The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1909-03-10
WILLIAM H. TAFT
NOW PRESIDENT
A Terrific Snow Storm
Mars the Day.
CEREMONY WAS VERY SIMPLE
Event Was One of the Most
Imposing Inaugurals In
Nations History.

Washington. March 4.-ln the sen
ate chamber, which seldom before ha'
witnessed 90 impressive q ceremony Of
held a more brilliant audience; In the
presence Of high dignitaries OF State
and nation and the Ambassadors and
the representatives Of every country
Of the civilized world. William II
Taft, shortly before 1 o'clock to-day
took oath Of office as President OF the
United States.
A binding snovstorm, which swept
In upon Washington late last night an
continued throughout the forenoon
caused an abandonment Of the outdoor
ceremony at the Capitol which here
tofore has marked the Inauguration Of
many Presidents Of the United States.
a source Of isappointment to thous-
ans OF persons who gathered in the
ands Of persons who Gathered in the
deep snowdrifts and slush Of the Capt.
tol plaza In the hope Of witnessing the
taking Of oath by the lew President.
Mr. Taft was extremely anxious that
the original plans should be adhered
to, but after be had arrived at the Cap
itol he gave consent because Of the
danger the exposure to the elements
would have entailed upon the vener-
able Chief Justice Fuller, Of the Su-
preme Court Of the United States. and
the elder members Of the Senate and
diplomatic corps.
Mr.. Taft's Inauguration Immediately
followed that Of Vice President James
S. Sherman, which was carried out
IN accordance with the original pro-
gramme. The distinguished company,
which gathered in the Senate to wit
ness the Inauguration Of the Vice
President and which afterward was to
have been escorted TO the immense in
augural stand On the east front Of the
Capitol simply remained in their
places in the chamber to view the
more impressive ceremonies attending
the induction into office Of the new
Chief Executive Of the nation.
President Roosevelt, arm in arm with
President-elect Taft, entered the
crowded Senate chamber shortly after
y o'clock. The appearance Of these
two chief figures in the days events
was a signal for a spontaneous out
break Of applause on the floor and Of
cheers in the galleries.
Speaker Cannon, entering the Sem
ate chamber at the lead Of the House
Of Representatives, took a place on the
presiding officers bench by the side
Of Vice President Fairbanks. Prior
TO the entry VI the members of the
House and the distinguished invited
guests the Senate had adopted a reso-
luton Of thanks to Mr.. Fairbanks, VIII
replied with farewell address.
He then administered to Mr.. Sher-
man the brief oath OF office prescribed
by the constitution, and turned over to
him the presiding officers gayel. Vice
President Sherman made only a brief
inaugural address, and then raped
the chamber to order for the
further business of lnaugurating the
new President Of the United States.
Mr.. Taft's Induction into office was
the same simple ceremony devised in
the early days. He swore 20 uphold
and defend the Constitution, to enforce
all laws and TO protect the Republic
against all enemies both foreign and
domestic The oath was administered
by Chief Justice Fuller, who was Off
ciating at such a ceremony for the
last time in his notable career as the
chief presiding officer of the countrys
highest court
President Roosevelt, who became
again a private citizen Of the United
States, when Presideu Taft had kissed
the Bible in consumation of his oath,
was quick to congratulate his success
sor in office, being second to the Chief
Justice in exercising that privilege.