Rock Island Argus., 1909-02-20

that somebody is getting ready Tor
something. In the windows overlook
ing the great thoroughfare through
which the big parade is to march from
the capital to the White house signs
are hung which read that for the small
sum of from $25 to 500 you may oc-
cupy these windows on March 4.
Another evidence that something IS
going to happen is the placarding of
historic spots in the national capital.
For instance. one card on small,
two-story red brick on Pennsylvania
avenue informs you that the supreme
court held session there after the
British has destroyed the capital
along about 1912. There is scarcely
a single block that is without some
historic interest, and without pla-
card.
There is even going to be an animal
show on March 4, to say nothing Of
cane racks, side shows and all the
other enterprises that follow big
crowds.
VIII Spend Money Enough.
And the Inauguration ceremonies
will be success, if the lavish expendi-
ture of money and time and pains
count for anything. There will be a
parade that. it is promised, will rival
any pageant ever witnessed in Wash
ington. with crowd of 100000 visitors
to enjoy it.
The ceremonies will cost perhaps
$15O,000 This amount has been guar
anteed by prominent republicans and
corporations, but it is likely those who
volunteered to contribute will not be
ations are generally self-supporting af-
fairs Nothing is free on Inauguration
day. You must pay for seat in the
reviewing stand or pay to attend the
inaugural ball. Money thus realized
goes toward defraying the expenses cf
| the occasion, and if there is balance
it is turned over to the poor of Wash
ington
All plans for the big day are COM
pleted, and everything is practically
in readiness for the induction of Will
| liam H. Taft and James S. Sherman
into their respective offices.
Program for the Day.
Here is the program for inaugural
day:
10 a.. m.-Morning escort of the presi-
dent-elect from the White house to the
capitol by the veteran Grand Army di-
vision.
| IL noon-Exercises at capitol, con-
. GLIDING with administration of oath of
! office to president-elect- Then Mr..
Tafts inaugural address.
/ 1880 p. Information of military
kgrand division in streets south and
| southeast and of the civic division in
streets west and northwest of the cap
/ itol.
! 1880 p. m.-Afternoon escort of Pres
| ident Taft by the military and civic
grand divisions from the capitol to the
| White house at the conclusion of his
to 6 p. m.-Review of military and
| civic grand divisions by the president
from his stand in the court of honor In
front of the White house. Near him
4 will be a general reviewing stand seat
| ing $500 persons. Over 100000 persons
| are expected to be in the line of march
| 730 to p. m.-DiSplay of fireworks
p. m.--Inaugural ball in pension
| building.
| Look After Strangers.
Strangers that come to Washington
to witness the Inauguration will be
well taken care of up to the time OF
the actual beginning of the ceremo
nies. From that moment on they will
have to look out for themselves. II
is probable they will not be able tc
get close enough to the president-ele
to hear what he says, but by standing
on tip-toes and struggling with the
crowd, the visitor without a pull ma,
be able to get fleetjng glimpses of Mr.
Taft while he is delivering the in
laugural address. The visitor will
have to take his own chances in secur
ing place to watch the parade. A.
Pennsylvania avenue is mile long
everyone will probably be able to Sc,
at least part of the parade. All will
of course, be able to witness the pyr
otechnical display.
There will be ample accommoda
tions for all who come at exorbitan
rates. Washington has always consid
cred Inauguration day one for maxim:
legitimate prey of the visitors, an,
undoubtedly always will. In the sum
mer time it is dull in the nationa
capital as it is hot, and the hotels a
we'll as those who rent rooms an
accommodate boarders look longingl
toward winter and the convening G
congress. Inauguration days are re
garded as opportunities to take az
] vantage of, and all indications ar
that the regular custom will be mair
tanned on March 4. Any other cit
would undoubtedly do the same, S
there is no use treasuring any i'll wi
against Washington.
Outside of the exceptions noted,
cordial hospitality will be extended t
all. Hundreds of guides will be st,
toned at the union station and stean
boat wharves to direct stranger
where to go. and to accompany W,
men and those who desire it to an
part of the city,.
Aside from the inaugural cerem,
MES, there is n1ore for Americans I
see in Washington than in any othe
city in the world Half north and ha
south, it is interesting for the chara
10 ;{c vzoo,.k.