Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-04

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Inaugural Chairman Robert y. Har-
per is at the Capitol this afternoon
comforting with Senators Martin and
Chamberlain regarding desirable legis-
lation covering the inaugural arrange
ments and particularly concerning an
appropriation of $4,000 desired from
Congress to meet necessary expendi-
lures. Four years ago about S25.000 was
voted by Congress for the inaugural
expenditures. The increased. cost of
practically everything is given by
Chairman Harper as the reason for
asking the $4,000 increase.
Chairman Harper is accompanied on
his visit to the Capitol by John f. Las
District of Columbia, who is chairman
of the inaugural committee on legisla-
ton. and by Charles A. Douglas, chair
man of the reception committee, who
was chairman of the legislative COM
mittee four years ago at the first IN
auguration of President Wilson.
This desired appropriation covers such
extraordinary expenses resulting from the
inaugural ceremonies as pay for extra po-
lice. medical supplies and authorization to
requisition from the War Department
flags, ambulances, tentage and the use of
parks. 1t also includes an entirely new
feature-the use Of six flrst-aid stations
to be operated in connection with the
public comfort stations along the line of
the inaugural parade.
Wants D. C. Troops in Parade. l..
Determination to bend every effort and
the full weight of his official position to
procuring the release from camps on the
Mexican border of the 1,400 District SOL
diers SO that they may return to their
homes in Washington in time to march
in the inaugural parade, was expressed
again today by Chairman Harper. who
is going to see Secretary Baker tomorrow
morning to urge their return at the earli:
est opportunity. He had intended to visit
the War Department to discuss the re-
lease of, the District soldiers thfs after
noon. but the conference at the Capitol
prevented. 9feis,
81 see no reason why our soldiers should
not be allowed to return home in time for
the inauguration. The District National
Guard has taken part in all the inaugural
parades since its organization" said Mr..
Harper today. The District National
Guard is the best marching. body we can
put into the parade. and it is but fair
that the people of the District should be
represented by such an efficient organiza--
tion when it acts as hosts for the people
of all the country.
"The only real objection is that of
efficiency. The War Department real
ICES that the District soldiers are real
soldiers. well trained and hardened by
more than seven months of camp life.
1t is the desire of the department to
keep our boys on the border because
they can be depended upon. for really
effective work in time of need. But l
feel that some of the other state troops
might be sent back to relieve our boys
who have certainly had their, share of
field experience and service. j hope
to be able to procure their. release,
because they will be fine feature for
our parade and will give the inaugural
visitors an unusually good opportunity
to see well trained state troops fresh
from real service on the Mexican bor-
der
To Shorten March for Veterans.
Consideration for the comfort of the
G. A. R.. many of whom are ambitious
to parade in what may be their last in
augural procession, and who want to
march past the presidential reviewing
stand while the bands play and colors
wave as they did at the grand review
and muster-out at the close of the war,
fifty-two years previous, is making an
other innovation in the inaugural
plans.
Relief for the G. A. r. has been TIE
subject of several conferences. between
Inaugural Chairman Harper, Maj. Gen.
Hugh l.. Scott, chief of staff, who is
grand marshal of the parade. and Col
John McElroy, representing the q. A,
r. 1t has been practically. decided that
the civil war veterans will swing into
line at 14th street, making their march
not over five blocks.
1t is realized that the veterans are
four years older than they were : al
the previous Inauguration, and while
their zeal prompts participation in 1.-The
parade, their physical condition. espe-
cially on an Indictment day. might
cause a collapse in many cases or the !
of pneumonia.
Many Marching Clubs Coming.
BY having their section in the parade |
start at 18th street the veterans can /
snow within half an hour of the time /
they should assemble. and Col. Nc (
Elroy has offered the use of his offices t
in the National Tribune building as !
a gathering place for them. Their part
n connection with the inaugural parade
W would thus be reduced to one hours
time and their ambition to parade
past another President would thus be
gratified Maj. Gen. Scott. grand
MARSHAL of the parade, is in favor of
Ibis arrangement.
That the Inaugural parade or pageant
S to be monster gathering of march-
ng clubs is being indicated in hun /
ireds of letters that are coming. to 4;
he inaugural headquarters in the r
iridiron room of the New Willard
Hotel These are being turned over
o George r. Linkins, chairman of the
committee OH civic organizations
Among those received yesterday was
,ne from New York political or
yanizatiOn which said there would, be
more than 1900 Of their men in line.