The headline reads: “Historic inauguration sparks deluge of requests for tickets, lodging.”

We are told that as many as 1.5 million people may go to Washington for Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration festivities. By comparison, President George W. Bush’s inaugurations each drew about 300,000 people; this year’s events could draw five times that many.

The election of a black American as president is a truly historic development, and it is understandable that so many want to take part. Officials are quite mindful of the situation and plan to be ready.

“We understand the historical nature of the event and we’re responding accordingly,” says Malcolm Wiley, a Secret Service spokesman. Lodgings of any kind will be scarce, and transportation will be difficult, and yet there is evidence the celebration can be festive and enlightening without getting troublesome. That is as it should be.

Members of Congress are responsible for distributing the 240,000 free tickets for the swearing-in ceremony but they are having trouble meeting the demands. There will be quotas for families and long waiting lists. The term “special” has never had deeper meaning.

As well-organized as it was during the recent political campaign, the Obama staff doubtless was pondering possible inauguration events even before the final votes were in. One has to wonder, however, if some of the elaborate plans that were considered might be toned down a bit in the light of the national economic situation and the massive challenges that have developed for the new president and his people.

Many Americans are in desperate financial shape with little prospect for a quick turnaround. Might they be displeased and disillusioned if events took on the aura of coronation rather than a dignified inauguration? How many glitzy dances and dinner are necessary in the light of economic conditions, and how many would be superfluous and harmful to the image of the incoming leader?

This will be, for sure, a historic occasion, and it should be observed and celebrated as such. At the same time, costly overkill during a troubled time might undercut the national confidence that is vital to our future.

The best advice for planners might be “when in doubt, leave it out” when it’s a matter of money and pomp and circumstance. Make it memorable but not obscene.