The Washington herald., 1909-03-05

The elimination OF the inaugural oere-
monies was the inaugural ball, held at
the Pension Office Building. II win always
be held remarkable. in that it was the
first official function attended By Presi-
dent Taft
t was conceded on al sides that this
was the Drettiest ballroom yet. and in
deed it was the prettiest ball. IN point
Of beautiful gowns and women. as wen
as decorations.
The President and Mrs Taft did not
arrive in their box until close 10 9.3a. and
il was vast. expectant, distinguished
gathering which greeted them The Ma
rine Band played Justify the Star
Spangled Banner" 70 announce the ap-
proach OF the new Chief Executive and
his party. and the applause and cheer
ing were long and loud when President
and Mrs Taft appeared IN the ballroom,
fanked on either side by Mr. F. J. SteH-
wsgeu, chairman Of the inaugural com
mittee and Mr.. Theodore Moves. respec-
tiveIy. followed by the Vice President
and Mrs. Sherman.
Ropes of Ribbon
They made a trip down an aisle formed
BY ribbon ropes, and around the flower
decked fountain. smiling and bowing q
friends both ola and new. all along tie
route, which was weH picketed with mem
bers Of the committee
The aisle was made down the center .of
tAe ballroom. from the west entrance.
Just around the fountain. and th= pa-r-
returned 20 the stairway by the same
aisle. amid continuous cheering and an
plause from men, women. and children
alike
Ascending the stairs the party went Al
once into The private room in the south
west co7-sr Of the building. which had
been sct aside and Srec.ally decorated for
the lresidelt and Mrs Taft
Held n Reception.
Here the President and Vice President.
and their wives. held a reception for Tire
guests specially invited to the private gal
leries-
after this reception. they again aD-
peared 10 the auxiOusly awaiting throue.
in the Presidents beautifully decorated
box Their appearance was again the
signal for enthusiastic cheers and ap-
plause Mrs. Taft taking her place first
in the front OF the oox. followed by
Mrs. Sherman. then Mr.. Taft and then
Mr. Sherman, each individual receiving
aa ovation.
3Ir. Taft was urged by those about him.
the aids AZ the White House and tha
ladies' Of Tire party and finally took his
seat in the high-backed. throne-lIke chair.
sent over from New York, especially for
the occasion. by Afr- 2. r Caldwell
Filled the Chair.
It was Sc high that when the ponderous
iglre Of NJ Taft got in it. and. by the
way completely flied IL his feet were
some inches from the floor. and he landed
in the chair with a jerk. which produced
q aearty laugh all over the haH
The President then swung his feet.
which produced more hearty laughter.
The admirlng throng stood as close as
possible 10 the box. and AT every move.
which was frequent. they save fresa
Outburst. Al four Of the prominent fig
ures IN this pretty. scene Ereeted MANY
friends cordially from their elevated posf-
ti0Bs smiling and waving their hands
on all sides
The scene IN this box was a beautiful
one The other distinguished occupants
assembled there earlier in the evening.
Miss Helen Taft being among the first
10 enter. with her elderly crcat-aunt.
Miss Della Torrey. sister Of the PreSi-
dents mother. who was a conspicuous
figure in her rich black velvet gown.
with bertha and festool OF rose point.
and her snowy ha5r
Miss Helen Taft and her brothers. Rob
ert and Charles. came in for thei~ share
of attention in the box. Miss Taft pre-
senting an attractive picture IN hcr SIM
pie. yet graceful and CirIish gown ~
white with a bouquet of lilies Of the
valley and red roses and her sweet
though serious face. M7ster Charles was
a quiet and very interested little figure IL
a corner OF the box
New Cabinet Circle.
All around and about them. on the
sides and at the back. where the members
OF the new Cabinet circle. who were in
their places az the back Of the chairs y
the Presidents party when they entered.
The floor of the box Was SO arranged that
those at the back were all higher than
those in the front yow Il MADE q veri-
table picture. the front row when seated
being Mrs Sherman at the south end IF
the box. the Vice President next. the
President next to him. and in the midi
Gle with AIRS Taft on his left. and Miss
Torrcy occupying tie large chair in tiia
northern end of the box her black VEL
vet gown and white hair standing out
prominently against the background e
rambler vines with their rich red roses.
which crept up az tire sides Of the box.
The party remained thus Toy fully hsIs
an hour. The party then LEFT the box
for supper. which WAS served in a room
at the back Of the box and 20 the north
of it. opposite the reception room OF the
President.
Here they fingered for some time.
but the throng patiently waited Those
who had the inclination. and could fnd
the space, danced.
1t was quite 1l.39 when the President
and his party returned 70 the box. where
they received even a warmer welcome
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