Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-03-05
FIERCE BLIZZARD RACES OUTSIDE
First Indoor Inaugural For rs Years.
Great Crowds Who Brave Snow and
Slush Disappo .nted-New Executive
Delivers Address Which 10 Heartily
Applauded--Rooseveit Says Good
Bye and Departs.
by Associated Press

by Associated Press,
WASHINGTON. u. c.. Mar. THE
first chief executive to take oath of
Office in the chamber of the Senate
in 7G years William Howard Taft to-
day became President of the United
States.
Accompanied to the capitol by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and q guard Of honor
through swirl of binding snow. Mr..
Taft returned to the White House.
just as the sun began to force its
way through the thinning clouds OF
gray.
A sudden blizzard sweeping in from
the northwest last night. to set awry
the weather bureaus optimistic
promise Of fair and somewhat cool
err. caused an abandonment of the
outdoor ceremonies on the famous
sea; front of the capitol, much to Mr..
Taft's chagrin, and threatened or a
time to stop the brilliant pageant Of
the afternoon.
Parade DeEes Elements.
BY almost superhuman efforts, a
passage way was cleared along the
center of Pennsylvania avenue. and for
nearly three hours President TAFT ana
Vice President Sherman reviewed q
passing column watch was replete
with martial splendor and picturesque
civic display.
Following the brilliant and impress
stve ceremony in the Senate chamber
during which both President and vice
president took the oath of ONCE.
President Roosevelt-again a private
citizen-bade an affectionate adieu to
his successor. while all in the historic
chamber looked on In silence. and
then hurried away through a side door
10 take a train for New York.
Roosevelt Receives ovation.
As he passed out of the chamber.
Mr.. Roosevelt was given an ovation.
quite the equal Of that rendered to
the new president
To all with whom he spoke Mr..
Roosevelt declared that he had "a bull
" time" as president.
President and mrs. Taft were the
centers of interest at the eliminating
lecture of the memorable day-the
inaugural ball in the Pension build
ing.
The scene in the vast cavern OF the
building. which had been transformed
into a canopied court Of ivory and
white was another one Of the pic
lures which are quadrennially painted
by the gathering OF a vast and bril-
liant assemblaee from every section
of the country.
Ball . Unique Function.
With all the color and movement
of a military spectacle. with the soft
80 lat Dol ffnfod
gowns and the interest OF q personnel
seldom eQualled at social function.
the inaugural ball holds place unique
in the DISCRIMINATING Of the DAY.
While the bail was in progress in
doors. a display Of fireworks on the
monument lot In the rear OF the
White House marked the end Of the
outdoor celebration.
For hours the thinly c!ouded heav-
cns were aIicht with screaming rock
cts. with sun clusters that challenged
the rril,isnce Of day with fiery Co
bras. aerial salntes. floating festoons
and illuminated ballcns-
Tar 0Wiiy Engaged
Prior to his visit to the ball, Prcsi-
dent Taft had entertained at tea In
the White House the members Of the
Vale Club; had dined with Mrs. Taft
a, 7 O'Clock. and had stopped tn AZ
the Metropolitan Club To say few
words at the dinner Of the class OF
80 al Yale.
Mr.. TaH's day was one OF con-
-inuinS cheers from his appearance"
~, the White House porch this morn
ing until he returned late tonight.
Mr.. and Mrs. Taft were tie guests
of the Rocsevelts at the White House
last night. setting q new prcceden'
in the courtcsics Of the executive man
sion as they did again today When
Mrs. Taft accompanied the newly
made President and Mr.. Sherman. the
nov vice president. from tho capt'o'
p, the head If the imposing parade 20
tho White Ho1sr.
AeeIssmse BY the ero~ds.
The presidential carriage. drawn "
four hav horycs. which had been
closed against the storm a. Prest
den, Roosevelt and Mr.. Taft made
,hcir way TO the capitol, vas thrown