The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1909-03-06
INCIDENTS OF THE INAUGURATION

When they met at breakfast Thursday
morning with the world al white out
side and the song OF the blizzard wind
ringing In their ears. Mr. Taft and Presi-
dent Roosevelt were as happy as two
boys.
II knew It would be a cold day when
was made President OF the United
States" exclaimed Mr. Taft. And
knew there would be blizzard clear up
to the moment went out Of office" re-
Joined President Roosevelt.
Not since Andrew Jackson's first inau-
guration, in 1888, had a president taken
the oath In the Senate. When Mr.. Taft
had concluded his inaugural address In
the Senate Chamber, Mr.. Roosevelt made
his way 10 the rostrum. President Taft
advanced 10 greet him. The two shook
hands warmly and with left hands on
each others shoulder they conversed
earnestly for q few moments. During
the leavetaking every one 10 the Senate
Chamber stood still and looked on with
keenest interest at the unusual picture.
At last the friends parted and Mr.. Roose-
welt darted out OF one OF the side doors
leading into the Senate lobby. he was
followed by resounding cheers. Presi-
dent TAFT was escorted out through the
main door amid an ovation.
The first ovation OF the inaugural
parade was given to the Richmond In
tantry Blues. commanded by hsjDr E.
". Bowles. OF all the spectscles Of the
occasion that OF the Virginia soldiers
marching In their elegant suits aud high
plumed helmets was the most delightful.
Every body in the reviewing stand ap-
plauded as they passed up the Avenue,
Southerners yelling and clappping their
hands until they passed out OF sight
The Virginia Military Institute, led by
the Stonewall Band, more than 300
strong, attracted much attention. The
boys made splendid appearances. The
Washington Guards OF Fredericksburq
We're merged with the Alexandria Light
Infantry.
The Virginia troops were 10 the second
division and marched with the Maryland
and South Carolina troops. Maj. Huston
Carey and Lieut. Col. r E. Crsighill, o
the fret aud third batanons O
the FIVE regiments. commanded.
Brig. Gen. C. c Vaughan. commanding
the Virginia State militia, was til,
military aide from Virginia on the staf
OF Gen. Bell. chief marshal
Twenty thousand persons spent Thurs
day In the Union Station, without get
ting as much as a glimpse Of the inaugu
raj parade. An equal number left Wash
inRton on the few trains run out on th,
various railroads. Ii Is estimated tina
from 5000 to 10000 people were on tn
DELAYED trains which did not arrive II
Washington until Thursday night.
| Never 10 the history OF the railroa,
companies whose lines enter Washing
ton has traffic been as completely para
lyEed With wires down and telegraph
poles blown across the tracks, ever.
train was forced TO pick it's wsy along b,
means OF flag and block signals anC
without orders from the dispatchers
Robert NJ. Mille>. from Rsppahannocl
county put pistol 10 his pocket because
be said, he had heard that people wer
not safe on the streets OF Washington
and was fined 800 in Police Court 10
carrying concealed weapons.
Miller fired three times at a negro WHIT
threw "a brick at him at Fifteenth and ]
Streets, and was arrested.
me for home" Miller said after peel
ing of ten $40 bills from bis roll an,
paying the court assessment.
There Is s general demand for a chang
OF date for inaugurations from March
to a more clement season. General sen
timent has fixed upon the last Thursda,
IN April as the most convenient time
That day approximates the time whel
George Washington took his first oat
as President. and also avoids the iellin
OF Inauguration day on Sunday.