^*L •* r EPq^ 7- CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dnaugutaf * Cetemonit0 OF MARCH 4, 1897. // F 199 .U31 1897In Copy 1 -M~ . . FINAL REPORT CHAIR/WAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WASHINGTON, D. c. Gibson Bkos., Printers and Bookbinders. 1897. i^TX- FINAL REPORT OK TIM Chairman of the Sxecutt've Committee OF THE INAUGURAL CEREMONIES OF MARCH 4, 1897. Washington, D. C., March 31, 1897. Zb ,'/>< Subscribers to th< Inaugural Fund: Gentlemen: The ceremonies incident to the inauguration of Hon. William McKinley, as President, and Hon. Garrei A. Hobart, as Vice-President, of the United States, having been completed, it is proper that, as its chairman, I should lender you an account of the work of the Executive Com- mittee. On December 7, 1896, I received the following letter : Washington, D. ('.. Dec. 7, L896. C. J. Bell, Esq., Washington, I>. C. Deab Sib: You are hereby designated by the Executive Committee of the Republican National Committee to take charge of the forthcoming ceremonies attending the inaugu- ration of President-elect and Vice- President-elect and all matters pertaining thereto. You will appoint such officers as may be necessary, desig- nate a general and all sub-committees and serve as chairman of said General Committee. M. A. MANNA. Chairman Republican National Committee. By virtue of the power and authority thus vested in me I called the following gentlemen, to constitute the Executive Committee, to meet with me at the office of the American Security and Trust Company on the evening of December 12th: C. J. Bell, < f h air man. S. YV. Woodward, Louis D. Wine, Vice-chairmen . John Joy Edson, Treasurer. Fred. Brackett, Corresponding Secretary. George H. Walker, Recording Secretary. M. M. Parker, A. T. Britton, John W. Thompson, Nelson A. Miles, Chapin Brown, H. V. BOYNTON, Thos. Somerville, B. H. Warner, H. A. WlLLARD, L. P. Wright, John C. Chanev, J. E. Bell, Geo. Gibson, Cecil Clay, Theo. W. Noi es, Geo. B. Williams, M. 1. Weller, T. E. Roessle, S. Wolf, M. C. F. NORMENT, Jno. B. Wight, L. D. Wine, Edw'd McCauley, J. G. Berret, John G. Long, Crosby S. Noyes, Beriah Welkins, Chas. G. Conn, John F. Cook, W. W. Dudley, Chas. C. Glover, Lawrence Gardner, Henry E. Davis, li. Ross Perry, A. M. Clapp, Stilson Hutchins, James L. Norris, Benj. Butterworth, M. Holland. T made the following appointments of chairmen of sub- committees, which were confirmed, together with the appoint- ments of the officers named above, at said meeting : Finance, ..... Reception, Transportation, .... Press, ..... Carriages, ..... Civic Organizations, . Packs wi> Reservations, Public Comfort, Music, ..... Comfort at Ball Room, IwriAi ions \\h Tickets, Military Organizations, Printing, ..... Banquet, .... Street Ellumination and Fire Works Ball Room Decorations, Badges, ..... Auditing, ..... Public Order, ... Street Decorations, Floor and Promenade, John W. Thompson. . Nelson A. Milks. . ( ' 1 1 a i ■ i \ Brown. EL V. Boynton. Tllos. So.MKl;\ II. 1. 1 . B. H. Warner. H. A. WlLLARD. L. P. Wright. John C. Chaney. . j. i-:. Hi ii. Geo. ( riBsoN. . Cecil ( !lay. Theo. W. NoU.s. Geo. I'.. Williams. ;, . M. I. Weller. T. E. Roessle. S. Wolf. 0. F. NORMENT. Jno. B. Wight. L. D. Wine. Edw'd McCauley. Frederick A. Holden was appointed bookkeeper for the committee. Rooms were engaged in the Glover Building, 1 4 1 '. > F street N.W., and there, on Monday, the 1 1th of December, the Executive Committee established itself. Meetings were held each Saturday night thereafter until the inauguration took place, and all were well attended. The several sub- committees worked harmoniously, and when we realize how- successful were their efforts, no better evidence is needed to show their zeal and enthusiasm. Many of the gentlemen who thus participated were active business men, to whom the sacrifice of time given was a matter of moment. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, John W. Thompson, Chairman, promptly took hold of the work assigned to it ou Monday evening, December 14th. It organized and decided to obtain a guarantee fund of $50,000. Within two Aveeks thereafter the fund subscribed by our citizens had practi- cally reached this sum. It is the general opinion that never before have subscrip- tions to a guarantee fund been more liberal or more easily obtained. It was stipulated that payments should be made in four equal installments — the first payable January 1 , 1897, and the second, third, and fourth, respectively, January 15th, February 1st, and Februaiy 15th following. The total sub- scriptions amounted to $54,075, the number of subscribers being 322. On February 6th the amount paid in was $42,215.14, and no