Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1909-03-04
Sixtieth Congress.
Washington, March 4.
SENATE.

Among the FIRST to inspect the set.
ting of the Senate chamber for the hral
scene incident 10 the dissolution of the
6Oih Congress, the outgoing of Roose-
veIt and the incoming Of a new regime,
we're various members Of Mr. Tsits
family. Mrs. Taft came 10 st l0:55 and
was escorted by Capt. Pratt. She wore
a Lavender dress and large bunch OF
violets pinned at the waist.
But few senators were visible during
The early part OF the day. A handful
only we're present at $3.50, the hour OF
converting.
The Senate today ratified the tray
with Great Britain regulating the bound
sry waterways bitEeeD the United States
and Canada, with reservation regard
ing the 81. Mays River.
The enormous growth Of government
al expenditures during the Roosevelt adj
miuistTation was demonstrated today by
Senator CulbersOn who made his usual
50; SIGN end review.
Mr.. CuIberson laid Inst expenditures
authorized at this session we're excep-
tionally large and that the Increase had
been abnormal. The estimated expeDd'
lures for 1910 exceed those of 1903, the
first yesr of ROCssyelPs incnmbeucy, by
1928, 900, 600. The estimated expendl-
lures for 1910 exceed those OF 1902, the
last year of the Mckinley admioistrs ion
by 1915, 600, 600. This WAS, he said, an
increase of 6S percent in eight yesrs.
The new senators came early az q
general thing and sst quietly looking
over their new surTouudiI IS.
The last official business OF the Senate
wss the adoption OF a resolution ap-
pointing q committee TO inform the
president that every thing was 10 rtadi-
ness for adjournment. Senators Cullom
aud Teller were detailed for this duty.
Senator Knox offered a resolution OF
ll:l5 which was Immediately adopted,
providing that the inaugural ceremonies
be held in the Senate chamber instead of
on the stand at the entrance to the Gap
i;ol. The change in programme fol-
lowed q conference between President
elect Taft and Senator Aldrich. After
the former reached the Capitol few
minutes before eleven, Mr.. Tat pro-
tested against the change, Saying he did
not wish to disappoint the large crowd
already waiting to hear bis inaugural sd-
dress. Several senstOrsjOined in persuad-
ing him not to have the blizzard, and
he finally yielded.
II was speedily found that Mr.. TAFT
would not be establishing brand new
precedent 10 taking the oath in the
Senate chamber, as all presidents, up to
aud Including Monroe were insugurated
inside the building, as also was Presi-
dent Grant
No attempt wss made TO decorate
the Senate chamber for the unexpt cled
event. Even the little vase full Of
flowers ordinarily oD the vice. president
desk WAS missing today. By 1870 the
galleries became filled. Women in white
gowns and an occasional uniform gave
life aud color 10 an otherwise dull scene.
At 11:40 the diplomatic corps, the
Supreme Court and the Cabinet entered.
10 the meantime Senators Gallon and
Teller returned, having performed their
Grand. Mr.. Cnllom announced that
the president had signed his last bill and
bad no further communication TO make.
This caused much merriment.
There was considerable comment at
the absence o! Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs.
Longworih. Mrs. Fairbanks slsO remain-
ed sWay from the ceremonies.
Mrs. Sherman occupied a seat in the
font row adjoining the Taft family.
At one Minute before noon Mr.. Cul-
berson offered the usual resolution
thanking Vice-PresideDt Fairbanks io7
his imI atrial aud efficient service
This was immediately sdOpted. As Mr..
Fairbanks re-entsred the chamber, he
WAS given q great ovation, even the
diplomats sad justices joining In The
haudclsppiDg.
Shortly after noon the House was az
nounced. The representatives we're
given q round OF applause by the sens
tors. Vice-P resident-elect Sherman WAS
escorted to the desk by Messrs. Fair
banks and Frye. he wss given warn
welcome. Loud cheering in the corri-
doris heralded the arrival OF Roosevelt
and Taft. They were greeted with 3