The Washington times., 1917-01-09
Believed Funston Will Order D.
C.. Troops Home for March
5If He Desires 1t.
INAUGURAL BODIES BUSY
Fireworks Committee Makes
Tentative Program for
Displays.

it's up to Secretary of War Baker
and General Scott, chief of staff.
whether or not the District National
Guard will be ordered home in time
to take part in the inaugural parade
and attendant ceremonies.
Mr.. Baker, following a recent con-
ference with Col. Robert N. Harper,
chairman of the inaugural committee,
explained that the MATTER of with
drawing the Washington militiamen
= from the border has been left entirely
in General Funston's hands.
The Times today, from its represen-
tative with the guardsmen now at
San Antonio, learned that officials at
Southern Department headquarters
believe that General Funston will or
der the troops home in time for the
March ceremonies.
Ample Time For Action.
Continuing, The Times representa-
tive said: 1T has been pointed out in
official circles here that If the sug-
gestion does come from Secretary
Baker or General Scott, there is ample
time for meeting the request The in
augusration is nearly two months
off.
binder the plan being followed in
releasing the, troops that, have been
longest in the border service, the Dis
trfct miliamen would be among the
last to be sent home. They DID not
roach San Antonio until last fall, The
artillery unit now on duty In Mexico
has been away from home longer than
the others.
Left to General Funston.
what recommendations the officials
of the War Department will make to
General Funston cannot be learned.
Secretary Baker today explained that
the matter of Withdrawing troops
from the border has been left entire
ly with General Funston. He would
not discuss the matter further.
The-various subcommittee of the
inaugural committee are now down
to real work The first meeting OF
the fireworks committee. of which
Harry King is chairman, held at the
New Willard headquarters last night,
resulted in the making of tentative
program for spyrotechnical displays,
both for the day. and night of March
s. Mr., King said that much atten-
ton will be paid TO the daylight dis
plays
Plan Fireworks Display.
The selection of site for the dis
play. plans for the erection of a
spectators stand. and thu discussion
of a possible program were among
the things taken UP. As in the past,
the. night exhibition OF networks will
take place on the Monument grounds.
This is the logical place, Mr.. King
said. and $4,000 persons may easily
view the flight illumination from
there.
Not only will pyrotechnical dis
plays be given on the Monument
Grounds. but tho committee plans to
illuminate the Avenue from the Capt.
toll to the White House, with red and
blue lights. These will be an addi-
ton to the regular electrical dis
plays.
Women Plan Participation.
with the meeting this afternoon in
the oxford Building of the inaugural
committee of the Women's Wilson
Union, active steps toward outlining
a detailed plan as to the part the
women will take in the March cere-
monies will be agreed upon. The
union already has named the persons
to serve on the executive and ad-
visory boards, has opened headquar-
tiers in the oxford Building, and is
planning a housewarming in a few
days
II was announced today that open
house will be kept at headquarters dur
ing the inaugural parade, when guets
frorn all parts of the country will be
entertained After the Inauguration,
the--organiZation will continue in the
form OF a club, will retain the same
headquarters. and will form branch So
cieties in each Of the State capitals.