formal call was made for the fourth installment, though without doubt all would have been paid had it become nec- essary to meet expenses. On the 13th of March the guarantee fund was returned in full to the subscribers. THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. Chapin Brown, Chat main. This committee worked faithfully to secure a reduction of rates from all parts of the country. Its chairman made several trips to attend meetings of trunk-line organizations in the effort to secure such rates of transportation as would insure a huge attendance upon the inaugural ceremonies. The committee met with much success, though the railroads would not yield in one particular, by giving an extension of the limit of time in which tickets might be good for the re- turn trip, after the inauguration was over. A neat pam- phlel was issued giving the rates from various points in the country, and its distribution served to answer man} inquir- ies. An effort was made to secure exclusion rates to points in the vicinity of Washington and return, but the railroads declined to accede to the proposition. PRESS COMMITTEE. Gen. H. V. Boynton, Chairman. o highly commend the zeal a manifested by the representatives of the press at home and elsewhere in giving to the people information relating to the preparations for the inaugural ceremonies and the results of the efforts thus made. With scarcely an except ion. t lie newspapers of the country treated the inaugural committee and its work in the fairest manner possible and did much to promote the successful carrying out of its plans. This happ\ result I attribute to the work of the Press Committee under the lead of its distinguished chairman. A room was set apart in the Pension Building for writers for the press, and every facility afforded in the way of messengers and other- wise to forward their reports of the inaugural ball. COMMITTEE ON CARRIAGES. Thos. Someryille, Chairman. The problem of properly handling the hundreds of car- riages bringing people to the inaugural ball was solved in the most satisfactory manner by this committee. Covered ways were constructed at three of the entrances to the Pension Building so that any who came in carriages would be pro- tected in the event of inclement weather. Different lines of approach and departure were established for the President. Vice-President and Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, and for public and private carriages, and so perfect were the arrangements that no confusion of any kind arose. 8 Only private carriages were allowed to land passengers al the Fifth-street entrance. To each owner of a private vehi- cle a card was issued bearing a number, and to the driver a large card with a duplicate of the number. Arrangements were made so that when the owner of a private vehicle de- sired to leave, his number was displayed upon a large screen upon the roof of the Pension Office. The associ- ation of liveiymen and cab-owners organized a clearing- house among themselves by means of which their patrons were given return tickets good for any vehicle belonging to the association, so that no one was compelled to wait for the particular vehicle in which he rode to the ball but was, on showing his ticket, conveyed away by the first one at hand. The committee also was successful in having certain regulations established by the District Commissioners for the government of all carriages and the establishment of rates to be charged. COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS. B. H. Warner, Chairman. The Committee on Civic Organizations had charge of the reception and accommodation, through the Committee on Public Comfort, of all civic organizations desiring to partici- pate in the parade. It kept a record showing the name, strength, and location of every association, together with the names and addresses of its officers and the uniform it wore. It maintained active correspondence with Senators and Rep- resentatives in Congress, and with newspapers and public officials throughout the country to awaken interest and enthu- siasm, and was very successful. Some 62 clubs, aggregating 12,500 men, music for which was furnished by fifty-live bands, took pari in the parade. To properly receive and care for this vast host of people was no small task. The Civic Committee was divided into subcommittees, some of which were on duty at nil times for three or four days prior fco the inauguration, and cadi visiting organization as it ar- rived was met at the station ami escorted to the quarters already engaged for it. THE MILITARY COMMITTEE. < leu . Cecil Clay, < 'hairman. This committee began its work with a promptness that is born of the true military