Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-05
CEREMONIES IN THE SENATE.
Continued from Page One.)

CEREMONIES IN THE SENATE.
Continued from Page One.)
point of view presented creditable
appearance.
The end of an especially trying ses-
sion of Congress, with a vast amount
of Legislative work, left to be perform
ed during the last hours, had found
many of the Senators and Representa-
tives thoroughly fatgued, as they had
been able to obtain comparatively lit
tie rest for several days and nights.
But when the hour of noon approached
and found them in the chamber, there
was only a slight indication Of the
strain to which they had been subject
ed. The entire membership of the Sen
ate had been seated at the right of the
presiding officer, and facing him. Near
ly the entire left side had been reserved
for the diplomatic corps and members
of the House of Representatives, while
special seats in the front row had been
set aside for the members of the Su-
prame Court of the United States, who
attended in a body, and for cabinet Of
ficers.
Every available seating space in the
galleries was filled. The array of
beautiful gowns worn by the ladies
presented a scene that suggested a So
cial rather that an official oc
casion, and the waving of deli
cate fans and the buzz of conversation
lent zest and animation to the scene.
In the front row of the Senator's gal
lf.r ho ia Of D,.acjlanf
and the President-elect and of the
Vice President and the Vice-President-
elect
Mrs. Taft was there with her daught-
er, Miss Helen Taft, and her son, Rob-
ert, both home from college, to be pres
ent on this occasion. together with
Charlie the youngest member of the
family, who was beaming in antici-
patton of the great event in which his
father was the central figure of inter-
est. The Presidents brothers, Charles
p, Henry W., and Howard, were also
present, as We're Mrs. Roosevelt, Mrs.
Sherman, with her sons and daughters.
Mrs. Fairbanks and members of the
Vice-Presidents family, and many
others intimately connected with the
chief actors in this historic scene.
The diplomatic gallery was reserved
in the main for the ladies of the corps,
MANY of whom We're familiar with the
gorgeous coronation ceremonies OF
monarchial governments. and who wit
messed for the first time the simple in
duction into office of the Chief Magis-
trate of the great Republic Every
where there were beautiful women
with faces radiant in anticipation of
the historic proceeding.
While the galleries were being filled,
the principles in the drama were as
selnbling in readiness to enter the
chamber, according to thoroughly or
dered arrangements. The President and
tie Presidents We're in the Presl-
dents room, the mural decoration of
which, the work of the famous Brum-
idi, has gained it the distinction of be-
ing the most ornate apartment III the
Capitol Mr.. Roosevelt. accompanied
by members Of his cabinet, had ar
rived early to attach his signature to
measures. the passage of which had
been delayed by the rush of business
during the close of the session, and mad
been very busily occupied in the last
hours of his administration. The Vice
President and the Vice President-elect
were IN the almost equally ell
egant apartment at the other
end OF the marble lobby, which is
occupied bv the Nice-Presldent
throughout the sessions of Congress,
and is designated as the Vice-Presl-
dents room The diplomatic corps
assembled in the lobby, where the am
bassadors and ministers awaited an
invitation to enter.
The entrance irto the chamber of the
several bodies of officials was announc-
ed by Assistant Doorkeepers Stewart
and Keller in clear and distinct tones.
"The Supreme Court of the United
States" was called. and the venerable
Chief Justice, followed by the eight
associate justices in their Official
gowns of black. and accompanied py
the officers of the court, came IN SLOW
". ard all were conducted to large
leather covered chairs. which had been
placed along the front of the chamber
facing the Vice President. and on his
right. Then came the ambassadors
and ministers of foreign countries, IN
their gorgeous court dresses The
ambassador from italy. the dean OF the
CORPS. was the first to enter. being fol-
lowed by ambassadors from Austria
Hungary. France. Germany. Brazil,
RUSSIA. Mexico. Great Britain. Japan
and Turkey. in the order named They
were given seats near the cenrai aisle
immediately behind the space reserved
for the members of the President
cabinet.
The House of Representatives formed
in line in the corridor in the southern
end of the Capitol, and. accompanied
nv members-elect. who were soon to
take their places in the next Congress-,