The Washington herald., 1909-04-18
BEAUTY PARADES
POTOMAC DRIVE
Continued from Page One.

Continued from Page One.
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green near the Highway Bridge. and
played a half dozen or more selections OF
beautiful music This is the same band
that played at the opening OF Luneta. the
famous park and driveway IN Manila,
and II was fitting thSt II was selected for
the opening os the driveway concerts
originated by Mrs Taft. whose husband
was the governor of the islands. and has
since shown such an interest in their peo-
pie
Seated on the grass around the band
stand were more than 200 persons, and
fully half that many carriages. automo-
biles. and other vehicles thronged the
drive for more than a mile. Policemen
and soldiers from Fort Myer. who helped
keep order, at times had a difficult task
freeing the mass OF humanity and vehicles
from tsngles that seemed unavoidable
Little children, Of course. turned the
esplanade into a playground and ran in
and out CT the crowds OF people and
made the day better and more joyful for
the grown-upS
BeautifuI Women There.
In carriages and automobiles were
beautiful women in handsome gowns
members Of the fashionable set Of Wash
ington-and they. Ike men and women
who had walked or ridden most Of the
way on street cars, marveled at the size
Of the assemblage.
In many respects il was a gathering the
Ike Of which has never been seen in
Washington. Following 50 closely on
Easter. the feminine world has occasion
again 10 dress up in their springtirne
nnery and pass IN review for the admir-
ing eyes OF their brothers and the scruti-
nizing glances OF their sisters. Every one
wore flowers OF some kind. IL seemed:
there was a profusion Of bouquets Of all
sorts and sizes noticeable everywhere.
The day was ideal, and this added 10
the brilliance CT the vari-coiOred hats
and gowns and costumes that were on
display. The thrOng began making its
way down the drive and across the e.
hpse and Monument grounds shortly af-
ter O'Clock. an hour before the hour
for the formal --Nening. and when the
time for the concert arrived there was
almost continuous stream OF people.
TaftS Join In Applause.
The President aDsl-AIrs. Taft followed
along in the line OF the common people
IN the big White House automobile. and
drove directly 20 the part OF the drive
nearest the band stand Here they
stopped and listened 10 the music until
tie programme was completed. at times
joining IN the applause that came from
the crowds. They were joined by Capt
Archibald Butt. the military aid 10 the
President, and later several friends stop
ped a moment and chatted with them.
or course. the Presidents automobile
was the attraction for the eyes OF ev-
cry one. and Immediately there was a
grand rush in that direction. The DO
icemen and Secret Service men handled
the situation well. and there was little
confusion.
The President and Mrs. Taft sat as if
in review Of the society parade. that had
naturally formed itself directly By their
side IN the drive. and they bowed pleas
antly 10 those they recognized IN the
vehicles that passed. Many Senators and
Representatives exchanged greetings with
the President. and gave a smile OF ap-
proval 10 Mrs TAFT as they admired the
scheme she had planned.
Conditions All Favorable.
The new esplanade could not have been
launched under conditions more favorable
Congressmen were not held at the Capitol
by sessions OF the House and Senate
were through with their work 20 join IN
the festivities. As for the society men
and women. the warm and tempting
afternoon had elected them to member
ship in the throng
No more ideal spot could have been
selected for a national concert ground
than the esplanade. Like Hyde Park. in
London. il must draw the crowds On
account OF Its proximity 10 the leaders OF
the social life OF the nation. It's beau
tiful green attracts the children. and
naturally, must grow popular with the
families OF Washington.
Like the famous Malecon, in Havana
II is on the water frOnt. and attracts the
eye OF those cOOped up in the city homes
where nothing but asphalt streets are
seen. 20 help forget TIE hot summer
days
Like Phoenix Park, In Dublin, it IS
close TO the polo. and other athletic
grounds. and gives this form OF recrea-
tion 10 the admirers OF outdoor sports
The Luneta, In Manila. also is on the
water front away from the hot and
tiresome streets OF the city.
To Resemble BOiS de BOuIOEne.
But above all. the Washington espla-
made will resemble the far-famed Bols de
Boulogne. the recreation ground OF Paris.
where grandeur seems 20 carry itself as a
matter Of fact Washington. during
eight months Of the year. probably more
than any other American city. can boast
of its fashionable folk. and for them the
new attractions on the drive VIII be a
delight
II is the plan 70 improve the parking
as much as possible on this part Of the
drive. A cablegram was received yes
terday at the White House from the
mayor Of Tokyo. offering 20 give l,0O0
Towering japanese cherry trees. 10 he
planted along the new driveway. These
viii add materially to the attractiveness
OF the grounds and with them viii be
planted other shrubbery and flowers from
different parts Of the country.
Concerts at the esplanade Will be given
hereafter twice a week. on Wednesday
and Saturday afternoons. during the sum-
u1er months. On these afternoons music
win be furnished. as a rule. by the United
States Marine Band, but on special oeca-
sinns visiting bands or other musical or
ganizations may be the attraction.
The President. like Mrs. Taft enjovs
more than he does any other form os
recreation a drive through the parks @.
country roads AROUND Washington. Since
his Inauguration. the President has beer
a frequent visitor 10 the drive and classes
It among the most enjoyable speedways