Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-29
AWAITING PERMIT
FOR USE OF SPACES
Inaugural Committee Wants
Authority From Congress to
Erect Observation Stands.
ACTIVITY OF THE CHAIRMAN

The attention of inaugural commit
tee officials was devoted today to work
ing for the passage by Congress OF
legislation which is necessary before
they can proceed with plans for the
ceremonies attending the inaugura
ton. Until Congress passes the bill
granting the use of public spaces, such
as sidewalks and parking. for the
erection of stands. the inaugural COM
mittee will be delayed in part of its
work
Chairman Harper was in conference
today with the chairmen of the COM
mittees on public buildings and grounds
of both houses and is doing every
thing in his power to expedite the de-
sired legislation. The committee on
appropriations of the House is anxious
to have permission granted by Con-
gresS for the use of public spaces be-
fore it urges the passage of the bill
carrying an appropriation of $4,000
to defray the expenses of the official
part of the inauguration.
Committee Members Confident.
|. The inaugural committee members
feel confident that this legislation Will
be enacted, for. they say. Congress all
ways has followed this course at pre-
yious inaugurations. Pressure of other
business. however, has delayed the
preparation of the two bills and their
consideration by the proper committees.
Everything has received official 70 h.
from the superintendent of public build
ings and grounds and the Secretary of
War, and Chairman Harper hopes that
within a few days both bills viii be
passed.
Chairman Harper has gone as far a
possible in making arrangements for
the erection of the court of honor
stands but some hesitancy is felt in
proceeding too far until permission
to use the parking and sidewalk spaces
is granted.
Mr. Harper often goes to the War De-
partment to arrange details IN con
nection with the inaugural parade, AMI
at such times never overlooks an OPP
portunity to advocate the return of the
District troops from the border in time
to participate in the PROCESSION March
5. Mr.. Harper still feels tlat the DIS
trict soldiers will be "out of the gumpo
trenches" in time to march up Pennsyl-
yania avenue with the thousands OIL
other soldiers and civilians.
Expect Quick Sales of Tickets.
Inaugural committee officials feel
sure that as soon as tickets are put on
sale for the seats in the stands to be
erected in front of the White House no
difficulty will be experienced in selling
them. Scores of telephone messages
and written communications are beine
received at inaugural headquarters
daily from persons who wish to buy
tickets They are told that charts
showing the seating arrangements now
are being prepared, and that Withln
few days the tickets will be on sale
INQUIRIES are also being received
concerning seats in the stands along
Pennsylvania avenue. These STANDS
are to be erected by private maj
yiduals however, and the inaugural
committee will have nothing to DO win
the sale of tickets there. Chairman
Harper expects to be able to announce
the award of the concessions for the
Avenue stands within a few days.
A meeting of the inaugural commit
tee is to be held in the red parior OF
the New Willard Hotel at IL o'clock
Wednesday morning, and full at
tendance of members is being urged,
as a number of matters of great I'M
portance will be considered
Parade to Disband at 10th Street.
Nineteenth street west has been desis-
mated officially as the point of disband-
ment of the organizations taking part IN
the coming inaugural parade, instead OF
Goth street, ais originally decided upon
The change was made by Gen. Scott chief
marshal of the parade. and his adJutant
Cen. pevol with the full approval of Col
Harper Action was based on the view
that 18th street offers better facilities
than 10th street for the movement of the
troops and other marchers away from the
line of march on Pennsylvania avenue
north to X street and south to F street
thence back to their quarters Arrange
ments for street telephone stations and
first-aid stations for use in connection
with the inaugural pageant are being
made on the basis that the procession will
form at the Capitol and march up Penn
sylvania avenue to 18th street and there
disband.