Evening star., 1917-01-03

l
Illumination Of Pennsylvania avenue
on scale never before attempted, the
greatest display Of fireworks ever
given in the National Capital, a court
Of honor In which the sovereign people
OF the United States will pay homage
to the chief magistrate whom they
themselves returned to ofice-with a
beauty and splendor and dignity never
equaled on this continent-these are
the outstanding features Of inaugural
plans az reported to the first meeting
Of the general Inaugural committee
today.
The increasing cost Of living and Of
celebrations hit the inaugural commit
tee at its first meeting, and though the
watchwerd Of close economy was en-
phastzed 1t was made evident that there
Will be no such penuriousness as will
mar preparations for the greatest spec
tacle and popular demonstration ever
held In the National Capital
increasing costs were emphaaixed in
the reports OF a number Of committee
chairman in asking for appropriations
calling attention to the committees In
tentton Of erecting the observation
stands, despite the fact that lumber is
costing much moro than four years
ago.
Latest List Of Subscribers.
There ts already FUND of more than
$4,000 at the disposal Of the commit
tee to meet necessary expenses, accord
ing to report by Arthur Peter, chair
man OF the finance committee, who an
nounced these contributors. in addition
TO those already acknowledged in The
Star: William II. Saunders, the in
ao%gurai gu, treasurer, = 900; the Pompeian
Chesapeake and Potomac Teiephone
Company. $500; Norfolk and Washineton
Steamship Company. $500; Corcoran
Thom, vice chairman Of the committee
scription advanced from $3.50 to $500; &.
B. Schloss, for the Glen Echo Park Com
pany. 500; A. r. Fox, $10o, and Robert
c. Wilkins. 500.
The fund now contains twenty-six
one-thousand-dollar subscriptions and
fourteen subscriptions of $500 each. The
majority Of these were voluntary, but
during the next few days. Chairman
Peter announced. hts committee in
tends to make very active and sys-
pie will respond promptly and that the
necessary 100000 will be raised with
out trouble.
The meeting opened with a pretty
Fneae9iek 1f presenting the cslors
COMMITTEES on decorations. presented a
large silk flag. which was then draned
above the seat Of the inaugural chair
man.
Address by Chairman Harper.
Chairman Harper. in his first address
to the committee, called attention to the
fact that it is performing the most i'm
portant work that falls to the citizenshin
Of Washington and that 1t is its privilege
to do this every four years, and that in
this privilege 1t Is envied by thousands
OF citizens throughout the states of
the Union After Alvin g. Belt, inaugural
men and vice chairmen. Mr.. Harper turn
ed over to them the detailed work for the
inaugural with the assurances Of his
closest cooperation at all times
Rules were read to govern the ae-
ttons OF all committee chairmen and
the personnel of the inaugural COM
mittee. These dealt principally with
strict provision that all contracts are
raj committee and that no moneys are
to be spent or contracted for without
the specific approval Of the general
committee or in emergencies needing
immediate action authority may be
had from the advisory council Of six
teen. The inaugural committee had the
fact impressed upon 1t that It is trustee
Of the money contributed by the busi-
ness men OF Washington and that ex-
pensss must be kept at a minimum.
but not at the sacrifice Of proper and
important features.
The first committee to ask for an ap-
propriation was the publicity commit
tee. Of which Frank B. Lord Is chair
man. He explained that in bringing
home to the people Of the entire coun-
try what attractions are being prepared
here for their entertainment and in
struction, his committee was In reality
exploiting Washington. and that such
service Is particularly expensive at
this time On account Of the scarcity of
print paper. He estimated that $2,2s6
would be required to carry on this
work, and advised that an additional
$1,000 be spent In newspaper adver-
tee spoke in commentator of an ex-
tensfve publicity campaign. and as this
matter set the precedent for handling
appropriations the entire subject was
fully discussed. Among those who
spoke were 2. Hilton Jackson, James |
s. Easily Smith. William F. Gude Rob- |
ert E. Mattingly. Charles A. Douglas. |
George R. Linkins and Harry King.
The question was referred for settle
ment to a conference between the in
augural chairman and the chairman of |
the publicity committee.
George r.. Linkins. In reporting for |
the committee on civic organisations, |
stated that his committee is trying |
out a new method this year. Instead |
OF waiting for the various civic or
gantzations to write in, asking to be |
placed In the parade, the committee is |
going to systematixe this work by get
ting list of all organisations likely |
to participate, and will then send out 1
q form letter giving necessary informa-
ton and inclosing a blank form to be
nlled out requesting that place in
line be assigned.
High Cost Of Fireworks.
Harry King. chairman on fireworks.
called attention to the fact that all
sorts OF material for pyrotechnic dis
plays have increased alarmingly in the
last couple Of years. He pointed out
that for the last Inauguration $500
was spent in this fireworks display. He
advised that this time the committee
should be ~ liberal as possible, and
suggested an appropriation of $4,000. A L
motion by y. ID. MattinEly directed that l.
Inaugural Chairman Harper and Com
mittss Chairman Hing should be em-
powered to decide On an appropriation
not In excess Of 81. .00O. This was II
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