Middletown transcript., 1909-03-06
TAFT NaUOUpATRD PRESIDENT
Oaih Administered II The Senate Chamber
q Disap6ointmeat Of Great Tllrane

Gath Administered II The Senate Chamber
d Disappointment Of Great Thrang
WAsHISePOE. March /. The first Chief
Exec ige y t6ks ths oath Of Office ID The
chamber al shs Senate In seventy-six
years, William Howard Taft. to-day
became President OF the United States.
Accompanied 10 the Capitol by Prssi-
dent Roosevelt and guard Of honor
thropgi. swirl Of binding snow, Mr.. TAFT
returned to the White House just as the
sun began TO force its way through clouds
Of gray.
a sudden blizzard sweeping in from the
northwest lest night, to set awry the
Weather Bnrean's optimistic promise Of
tsfair and somewhat COOLER" caused an
abandonment Of the outdoor ceremonies
on the famous east front Of the Capitol,
much 70 Mr. Taft's cbagriD, and threat
ened for time to stop the brilliant pa
geant Of the afternoon.
By almost superhuman efforts pas
sageway was cleared along the center Of
Pennsylvania Avenue, however, aud for
nearly three hours President Taft and
Vice-President Sherman reviewed a
passing column which was replete with
martial splendor and picturesque with
civic display,
Ovation to Roosevelt
Following the brilliant and impressive
ceremonies 10 the Senate, during which
both the President and Vice-President
took the oath of Office, President Roose.
welt, sgain a private. citizen, babe an
affectionate adieu to his successor, while
all IN the historic chamber looked on in
silence, and then hurried away through
a side door to take train for New York.
As he passed out Of the chamber Mr..
Roosevelt was given an ovation quite the
equal Of chat rendered to the new Presi-
dent.
seenes in the Senate
In the Senate chamber the scene was
one Of intense interest. The galleries
began to fill up as soon as admission to
the building was possible at 10 o'clock.
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles P. Taft came with
the Presidents children, and they all
were seated in the front row. Then
came the family Of Henry Taft, Of New
York, and Miss Torrey, or "Aunt MiIly,"
the favorite aunt OF the President. over
80 years OF age, was carefully escorted to
q seat just back of Mrs. Taft in the second
row. She received every possible atten-
ton from her happy relatives and seemed
to be the most highly pleased of any in
the party.
The diplomatic gallery was well filled
with the ladies Of the various embassies
and legations. Mrs. Bryce, Madame
Takahira, Madame Jusserand, Baroness
Noncheur, the Chinese Minister'S daugh-
ter-in-law, and many other ladies Of the
corps we're present in fine costumes. ALI
other galleries presented beautiful pic
ture of animated countenances, hand
spme men and women and gorgeous
gowns which were worn IN spite of the
storm. On the floor Of tile Senate the
seats had been resrrangad aud additional
chairs placed so that the presidential
party, the Supreme Court, the diplomatic
corps, the Governors of States, the House
Of Representatives and number Of other
distinguished guests could all be accom-
modated.
New Cabinet Members
On the floor of the Senate attention
was attracted to noted Governors and
to some of the new members OF the Cab
met. Among the latter were observed
Mr.. Wickersham, the new Attorney Gen.
eral; Mr.. Nsgel, to be Secretary Of Com.
merce and Labor, and Mr.. Ballinger, to
be Secretary of the Interior. Governor
Hughes, OF New York, attended by bis
military aide, was 4 conspicuous figure
and received much attention. He and
Governor Hadley, the new Republican
Governor of Democratic Missouri, sat
side by side and enjoyed a good chat
before the ceremonies began. There was
Governor Deneen, Of Illinois; Fort, OF
New Jersey; Stuart, Of Pennsylvania, and
many other State Executives.
In row of chairs 10 front of the Senate
seats sat the naval hero of the hour, Rear
Admiral Spsrry, who has had The honor
Of bringing home the great hattleship
feet. He was accompanied by his flag
Iisltspsnt. Major General ], Franklin
Bell. representing the army, sat by his
side.
As the hour Of twelve approached the
guests of the Senate began to appear
First came the diplomatic corps, whose
gorgeous uniforms gave the somber
glow Of light. After them
same the black attired Supreme Court
Justices, their silken robes rustling as
they solemnly advanced to their seats,
Sherman sWeFA "
It was about ten minutes after twelve
when yice-President Fairbanks admin
stered the oath Of Office to vice-President
elect Sherman. Mr., Fairbanks then de-
ivered bis farewell address to the Senate,
which was created with hearty applause,
10 which both Mr.. Roosevelt and NJ,
fsft joined. Then With rap Of his
gavel Mr.. Sherman called she Senate to
order, the call for its extra session was
read, and Mr.. Sherman delivered bis
address. which was short, very |
we'll worded aud ELECTED great applause. |
This was followed by the ceremony Of
swearing in-the Senators who had been
elected for the term beginning to-day. |
As Nj. Root. leaning on the arm Of his
colleague, Chauncey NJ. Depew, came