Evening star., 1909-03-04
Great Task Undertaken by the
Inaugural Committee.
HOW WORK WAS DIVIDED
Specializing of Various Features by
Subordinate Bodies.
PERFECT RESULTS OBTAINED
No Detail Overlooked in Ceremonies
Of Inducing New President Into
the Executive Chair.


The result of the work of the inausu sural
committee in preparing for the inaugu-
ration OF President Taft may he seen
in every detail of the magnificent ar
rangements that have been perfected to
make March 4. 1909 stand out in the an
nails of the National capital.
Chairman Edward j. StellWagen. his
vice chairmen. George T.. Hamilton and
S. w. Woodward. Clarence r. Norment,
treasurer, and Corcorap Thorn. secretary
Of the committee. with the assistance OF
the various subsidiary committees. have
successfully performed stupendous
work. Once again has Washington DEM
onstra ed Its ability to cope with the eX-
traordinary demands of a presidential in
auguration.
Few comprehend the monumental task
now al! but accomplished. The inaugural
committee has had the duty of supervis-
ing all matters pertaining to the inaugu-
ration ceremonies. to create such sub
committees as We're necessary for the
proper discharge OF its work. to define
their duties and to control their action.
Bookkeeping Is Exact.
No expenditure Of money could be
made, no Indebtedness incurred. recog-
nized or paid. and no contract could be
made without the express approval Of the
chairman of the inaugural committee. In
every instance a copy Of every contract
made has been retained by the chairman n
for the Ifles of the committee
Detailed account has been kept of all
moneys received and of all appropriations
made by authority. and record Of all dis
bursements, showing in each instance the
appropriation against which it is charge
able.
When the COMMITTEE was not in session
1t was incumbent upon the chairman to
exercise all the functions Of the commit
tee and its authority. reporting his action
at the next meeting. In the absence of
the chairman the vice chairman. and in
his absence the second vice chairman, was
required to perform his duties and eX-
ercise his authority.
The secretary was at all times subject
to the chairman's order for the perform.
ance of such duties as might be directed.
The treasurer was charged with the usual
duties appertaining to that office.
1t was the duty Of each subchairma 10
nominate his vice chairman and the menu
bers of his committee. subject to the APP
proyal of the inaugural committee. II
was also his duty to certify 10 the COR
rectness of accounts and contracts re-
lating to his subcommittee before their
submission for approval or signature to
che chairman Of the inaugural committee,
and to make report to the inaugural COM
mlttee weekly or oftener when required.
Finance Committee.
First, perhaps. in degree of Importance
in the great work that has been done
comes the finance committee with Milton
e. Allies as chairman, Charles Fl. Bos IL
ton and j. Edward Bates as vice chair
men. and George o. Vass as secretary.
Upon this committee devolved the duty
of raising the funds necessary to defray
the expenses. which includes the sale
of the tickets for the inaugural ball and
concert.
Eighty-five thousand dollars thus far
represents the result of the labors of this
committee. Every dollar is accounted
for in detailed receipts from the treasurer.
1t Is the duty of the chairman of the
auditing committee. Andrew Parker. and
the treasurer Of the inaugural committee
to receive and verify the tickets collected
at both ball and concerts, keep an ac-
curate account of those sold and those
unsold. and to submit a written report
thereon 10 the chairman of the inaugural
committee.
The reception committee with Theodore
w. Noyes as chairman: John Joy Edison
as vice chairman and Beale r. Howard
as secretary, is charged with the duty
of extending proper .courtesies to dis
tinguished guests during their stay in
Washington. and particularly during their
presence at the various functions con-
nected with the inauguration including
the inaugural ball
In the composition of this committee
are found the chief justice and the as
sociate justices of tie Supreme Court of
the United States, tie courts OF the Dis
trict OF Columbia, the Court OF Claims,
the District Commissioners representa-
tives of the United States Army, headed
by Maj. Gen. ]. Franklin Bell chief of
staff: representatives CT the navy. headed
by Admiral George Dewey: representa-
tives of the United States Senate headed
by Vice President Fairbanks; representa-
tives Of the House of Representatives,
the republican national committee, headed
by Chairman Frank II. Hitchcock and
upward of 2Jo leading citizens.
Straightens Out Legal Kinks.
The committee on legislation. under the
Craftsmanship Of Adds B. Browne has
had charge of all matters affecting the
Inauguration which required congression-
al action, whether of national or a
municipal character, such as permission
to use government property. authority to
detail officers to cooperate with the in
augural committee the appropriation of
funds, where needed and such similar
matters as have been approved by the
ihe press committee, under Chairman
James 8. Henry. Vice Chairman Ernest
G. Walker and o. o. Stealey. second vice
ch hairman, embracing the prominent cor
respondents of the leading papers not
only of the country. but of lands beyond
the sea. has been charged with prepara-
tion and distribution cf news reports of
the work of the inaugural committee and
of making suitable arrangements for ac-
commodatiOn of members of the press and
extending to them all necessary facilities
for the discharge of their duties in gath
erina and spreading the news far and
wide
Program, Souvenirs, Tickets.
The preparation and printing of the in
augural program. with the various de-
tails connected Herewith. was assigned
to the committee on printing. of which
Scott c. Bone was chairman. and Freder-
ick E. Chaplin, vice chairman.
The beautiful souvenirs and tickets for
the inaugural ball testify how we'll the
committee on souvenirs and tickets. un-
der Thomas J. D. Fuller, chairman, and
Fleming Newbold. vice chairman. with
F. B. Poe. secretary. has justified the con-
tidence reposed in ii.
The committee on transportation. OF
which Samuel b. Hege is chairman; Il. Nj.
NewboId. vice chairman: l.. s. Brown.
second vice chairman. and George NJ.
Bond. secretary. was charged with obtain
Ing the lowest rates OF transportation pos
sible to Washing OH from all paris OF the
country and giving them wide publicity
for tie benefit of those interested. The
great hosts focking into the city Is evi-
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