The San Francisco call., 1909-03-05


House forming the escort
PRESIDENT TAFT's RECEPTION
The president held a delightful 10
minute reception in his room following
his arrival during which he greeted a
number of personal friends. including
Ambassador Jusserand Of France, Rob
ert. Charlie and Miss Helen Taft and
Miss Torey. the presidents aged aunt,
who came from New England to at
tend the inauguration.
The presidential and vice presidential
parties were met at the door by the
ball reception committee. Theodore w.
Moves was chairman and escorted them
TO their respective rooms. Mr.. and
Mrs. sherman arrived shortly before
O'Clock. and the president and Mrs.
Taft half an hour larer- There was a
cordial and hearty greeting TO the dis
tinguished guests by the vast assem-
blage whenever they appeared
A chance glance upward as the
promenade was about to conclude
brought the presiden- face TO face with
his children, who had taken seats in
his box. and there was a keen mani
festation Of pleasure and affection in
his salutations.
MERRY MUSIC AND DANCING
Music was furnished by the marine
band and the Ministers orchestra, the
former varying its promenade selec-
ton OF Hail to the CHIEF with the
star SpangIed Banner"
Dancing was INDUCED in as the hours
progressed. but this was impossible
earlier in the evening because of the
Aanse crowd. conservatively estimated
ae 10000.
President and Mrs. Taft went TO sup
per IN the presidents room shortly
after 10 O'Clock. followed by Vice Presi-
dent and Mrs. Sherman. By this time
the hall was so crowded that only q
small space at one end could be kept
clear for dancing
Those who could find room took posi-
tions in the gallery 70 watch the vast
sssemblage on the floor, where people
OF. every walk Of life rubbed elbows
and made their way about the hall as
best they could.
COLOR SELDOM EQUALED
on the approach Of midnight there wa,
a slightly percePtible diminution in The
number of couples on the floor, and
from this hour on the crush was grad
uaIy relieved. At midnight there wa:
better opportunity for dancing and The
entire floor was soon filled with a mag
uifcent mass presenting a brilliancy oi
- color seldom equaled-
Although a part Of the gallery neal
the presidents box had been reserved
Tor the distinguished guests, diplomat
and other officials mingled with thos'
on the floor.
The members Of the Presidentia
party returned from supper to thei
box at 1870 O'Clock and left the build
ing shortly before midnight
The president and his family returne'
10 the White House. as they had come
IN his new automobile
PRESIDENT DOES NOT DANCE
Those who occupied the president
box were President Tafts three broth
ers and the ladies' Of their families
Vice President and Mrs Sherman, Gov
ernor Harmon of Ohio and Senate
OConneu Bradley Of Kentucky.
President Taft was given cordia
reception and the grace and beaut
OF the bah made fitting close TO hi
day He did not join in the dancing
and gently refused when called upo
for a speech.
The great height Of the roof Of tn
pension building was a serious oh
stacIe to satisfactory treatment by tn
decorators. and to overcome It it wa
found necessary to reduce it some 40 0
50 feet. this was done by skilIful us
OF bunting forming a canopy or vaul
srching across the entire width an