Evening journal., 1909-03-06
THE LAST HOURS
Intimate Account of Prs-Inausuration
Scenes in WASHINGTON.

Scenes in Washington.
BY Special Taxicablegram to The New
York Sun.
WASHINGTON, March 4.-As these
dispatches told yesterday, it was not Mr..
Iatts intention to attend the Yale smoker
last night. A heavy rain was falling when
dinner was finished at the White House.
and the Judge was anxious to stay indoors
and get to bed early. However. the man
ayers Of the smoker had appealed to Pres
ident Roosevelt, and soon after coffee was
served Mr. Taft found himself being bum
oied INTO an overcoat and pushed out OF
doors to so to the New Willard. He en-
poyed himself with the Yale men. and IL
was midnight before he got back To the
Whte House. The President had thought
Iuily furnished latch key, with which
MT Taft let himself in. Removing. bis
coat hestarted for his room.
Whne he ascended the stairs he was
stopped by servant. who told him Mr.
Roosevelt wanted to see him. and led the
way TO the Presidents lounging room
Mr. Taft's lips moved as he nasse,I
through the corridor. but his words wore
not recorded. He entered the room. Tba
President had discarded his coat and
waistcoat and held abroadsword in his
hand.
Thought you'd like just short bout
before turning in" he said gleefully as
MIR. Taft entered the room. Here got
this mask and these pads on. Here are
the gauntlets"
Before Mr.. Taft could express his grati-
hcation ne was encased in the PROPER cos
tune and the President had hit him three
DloWs on the head TO see If his armor was
sutncient. The result OF this experiment
seemed satisfactory to Mr.. Roosevelt. who
at once assumed the offensive. MIR. Taft.
his smile somewhat obscured by his mask.
went into defense, and the crash OF the
combat resounded through the house. For
fifteen minutes the bout continued, the
President having the better of il from the
beginning.
'Arnic-," Mr.. Taft started TO say as
they ceased. The President interrupted.
mo" he said mick and the rest of 'em
are all abed. Only you and are up. Now
Wen have a little wrestling How about
best three out OF five falls ehy'
As II by magic. the mattress was spread,
and the President ieaped TO it.
Come on" he shouted. taking Mr.. Taft
by the arm. That gentleman responded by
tripping on the edge Of the mat The
President was prepared for him, got
strangle hold. and in thirty seconds got
first down The next two he won in even
shorter order. Mr. Taft proving singularly
inept at the sport.
Now" said Mr.. Roosevelt, "well do
some club swinging. There's nothing like
It after wrestling. and while we're about It
the servants will let down the rings and
set up the parallel bars"
Mr. Taft is not good club swinger, but
Mr. Roosevelt has a splendid reputation in
this sport. They kept at the work for half
an hour. Then came a turn on the bars,
followed by the rings. Mr. Taft lost his
hold on these. and fell 20 the floor, but ex-
capped serious injury. 1t was now o'clock
and the two athletes went to bed.
At o'clock both were aroused. Mr.
Taft declared that it was really too bad
Mr.. Roosevelt should so Inconvenience
himself just before hard railroad trip,
/ but Mr.. Roosevelt made light OF il.
Anything for you old mani" he said.
Besides, what a day Il is for a walk. 1t
/ has showed all night, and there is at least
a foot Of slush on the ground. Wen do the
Marathon distance before breakfast
The two gentlemen, clad appropriately
/ in flannel shirts, frock coats knickerbock-
ers and baseball shoes, fastened down the
hall leaplng over the banister and out OF
/ a window on the second floor. Away they
] started across the White Lot, recalling as
/ they sped along the bright faces and
merry shouts of the children who play
there at egg cracking ever Easter. The
going was soft and easy. and as each
withdrew his feet from the slush and mud
he laughed gayly at the odd sounds caused
/ nv the iupouring water. The President.
knowing the way perfectly, avoided the
hard spots and succeeded in including sew
eral fences and hedges in the route. At
o'clock the walkers, glowing with health,
their lungs filled with fresh sleet and
snow. were on Pennsylvania avenue,
eamboiling along at a fine pace. Just as
thev were about to turn into the White
House gate a strange sight presepted it.
self
In the driving snow stood tall, beard
ed man. with silk hat patent leather
shoes. and a stern, virtuous look. He
stooped frequently. gathered a double
handful Of snow. rolled It into a compact
mass and threw it at himself. Again, he
would take off his hat, I'LL it with cold
water from the street. and pour It care
fnllv down his spine. emitting low sounds
.as Of satisfaction and enjoyment the
while.
what an odd performance" said the
President.
..raIxing the Kneipp cure, suppose"
said Mr.. Taft
The two stopped and regarded the un-
conscious stranger for moment
"By Godfrey exclaimed the President
1--WE know himr
1t was Governor Hughes. taking his
customary hot bath.