spirit. Circular letters were sent to the Adjutant General of each state asking what part of the National Guard of such State expected to take part in the [naugural Ceremonies. So far as possible, it obtained quarters in the Departmental buildings for visiting troops, and through the efforts of the Committee on Public Comfort, accommodations were secured for all others. The commit- tee performed its work efficiently in every respect. The roster it kept showed that while the attendance of the National Guard from surrounding States was not so great as at some previous inaugurations, the aggregate number of troops in the parade was scarcely less than ever before. This will be ac- counted for by the fact that there were 3,000 men of the regular army and 500 of the navy in line. The systematic manner in which this committee carried on its work relicts great credit upon the chairman and his associates. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC COMFORT. Col. L. P. Wright, Chairman. While many of the chairmen of subcommittees had much experience in the duties they were called to pel torn), the Committee on Public Comfort was especially fortunate in having for its presiding officer that veteran Leader in work of that kind. Col. L. P. Wright. 'This committee made a list of all available rooms for rent throughout the city, every one of which was carefully inspected before being listed. Thev were classified as to location, accommodations, and 10 price, so tli.it it was a very easy task to suit the applicant who knew what he wanted : besides, a register was kept of stabling accommodations for such of the officers of visiting organizations as desired to bring their own horses. A reg- ister was also kept of horses that could be hived, and equip- ments were supplied where desired. For the accommodation of those who wanted to view the parade a list was made of wiudows and balconies along the line of march. Persons coming from a distance were enabled, by making a small deposit, to secure rooms in advance, and were met at the station, upon their arrival, by members of the committee. Eighty messengers were in waiting to conduct strangers to the rooms secured for them. Where the visitor had made no provision for lodging or meals, he very readily found the same through the efforts of the committee, which maintained temporary headquarters at each of the railroad stations. COMMITTEE ON PARKS AND RESERVATIONS, H. A. Willakd, Chairman^ managed its share of the work accomplished in a most satis- factory manner, ruder its direction the privileges of erect- ing stands upon the public reservations along the line of the parade were sold at a much higher figure than ever before obtained. Nor did the committee sell all of the privileges at its disposal. DpoD its recommendation the reservation abonl the Peace M on uineiit was left free ami the monument itself protected, by a strong fence, from being over- run and damaged by the throng eager to obtain the best point of vantage from which to view the marching column. The space around Lafayette Statue, in Lafayette Square, was likewise treated, By reason of the excellent precautions taken no damage was done to any of the public property in the erection and demolition of the various stands under the direction of this committee. A reviewing stand was erected in front of the White House with accommodations for 11 1,200 persons. It was of Ear handsomer design than an\ ever I). 'tore erected here. Tickets for admission to the reviewing stand were issued by the Chairman of the Ex- ecutive Committee, and were apportioned to the President and Vice-President, the Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, gen- eral officers of the Army and Navy, and distinguished guests, as well as to members of the Executive Com- mittee. To guard against discomfort of the President and Vice-President, in the event of bad weather, the space allotted to them was enclosed by means of window-, and the enclosure heated by gas-radiators located beneath the platform on which theystood. Fortunately, the weather at the time of the parade was perfect, and the precautions thus taken were not so necessary, though, perhaps, adding to the assurance and comfort of the President and Vice- President and their Ladies. INVITATIONS AND TICKETS. George Gibson, Chairman. To this committee was intrusted the preparation of invita- tions, tickets, programs, and souvenirs. It was composed of men experienced in this line of work. The invitations, pro- grams, and tickets prepared were of neat designs; and the souvenir recommended l>\ the committee was the combined production of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of tin Treasury Department ami the Bailey, Banks and Biddle Company of Philadelphia. The universal desire to obtain copies of the souvenir shows how much its excellence was appreciated by the public. It was one of the handsomest ever produced, and 1 doubt not it will he highly appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to come into possession of a copy of it. 12 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER, John B. Wight, < '/minium. 