Evening star., 1912-12-01
WEEK OF FESTMTY
Proposed Extension of the
Inauguration Ceremonies.
MANY FEATURES PLANNED
Suggestions by William Knowles
Cooper Of Y. M. c. A. to Com
mittee of Arrangements.

Calling attention to the fact that the
beauties, resources and traditions of the
National Capital belong to the whole
country, William knowles Cooper. gen.
eral secretary of the Washington
Young Mems Christian Association, has
written to the committee in charge of
the plans for an inauguration week.
suggesting that these assets of local
and national character be commemorized
in connection with any prolongatiOn of
the inaugural exercises.
Chairman Cans of the committee last
night stated that if the inauguration
should be held in April, in accordance
with the wishes of President-to-be
Wilson, plans for a week of festivities
at the later date would be considered.
On the assumption that the customary
inaugural ceremonies will occur Tues
day. March 4, Mr.. Cooper has suggested
that the five days succeeding that date
be utilized for the purpose of national
celebration. He proposes that Wednes-
day. March 5. be designated as
National Arts day. Thursday as National
Resources day. Friday as National De-
fense day. Saturday as National Fra
ternities and Recreation day and Sun
day as national day of worship.
Seeks Cooperation.
Not only has Mr. Cooper written to the
joint publicity committee of the Chamber
of Commerce and Retail Merchants AS
sociation, which. under the chairmanship
of Isaac Cans. is arranging for ''inaugu-
ration week." but he also has brought
the desirability of arranging for such a
celebration as he proposes to the atten-
ton of District Commissioner Rudolph,
Capt. James F. Oyster. president OF the
Chamber of Commerce. and Edward f.
Droop, president of the Board OF Trade.
Plans for national arts day should
provide for a featuring of the museums,
libraries and art collections OF the city,
Mr.. Cooper point out. Cooperation with
the theaters should be sought, SO that
the dramatic art may be displayed at it's
best while singing societies. he suggests,
should be asked to arrange concerts for
each evening.
Mr. Cooper's plans for a national re-
sources day contemplates the bringing in
by the government departments of their
experts and exhibits to show the agri-
cultural, mineral and industrial wealth
of the nation and the relation of the fed
eral government thereto.
For national defense day it is suggested
that there be displays of relics at every
convenient army post. at the navy yard,
at the State. War and Navy building and
historic spots in and around Washing
ton, with such other features as may be
found feasible for illustrating the ma
tional defense.
Saturday. March 8. is the day proposed
for national fraternities and recreations
day. The morning should be given over.
it is proposed. to gatherings of fraternal
societies, lodges. etc. while the after
noon Mr.. Cooper believes, should be given
over to the Fairgrounds. athletic associa-
tions. clubs, etc. for the promotion Of
contests. In the evening a display under
the auspices of organized labor. with a
city illumination and torchlight process
sion, is proposed.
Features of Sunday Observance.
A parade of children, representing all
churches and denominations, is one Of
the features of the Sunday observance as
outlined by Mr.. Cooper. The parade, it
is suggested, should pass in review at the
Capitol plaza before the President, the
Vice President and the members of the
cabinet.
cit may be found advisable to pro-
vide for one or more of these events to
occur before the inauguration" states
Mr.. Cooper. in his letter to Chairman
Cans. but 1t would seem to me to be de-
sirable to have have them follow that
event. I think it will be found that
thousands of visitors who intend to come
to washington Ioi the inaugural ceIe-
monies would enjoy remaining for the
larger celebration here suggested
Mr.. Cans stated last night that he would
call a meeting of his committee just as
soon as the chairman of the inaugural
committee had been announced. He said
he has received large number of let
ters from residents of Washington indors-
ing the plan for an inauguration week."
and active work Of arranging for the
celebration probably will be commenced
within a week or ten days.