Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-01-11
Joint Committee Meets
to Act on Harding Request
at 8 This Afternoon

What course will be adopted with
regard to the Inauguration Of ex-
Senator Harding as President at the
Capitol on March was the subject
Of much speculation among members
Of Congress today. A meeting OF the
joint congressional committee in
charge of the arrangements at the
Capitol has been called for 3 o'clock
this afternoon.
Senator Knox. chairman Of the joint
congressional committee, declined to
indicate what would be the action
taken upon Senator Harding's request
that the inaugural ceremonies be cur
tailed prior to . meeting of hts COM
mittee.
have called meeting Of the COM
mittee for this afternoon and will lay
the telegram before it." said Senator
Kpox. 1T will be for the committee
to decide, ana for Congress, which ap-
propriated the money to be used in
the erection Of the stand At the east
front Of the Capitol. etc. what shall
be the plans for tho inaugural"
Senator Berah Pleased.
Senator Borah Of Idaho. who has
| been a leader Of the opposition to
large expenditures for the inaugural
c. remony, said that he was much
pleased with the position taken by
the President-eleot.
Senator Keyes Of New Hampshire,
republican. said:
'The action Of Senator Harding in
suggesting . complete abandonment
Of all plans for an inaugural celebra-
ton Is most timely and fortunate, ana
meets with my heartiest commenda-
ton. This action on his part comes
as no surprise to those who know the
President-elect. This ia the time for
Congress and the nation to practice
economy. The words Of the next ex-
ecutive are most encouraging and his
administration will start off with q
wholesome example Of economy and
thrift His course will be warmly ap.
try"
Contract for stand Given.
The joint committee had already
contracted for the erection Of a stand
at the east front of the Capitol, at a
cost of approximately So, 00O, and the
lumber for the stand has been de1iv-
cred in part Whether the committee
will decide to go ahead with the con.
struction OF this stand will be known
after the meeting this afternoon. The
committee has at It's disposal a sum Of
$4,000 with which to make all the
arrangements for the inaugural cere-
! mony. At least part Of this sum viii
be used for increased police protec-
ton. it is expected, if Mr.. Harding is
to deliver his inaugural address from
the east front OF the Capitol, as other
Presidents have done. However, the
expenses, it is expected. will be re-
duced to a minimum. in accordance
with the wishes OF the President elect.
About $50 colored men stood around
half a dozen great piles of lumber on
the plaza at the east front Of the Capi-
toll. waiting for jobs to help build IN
| aug,1ral stands Elliott Woods, super-
intendent of the Capitol buildings and
grounds, was unable to tell until after
| 3 o'clock today whether the official
! stands on the east front Of the Capitol
will be erected or not.
May Complete stnnA.
In the opinion Of some Of thu sena.
tors interviewed today the stand on the
east front Of the Capitol would be com.
pleted. but the ceremonies would be
kept as simple and dignified as DOS
Sible.
Senator New of Indiana, who has
been handling the proposed leeisla-
ton authorizing the arrangements for
the celebration in the city, said that
he thought Senator Harding's tele-
gram was distinct request that the
| stand be not built.
81 have known for some time
said Senator New, that Senator Hard.
| ing was opposed to having any celia
bration at the time Of his inauRura.
| ton"