Evening star., 1928-11-26
CIVIC CELEBRATION
MARCH 4D|SCUSSED
Fete Would Not Conflict With
Official Inaugural Pro-
gram.

While accepting the dictun Of Presi-
dent-elect Hoover banning anything
but the simplest Official inaugural cere-
mony here March 4, local trade, busi-
ness and civic leaders were organizing
their forces today looking toward the
possibility of a District celebration to
signalize the great quadriennial event
and for the edification of the thou
sands of out-of-town visitors expected
on the occasion.
officials of the major Washington
associations today voiced approval of a
big local celebration, and several an
nounced the calling of meetings of ex-
ecutive committees to consider the
matter. The observance, il held. should
be sponsored jointly by the local or
ganizations, it was stated, and all group
executives questioned declared they
gathering for discussion of the whole
matter.
Warned to Conform.
At the same time suggestion came
from one quarter warning that plans
for a local celebration should conform
to the wishes of the incoming Presi-
dent, since the event concerns his ele-
walton to the highest Office in the
Nation.
The suggestion for a local celebra-
ton and what phases it might take
will be brought before the executive
committee of the Washington Board of
Trade this afternoon by its president,
w. w. Everett.
Ivan c. Weld, president of the Wash
irgton Chamber of Commerce, an
nounced this morning that he had
called a special meeting of the. eXecu-
tive committee of the chamber for
yelnesday for consideration of the
matter. Also on Wednesday the eXecu-
tive committee of the Washington Real
Estate Board will take up the question
at the suggestion of Ben T. Webster,
president.
Gen. Anton Stephan, president of the
Merchants & Manufacturers Associa-
ton, stated today that he stands ready
to name delegate to joint meeting II
a movement is started for consideration
of ways and means of promoting local
celebration.
Bankers Would Cooperate.
While declaring that the District of
Columbia Bankers Association will
gladly cooperate in joint discussion OF
the matter, Robert v. Fleming, its pres1-
dent said this morning that whatever
is decided upon the wishes of the
President-elect should be considered.
II am of the opinion that the official
as we'll as the local celebration should
be commensurate with the Importance
of the Inauguration of the Chief Exectl-
tive of the Nation" he said, "but after
all. Mr.. Hoover is primarily concerned
in the matter, and feel his personal
wishes should be followed" He added
that if joint meeting of representa-
tives of local groups is called delegate
! from the bankers association would be
named to discuss the proposal.
| Mr.. Weld, in urging developments OF
| plans for local commemoratlOn OF the
| Inauguration, pointed out that the tre-
mendous vote given Hoover indicated
that there would be great throng OF
cut-of town visitors here for the event.
Il favor the formation of some kind
of program that would make these
thousands glad that they came" he said
II believe it would not require a very
large expenditure of money. The first
step, 1t seems to me, should be the
| formation of general committee to
| decide on just what should be done
and then to outline the program"
Favors Old Fashioned Inaugural.
DR.. George C. Havenner, newly elect
| ed president of the Federation of Citi-
zens' Associations in announcing today
! his approval of the plan for the forma-
| ton of a joint committee to discuss pos
| Sible plans for the celebration, said
'One of the largest inaugural crowds in
history probably will be here next March
4. I would like to see an old-fashioned
inauguration with the traditional parade,
but If we can't have that, then it is
up to the city itself to stage some kind
of a celebration
Suggesting fireworks display and a
torchlight procession, DR.. Havenner eX-
pressed the opinion that such a cele-
bration could not offend Mr.. Hoover
and would be Washington's way of well
coming him here as President.
Gen. Stephan also suggested torch
light parade and fireworks display and
pointed out that already plans 11aya
been announced for great charity
ball. He added that plans might also
include community celebration at the
Washington Auditorium on the evening
following the Inauguration so as not to
conflict with the official program. He
expressed the warning that the local
celebration, If planned, should not con-
flict with the Official Inauguration
events.