The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-07-22


ally by the Virginians OF course the
ubiquitous moving picture man was pres
ent also. and the result Of his exertions
was placed on exhibition for the first
time yesterday afternoon. As Mr.. Taft
fgures extensively in the pictures. Man
ager Noonan, Of the Maryland. extended
an Invitation 70 the President to view the
films. which Re accepted. The exhibit
ton was fixed for 2:S0. the time when
Mr.. TAFT thought he would best be able
to get away from the many duties which
are keeping him in Washington during
the present hot weather
Crowd Gathers Early.
Long before the appointed hour, how
ever. the news leaked out that for the
first time in history the President Of the
United States was going 10 honor a NOV
ing picture theater with his presence
The result was that a crowd OF
considerable proportions gathered In
Ninth street. between F and G. where
the Maryland is located. And every mo-
ment that the President was delayed
added its quota Of humanity 10 those who
stopped 20 get a glimpse Of the Chief
Executive, or fingered TO wonder what
was going on IN that vicinity.
The windows Of the Patent Office build
ing across the street. were soon filled
with clerks. who saw III 10 leave OF at
tending 70 their duties long enough to
tender a greeting TO the President.
Cameras, both official and amateur, were
levelled from every angle.
Thea&er In Gala Dress.
The entrance 70 the theater was deco
rated especially for the occasion with
flags and potted plants and the interior
had undergone a process of refurbishing
Flags were everywhere displayed. and
three large and comfortable wicker chairs
had been placed just at the proper dis
lance back from the screen for the Presi-
dent and his companions and the seats
In front were roped on so that the party
might have an unrestricted view. The
public was admitted 10 the theater. as
usual, and many spent the time waiting
for the President by enjoying the various
pictures that were shown prior TO the
principal event OF the afternoon.
II was o'clock before the Presidents
cheering crowd and he alighted and
walked rapidly into the theater With
him were Senator Jonathan Bourne. IT..
OF Oregon; Gen. Clarence Edwards, and
Capt. Archibald Butts The three ocou-
pied the special seats, with several Secret
Service men close behind. There was no
cTowding. as the management and the
police kept perfect order. and no more
persons were admitted than could be COM
fortably disposed Of.
The audience arose at the entrance OF
the President and remained standing as
the pianist played Hail TO the Chief"
Mr. Taft smilingly acknowledged the
small-sized, but sincere ovation which he
received, and afterward seated himself
comfortably for the enjoyment OF the
pictures.
Interesting Pictures.
The exhibition was one which was OF
national interest. The mOving-picture art
has made il possible for notable events 10
be preserved for the entertainment anG
instruction OF many persons who would
otherwise never have the benefit Of the
scenes and incidents that take place. The
unwilling of the Pennsylvania monument
at Petersburg was an episode which was
historical in character. and one which the
President OF the United States regarded
as OF sufficient Importance to be present
and deliver an address.
The arrival of the President and his re-
cepton by the committee were first
shown. with the grand stand. In a fiutter
OF excitement and expectation. AS soon
as the picture of the President was I'M
folded, as the film rapidly unwound.
there was more applause
One episode which the film showed and
which caused a hearty laugh, IN which
Mr.. Taft Joined. was when the President
in the midst Of delivering his address
made a particularly vehement gesture.
bringing his clinched fist down hard on
the table. He seemed to appreciate in
tensely the good-natured and democratic
manner in which he was being treated.
Further disclosures by the films were
the al frescO luncheon on the lawn Of
the historic Davis mansion at Peters
burg in which the President was seated
In the center Of the wide colonial portico.
with the remainder of the guests dis
posed on either side and UPON the spa-
cious lawns. A picture of the school
children OF Petersburg, massed together.
In the act Of singing My Country. It's
Of Thee" was next shown. and the Pres
iden1 nodded his head approv!ngly, as
though the recollection was a pleasant
one.
The street parade with Mr.. Taft rid
ing at the head Of it in an open carriage.
was shown in It's entirety. and wound
up with his being escorted to the re-
viewing stand, with the crowds pressing
all about him. As his good-natured face
appeared In the midst OF the surgfng
mass Of people. there was another round
OF applause
Family of 'POssumA.
As an addition to the exhibition. the
management has provided a special film.
showing a family Of oppossums, a moth
er and half dozen young ones. all
clinging TO her back. She appeared with
picture Of Mr.. Taft in the background.
and after maneuvering for some time 70
the huge amusement Of the crowd reached
up and pulled down flag from the Presi- |
dents portrait
At the conclusion Of this film the Presi- /
dent rose and shook hands with Man
ager NOonsn, and got into his automo-
bile and was soon whirling away. not. |
however before the crowd IN the street. |
which had increased In number, had /
given him another hearty cheer