The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-03-05

The first chief executive to take the
senate in 76 years. William Howard
Taft, today became president Of the
United States.
Accompanied to the capitol through
a swirl Of binding snow by President
Roosevelt and a guard of honor, Mr..
Taft returned to the White House,
just as the sun began to force it's way
throuhg the clouds. A sudden blizzard
sweeping in from the northwest last
night set aWry the weather bureau s
optimistic promise of fair and some
what cooler" caused an abandonment
of the outdoor ceremonies on the IA
nous east front OF the capitol, much
to Mr. Taft's chagrin, and threatened
for time to stop the brilliant pageant
of the afternoon.
However, a passageway was
cleared along the center of Pennsyl-
vania avenue, and for nearly three
hours President Taft and Vice Presi-
dent Sherman reviewed a passing COL
umn which was replete with martial
splendor and picturesque with civic
display
Following the inaugural ceremonies
in the senate, Theodore Roosevelt
again a private citizen, bade an affec-
tionate adieu to his successor, while
all in the historic chamber looked on
in silence, and then he hurried away
through a side door to take the train
for New York. AS he passed out of
the chamber, Mr.. Roosevelt was given
an ovation quite the equal to that
rendered to the new president. Out
side the capitol the retiring chief exc
cutive was met by 500 membrs of the
New York republican committee and
under their escort was driven to the
union station, a short three blocks
away
Impromptu Reception.
There was a wait Of nearly two
hours at the station, during which Mr..
Roosevelt held an impromptu reception
in the presidential suite. Many of his
old friends among government Off
cials and the diplomatic corps sur
rounded him there for final word OF
farewell.
To all with whom he spoke Mr..
Roosevelt declared that while he had
"a bully time" as president, he was
glad to lay down the duties of office.
He praised his successor and espe-
cially commented upon the latter's in
augural address as splendid effort.
President and Mrs, Taft were the
centers of interest at the eliminating
feature of the day--the inaugural ball
in the pension building. The scene in
the cavernous building, which had
been transformed into canopied
court of ivory and white, was another
of the brilliant pictures quadrennially
painted here by the gathering of a vast
and brilliant assemblage from every
section Of the country. With all the
color and movement Of military spec
tacle, with the softening influence of
delicately tinted gowns and the inter-
est of personnel seldom equalled at
a social function, the inaugural ball
holds a place unique in the history
making of the day.
While the ball was in progress in
doors, display of fireworks on the
monument lot in the rear of the White
House marked the end Of the outdoor
celebration. For hours the thinly
clouded heavens were alight with rock
cts, with sun clusters that challenged
the brilliancy of day, with fiery "cob-
ras" and all the fantastic creations
of modern pyrotechnic skill.
Entertained at Tea.
Prior to his visit to the ball, Presi-
dent Taft had entertained at tea in
the White House the member of the
Yale club; had dined with Mrs. Taft
at o'clock and had stopped in at the
Metropolitan club to say a few words