'Phis committee was well organized for the work it had in hand. It co-operated with the Metropolitan Police, and to its efforts thus directed I largely attribute the excellent order maintained throughout Inauguration week. Congress appropriated $8,000 for the employment of special police- men and for other purposes incident to the work of this committee, and 400 men were thus put on duty throughout the city. All members of the committee were commissioned as officers of the police department and assigned to duty at the various hotels and depots and along the line of the parade. A wire cable was stretched along the line of Pennsylvania avenue from the Capitol to 17th street west, and did much to prevent the encroachment of the crowds in the roadway where they would interfere with the marching column. At the intersecting streets also temporally sign- posts were erected which indicated the distance to be main- tained by vehicles and prevented the encroachment of horses liable to become excited or fractious among the people gathered to witness the parade. Provision was also made for sufficient ambulance service in event of accidents. At the Pension Building during the ball a hospital with all necess.-ny equipments was maintained in a room on the ground floor and attended by physicians and trained nurses. Through the efforts of this committee also a force of police and firemen were on duty at the Pension Building during the entire period when the building was under the control of the Executive Committee, to be in readiness should their services be required. STEEET DECORATIONS. L. D. Wine, Chairman. It was the general opinion of all who saw them that the street decorations were finer than on an\ former occasion. 13 That fact in itself shows the excellent work done by this committee. For the first time .-ill the stands along the line of the parade under control of the Executive Committee were decorated in accordance with selected designs. By ;i joint resolution of Congress the use was granted of several hundred Government flags, winch were loaned, under bond, to residents along the line of March. All were promptly re- turned to the Government uninjured. By this committee, also, 50,000 paper flags and many portraits of the President and Vice-President were distributed for the decoration of windows. In many cases the paper flags -Acre converted into attractive designs, and proved unique features in the general plan of street decorations. STREET ILLUMINATION AND FIREWORKS. M. I. Wellek, Chairman. This committee recommended in its plan of street illumi- nation a number of arches dedicated respectively to the sev- eral States of the Union, to be erected over intersecting streets along the line of Pennsylvania avenue and in the vicinity of the Pension Office. I am free to say that the plan proposed would have proved very interesting not only to strangers hut to our own citizens as well. After giving the matter consideration, the Executive Committee reluc- tantly concluded to abandon the scheme, fearful that the maintenance of the powerful currents required would be dangerous to persons and property, and also prove more ex- pensive than could he afforded for their construction upon a >cale such as would he in keeping with the dignity of the occasion; and, therefor.', it was decided that a display of fireworks, finer than any ever given before, should he car- ried out. Set pieces, which are usually seen by a limited number of people, were abandoned for aerial fireworks. which excited the admiration of all wdio were enabled to see them. The brilliant exhibition was a fitting close to the out-door festivities of the day. II BADGES. Simon Wolf, Chairman. The badge by which each member of the committee was to be designated was prepared under the direction of this committee by Mr. Joseph K. Davison of Philadelphia. The design selected was unique and singularly appropriate to the occasion. It has been in great demand, but as the supply was limited, only those performing duty and thereby earning it were made possessors. The committee is fully deserving of the many congratulations it received for its good work. COMFORT OF THE BALL-ROOM. Capt. James E. Bell, Chairman. This committee had charge of all matters pertaining to the comfort