Evening star., 1948-12-14

4
Presidents military aide, said today
he had been "misquoted" in a story
stating that he considered plans for
inaugural festivities 10 times as
large as President Truman wants
them to be-"
The story. which appeared in
morning newspaper today, also
quoted the general as declaring the
situation is getting out of hand"
1t brought these reactions:
Gen. Vaughan: Il have been mis-
quoted. I have no recollection of
talking to any newspaper about this
but I may have said something
along those lines at meeting"
White House Press Secretary
Charles G. Ross: mo comment"
HiIdreth Cites Other Inaugurals.
Inaugural Committee Chairman
Melvin D. Hildreth: Perhaps it's
unfortunate that Gen. Vaughan
wasn't present at the first three
Roosevelt .inaugurations.s for he
would have realized then that we
are following tradition. We are not
seeking to be more elaborate but to
express the feeling Of the people
with simple dignity"
! On the question of whether he
had called the plans too elaborate.
the White House aide told The
Star:
Il have no comment. I have been
misquoted before and now I have no
comment"
But Mr.. Hildreth had this to add
about his understanding of Presi-
dent Truman's attitude:
In all our conversations he has
been most enthusiastic and has
even offered suggestions. 1t was his
idea to have the great drill team of
the New York Police Department in
the parade.
In Touch With White House.
"The first committee we set up
was that on liaison with the White
House, headed by Mr. William
Boyle. We have been keeping in
touch with the White House con-
stantly.
The inaugural tradition is of
pattern. We are doing exactly what
has been done before"
Mr. Hildreth suggested that a
check of photographs would show
the actual Inauguration ceremony
at the second swearing-in of Presi-
dent Wilson, for example, was more
elaborate than that planned at the
Capitol for Mr.. Truman.
The demand for tickets to the
parade is the greatest in history"
he continued, "and think it's be-
cause of the great love and admira-
ton of the mass Of the people for
President Truman.
Inaugural Ball Not New.
"And the inaugural ball is nothing
new We haven't had one at re-
cent inaugurations, but they have
been rather usual through the years.
There was a ball at the first Roose-
welt Inauguration: of course, and at
the second Wilson inaugural"
The 1949 ball, with admittance
by invitation at $40 per person, will
be held the night of January 20 in
the National Guard Armory with
Mr.. Truman and his family present.
Mr.. Hildreth hastened 10 correct
a Misrepresentation which arose
among some Virginia Democratic
leaders following yesterdays an
nouncement of the appointment of
William D. Pawley, former Ambas-
sador to Peru and Brazil, as chair
man of the Virginia committee for
the guaranty fund being raised to
assure payment of the Inaugural
Committees expenses in the event
ticket receipts do not cover them.
Sought in Nearby Cities.
The $25 900 Virginia goal is to be
sought only from businessmen in
Virginia communities near Wash
ington. But the announcement of
the Embarrassing effort was brought
to the attention of Jesse w. Dillon,
secretary of the Democratic State
Central Committee in Richmond,
and Martin A. Hutchinson, cam.
paign director for the Virginia Tru-
man-Barkley Straight Democratic
Committee.
Both seemed puzzled by the Vir-
ginia Embarrassing efforts, according
to the Associated Press, and re-
served comment on what part the
States Democratic leaders would
take in 1t.
Told of this, Mr.. Hildreth empha-
sized there was no desire to seek
contributions from party organiza-
tions across the State.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Hildreth said
States having special associa-
ton with President Truman, Vice
President-elect Barkley or the
founding of the Nation have been
given preferential treatment in
trimming the list Of potential inau-