Evening star., 1916-06-07

The executive order signed by
President Wilson yesterday having as
sured them a full holiday June IA,
Flag day. thousands of government en-
Moves today started to work with
enthusiasm to arrange for their
participation in the monster prepared
ness parade to be held on that day.
Not until it was definitely known that
the government offices in the Distr1ct
would be closed June IA could the
great army of government workers
consider definite plans for the part
they are to take in the great demon
stration because of the uncertainty or
the situation.
Today in all the government depart
ments and independent government es-
tablishments of the city the prepared
ness parade was the chief topic of
conversation. 1t was clearly manifest
ed that the government employees are
extremely anxious to take part in the
parade planned in the interest of ma
tional preparedness.
One Of the first OF the big business es-
Establishments to make plans to enter the
preparedness parade was S. kann, Sons
& Co. The parade executive committee
received word today that the store would
be closed all day next Wednesday-F'lag
day-and that 500 of the employees of the
firm would march in the parade.
Conferences Are Held.
Department Secretaries were in con-
ference with their chief clerks and
the machinery was put in motion which
will bring about the participation of
thousands of government employees in
the great demonstration. One of the
first things done was to ascertain in a
rough way the approximate number of
employees of each department who
would take part in the parade. Then
plans were considered for the forma-
tion of the several departmental units
and for floats and other features.
While official Washington was at
work considering plans for the par
ticipation of the government employees,
members of the preparedness parade
committee were considering ways of
bringing in more subscriptions to the
fund being raised to defray the neces-
sary expenses in connection with the
proposed demonstration. Although a
number of subscriptions have been re-
ceived, still more are needed.
Expenses Not to Be Large.
1t is pointed out that the expenses in
connection with the parade will, not be
large. The biggest item will be the
roping off of the Avenue so as to in
sure a clear street for the marchers
The police department has the neces-
sary equipment needed to rope off the
Avenue. but it will be necessary for
the committee to hire men who set up
the posts and string the cables. The
District government has no money
available for this purpose. The only
other big item Is for stationery, postage
and clerk hire. The organization of
the various marching units has in
volved a great amount of letter writ
ing, and while the preparedness parade
has endeavored to economiZe at every
turn certain expenses have been abso-
lutely necessary.
Persons who contemplate subscrib-
ing to the fund for the parade are
urged by the committee to do so as
soon as possible in order that an idea
may be obtained of the amount of
money which will be available.
Change in Route Of Parade.
A change in the route of the parade
was announced by the preparedness
parade committee today. Originally 1t
was planned to have the marchers turn
south when reaching the corner OF
18th street and Pennsylvania avenue
and disband at the Monument grounds.
1t has been decided, however, that the
line of march should be longer. and
accordingly the route has been changed
so as to have the marchers pass in
front of the White House. where they
will be reviewed by President Wilson.
and then turn southwark on 18th
street. When B street is reached they
will turn eastward and enter the Mon
ument grounds. AS the marchers pass
along the roadway at the foot of the
slope on the north side of the Monu-
ment they will salute a huge American
flag which is to hang from the top Of
the great marble shaft.
The Presidents reviewing stand is to
be just large enough to accommodate the
chief executive and the members of his
cabinet. The President will lead the
parade from the Peace Monument and
when reviewing stand is reached he will
leave the line and take his position in it,
Members of the cabinet who will march