of guests at the ball. Ten thousand hat-boxes were placed in position, with a sufficient number of male and female attendants. Retiring rooms were provided for the ladies and a barber-shop and force of boot-blacks maintained for the gentlemen. No higher compliment can be paid to the efficiency of this committee's work than to say that not a single article was lost through its negligence or that of the attendants under its control. DECORATION OF THE BALL-ROOM. T. E. Roessle, Chairman. It is doubtful if ever more beautiful decorations were seen in a ball-room. They were due to the combined efforts of J. H. Small A- Sons, who furnished the floral display; the Crane Furniture and Decorating Co., of Paterson, N. J., who supplied the bunting, flags, and designs ; and Jno. Pt. Galloway, of this city, who furnished the electrical construc- tion. The eflect of the design as agreed upon by the com- 15 mittee was most barmonious. Several thousand electric Lights of various sizes and colors were combined to produce a degree of artistic excellence seldom attained in electric il- lumination, and yet, withal, the floral display and the bunt- ing det-orations were not obliterated. Nor was the effect such as to impair the beauty or attractiveness of the cos- tumes of the ladies, which are often nullified in a hall-room by a superabundant display of electric lighting. The gen- eral public soon became aware of the excellence of the dec- orations, and, as a result, the hall was more largeh attended than was anticipated, and at the concert the following night thousands of people unable to gain admission were tinned away. RECEPTION. Gen. Nelson A Miles, Chairman. With so vast a throng crowding the ball-room, the duty of properly receiving and caring for the President and Vice- President and their guests, together with the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests, was a matter of much concern, but I am happy to say that the program agreed upon was carried out without unhappy incident of any kind. Separate rooms were assigned for the President, and also for the Vice-President and members of the Diplomatic Corps. The President's room was magnificently furnished, free of cost to this committee, by Wash. V>. Williams and W. B. Moses A Sons. The President and Vice-President and their wives had seats upon a platform overlooking the entire ball-room, where they for some time eDJoyed the beautiful scene presented. They were then escorted the entire length of the large hall to a supper prepared for them, ami in this feature the Reception Committee were aided by the efforts of the Floor and Promenade Committee, which, under the direction of its chairman, formed an avenue through which the Presidential party passed unobstructed. If, FLOOR AND PROMENADE COMMITTEE. Edward McCauley, Chairman. This committee was subdivided into sixteen sections and so carried out its plans that all who desired to participate in the ball were enabled to do so without hindrance or con- fusion. The program was also so arranged as to give gen- eral satisfaction. To say that the task of this committee was a difficult one, when the wishes of so many thousand people were to be consulted, is understood without argument. This committee, as has been stated, rendered excellent as- sistance to the Reception Committee in caring for the Presi- dential party. The chairman of this committee gave much time to preparation for its work and is deserving of <>nr thanks for his efforts. THE MUSIC COMMITTEE, John C. Chaney, Chairman, was well organized and rendered excellent service. It in- vited bids and suggestions, and as a result contracts were made with Win. A. Haley, of this city, for an orchestra of 125 pieces, and with Victor Herbert's "Ji'd Regiment Band of New York fur a military band of 65 pieces. The band furnished music for live concerts in addition to its performance at the ball : three on the day after and two on the second day. At the last concert given, Saturday night, an excellent chorus of live hundred voices, under the direction of Percy S. Foster, <•)' this city, prosed a most interesting and enjoyable feature of the exercises. The concerts were dedicated, respectively, to the Army, as r. •presented by the Commanding General; to the Navy, as represented by the Senior Rear Admiral; to the States of the Union, as represented by the Governors thereof; t<> the CoDgress of the United states, as repre- sented by the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and the last to the People, as represented IT by the President and his Cabinet. At one of the concerts the Columbus Glee Club, which attained considerable dis- tinction during the List political campaign, took a prominent