The New York herald., 1921-01-13
INAUGURAL WILL BE
ON CAPITOL STEPS
Congressional Committee Ac-
cedes to Harding's Wish for
Open Air Ceremony.
TO GIVE PUBLIC A CHANCE
No Stand Will Be Erected OF
Extra Expense Incurred
by Change.
Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD

Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. c.. Jan. IL.
Warren G. Harding will take the oath
as President outdoors at the east front
Of the Capitol instead OF in the Senate
Chamber. This modification OF the SIM
pie inaugural ceremonies is to be MADE
in accordance with the suggestion Of Mr.
Harding, telegraphed to-day to Senator
Knox (Pa.), chairman Of the inaugural
committee.
This means that the oath will be ad-
mlnistered on the steps of the Capitol
weather permitting, where the ceremony
may be seen by as many as are able 70
view 1t on the Capitol plaza. II Will mol
add TO the expense. as Mr.. Harding spe-
Gifted that he was willing to take the
oath where II might De seen rather than
in the seclusion of the Senate Chamber,
provided II can be arranged with such
facilities as are afforded without special
construction for the occasion" Hence
no stand will be erected and no expense
incurred either for that or for the en-
craving of invitations.
In answer to Mr.. Harding's telegram
Senator Knox sent the following:
THE committee suggested the inside
inauguration subject TO your approval,
az we understood that it might be your
preference, as you named 1t first in
your telegram. Understanding now that.
weather permitting. you prefer east
porch of the Capitol. ] am sure the
committee will so gladly arrange it, and
I am calling a meeting at once for the
purpose"
The change In the arrangements VIII
rot prevent carrying out the plan OF
President Wilson. who hopes TO be able
t. accompany Senator Harding to the
Capitol and be with him at the time of
the ceremony. Mr. Wilson will ride with
Mr. Harding from the Capitol to the
White House and. with Mrs. Wilson, Will
be q guest OF Mr.. and Mrs. Harding at
luncheon.
approximately ten of the twenty-four
subcommittees of the inauguration com
nttee will be retained TO assist in the
ceremonies These viii deal with hotel
transportation and similar facilities be-
cause of the general expectation that a
tremendous crowd will be attracted to
Washington despite Senator Harding )
desire for a simple ceremony.
AS a striking aftermath OF the an
nouncement of the curtailment OF the
ina auguration programme a large store
with a half page advertisement declared
that gowns intended for sale TO those
who would go to the inaugural ball had
been reduced third. 1t was stated that
b large stock had been purchased for
the occasion and that II was intended 90
unload.
In connection with the inauguration
plans It was said by friends Of President
Wilson that in all probability he would
leave the White House the day before
the inauguration. on March 3. The house
which has been purchased by the Presi-
dent will be vacated by the present
tenant on February 15 and the time
that will intervene will be spent in pre-
pairing for the arrival of Mr.. and Mrs.
Wilson.
Few II any changes are to be made
In the White House for the President
elect The expectation is that a repre-
sentative OF Mrs. Harding will visit the
White House soon.