The Washington times., 1909-03-04
ROOSEVELT AND TAFT
/ CHEERFUL IN STORM
Two Presidents Enjoy Ride
Through Snow Storm to
hte Capitol.

IlIOuS0 OIlOW OlOIlu 10
hte Capitol.
In the midst or a binding snowstorm
and under weather conditions that have
not been equaled this winter, President
Roosevelt today turned the relns of
government over to his successor. Will
liam Howard Taft, and escorted him
from the White House TO the Capitol.
The departure of the retiring Presl-
dent was perhaps as impressive as If
the sun had shone. The spirits Of Mr.
Roosevelt were no less buoyant than is
habitual with him. He departed in no
particular from the set program, and to
all those who witnessed his leave taking
from the historic White House it was q
sight long TO be remembered.
Up Betimes.
The President arose early this morn
ing and waited with eagcrness the hour
for him to turn the White House over
10 his successor. During the early hours
of the morning he received only the
members of his Cabinet. and they came
not only to say their last farewell, but
also TO act as part of his escort to the
Capitol
-. Hour For Departure.
1t was shortly after 10 O'Clock that Mr.
Roosevelt was notified that the hour
for his departure had arrived. The
guard of honor which was TO accom-
pany the President and President-eIect
10 the Capitol, the famous Troop A, or
Cleveland, Ohio, had already assembled
N Pennsylvania avenue fronting the
White House. Despite the fast falling
snow and the sharp WIND which swept
the streets the troopers accepted the
situation CheeFfuliy.
Seventy-siX of them were mounted on
black horses, and each man vas CARRIED
in his heavy overcost OF khaki. The
troopers moved up the White House
driveway by the east gate at 10 o'clock.
Behind them were the carriages of the
President and the Vice President, both
closed and drawn by four horses.
Assembled on the poTticO were Gen. 7.
Franklin Bell, grand marshal Of the
parade; Colonel BTOmwell, Capt. A. "
Fl Butt, the Presidents aide, a group OF
Secret Service men, newspaper men,
and photographers As the word was
passed back that all was in readiness
the doors of tie White House swung
open and President Roosevelt accom-
panied by President-elect Taft. Senators
Lodge and Knox. Vice President Fair
banks, Vice PreSident-eleCt Sherman,
and the members Of President ROOse-
velt's Cabinet emerged from the build
ing and entered their respective car
riages.
GoOd-By-GoOd Luck.
As President Roosevelt appeared his
face wore its warmest smile.
"GOod-by and good luck TO you" he
raid to the assembled group If on
lockers. Just before ne entered his car
rage he shook hands warmly with sew
eral Of the old White House employees
who had gathered to witness his de
parture. Then he turned and waved
his hand to group of newspaper men
who lined up in the rear. He entered
the carriage first, followed by Mr.. Taft
and Senators Lodge and Knox. who
composed the escort appointed by the
Senate.
Next followed Vice President-eIect
Sherman, who was escorted by Senator
Frye In the third carriage were Vice
President Fairbanks and Representa-
tive James Burke OF Pennsylvania, who
represented the House of Representa-
tives as an official escort. The remain
ing carria ges. all Of them closed, were
occupied by the members Of President
Roossvelt's Cabinet, who followed tho
Presidents carriage IN order OF their
precedence.
As the Presidential party, hanked on
either side by mounted troopers and Il
score Of Secret Service men, passed
from the White House driveway into
Pennsylvania avenue they were greeted
by loud cheering from about 3,0Jp per
sons who occupied the sidewalk for
half q block either way.
As President ROOsevelts carriage
turned into Fifteenth street and passed
by the Treasury building it was greeted
by roar of applause.
Crowd Cheers.
Ir
the carriage window. waved his hand
20 the cheering people. He was seen
10 turn TO Mr.. Taft and make some
reference probably 10 the weather out
side. Mr.. Taft leaned forward and
smiled. This was the signal for renewed
and noisy demonstration Here again
the crowd manifested cheerfulness. al
though few persons abroad seemed to
be anything but dry and comfortable.
As the party passed each Of the stands
lining Pennsylvania avenue the few
people who were seated there gave vent
10 hearty applause. The windows Of
business stores. too, were crowded with
onlookers, and IL was from the threats
Of these people that most Of the cheer
ing came.
II took the Presidential party about
twenty minutes 10 traverse the mile
between the White House and the Capt
Peace Monument. swung 10 the left into
= street, and at the top Of the hill.
fronting the Senate wing OF the Capitol
halt was made. The troopers lined
UP on the east side Of the street, thei~
horses heads facing the Capitol The
carriages containing President ROOse-
Welt and his escort. moved Up 10 the
steps leading 10 the Senate Chamber.
and there the occupants left them ia the
order in which they entered at the
White House.
president Roosevelt walking at the
left Of President Taft, mounted the
steps amid hearty cheering from about
900 persons who had assembled in the
plaza. They were met at the door 10
the Senate by Sergeant alarms Daniel
Ransdell.
The party at once entered the Presi-
dents room. ard there President ROOse-
yclt and Mr.. Taft greeted a group OF
Senators who composed a committee
appointed 10 receive them
Roosevelt Signs Bills.
While the President-eIect talked with
ZONE Of his friends, President Roosevelt
signed several bills that were passed
IN the closing hours Of Congress.
Shortly before Y o'clock the President
and the Presldent-elect were escorted
IT,.