The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1913-01-17

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Slight, but nevertheless discernible,
indications that he was not enthu-
siastic about the bali. The persons
who have subscribed gave with the
idea and reasonable expectation 1t
would be returned. Yet there Is no
way in sight of raising this money
easily. All suggestions have some
Inherently grave difficulties
CAPT. JAMES F. OYSTER. of the
auditing committee, inaugural commit
tee:
Mr. wilson's views settle il as far
as the ball is concerned. No one, l
think will dispute this, but neverthe-
less a promenade concert might be
held which would raise the necessary
money. OF course the problem arises
of where TO hold such promenade
concert. The news is not so surpris-
ing, but it is most disappointing.
Vie wof Mr.. Woodward.
s. W. WOODWARD. of the firm OF
Woodward & Lothrop:
The proposition to do away with
the inaugural ball will not meet
with favor among Westinghouse.
i think we need the profits from the
ball to help pay expenses. The bail
and the other financial-and I think
1t ought to be held.
ISAAC CANS, of the committee on
fireworks:
/ am extremely sorry that Mr.. Will
son has asked that the ball be abol-
ished. Coming so late in the work
of preparation for the inaugural fes-
tivities, 1t did not give us time to
make other arrangements. 1t came
at a most inopportune time, and I
don't see how his request can be
looked upon with favor.
n. A. MERRITT, Washington Post
Iaster:
While 1 have not given deep
thought to the problem of the inau-
gural ball, ] am confident that the
incoming officials and the inaugural
committee will solve the difficulty
in q manner that will be satisfac-
tory to all those who are SO deeply
concerned In this tradition of past
tnaugl rations.
d. J. CALLAHAN, president-elect of
The Chamber of Commerce:
AS a member of the ball commit
tee my position is very delicate, and
] would prefer not to be quoted on
the matter until a meeting to con-
slider the situation presented by
Governor Wilson's action has been
called and the matter thrashed out
by the members.
CHARLES A. DOUGLAS, member Of
the reviewing stand committee:
gard 10 Governor Wilson's letter. I
haven't any opinion on the matter
at all.
Action a Hard Blow.
JULIUS LANSBURGH, of Lansburgh
Brothers:
Governor Wilson's action is
hard blow to the business interests
of Washington. The milliners and
all those dealing in women's apparel
will be pretty hard hit. II will cut
down the attendance at the inaugu-
ration and will make II the poorest
ceremony Of the sort We have had in
many years.
/ know Of my own knowledge
that many business men who sub
scribed hundreds Of dollars Cor the
inaugural fund would not have sub
scribed ten II they had known the
ball was to have been omitted. This
morning ! have Cancelled a large
order for seats for the inaugural
parade because / fear the attendance
is TO be very small. compared with
former years.
JOSEPH STRASBURGER. OF the
Family Shoe Store. 80 Seventh street:
This move will prove a great dis
appointment to business interests.
We have been planning on the ball
for months. and the least Governor
Wilson could have done would be to
have made known his intention
sooner. l think II is deplorable.
Thinks Move Hasty.
E. c. GRAHAM, manager OF the Ma
tional Electrical Supply Company:
The President-elect has acted
hastily, in my opinion. l do not
think he is familiar with the situa-
ton. The inaugural ball is not a
ball in the commonly accepted sense
of the word: IL is the reception
given in honor Of the incoming Presi-
dent by the people of Washington.
and. in fact, By the people of the
nation.
II is the same in principle as the
dinner given by the Chamber Of COM
merce and the Board OF Trade to
President Taft It should not be
the place for extreme social display
or for the accumulation OF social
prestige. The action Of Governor
Wilson will decrease the attendance
beyond doubt. and fl will cool the
enthusiasm of all the citizens of
Washington, as well as of the in
augUral committees.
"A. LISNER. OF the Palais Royal:
~ am disappointed"
Disappointed Greatly.