Omaha daily bee., 1909-03-06
BALLSCENE OF RARE BEAUTY
Vast Hall of Pension Building Like
Dream of Fairyland.
MRS. TAFT'S GOWN A TRIUMPH
Mrs. sherman and Women OF Cabinet
and Congressional Circles Vie
with wives Of Ambassadors
In Dressy s~pIendor.
MRS. TAFT's GOWN A TRIUMPH

WASHINGTON, March Magnificent
in it's splendur ana presenting "a scene Oh
rare beauty. which qu~ickened every human
emotion. the inaugural ball tonight wal
the climax Of a day OF triunphs for VIII
liam H. Taft. In the vast hail OF the
Pension building. resembling a dream OF
fairyiand mingled fair women. beautifully
gowned and from every cline. men whose
names are known in every corner of the
world, diplomats in court raiment states
men in sombre attire; officers Of the army
and navy in their gorgeous uniforms and
ordinary American citizens. whose presence
testified to the democracy Of the affair.
In the gallery which extended about the
four sides Of the bali room, thousands of
beautiful American girls looked down upon
the awe inspiring scene.
President Taft appeared particularly light
hearted and unmindful " serious things as
with Mrs. Taft and vice-President and Mrs.
Sherman they made their promenade
around the great bail room. where on every
side they were lanked BY members Of the
reception committee, Of which Gist Blair
was chairman and Thomas F. Walsh vice
chairman, the two latter and the military
and naval aides at the White house form
ing the escort.
AhpaAS
The president had a delightful ten-min-
ute reception in his room following his
arrival, during which he greeted a num-
Der Of his personal friends. including Am
bassador Jesserand Of France, Robert,
Master Charlie and Miss Helen Taft, his
children, and Miss Torrey, the presidents
aged aunt, who came from New England
to attend the Inauguration and on whom
as ha mat har rhn nrag{aanr haufnornH an
affectionate kiss. Both the presidential
and vice presidential parties were met at
the door Of the pension building by the
ball reception committee, Of which Theo-
dore ". Noyes was chairman, and escort
ed to their respective rooms. Mr.. and Mrs.
Sherman arriving shortly before Q o'clock
and the president and Mrs. Taft half an
hour later. There was a cordial and
hearty greeting to the distinguished guests
by the vast assemblage whenever they
appeared, and they were kept busy in ac-
knowledging the applause Of the multi
tude and the saIurations of friends. A
chance gaze upward as the promenade
was about to conclude brought the presi-
dent face to face with his children, who
had taken seats in his box. and there was
a keen manifestation Of pleasure and at
lection in his salutation.
Music by Marine Band.
Music was furnished by the Marine
band and by Minister'S orchestra, the for
mer varying its promenade selection Of
Hail to the CHIEF with the star
Spangled Banner. The compositions were
especially effective and were sweetened
and mellowed by the acoustics Of the
court. Dancing was INDUCED In as the
hours progressed. but this was impossible
earlier in the evening because of the
dense crowd, which was conservauvely
estimated at 1000.
President and Mrs. Taft went TO supper
in the presidents room shortly after 10
o'clock, followed by the vice president
and Mrs. sherman. BY this time the hail
was so crowded that only a small space
at one end could be kept clear for dan
cling.
Those who could find room took positions
in the gallery to watch the vast assem-
hlage on the floor, where people Of every
walk of life rubbed elbows and made their
way about the hall as best they could.