Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-18
WOULD KNOW HIS DESIRE
BEFORE PLANS ARE MADE
Feared by Some He Would Also Be
Opposed to Reception.
MILITARY PLANS COMPLETE
Maj. Gen. Wood, Grand Marshal,
Arranges for a Single organi-
>
zation From Each
Branch.

That subcommittee of the inaugural
committee, consisting of Chairman Eus-
tis. Corcoran Thorn, George f. Hamilton
and other chairmen OF important commit.
tees. may call upon President-to-be VII.
son today or tomorrow to learn from him
what his position would be in regard to
any other entertainment given in his
honor the night of Inauguration day, was
a statement this afternoon by members
of the inaugural committee
Chairman Eustis would say nothing in
regard to such visit. He said. however.
that he would reply to Gov. Wilson's let
ter today.
Those who are urging the necessity OF
sending a committee to see the President
to-be point to the fact that when the in
augural committee meets Monday at IL
o'clock in the New Willard Hotel to dis
cuss the inaugural ball situation unless
the committee has further information re-
garding the wishes of the President-to-bs
there will be more or less chaos.
The committee, they say. will be able
to make no plans of entertainment to
take the place of the ball. when tho
President-to-be may be found to be just
as much opposed to a reception in some
building as he was to the ball in the
pension office Every member of the
inaugural committee, II is expected. will
be present. and each man probably will
wish to express his views Of the matter.
No intelligent discussion is possible with
out consultation. either by mail or in per-
son. with the President-to-be. 1t was said.
Will Not Force Entertainment.
There is absolutely no desire on the part
of the committee members to force a ball
or a reception on the President-to-be if
he does not wish such an entertainment
The committeeman feel, however that Gov.
Wilson has not fully realized the i'm.
portance which the evening function OK
the inaugural ceremonials has upon tho
people of the country. and that thousands
of visitors to Washington will be disap-
pointed if this ball or reception Is omitted.
In one quarter 1t was reported here to-
day that Gov. Wilson had thought he was
doing the inaugural committee kindness
when he decided to relieve 1t OF the fnau.
gural ball II this be a fact, members OF
the committee said. it is time that Mr..
Wilson is enlightened upon the actual
situation.
The possibility of holding a public re-
ception at government expense in the
Capitol building does not appear great.
Opposition would be strong against the
use of the Capitol by members of Con-
gress. Also the problem of distributing
tickets, Free to such a function would be
great. And il no tickets were issued
and the public was admitted it is believed
that many disagreeable incidents would
occur.
Percy S. Foster chairman of the music
committee. was in consultation with
Chairman Eustis today with reference to
holding the usual inaugural concerts In
some building other than the pension Of
a rA tn ho1l
reception. The five concerts given last
Inauguration brought in returns amount
ing to about $4,000.
1t was suggested today that the Prez-
dent-to-be might undertake to hold
public reception at the White House the
night of March 4. But how invitations
would be issued and what restrictions
might be placed around such an enter
tainment were not specifled.
To Abide by Wilson's View.
The informal opinion of Chairman Eue-
tis that the committee should do nothing
to urge the ball upon Gov. Wilson since
he expressed objection to it was also the
opinion of Corcoran Thorn, chairman OF
the finance committee. He expressed to q
Star reporter a view which members or
the committee believe will prevail at the
formal meeting of the general COMMITTEES
Monday morning. i'm saying that there ID
nothing to do but to gracefully acqut-
esce i'm Gov. Wilson's wishes. and cheers
fully proceed with the other arrange
ments for the Inauguration.
Nevertheless. one member OF the gem
eral committee today said that at the
meeting Monday there is sure to be Voic-
ed very decided criticism OF the situation
i'm which the inaugural committee has at
a late hour been placed. In inaugural
circles, however there is believed today
to be little likelihood of much public ex.
preston of disappointment or criticisms
Whatever disappointment at the curtails
ing Of the inaugural features may bo
felt it is expected. will be privately ex-
pressed, behind the closed doors or the
committee room.
The letter, made public yesterday. In
which Gov Wilson asked Chairman
Eustis to do away with the ball. III
possible" was not received at inaugural
headquarters until late in the evening.
Following the receipt of the letter, the
following formal statement was made
at inaugural headquarters:
TT is the position Of the chairman
of the inaugural committee that the
wishes of the President-elect should be
respected. His message Will be COM
municated to the committee At their
special meeting called for Monday morn
ing. and then a definite plan OF pro-
cedure will be arrived at and the opinion
of the committee recorded"
Not Opposed to Parade.