The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1909-05-01
ALEXANDRIA CELEBRATES
The l7Oth Anniversary OF W~ashington's
First Inauguration aS President.

First Inauguration ~ President.
WASHINGTON. April so.-The old town
Of Alexandria. Va, which is only eight
miles from Washington on the opposite
bank of the Potomac River. held a big
celebration to-day. The event was in
observance Of the 12oth anniversary Of
the first Inauguration Of George Wash
ington as President of the United States
and it was the elimination Of Alexan-
dria's "old home week. President Taft
Vice-President Sherman. Speaker Cannon
and other distinguished persons went
over from. Washington this afternoon.
The President made the short journey
in IN automobile. accompanied by Capt.
A W. Butt, his aide, and the usual escort
Of secret service men, reaching Alexandria
soon after 8 O'Clock. He was met on the
outskirts Of the city by. Gov. Swanson OF
Virginia, and they rode down through
the court Of honor, which occupied five
blocks on Washington street not far from
Old Christ Church, where George Wash
ington worshipped while he was a Vir-
ginia reaident at Mount Vernon. II was
the same court Of honor which occupied
occasion Of President Taft's Inaugural
ton last month. The Aicxandrians had
purchased the elaborate decorations Of
this court and moved them bodily 10 their
city for use on this occasion. .
On the reviewing stand which formed
a part of the court Of honor were Presi-
dent Taft. Vice-President Shel man.
ginia. the Commissioners Of the District
Of Columbia and a large number OF citi-
zens Of the old Commonwealth. AS eoon
as the President arrived the parade started,
and such old organizations as the Rich
mond Blues. tho Richmond Howitzers.
the Warrenton Rifles and the Alexandria
Light Infantry passed in review. There
tons of the Regular army stationed in
or near Washington, including cavalry.
marines, engineers and artillery.
Several bands played Hail to the
Chief. Yankee Doodle, "Star Spangled
Banner" and Dixie" The latter air
always evoked cheers from the crowd.
which was larger than old Alexandria
yell was heard on several occasions. A
young girl leaning from a third story
window Of an cid house near to President
Taft's reviewing stand waved a Copfeder-
ate flag The Alexandria fire department
turned out in full force and the parade
OF fire fighters included a number Of aged
veterans who served in the local fire de-
Ittt ii--b ~" "1S thuSu
younger than it is now.
After the parade had passed President
Taft was driven. in his automobile. es-
oorted by a troop Of cavalry. to tho new
George Washington Park, on the heights
overlooking the city This park was
dedicated to-day and a cornerstone was
laid with Masonic ceremonies. Gov.
Swanson delivered an Grafton and Presi-
lent Taft spoke briefly.
1T has been a great pleasure to be here
this Afternoon said the President, and
to join with hospitable Alexandria and
Virginia IN celebrating the memory OF
George Washington, inauguratsd 10
years ago as President Of the United
States. When your kindly committee
me to be present | vas assured
that there would be no place on the pro-
gramme for me to make a speech. 1t
was left to me to remain silent II would,
and 30 ! sill, after expressing to you in
behalf II the Vice-President, the Speaker
OF tie House and the whole Government
th.t has moved down mere from Washing
ton, our appreciation of Virginia hos
and our high esteem for the elo-
ouenoe and character Of your good Gov
Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son Of the
ex-President. who is attending school in
entered the reviewing stand
the parade was passing and Presi-
dent Taft shock hands with the boy.