The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1909-03-05
BY Associated Press.

Washington. Marcl THE first
chief executive to take the oath OF of
fee in the chamber of the senate in
seventy-siX years, William Howard
Taft today became president of the
United States. Accompanied to the
capitol by President Roosevelt and a
Suard of honor through a swirl OF
binding snow, Taft returned to the
White House just as the sun began to
force its way throGgl the thinning
clouds of gray.
BLIZZARD CAUSED CHANGE.
The sudden blizzard sweeping in
from the northwest last night to set
swry the weather bureaus optimistic
promise of fair and some what cool
er." caused an abandonment of the
outdoor ceremonies on the famous
east front of the capitol much to Taft's
chasg1in, and threatened FOR time to
stop the brilliant pageant of the at
ternoon- By almost supernuman er-
forts pas5ageway Was cleared along
the centre OF Pennsylvania avenue
however. and for nearly three hours
President Taft and Vice President
Sherman reviewed the passage Of the
column, seick VS. repletezWitiE msr-
til s2lendor and picturesque civic
display.
Tafts day was one of continuing
cheers and plaudits from the moment
he first appeared on the White House
porticO 10 go TO his Inauguration I'M
al ne returned late tonight, an I'M
willing leave-taker from the dancing
and national promenade Of the inaug-
ural ball.
The presidential carriage. which
was closed against the storm as Pres
ident Roosevelt and Mr.. Taft made
their way TO the capitol was thrown
open as the return journey began.
ana President Taft was quickly recoE-
nlzed by the crowds who stood en-
Enthusiastically unmindful of the snow
and slush abOut them, and ne was &C
claimed all along the great distance OF
the avenue. Wearing his broadcast of
SMILES, he bowed right and left i'm
&C acknowledgement Of the ovations
which marked his progress.
HAPPY AS BOYS.
When they met at breakfast this
morning with the world outside all
white and the song OF the blizzard
ringing in their ears, Taft and Roose- O..
Welt were as happy as two boys. Il
knew IL would be q cold day when
Was made president or the United
States, exclaimed Taft. And knew
there would be a blizzard clear up TO
the moment I went out of Office" re-
joined President Roosevelt.
Despite his unfailing good humor
Tart was deeply disappointed when.
urOn arriving at the capitol shortly
after eleven o'clock, he found the COM
mittee on arrangements had practical
" abandoned all hope of outdoor GER
emonies.. Taft said he was anxious
teat the great American people repre-
scented in the throngs which had gath
cred should have their usual share in
and view Of the Inauguration cere-
monies.
The inaugural vas formally begun
when Vice President Fairbanks in his
farewell address. which called out for
him spontaneous tribute OF applause
AID cheering. declared the sixtieth
congress at an end.
Turning then 10 sherman. he adj
miniSJered 10 his successor the sol
emn oath OF office and turned over 10
hm the saveI OF the senate.
Sherman in rapping the senate 10
order IN special session OF the sixty
FIRST congress made brief address
and then followed the swearing in OF
many senators.
This ceremony completed. Vice
president Sherman announced, The
chief Justice viii now administer the
oath Of Office 10 the presidenU-eleCt.'
TAFT TAKES OATH.
The sudden announcement was a
surprise and a solemn hush fell upon
the assemblase- Taft arose. took the
arm of Senator Knox and walked
around TO a position in the rear of
the presiding officers desk, followed
by Chief Justice Fuller, who vas offiC-
Iating for tae fifth time al this historic
udadrennial ceremony.
" hen at last Tar kissed the Bible
there was an outburst OF applause.
With a grasp Of the hand by the
chief justice and president. Taft Sc
gar. Immediately the enu1ciation OF
some immediate policies Of his admin
istrstion. His Inaugural address Won
ar1lause at the very outset by an
uCuncing his adherence 70 the Roose-
Velt poliei5s ard his intention 10 car