Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-03-10
The FIRST InauEuraIlon.


The recent Inauguration of Abraham
Lincoln naturally suggests the insugura-
tons of olden times. The frstinauguration
of Washington, in New York, is thus de-
scribed by Irving in the Fourth Volume Of
his HLife of Washington:
The Inauguration took place on the 3Oth
of April, 1889. At nine o'clock in the
morning there were religious service In all
the churches, and prayers put up for the
blessings of Heaven on the new Govern
ment. At Twelve o'clock the city troops
paraded before Wsshington's door, and
soon after the committees of Congress and
the heads Of departments came in carriages
At half past twelve the procession moved
forward, preceded by the troops; next
came the committees and heads OF dspart-
ments in their carriages, then Washington,
in coach of state, his sid-de-csmp, Colonel
Humphreys and his secretary, Mr.. Lear
in his own carriage. The foreign ministers
and long train Of citizens brought up the
rear.
About two hundred yards before reach
ing the Hall, Washington and his suit
slighted from their carriages and passed
through the troops, who we're drawn up on
each side, into the Hall and Senate Cham
Der, where the Vice President, the Senate,
and House Of Repres sntstives, were as
sembled. The Vice President John
Adams, recently inaugursted, advanced
and conducted Washington to chair of
state at the upper end Of the room. A
solemn silence prevailed, when the Vice
President arose and informed him that all
things were prepared for him TO take the
oath of Office required by the Constitution
The oath wSs to be admin istered by the
Chancellor Of the State Of New York, in
q balcony in front Of the Senate Chamber,
and in full view of an immense multitude,
occupying the street, windows, and even
roofs of the adjacent houses. The balcony
formed kind of open recess, with lofty
supporting the roof. In the CEN
Ter was table with covering of crimson
velvet, upon which lay a superbly bound
Bible, on 8 crimson velvet cushion. This
wss all the paraphernalia for the august
scene.
All eyes we're fixed upon the balcony,
when, at the appointed hour, Washington
male his appearance, accompanied by va
rious public functionsries and members Of
the Senate and House of Representatives.
He was clad In full suit of dark brown
cloth, of American manufacture, with q
steel-hilted dress sword, white silk stock
ings, and silver shoe-buckles. His hair was
dressed and powdered in the fashion Of the
day, and worn in bag and solitaire.
His entrance on the balcony was hailed
by universal shouts. He was evidently
moved by this demonstration of public af-
lection. Advancing to the front of the
balcony, he laid his hand upon his heart,
bowed several times, and then retreated 10
an armchair near the table. The popC-
lace appeared to understand that theseene
had overcome him, and were hushed at
once in profound silence.
After few moments Washington rose
and again came forward John Adams,
the Vice President, stood on his right; on
bis left the Chancellor of the State, Robert
R. Livingston; somewhat in the rear we're
Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Gen.
eraI Knox, st. Clair, Baron Steuoen, and
others.
The Chancellor advanced TO administer
the oath prescribed by the Constitution,
and Mr. Otis, the Secretary ofthe Senate,
held up the Bible on its crimson cushion.
The oath was read slowly and distinctly,
Washington at the same time laying his
hand on the open bible. When IT was
concluded, he replied solemnly, I swear
30 help me GodP Mr.. Otis would have
raised the Bible to his lips, but he bowed
down reverently and kissed it.
The Chancellor now stepped forward,
waved his hand, and exclaimed, "Longlive
George Washington, President of the Uni
ted States" At this moment flag was
displayed from the cupols Of the hsl, on
which signal there was general discharge
of artillery on the Battery. All the bells
in the city rang out loud joyful peal, and
the multitude rent the air with acclams-
tions.
Washington again bowed TO the people,
and returned into the Senate chamber,
where he delivered to both Houses Of Con-
eress his inaugural address, characterized
by his usual mOdesty, moderation and good
sense, but uttered with voice deep, slight
ly tremulous, and so low as 70 demand close
attention from the listeners
After this he proceeded, with the whole
assemklsge, on foot, TO st. Paups Churlh,
where prayers suitable to the occsion were
read by DE-. Provost, Bishop of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in New YORK,
who had been appointed by the Senate one
of the chaplains of Congress. So closed
the ceremonies of the Inauguration.
The whole day was one Of sincere rejoic-
ing, and in the evening there were bril-
liant lluminAtions and fireworks.