Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20
The People and the Inauguration.

II Is probably Impossible wholly to dis
abuse the minds of some people Of the
idea that the demand for more clement
season for inauguration day is exclusive
~ local in its character and is Inspired
by the desire of the hotelkeepers OF
Washington and a few other interests
here in the capital to profit more largely
from the assemblage of crowds. Every
time the subject is preached and dis
cussed this idea is advanced. If certain
newspapers are to be believed there is
no genuine national interest in the inau-
gural ceremonies; the whole thing is an
artificial affair. arranged by and for the
exclusive benefit of small group OF
Washingtonians.
Proof to the contrary is supplied by the
fact that despite the retention of the
dangerous March date for the ceremony
representatives Of the American people
pour into Washington by the hundreds of
thousand every four years to see and to
take part In the ceremonies incidental to
the swearing in of the President. They
come not because Washington hotelkeep
ers want them, or invite them, or because
of any alluring program of elaborate en-
tertainment, but because they desire to be
In Washington on the occasion of the
transfer OF authority from one admins
tration to another. They come despite
the menace of cold and snow. of suffer
ing and even of possible illness. They
come in the face of the most lettering
potential conditions widely advertised
and quadrennially urged as a reason for
the proposed change.
If the inauguration SHOW were only
a scheme of the people OF Washington to
allure a multitude of money spenders II
would have failed dismally long ago. 1t
has become a national institution because
the people demand it, because they wish
to feel themselves part OF the organiza-
ton. 1t has grown greater each four
years In point of attendance despite the
heavy handicap of weather possibilities.
The proposal to change the date Is in the
interest of those who will continue to
come regardless of the chances of suffer
ing to insure them at least safe, if mol
wholly agreeable. day for the great out
door celebration which the people ex-
pect.
The Guernsey bill, disapproved by the
Commissioners the other day, does not
even halfway solve the problem. 1t pro-
vides nothing but the possibility Of holding
mere in Washington a local ceremony,
long after the fact. to dignity the trans
fer of the Office from one President t.
another.
If Congress thinks that tho American
people do not desire to attend the inau-
gural ceremony and do not care to
nave the presidential induction take place
in the open, with accompaniment OF dig
llihed celebration and impressive cere-
mony, IL has but to declare unequavocaily
N advance that 1t Will provide no money
Tor any part of the inaugural program.
II will give the people lair notice that
the custom of a ceremonial inauguration
is TO be abandoned. 1t will notlty the
people of the District that they Will not
oe called upon TO provide entertainment.
Tor a great most OF visitors. If it does
tn!s in season ii viii have an opportunity
10 hear from home, and uniess all Signs
are false IL will hear In no uncertain
tones to the effect that the country oe-
manoS an inauguration of the traditional
style, and, moreover. that it demands d
cnange of the oale. So that the people
can come 10 the capitai to participate liz
the ceremony without risking their lives.