The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-01-19
IS READY FOR
 GREAT DAY
Inauguration tomorrow to Be Viewed by Thous-
 ands of Visitors
By DON WHITEHEAD

WASHINGTON, Jan 19-lP- Gay and carefree thousands poured into Washington today in a holi- day mood for Harry S. Truman's Presidential inauguration tomor- TOW.
 They came in a stream of spec ial trains by plane and automo- bile to pay tribute to the one- time farm boy whose mother once said he "plowed the straightest row of corn" in all Jackson County, Missouri
 The best guesses are that from 500,000 to 750000 people are headed for Washington
 There was one jarring disccru thrust into the Democrats happy affair late yesterday Senate defeated bill to waive the 20 per cent federal tax on all grand stand parade and inaugural ball tickets. This was the Democrats first defeat in the new Congress
 But the sting of this Republican maneuver was eased by message to the President from Gov Thom- as E Dewey, the defeated COP Presidential candidate.
 Dewey wished MT. Truman good health and divine guidance in congratulating him on his forth coming inauguration. And the Pres ident replied that good wishes such as yours strengthen me for the tasks that lie ahead"
 Even the weatherman was help- ful. He promised no rain or snow when MT. Truman and Vice-Presi- dent-elect Barkley of Kentucky are sworn into office at noon tomorrow on the platform at the steps of the Capitol. Just winds. cloudy sky and the temperature at 3s to 40 degrees
 The President is in good physi- cal condition for the inauguration grind. His physician. Brig. Gen Wallace H. Graham, announced he weighs l74 pounds. only four pounds over his best weight.
 i Military Display 1 Seyen-hundred war planes are scheduled to fly over the route of President Truman's inaugural par ade. The nations armed forces will put on the biggest military display ever assembled for a Presidential inauguration. Tanks, guns and other weapons will wheel by, and the Air Force announces that if the weather permits the largest air armada ever to pass over Wash ! ingtcn' will be out to salute MT. l Truman.
 : A high government official is said to have requested that a steam calliope be included in the parade. !, A spokesman for the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps in Norfolk, Virginia, adds that the high official is understood to have been MT. Truman. The request from 1 Washington specifically mentioned two numbers to be played on the ealliope They are: Pistol Packing Mama and The Missouri Waltz
 President Truman made his first formal appearance last night when 1 he attended dinner given by the Iruman-Barkley Club, and today he was busy again. At noon Mr. l Truman attended luncheon meet ing of the finance committee of the Democratic National Committee, and later the First Family will go so a reception given by Governor Forrest Smith of Missouri and Mrs. Smith. Then there will be a dinner given by the presidential electors, and later President and Mrs. Truman and daughter Mar garet will attend the Inaugural Gala at the National Armory. The President has helped the hol- iday spirit along by signing bill giving a Thursday and Friday holi- day to federal workers in the Washington area. This gives them a four-day weekend for the fes- tivities
 Sometime today the President is expected to sign bill giving him. self. the Vice President and the Speaker of the House raise in salary. During the day, too. MT. Truman will put the finishing touches on his inaugural address. It is expected to stress the theme iof peace.
 The Senate and House are in recess until tomorrow. This morn ing the Senate expenditures com mittee met to name subcommit- tees, and the House Agriculture Committee considered cotton prob- lenlS