The Washington herald., 1909-04-21

a splendid exhibition. and one that
does credit TO the entire school system
Of the District" was the enthusiastic
comment Of President Taft, yesterday
afternoon, as sixteen companies OF the
Washington High School Cadets. led By
the Philippine Constabulary Band,
marched past Kim IN review on the eIlipse
OF the White Lo;.
The High School Cadet Regiment, a
battalion OF colored cadets from the Arm
strong and II street High schools. and
the Constabulary Band. formed q pro-
visionaI brigade under command OF Col
Burton R Ross. formerly Of the District
National Guard. and for years the mill
tary Instructor OF the cadets.
4 single untowerd incident threatened
for short time TO mar the ceremonies.
toward which the cadets had been look
ing forward with interest ever since the
regiment was prevented by bad weather
from participating in the inaugural pa
rade.
Col. Ross Injured.
While the provisional brigade was Ined
up in Seventeenth street. waiting for the
appointed hour, when It was 10 be re-
viewed By the President Of the United
States, Col Ross horse became frightened
/ ct an automobile. reared Up OF his hind
I legs. slipped on the vet pavement, and as
his rider feIl violently 10 the ground.
dashed down the street
/ For few moments Col Ross lost con
sciousness While the cadets rushed 10
/ the assistance OF their instructor an am
{ bulsace was summoned from The Exaer-
gency Hospital The doctor examined
the deep gash on the hack Of Col Ross
head. which was bleeding ProfuSeIy. and
fadvised him 70 go Immediately 10 the hos
pitaL
7 came TO take these boys on the
White Lot, and I'm going 70 do Il" said
/ Col. Ross. And what Is more we're
not going TO be late. Give me another
horse
One Of the police escort offered his
horse 10 the colonel. and hearty cheer
went up from the cadets as they saw
their popular instructor once more seated
/ in -he saddle
.BattaIions attention, Forward March -
came the command. ard in a few mo-
ments the cadets were marching onto
the ellipse, where several thousand per
sons had gathered 70 witness the parade
and review.
! The cadets. Le0e strong. had hardly
formed in line OF masses. when President
Taft, mounted on his favOrite horse
Sterrett. and accompanied by Mai.
i Spencer Cosby. and Capt. Archibald y.
Butt. both in fun dress Uniform. gsllop-
ed on the field. The President was greet
ed by q loud cheer from the host OF high
school girls, teachers and parents OF the
pupils, who surrounded the north side OF
the eIIipse-
Taft Greets the Cadets.
Dressed in a brown riding suit, with
puttee Ieggins brown gauntlets, and
without spurs. President Taft rode out
TO greet the cadets. Calling his brigade
TO attention. Col. Ross saluted the Presi-
dent. and then came forward 70 accom-
pany him as they rode Up and down the
ranks Of the battalions.
Have you had an accident?" asked
The President, as he noticed the wound
on Col. Ross head. and the dirt on his
uniform.
! Col Ross made light OF the affair. but
. il was evident to the spectators that II
was only BY great effort that he was
able to remain in the saddle While the
President rode around the cadets, The
| iConstabulsry Band played several lively
military airs.
After inspection OF the cadets was
completed. tie President took a position
OF the north side OF the eilipse. and tbs
cadets, led by the band, marched past
him IN review The perfect alignment
and unb-oken step Of the boy soldiers
called forth praise from the President
and a long round Of applause from ths
spectators
Directly behind the President stood
Commissioner Aiacfarland, Capt. James
F. Oyster, Superintendent Stuart, Assist
ant superintendent Hughes. Mr. Wilson
Of the Central High School; Miss Wes-
colt. from the Western, and other high
school teachers All we're delighted with
the excellent drill Of the cadets. One OF
the most interested spectators was Dr.
Francis r Lane. former director CO high
schools. who FOR years had charge ol
the cadet regiment
AS Col. Ross followed his pupils OF
the field. he was the recipient OF many
congratulations on his courage IN 70
, | naming throughout the parade. and on
: the splendid drill OF the cadet bsttalions
which he has instructed for years.
Anxious for Review.
: Ever since the Fourth Of March. vher
; the cadets were prevented from partici
pating in the inaugural parade becauss
: they were not equipped with overcoats
the boys have been anxious for an op
portunity to show the people OF Washing
| ton how they had learned to dril IN al
ticipation Of ths great event. When III
ConstebulaTy Band returned &c Washing
ton after tour Of the country. n:
! board OF education took Up negotiation
! with the War Department to see Il I
special parade Of the cadets and III
: bend could not be arranged. After SONS
: delay. and much to the delight OF TIL
] boys. the date was SET for yesterday.
At the last moment the heavy ratI
made It seem probable the weather wouli