The Washington times., 1913-03-04

a precedent practically unbroken ex-
cept by President Roosevelt four years
ago, when the latter went directly from
the Capitol to his train at the Union
Station.
Leave Taking Was Brief.
Leave-taking of President Wilson by
Mr.. Taft was brief, but cordial. The
late President stepped within the White
House for only few minutes. He did
not remain for the luncheon to the new
Administration, including the Demo-
cratic national committee, the officers
of the inaugural committees and rela-
tives and personal friends of Mr.. VIII
son.
Mr.. Taft took what was probably
his last ride in White House automo-
bile, when he went to the Boardman
home to join Mrs. Taft. There a
luncheon was served by Mr.. and Mrs.
w. ]. Boardman and Miss Mabel
Boardman. Many friends of the out
going President were invited; Hun
the Boardman home. A military escort
was provided for the former President
for the ride to the station. There he
passed through the Presidential wait
ing room and hurried to the train shed,
boarding a private car
Crowds outside the Boardman home
and in the Union Station plaza gave
the former President a farewell.
Augusta, Ga, Is the destination Of
the Tafts. They plan to remain there
New Haven, Conn. where Mr.. Taft
will take up his duties as a professor
in the Yale University law school. The
President said today he proposed to get
a good rest. by playing golf daily and
At New Haven, the Tafts will stop
temporarily at the Taft Hotel. They
will spend the summer in the North,
and furnish their own home this winter
at New Haven.
Cleared of Belongings.
All personal belongings Of the Tafts
were cleared today from the White
House. Several wagonloads of trunks,
suit cases, and other effects were taken
to the train early this morning. Ex-
cept a few private letter files in the
Executive offices there was little to re-
mind the Wilson's of the late occupants
of the White House.
For weeks vans have been hauling
books. furniture. and other effects OF
the Tafts from the White House. Most
Of this property, including thousands Of
presents given them during the last
four years, are in storage here.
1t was a spick and span White House
that the Wilson's took possession of to-
day. Every inch had been cleaned and
secured. The whole historic mansion
Glistened in pristine purity.
A large life-size oil painting Of him.
self was left in the White House by
Mr.. Taft, following an ancient prece-
dent.
An enlarged" mansion also awaited
the Wilson's. The third floor, or attic.
has been remodeled. because of the
larger family of the new President. The
roof will be raised later and a dozen
more bedrooms provided.
At the White House offices the corps
of employees. from the policemen at the
door to Chief Executive Clerk Rudolph
Forster, had desks cleared for Presi-
dent Wilson and Secretary Tumulty.
Included were sheafs of commissions in
blank, awaiting the first nominations
the new Cabinet. The Presidents pri-
vate office was a floral bower. Hun
dreds of friends and admirers sent bou-
quets. The outer offices were also
crammed with flowers, mostly present.
ed by officials and friends. The White
House conservatories were drawn upon
for decoration of the mansion.