The Washington herald., 1913-03-05
TAFT BIDS CITY
STFAREWELL
Former Executive Spends a
Brief Time with Wilson's,
Leaving for Union Station.
GUEST OF AUGUSTA
"Good-by, and Don't Forget Me" ,"
Says He as the Train
Pulls Out.

William Howard Taft rode east through
Washington twice yesterday He wen;
on his first journey as President of the
United States TO his room at the Capitol
to sign bills and transact other official
business. The second time he was q
private citizen hurrying to Join his wife
at the Union Station for the first time
in twenty-eight years bearing no official
responsibility. He left for Augusta, Ga.
at $40 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Mr.. Taft was at work in his study
until 2 o'clock yesterday morning. He
summoned his valet at s O'Clock and at
$50 partook OF a hearty breakfast OF
fruit. toast and eggs.
At o'clock President Taft went to his
study for his last White House grind -
Here he signed a number of bills. exc
cutive orders and commissions. The only
important bill acted upon was the De-
pertinent of Labor bill. which he APP
proved As a last act OF kindness ne
autographed every photograph which had
been sent him with a request for his
signature He did not go over to the
executive offices. hut had Secretary
Hflles and Executive Clerk Rudolph
Foster with him in his study.
Mr. Taft left his study Il short time
before Mr.. Wilson's arrival in order to
greet members of the Cabinet. who had
Capitol that he might consult with them
over the bills to be submitted TO him
there.
At 30 Mrs. Taft left for the home Of
her sister Mrs Laughlin. She did not
go to the Capitol 10 witness the cere-
monies but waited at her sisters home
until train time.
At . 30 Mr.. Taft returned to the White
HOus. with President Wilson for lun-
-, live Ia,
their private dining room. He had been
a. the White House only eighteen min
Utcs when he bade the Wilson's goOdby.
To escape crossing PENNSYLVANIA Ave-
nue.. where the parade already was in
progress. Mr.. Taft drove through the
Department of Agriculture grounds and
around the Capitol His plan in doing
this was changed at the last minute. Mrs.
Taft had awaited him at Mrs. Laugnlin's :
Station together She was notified hy
telephone that T." cX-Pr"sident would
Join her 1T the station.
At the station the Tafts used the Presi-
dents privat" entrance. Members of the
former Cabinet. their wives and 4 num-
Der of friends awaited them there.
Mr. Taft was perspirinE. but smiling
gallantly He chatted splrItedly with
those who went with his party to their
private car. To all of his friends he said ::
'Good-hv and don't forget me.
As he stepped aboard the car. Mr.. TAFT
said: Il am about to join the pedestrian
class" He remained on the rear plat
form as the train pulled away. waving
his hat at his friends II was a Cood-nv
party, and was notable for Its cheerful
ness
Besides Mrs. Taft and Miss Taft. Miss
Laughlin. Secretary and Mrs. Iiillrs ac-
the cX-Prcsident to Augusta
On another special car. next My. Taft :.
there was a delegation OF citizens OF
who had hccn sent here to ac-
him southward.
The Tafts Will remain at Augusta three
weeks as guests "f the city. Th"n tn..,
will 90 to New Haven. where the ex-
President Will take up his duties as a
professor Of law