The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-02
Fully 100000 Visitors Have
Already Descended Upon
Washington.
BIG RUSH Has ONLY
JUST ABOUT BEGUN
Union Station Taxed to CAPACITY
and Street Peddlers Reap
Rich Harvest.
1t is estimated that nearly 10000

1t is estimated that nearly 100000
visitors are already in Washington,
and all day a mighty host contn-
ued to pour in for the weeks feS-
tiyitieS.
The threatening weather has not
dampened the enthusiasm of the
great throng here or of those who
are hourly arriving. Through the
streets they have been troop
ing all day, and the scene about
Union Station has been an inspiring
Illustration of the heights to which
American aTdor can rise under the
proper incentive.
Militiamen Galore.
Several military organizations today
added their strength to the cohorts al
ready here, and more are scheduled 10
arrive before nightfaH. At the hotels
apartments have been reserved for gov
ernors and their STATS from a dozen or
more Of the States, and il would not be
surprising If every one in the Union
were represented on Thursday when
the Chief OF them all assumes the Tsins
OF Government
Population Increased.
1t is estimated that IN the five hours
between ard u O'Clock this morning
nearly twenty thouA md men, women
and children visitors were added TO
the Capitals temporary population
Those who had not taken the precan-
tion TO engage rooms ahead were con
fronted with the problem of finding
a lodging place for the night. and hEnd-
reds Of persons who never slept IN any
but first-class hotels when away from
home viii tonight set their rest IN
rooming houses
Along Pennsylvania avenue and es-
peciaIly in the vicinity Of the White
House, a steady stream Of persons
passed all day. carrying flags and but
tens. admiring the decorations of build
ings, the arrangements for SEATING the
sightseers. and generally whetting their
aPpetites for the great display on the
#h.
Good for PeddleIs.
The street peddIers are doing a land
Office business in buttons, badges, and
flags, and the more pretentious places
where souvenirs are sold are beehives
or activity
In the light rain Of the morning the
street takers stood along the curb with
umbrellas over their heads collecting
nickels from the liberal crowd which
had struck the Capital 10 have the
time Of its life.
Judging from the crowded condition
OF the galleries OF the House OF Repre-
sentatives and the Senate today, q good
portion OF the throng of visitors spent
the day at the Capitol. Every seat was
taken, and II was necessary 10 hold
Cpen the doors in order that those
unable to get IN might view the pro
As rapidly as each body Of troops ar
rived at the station II was given re-
CepiOn by the waiting crowds
Glimpse of Lighting.
A glimpse Of the brilliant iIlumins-
ton OF the city, which will be feature
OF the inauguration festivities, has been
given 10 Washingtonians and the thou
sands Of visitors now here, at the test
ing Of the electrical wiring along Penn
sylvania avenue and at the Court OF
Honor in front Of the White House
ThronSs OF sightseers enjoyed the
spectacle. the historic old thoroughfare
presenting the most brilliant aspect in
years, probably in its history. The car
nivaI spirit was everywhere, laughing
and gayIy-dressed pedestrians promo
nading along the Avenue until late into
the evening
When the current was turned on.
shortly. after sunset. the strings or
electric bulbs stretching from curb 70
curb burst into a blazing canopy that
stretched from the Peace Monument to
Fifteenth street and made the roadway
as bright as day.
Continues Several Hours
The illumination OF Pennsylvania ave
nue. continued for several hours. The
lights about the pillars arches and
decorations of the Court OF Honor were
turned on for only a few minutes.
Pennsylvania avenue from Fifteenth
to Seventeenth street was filled with
an expectant crowd when the current
was turned on There was dissppoint-
ment. however, when Il was shortly
afterward turned or IN the few min
utes that interviewed they were given
an idea Of how the court vii appear
when the myriads Of inc.LndeScenr
lamps are lighted tonight as IL Is ex-
pected they viii be.
The Peace Monument, which made a
good appearance last night, will appeas
To even better advantage, IL Is be-
lieved, when two large ships search -as
ton Of Electrical Engineer W. z. Biat
are IN position 70 throw their rays dOwp
upon It
Ivory Ballroom.
The ivory ballroom