- ing and light to bring the whole Into harmonious scheme.
 As seen from an upper gallery tho scene below Is entrancingly beautiful. the soft lights. the perfect harmony. and blending of colors, the richness of the flowers, combine to make it mem orable.
 An Impressive Scene.
 In the vast hall, resembling a dream of fairyland. mingled fair women, beautifully gowned and from every cline: men whose names are known in every corner of the world; diplomats in court attire; statesmen in sombre at- tire; officers of the Army and Navy In their gorgeous uniforms. and many American citizens. whose presence tes- tihed 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 look ed down upon an awe-inspiring scene President Taft appeared partic- ularly light hearted and unmindful of serious things as. with Mrs. Taft ana Vice President and Mrs. sherman. they made their promenade around the great ball room. where on every side they were fanked by members of the Reception Committee. of which Gist Blair was Chairman. and Thomas F. Walsh. Vice Chairman. the latter and military and naval aides at the White House. forming the escort.
 The President had delightful ten minutes reception In his room. follow ing his arrival. during which he greeted a number of his personal friends, including Ambassador Jusser and of France, Master Charlie Robert and Miss Helen Taft, his children and Miss Torrey, the Presidents aged aunt
 Ar-- n xlA,, tfAY ,A the Inauguration. and on whom. ns he met her, the President bestowed an af fectionate kiss.
 Both the Presidential and Vice, Presi dential parties wereymet at the door of the Pension building by the Ball Re- ception Committee. of which Theodor" w. Nees was Chairman. and escorted to their respective rooms.
 Mir. and Mrs. sherman arrived short ly before o'clock and the President and Mrs. Taft half an hour later. A chance gaze upward as the prom enade was about to conclude. brought the President face to face with his children, who had taken seats in his box. and there was a keen manifesta- salutatlons.N
 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" Dancing was in dulged in as the hours progressed, but this was impossible earlier in the even- ing because of the dense crowd. which was conservatively estimated at 10 900.
 Party Goes To Supper. At 10 o'clock. the Presidential and Vice Presidential parties, went to sup per- President and Mrs. Taft went tc the supper In the Presidents room shortly after 10 o'clock, followed b. the Vice President and Mrs. sherman By thds time the hall was so crowded that only small\ space at one end l could be kept clear for dancing. The President and Mrs. Taft and the l Vice President and Mrs. Sherman. rs turned from supper to their box a' 11:3O o'clock.
 | The Presidents party left the Pen sion building shortly before midnight
 The President and his family return ed to the White House as they had come, in his new automobile.
 Those who occupied the President S box were: President Taft's three brothers and the ladies of their fam. ilies; Vice President md Mrs. Sher. man, Governor Harmon. of Ohio, and Senator Bradley of Kentucky. 1 Vice President and Mrs. sherman re- mained for a short time after the President had left.
 President Taft was given a cordial | reception and the grace and beauty ot the hall made a fitting close to MT Taft's day He did not join inthe dane ing. and gracefully refused when called upon for a speecE