The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-30
Inaugural Ball Disappointing

49, oAAu one oF Two olnef We'll deuneu Is
sues, on which the President-eleet views
are well known.
Inaugural Ball Disappointing
Ihe President-eleet has already greatly
disappointed the people of Washington
The inaugural committee is up in the air.
lals opposition to the inaugural ball was
the first blow to fail upon the committee,
for the Inaugural ball was one of the
sreatest sources OF revenue. and those
who subscribed to the inaugural fund are
considerably chagrined over the fact that
it is to be abrogated. For many years 1t
has been such a money maker that X
was almost possible. it is said, to reim-
burse subscribers in full, and they would
thus get credit for public spirit by sub
scribing, anu establish themselves in IA
very favorable light with the Incoming ad
rfnistration. and then by getting a re-
fund from the proceeds of the inaugural
ball in the end not be out very much
cash. Naturally. after having subscribed.
to have the inaugural ball ..scratched. -
very annoying.
But this is not all. The Presidents elect
has established some other precedents. or
has indicated that he will do So that ars
rot altogether pleasing to the Washing
tonians. Mr.. Wilson has intimated that
he is not very strong for receptions. and
the average Washington citizen glories In
receptions, especially at the White House
Mr.. Wilson has demonstrated that he will
Lot necessarily follow any of the beaten
PATHS of his predecessors He established
precedent by turning down an invi-
tation from President Taft to the White
House. He established a precedent by re-
ouesting that the inaugural ball be eliml-
mated, and that the ceremonies be as SIM
pie and democratic as possible. Just how
many precedents he is going to estab
lish is what is worrying a great many
leople. His course so far is evidence
mat II is sort of an off day with him
When he does not establish one.
Republicans Predict Splits
The republican papers are making capt.
tai out of the fact that Mr.. Wilson has
not been more communicative and conf
Dental In his talks with the democratic
statesmen. They are predicting all kinds
of splits and disturbances after March l.
because they allege that the democratic
senators and leaders are beginning TO
feel resentment that they are not more
~ TIC tonliutiCt Ol liit f1tAt occupant
the White House. This, however, is not
strictly true. The leaders in Washington
express the greatest confidence in Mr.
Wilson and declare that his course is not
at all unnatural or unusual. While his
az ton in requesting the elimination of
the inaugural ball disappointed MAN,
people in Washington. 1t met the entire
approval of the democrats in Congress-
They declare that they accept absolutely
Mr.. Wilson's statement that he has not
made up his mind as to the personnel of
lis cabinet, and agree with him that he
should exercise the greatest care and
take all the time at his disposal in the
review of the cabinet timber which is
available. 1t is pointed out by the lead
ers. to those who are disposed to be inn
patient, that Mr.. Wilson has consulted
with great freedom both Speaker Clark
and Mr.. Underwood regarding the most
important legislation which will demand
the immediate attention of the adminis-
tiation after it comes into power.
Question of Patronage
Probably the greatest source for worry
and the greatest cause for the feeling of
uncertainty which is getting a hold on
the rank and file in Congress is the one
great question of patronage. The Presi-
dcnt-elect has indicated that "spoils' 10
no appeal to him. and that he is not go-
ing to be disposed to enter into an inds-
cr.minate policy of turning the rascals
CUT simply for the sake of giving some-
lody job. This, of course. is all right
and is accepted a perfectly proper
sentiment. and no one could criticise it..
hut the point that leaves the element of
uncertainty in this statement is just to
what extent the President will carry this
sentiment.
A great many democrats in Congress,
who believe firmly in civil service, and are
always ready to defend it, do not believe
that President Taft's order placing some
40 600 fourth class postmasters in the