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Learn more- 1. This is the Army and Navy Building in Washington. Secretary Taft has his offices in this building, and it was on the south portico, directly in the center of this picture, that the genial Secretary posed for the next scene. This is an enormous building, covering four city blocks, and it has been criticized because it so completely overshadows the White House, which immediately adjoins it. As we turn slowly we come to President Roosevelt's office, the small white building among the trees, and just this side of it is the tennis court, where the President takes his exercise in mild weather. The White House grounds are filled with shrubbery, and we now have a glimpse of it, looking across the south lawn. 2. Now we are on the south portico of the Army Building, shown in the first scene. The camera has been hidden behind some big stone pillars and Major-General J. Franklin Bell, the chief of the staff is seen with Secretary Taft, who is on the right. They are talking earnestly. Now the Secretary sees the camera and knows he is being taken, but he keeps up his conversation and laughs heartily when General Bell tells him about the job that was put up on him to get him in a moving picture. They shake hands as they part, and Secretary Taft good-naturedly waves his hand to us as he hurries back to his desk. 3. In order to get this picture we had to work another bluff, also with General Bell's assistance. The two gentlemen were on their way to a review at Fort Meyer, about ten miles from Washington. General Bell knew where our camera was hidden, and when he came opposite it, he made believe that the girth of his horse needed tightening, and this caused the Secretary to stop directly, before us. The horse is the beautiful new animal just purchased for the Secretary for $2,000.00. He is a high-spirited animal, and carries the Secretary's weight easily. 4. The brick wall yon see in the back ground marks the borders of the National Cemetery at Arlington, where thousands of the unknown dead of the Civil War lie buried. General Bell and Secretary Taft, with .their orderlies appear, coming along the bridal path and pass so close to the camera that we have an excellent view of both gentlemen. 5. Now we are on the parade ground at Fort Meyer. The officers of the post have joined the General and Secretary, and the party is now approaching the reviewing stand. The Secretary stops for a minute to show off one of the tricks of his new horse. The last horseman passing through the picture carries the official flag of the Secretary of War. 6. Now we have the grand review. The troops first go by at a walk. You will note that they are going too far out and General Bell dispatches one of his aides to make them come in nearer, and thus give us a better picture. As each command goes by, the commanding officers leave it and gallop over to a position by the side of the honorary reviewing officers. The troops are the Thirteenth Cavalry and the Third Field Artillery, both crack organizations. 7. The troops are now to pass n second time at a trot. The party on this side of Secretary Taft is composed of Mrs. Taft, the Secretary's wife, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taft. Charles Taft, the gentleman with the white beard, is the Secretary's brother. The lady next to him is his wife, and the lady next to the Secretary is the Secretary's wife. 8. The last time by, the troops are at a gallop, an inspiring sight. This is the way our boys go with action, and they make the dust fly, as you see. The artillery is thundering behind with the caissons banging from side to side, and the riders hanging on for dear life. Now the Secretary congratulates Colonel Hatfield on the success of the review. 9. Here we have a closer look at the reviewing party, and a better view of the ladles. They come up after being urged, and Mrs. William H. Taft again stands next to her husband, who good-naturedly chaffs her. 10. This is the salute of Old Glory, dipping the flag, it is called. Long may it wave over our glorious country. -- The Moving Picture World, April 18, 1908
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