The Washington herald., 1912-02-22
Extensive Plans to Observe
Washington'S Birth
day in City.
TAFT AT MOUNT VERNON
W. Morgan Shuster Will Address
Navy League Banquet
This Evening.

Plans for what is expected to be the
largest celebration of the birthday OF
George Washington ever held in this city
are now complete.
Commencing this morning, with meet
lECs of various associations and church
services, continuing throughout the aft
rrnoOn. when President Taft. as the
guest of the George Washington Ma
sonic Memorial Association, will journey
to Mount Vernon and place a wreath on
the tomb of the first President, until the
last speech shall have been made and
the last diner departed from the many
banquets to be held in the evening. the
day will be one of celebration in mem
Ory of him who was first in war, first
In peace, and first in the hearts Of his
cOuntrymen."
Observance Yesterday.
All the public services in honor of
Washington's Birthday will not be held
to-day, however. The public schools and
the employees of the Government Print
ing Office held their celebrations yester-
day, prominent speakers taking part in
the exercises.
Senator Duncan L. Fletcher, Of Florida,
was the principal speaker at the exer-
Office, more than 1000 employees partici-
pating. Public Printer DonneIIy pre-
sided. The ceremonies were held from
a platform erected on the main stairway
between the sixth and seventh floors.
The singing Of the chorus Of thirty-fiye
voices, under the direction of BENJAMIN
a. Lineback, accompanied by F. X. Shn-
ling on the piano, was the feature of the
programme. washington Beloved"
by de Koven: The Flower OF Freedom.
CMaltitzD; Columbia Beloved" Doni-
zettD, and America CSmith), were the
choTuses sung. Mr.. Shilling played a
riano solo. 'Polonnaise Aiilitare," (Cho-
plnD
More than 5000 school children par
ticipated in exercises at the various
schools in honor of the Father of His
Country" Public speakers detailed the
romantic life of George Washington and
related incidents famed in song and
story in which the first President. was
the leading figure.
One of the most elaborate ceremonies
was held at Normal School No. l. the
seniors presenting several plays, pictur-
Ing incidents in the life Of Washington.
Two scene, Boston Town and The
Man from Virginia" we're presented.
DR.. J. ]. Muir addressed the pupils OF
the Henry School, while j. c. Herring
spoke at the Morse School
Chauncey c. Graham was the speaker
At the Dennison School.
The Presidents Visit.
Recitations and vocal and instrumental
sclos were rendered at an entertainment
at the Fifth Baptist Church, Sixth and
f streets southwest. last night, under
The direction Of the Baraca and PhIla-
thea classes.
President Taft. accompanied by Sena-
tors Martin and Swanson, of Virginia,
and Representative Carlin will leave
Washington at 2:1O this afternoon IN
special car over the electric line for
Mount Vernon, where, for the second
time, he win place a wreath on the
tomb of George Washington President
Taft viii return to Washington aI
O'Clock. The ceremony viii be held
under the direction OF the George WASH
ington Masonic Memorial Association.
officials Of which organization VIII ac-
company the Presidential party on the
trip.
The Senate viii observe the birthday
Of the first President with fitting cere-
monies. Senator Kern Of Indians. has'