The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1909-03-05

q Washington, March 4.-The first
chief executive to take the oath of
Office In the chamber of the senate
in 7G years, William Howard Taft, to-
day became president Of the United
States.
Through Binding Snow
Accompanied to the capitol by
President Roosevelt and a guard Of
honor through a swirl of binding
snow Taft returned to the White
House just as the sun began to force
its way through the thinning clouds
or gray f'he sudden blizzard sweep
ing in from the northwest last night,
tn set awry the weather bureaus op-
timistic promise of fair and some
what colder" caused abandonment
Of the outdoor ceremonies on the east
front of the capitol, mach to Taft's
chagrin, and threatened for time to
stop the brilliant pageant Of the after
noon BY almost superhuman efforts,
a passage way was cleared along the
center of PENNSYLVANIA avenue, how
ever, and for nearly three hours
President TAFT and Vice President
Sherman reviewed the passing
column which was replete with mar
tial spendor and picturesque with
civic display.
RooseVelt's Leave-taking.
Following the brilliant and impress
aive ceremonies in the senate, during
which both the president and vice
president took the oath of office
President Roosevelt again private
citizen, bade an affectionata adieu TO
his successor, while all in the his
toric chamber looked on in silence,
and then hurried away through the
side door to take the train for New
York.
As he passed out Of the chamber
Roosevelt was given an ovation quite
equal of that rendered the new presi-
dent. Outside Of the capitol the re-
firing chief executive was met by
500 members of the New York county
Republican committee and under
their escort was driven to Union sta
tion. A band at the head of the
column playing Aud Lang Syne"
told the story of the march and
Roosevelt was compelled time and
time again to acknowledge the cheers
from the throng which lined the way.
lmpromptu Reception.
There was a wait of nearly two
hours at the station during which
Roosevelt held an impromptu recep.
tion in the presidential suite. Many
Of his friends among the government
officials and diplomatic corps sought
him there for a final word of fare
well. AS he made his way to the
train shortly after o'clock Roosevelt
was eheered by thousands.
The INAUGURAL Ball.
President and Mrs. Taft were the
centers Of interest at the eliminating
feature of the memorable day-tre
inaugural ball in the pension build
ing. The scene in the cavernous
building, which had been transformed
into a canopied court of ivory AMI
white, was another Of the brilliant
pictures which are uuadrenuiaIlv
painted here by the gathering of
vast and brilliant sssemblage from
every section of the country.
While the ball was in progress in
doors a display of fireworks on the
monument let in the rear of the
White House. marked the end of the
outdoor celebration
Taft Was uBsy.
Prior to his visit to the ball. Presi.
dent Taft had entertained at tea in
the White House the members of the
Yale club; had dined with Mrs. Taft
at S o'clock and had STOPPED in at
the Metropolitan club to say few
words at a dinner of the class of IS
at Yale
Taft's day was cne of continuing
cheers and plaudits from the moment
he first appeared on the White House
pcrtico to go to his Inauguration un-