part. BANQUET. Gen. Geo. B. Williams, Chairman. This committee, after full consideration of the merits of the various caterers who entered the lists to secure the contract. unanimously recommended Mr. Carl G. Essuer, of Philadel- phia, who had experience iu matters of the kind. The Execu- tive Committee approved the recommendation, and gave Mr. Essner a guarantee that his receipts should be si;, (ion. The menu recommended was all that could he expected. No wines or liquors were included. The committee also super- vised the erection of ;i kitchen and supplied it with ranees for the use of the caterer. The sales of supper tickets aggre- gated >-2M'2, making the loss $3,428, to which should he added the cost of erecting the kitchen and its equipment. COMMITTEE ON PRINTING. Theodore W. Noyes, Chairman. This committee supervised the printing for the Executive Committee and the various subcommittees. A neat design was selected for a letter-head, which all committees used. A pamphlet was also issued giving a list of the membership of the several committees and their duties. In the work of this committee much attention was given by the chairman ami its members, and strict business methods were observed in everything. ILLUMINATION OE PUBLIC BUILDIXCs. Very soon after the work of the Inaugural Committee be- gan, we tried to secure, if possible, the illumination and deco- ration of public buildings, which, on festive occasions, have 18 for so many years presented an appearance of gloom when all around them indicated joy and gladness. I had been informed that not since the close of the civil war had there been any decoration or illumination of buildings occupied l>\ Government departments. To secure the desired result, I appointed a special committee, composed of Messrs. Ben- jamin Butterworth, John G. Long, Aldis 13. Browne, James L. Norris, and Lawrence Gardner. Four of the gentlemen named were members of the Executive Committee. How well they performed their task you all know. To them and to the officials of the various Departments who co-operated so cheerfully and so well, our thanks are due. THE GRAND MARSHAL. General Horace Porter, of New York, was designated as Grand Marshal of the parade. Need I say that no better selection could have been made? He opened headquarters in the same building with the Inaugural Committee at an early date and the arrangements intrusted to his charge were soon well in hand. The parade was not so long in pass- ing a given point as some at former Inaugurations, but this was not so much because of fewer troops or civic organiza- tions, but was due to the able manner in which tin; parade was organized and handled. As a matter of fact the num- ber of troops in line was scarcely two thousand less than at the last inauguration, when the entire National Guard of Pennsylvania, 8,000 strong, took part. The procession moved in a manner that was highly creditable to the Grand Marshal and his efficient stall', and was without breaks or long and tiresome intervals, such as too frequently charac- terize parades of greai magnitude. THE AUDITING COMMITTEE. Clabenob F. NobmenTj Chairman. In everything pertaining to the expenditure of the In- augural fund, the most approved business methods were 19 observed. The accounts of the Executive Committee were kept in an excellent manner by Mr. Frederick A. Bolderj and no money was paid out until duly authorized under tin- rules adopted and upon the presentation of the proper vouch- ers. The Auditing Committee carefully examined all bills after they had been approved by the proper officer, after which; ;i check was drawn by the Corresponding Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman of the Executive Com- mittee upon the Treasurer, and this course was followed in the expenditure of the smallest sum. It is evident thai the work of this committee began as soon as the Executive Committee was organized, and continued after nearly all the other committees had ended their labors. The following is a statement of the receipts and expendi- tures on account of the [naugural Ceremonies : 20 Washington, D. C, April 2, 1897. Charles •). Bell, Esq., Chairman Inaugural Committee, 1897. Deab Sm; : The following report is submitted, showing the total receipts und disbursements by me us Treasurer of the [uaugural Committee of 1897: Receipts. Subscriptions, |47,736 25 Ball tickets 17,870 00 Privileges, 5,692 55 Ooncerl tickets, 12,372 50 Supper tickets 2,572 00 Sale of souvenirs 198 10 Sale of furniture, etc .-,'.1 50 Amount refunded Cover paymeut), 17 00 $116,817 90 Disbursements. Committees Executive, $5,927 22 Public Comfort, 1,265 44 Civic 606 67 Parks and Res* rvations, 1,540 31 Strict Decoration, .... 