The Topeka state journal., 1909-03-04

of applause on the floor and of cheers
in the galleries.
Speaker Cannon entering the senate
chamber at the head of the house of
representatives took a place on the
presiding officers bench by the side of
Vice President Fairbanks Prior to
the entry of the members of the house
and the distinguished invited guests
the senate had adopted a resolution
of thanks to Mr.. Fairbanks, who re-
piled with farewell address.
Sherman Takes the Oath.
He then administered to Mr.. Sher-
man the brief oath of office, prescribed
by the constitution and turned over to
him the presiding officers gavel. Vice
President Sherman made a brief in
augural address and then raped the
chamber to order for the further busi-
ness of inaugurating the new presi-
dent of the United States.
Mr.. Taft's induction into office was
the same simple ceremony devised in
the early days. He swore to uphold
and defend the constitution, to enforce
all laws and to protect the republic
against all enemies, both foreign and
domestic. The oath was administered
by Chief Justice Fuller, who was Of
ficiating at such a ceremony for the
last time in his notable career as the
chief presiding officer of the country's
highest court
President Roosevelt. who became
again private citizen of the United
States when President Taft had kissed
COnSullIidllOI
OATH was quick tC congratulate his
successor in office, pting second to the
chief justice in exercising that priv
ilege.
Mr.. Taft delivered his inaugural ad-
dress in abbreviated form in the SEN
ate chamber. The address for publi-
cation however, stands In fun. When
Mr. Taft had concluded he was escort
ed to the waiting carriage outside the
senate wing and there was Joined by
Mrs Taft and by Vice President and
Mrs Sherman for the return ride to
the White House.
capitol amid cheering throng and es-
corted by a thousand members of the
New York Republican committee, was
driven to the Union station, several
blocks away, and boarded a tram Tor
New York and Oyster Bay.
AS President Taft passed up Penn
syIvania avenue to the White House,
he was greeted with loud cheers which
With Mrs. Taft, the president rode be-
hind troop A of Cleveland, which had
been preceded by band. the chief
of the parade and his aides. Vice
President and Mrs. Sherman rode in a
separate carriage Immediately behind
the presidential coach, which was drawn
by four horses.
The Day in Detail.
Washington, March 4.-Washington
was swept by blizzard early today
and although President elect William
Howard Taft insisted up to almost
the last moment that his inauguration
should be held in front of the capitol
building as had been announced
the committee on arrangements finally
decided that the ceremonies should
be held in the senate chamber Mr..
Taft said he did not mind the snow
and wind in the least, but Senator
Knox, in charge of the programme,
declared it would be unwise to subject
the aged chief justice and the older
members of the senate to the adverse
weather conditions.
President Roosevelt and Mr. Taft
were escorted to the capitol promptly
at the hour set this morning, their
progress through the binding snow
being met with cheers from thin
fringe of hardy spectators who braved
the elements and stood ankle deep in
snow and s1ush along the distances
of Pennsylvania avenue.
The presidential party entered the
capitol building at II o'clock and We're
escorted to the presidents room in the
senate wing. Up to the time of leav-
ing the White House Mr.. Taft had his
heart set upon taking the oath in front
of the multitude gathered on the capl-
tol plaza After reaching the senate,
however the counsels of the elder
members of the senate prevailed and
it was decided that the ceremonies for
the first time in a score or more years
should be held indoors.
SIush Filled the Streets.
wet, clinging snow, driven before
a stinging northwest wind. fell
throughout the night and wrought
havoc with telephone and telegraph
wires, completely cutting off the capital
city from communication with the re-
mainder of the country for many
hours. Snow and slush filled the streets
to the depth of a foot or more m
places.
The wind thrashed many of the city's
prettiest decorations to threads. The
immense reviewing stands along the
line of march were made well nigh un-
by the swirling snow.
Street car and railroad traffic was
impeded to the extent of seriously de-
laying the inaugural ceremonies.
President-elect and Mrs. Taft spent |
last night at the White House as the |
guests of President and Mrs. Roose- |
velt.
Taft Knew 1t.
Il always knew it would be a cold |
dav when I was made president of the |
United States,'' was the laughing re-