The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-03-05
INAUGURAL BALL
WAS BRILLIANT
SPECTACLE
PRESIDENT AND MRS. TAFT
AROUND HALL, GREETED BY
SCORES OF WELL.WisHERS-
RoosEvELT's FAREWELL.


Howard Taft occupies the White
House today as president OF the Unit.
ell States after the Inauguration cere.
monies yesterday. which were married
by the fercest snow and sleet storm
in years. The backbone of the bliz-
zard Is broken today and before night
train and telegraph service will be-
come normal. Through the night and
early morning the wind blew a gale.
Theodore Roosevelt. ex-president OF
the United States, was given, an ar
fectionate adieu as he, with Mrs
Roosevelt. left for oyster Bay at $3.50
yesterday afternoon. MIR. Roosevelt
was happy that he had been relieved
% his official cares. He was greatly
moved by the affectionate demonstra.
ton in his honor while waiting for the
train at the station
Good ?bye and good luck 10 you,
were his farewell greetings TO the
thousands who witnessed his depar-
ture. Ii was magnificent spectacle
when the great crowd waved handker-
chiefs in unison and shouted Good
bye, Teddy" Mr.. and Mrs. Roosevelt
occupied a drawing room on the Pull
man car "Clytie.
Mr. Roosevelt. in conversation with
friends. declared that he was glad TO
give up his arduous duties.
My. that was fine inaugural ad'
dress of Mr.. Taft's.' remarked Mr..
Roosevelt TO Senator Root. Mr.. Root
responded: IT was splendid"
The inaugural ball last night repre-
scented "a scene of rare beauty which
quickened every human emotion. The
vast hall in the pension building.
where the ball was held. resembled
dream OF fairyland Fair women, beau
t,fully gowned; men whose names are
known in every corner Of The world.
diplomats in court raiment. statesmen
H. somber attire. and officers OF the
army and navy In their gorgeous uni
forms mingled in the lavishy-decor
ated hall. In the gallery thousands Of
beautiful American girls looked down
upon the scene.
President Taft and Mrs. Taft and
Vice President Sherman made their
way around the great ballroo m.greet-
ca by scores of well-wishers.
The president had delightful ten
minute reception in his room upon his
arrival during which he greeted mum
Der Of his personal friends, including
Ambassador Jusserand. Of France:
L.
aft. his children. and Miss Torrey.
mis- aged aunt. who came from New
England TO attend the inauguration
End on whom. as he met her. he be-
slowed an affectionate kiss i
Both the presidential and vice presi-
dental parties were met at the door
OF the pension building by the ball re-
ception committee, OF which Theodore
W. Moves was chairman and escort
ed to their respective rooms, Mr.. ana
Mrs Sherman arriving shortly before
. clock and the president and Mrs.
Taft half an hour later. There was
ii cordial and hearty greeting 10 the
distinguished guests by the vast as
.emblage whenever they appeared,
and they were kept busy In acknowl-
edging the applause OF the multitude
and salutations of friends.
A chance gaze upward as the prom
enade was about to conclude brough'
The president face to face with his
children who had taken seats In bis
box and there was a keen MANIFESTO
ton OF pleasure and affection In his
salutations.
Ten Thousand Attend Ball.
Music was furnished by the Marine
band and by Minister'S orchestra, the
former varying its promenade selec-
ton of Hail TO the Chief" with the
Star Spangled Banner" The com
POSITIONS were especially effective AMI
were sweeteped 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,
corservatively estimated at 10000.
President and Mrs. Taft went to the
supper in the presidents room short
" after 10 o'clock, followed by the
ice president and Mrs. Sherman. By
This time the hall was SO crowded
that only small space at one end
could be kept clear for dancing.
Those who could find room took
positions in the gallery to- watch the
vast assemblage on the floor, where
people OF every walk of life rubbed
elbows and made their way about the
hall as best they could.
with the approach of midnight
there was n slightly perceptible di.
minution I'm the number OF couples Oh
the floor and from this hour on the
crush was gradually relieved. Vita
the arrival of IL o'clock the disciples
OF Terpshhore found better oppor-
tunity for dancing and the entire floor
was soon filled with a moving mass
that presented a brilliancy OF color
and gaiety seldom equaled.
Although a part OF the gallery near
the presidents box had been reserved
for the distinguished guests, diplo-
mats and other officials mingled with
them on the floor.
Taft Dodges Speech.
The president and Mrs Taft and the
vice president and Mrs. Sherman re-
turned from the supper 10 their box
a. 1880 o'clock
The presidents party left the pen
SIGN building shortly before midnight.
returning to the White House as they
had come, In new automobile
Those who occupied the presidents
box were President Taft's three broth
ere and the women OF their families:
Vice President and Mrs. sherman.
Goa. Harmon. OF Ohio. and Senator
O'Connell Bradley. OF Kentucky.
Vice President and Mrs. Sherman
remained for short time after the
president had left. President Taft
~t.o. ooeat.I