New-York tribune., 1921-03-05

dlSVingulshcd llnc. Mr.. Haruing seated
himself on Mr., Wilson's left
Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Harding, Senator
Nelson of Minnesota and Representa-
tive Rucker of Missouri entered a sec
ond automobile. In third were Vice
President Marshall, Mrs Calvin Cool
idge and Senator Overman Of North
Carolina. A fourth car contained Vice
President-elect Coolidge, Mrs Marshall
and Representative Reavis Of Nebraska.
There were two automobiles of
Secret Service men and three Of news
paper correspondents. These ten nu-
tomot lies. rolling out of the east gate
OF the White House grounds. were
, taken under escort by q squadron Of
the Sd United States Cavalry from Fort
Myer, under command Of Colonel
Geor,se Patteu.
With lance sabcrs drawn. one troop
III platoon front moved off ahead of the
car carrying Woodrow Wilson and War
rem G.. Harding. Just behind them rode
two troopers, carrying a standard and
the regimental colors of the Sd Cavalry.
en- either side of the double rank Of
motor cars moved out at trot, and
the fourth troop in platoon front
brought up the rear. This cavalcade,
gathering down Pennsylvania Avenue,
supplied all that there was of pomp in
today's ride of the old and the new
Executive from the White House to the
Capitol.
There was derisive touch that
would have incurred the displeasure
of Mr.. Harding had he seen it in a new
broom held aloft as banner in the
party of motorists who, unlimited, rode
behind the last rank of troopers.
Throughout the length of ,Pennsyl-
vanla Avenue the procession moved be-
tween sidewalks covered with thou
sands of specimens of those millions
of Americans whose total might for
eight years had cloaked with authority
the pale drawn figure in the foremost
machine.
There was but little cheering, most
OF 1t coming spasmodically where there
Everywhere hats were lifted and hand
kerchiefs waved, but every face that
watched was smiling happily.
First Ovation at Hotel
AT the Willard Hotel. where Mr..
Harding passed his last night IS
private citizen, there was a burst of
cheering that seemed more in keeping
with the receptions the Ohioan has re
ceived at his public appearances during
the last eight months or so.
AS their car came abreast of the
equestrian statue of General Winfield
Scott, at Eighth Street. vender of
TOY balloons either lost hold Of his
wares or released them in an en-
thusiastic reaction. The red, green
and purple globules were swept by the
wind directly over the car in which
rode the President and the President
elect. Both saw and smiled with the
apprecistion of small boys as the
h9 !lOODS lNdoaH IN ho
tree.
Perhaps this trivial incident served
to relieve the strain of the awkward
situation. At any rate there was less
reserve about the two individuals in
the first car as they completed their
journey. When the horsemen posting
at trot turned into Northwest
Street and started up the hill to the
Capitol there was loud yell for Har-
ding, and band stationed at the cor
ner began to play a lively air.
At intervals infantrymen with bay
oneted rifles held the crowds to the
curb.
1t was precisely 11:18 a. m. when the
cavalrymen swung their mounts into
line and brought their sabers to salute
as Mr.. Harding left the automobile at
the steps of the Senate wing of the
Capitol. The car then conveyed Mr..
Wilson to little used doorway and
slowly he made his way to the Presi-
dents room in the Senate.
General Pershing, with single dec
Grafton on his tunic, and General
March, displaying several rows Of
them, we're waiting in this seldom used
Chamber, along with Secretary of State
Colby and Senator Harry S. New, clos
est friend Of the new President among
his former colleagues of the Senate.
Wilson Nearly Exhausted
The President-elect was waiting when
Mr.. Wilson. walking almost unassisted
now, and escorted by Senator Knox
came down the corridor and passed
into the room where he was to spend
the last minutes of his two stirring
terms as President.
Mr.. Wilson sank Imply into chair
as if he had gained goal after cross
ing the portal OF the richly furnished
room. Mr.. Harding, bending over him,
then pleadingly stated that he would
feel it no discourtesy if the President
did not go out of doors to see him take
the oath of office.
Perhaps I had better not try it,"
agreed Mr.. Wilson, and then began to
function as Chief Executive for The last
time, signing half dozen bills passed
by the expiring Congress.
Secretary Daniels, General Pcrshing
and half q dozen Democratic Senators
approached to pay their respects. Mr..
Wilson asked them to excuse him for
not rising.
There was stir near the door SEN
ator Henry Cabot Lodge and Uncle
Joe Cannon, heading joint commit
tee, came in.
"This committee begs to inform
YOU" said Mr.. Lodge, "that the two
Houses have completed their work and
are prepared to receive any further
communications from YOU"
1t was the last encounter between
two bitter foes, the last words in an
unsuccessful fight for the ratification
Of q treaty.
Lodge Given Curt Answer
Almost curt was the reply from the
hollow-eyed figure at the desk:
II have no further communication.
would be glad if you would inform
both houses and thank them for their
courtesy. Good morning"
Mr.. Wilson struggled to get to his
feet. Half dozen hands were OK
tended to aid him. Mr.. Harding came
forward to express a wish for his
future happiness and health. Mrs
Wilson shook hands with Mr.. Har-
aided him as he started out Of the
Senate building, back into private life,
an unconquered spirit in physical
ruin. .
The rest of the picture belongs ex
Al IL.