2,008 30 Comfort at Ball 2,304 25 Finance, 764 57 Military, 196 01 Illumination and Fireworks, Streets, 1,407 7.", Music 5,991 08 129 60 Floor and Promenade, 126 03 Reception, •1 7:. Ball Boom Decorations, 14,34 I 00 Printing 103 02 Banquet 7. sis II Auditing 15 00 Badges 2,0*25 '.17 Ilium, and Dec. Pub. Bldgs. and Grounds, 340 s:i ln\ itations and Tickets, 5,248 33 Carriages 1,186 63 Treasurer's < (ffice, .... 195 99 Grand Marshal To:; 11 transportation, 117 38 Expensea at Pensiou ( office, . 1,038 35 Refund of Subscriptions, 17,736 25 Total disbursements, 109,473 61 Balance in bank 7,84 1 29 ♦lift ftl'J <|(l Respectfully, JNO. -lov EDSON, Treasurt r. 21 Washington, D. C. April 5, L897. C. J. Bell, Esq., Chairman <>r fin Executive Committee. Dear Sir. : We have t lie honor to report from the Com- mittee on Auditing that we have examined and approved all the vouchers showing the expenses connected with the In- augural ceremonies, and verified the receipts from all sources, and find the same to be correct. CLAKENCE F. NOEMENT (Chairman). GEOEGE E. EMMONS. ALYIX M. LOTHROP. THE SURPLUS. In accordance with the action of the Executive Committee I addressed the following letter to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, which, with the response thereto, ex- plains what disposition was made of the surplus : Washington, D. ('., April •"">. L897. To the Commissioners of the District of ( 'olumbia. Dear Sirs : At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Inaugural Ceremonies of March 4, L897, held on April 2d, the following resolution was passed : "Resolved, That the surplus earnings of the Inaugural Committee shall be transferred to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia and their successors, to be added to the fund known as the 'Centennial Inaugural Relief Fund,' and to be invested by the said Commissioners in good real estate securities in this District at the best obtainable rate of interest, and to be held and used for the following pur- poses, viz : The annual interest to be expended in the dis- cretion of said Commissioners in the purchase of fuel and clothing for the poor of the District of Columbia, as is pro- vided in the resolution of the Inaugural Committee of March 4, 1889, creating said Centennial Inaugural Relief Fund." 22 In accordance with saiil resolution, I take pleasure in handing yon herewith check for the sum of seven thousand ($7,000) dollars. There is a small balance over this amount which I am holding back in case any claims should be pre- sented against the Committee during the next thirty days. Yours, respectfully, C. J. BELL, Chairman Inaugural Ceremonies. Office of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia. Washington, April 5, 1897. Ordered, That the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia hereby accepts the custody of the £7,000 left entirely in their and their successors' discretion and control by the Executive Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies of March 4, 1S ( .)7, to be added to the " Centennial Inaugural Relief Fund," to be invested by the said Board in good real estate securities iu the said District at the best obtainable rate of interest, and to be held and used for the following purposes, viz : The annual interest thereon to be expended, in the discretion* of said Commissioners, in the purchase of fuel and clothing for the poor of the District of Columbia. By order : WILLIAM TINDALL, Secretary I><«trri l< IE OF I 111'. Commissioners of the District of Columbia, Washington, March 12,1897. Mr. Charles J. Bell, Chairman, Inaugural Committee, etc. Dear Sir: The Commissioners of the District of Colum- bia beg leave to express to yourself and to your Committee their high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by the entire Committee to the people of the District of Colum- bia, in providing for the Inauguration of President McKinley. In every detail the arrangements made reflected credit upon the District of Columbia; and the thanks of our entire people are due to you and your Committee for the marked success which attended all of the ceremonies incident to the Inauguration. Yerv respectfully, JOHN W. ROSS, Resident, Board of Commhxkmers, I). C. While the work has been exacting and burdensome, I trust it has been done in a manner satisfactory to all concerned therein, and with the assurance that no time was spared and no labor or pains omitted that would insure the end desired, this report of the proceedings relative to the Inaugural cer- emonies of March 4, 1897, is respectfully submitted. C. J. BELL, Chairman of ///< Inaugural Committee. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 365 694 6 %