Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-03-04
TELEGRAPH NEWS.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The InauguratiOn-PreS Grant,
AddreSs-Vice President SOiiaNS
Snpech

speech.
WASHINGTON, March The ceremonle-
| incident To the inauguration ct Uea. Grant As
President of the United States, were witnessed
BY probably the largest c1nc'ut-r ot people
ever assembled 10 this city.
The unpropitious weather had an aniavorA1le
effect upon the procession, which, while very
fine affair, was neither as long or imposing a
was anticipated.
The side walks were Iensely thronged with
human beings, and the windows OF all the
stores and houses on either side OF PennsylVa
MIA Avenue, for its whole length, were crowded
with females. Many OF the houses were de-
corated with flags and Ter emb!ems
The procession was about one hour N pass
ing given point. The regular troops ana
some OF the volunteer companies presented a
handsome appearance, and marched well, and
the various bands performed excellently. There
were great many colored troops and societies
in the iue and several Fire Companies, but
very few other civic organizations. y deIesa'
ton Of the Soldiers Of 1872 -Somc IN an omni-
bus aud 5 me on loot, attracted c1nslderao'e
attention; and printing press IN wagon
drawn 10y mules, in operation, AMI lul Il9red
miniature ship, Were attractive objects
Gen. Grant rode near the head oil the ror
cession in an open carriage, with Gen. kawIinS,
his chief Of staff, by his side.
The scene at the Capitol was very Erand
one The whole area in front OF the east por-
tico, aud Tor fully quarter OF mile around was
hacked with living creaturs, all anxious anu
eager to obtain a sight Of the new President,
and il possible to hear his address On all sides
were heard strains OF music; banners and flags
waved in the breeze, and the uniforms OF the
soldiers and fremen made the scene our Of rare
| occurrence.
Everything bsiag in reaiiness the to'los.n2
oath of Office VII einistesed to Gen. Grant
by Chief JustiSs
/ 30 soemnly swear that / wall faithfully
execute the office o: President OF the United
States. and will to the best Of my ability pre-.
serve, protect, and defend the Constitution OF
the United States.
The President theu read his inaugural al
dress, as follows
Citizens of the United States:
Your suffrage having elevated me to the
Office Of President Of the nited States, l
have, in conformity with the Constitution of
our country, taken the cath of Office prescribed
therein. have taken this oath without men
tai reservation, and with the determination to
do. to the best of my ability, ali that it requires
OF me. The responsibilities Of the position |
teel, but accept them without lear. The Office
has come to me unsought.
commence its duties untramelled. I; bring
to it Il conscientious desire and determination
to fill ito the best Of my ability. tothe sstisfac
ton Of the people.
On all leading questions agitsling the public
mind, will always express-.siy views to Con-
gress and urge them according to my judgment,
and, when think it advisable, will exercise the
Constitutional privilege of interposiog veto
to defeat measures which | oppose. But all
laws will be faithfully executed, whether they
meet my appreciation or not <2
shall on all subjects have /, ehcy to re-
commend, but none TO enforce against the will
Of the people. Laws are to govern al, alike,
those opposed to as well as those who favor
them. know no method to secure tue repeal
If had or obnoxious law so effective as Their
stringent execution.
The country having Just emerged from
great rebellion. many questions will come be-
fore il for settlement in the next four years,
which preceding administrations have never
had to deal with. lu meeting these it 10 de-
srable that they should be approached calmly,
without prejudice, hate, or sectional PRIDE, re-
Numbering that the greatest good to the
greatest number is the object to be attained.
This requires security of person, property, and
freedom Of religious and political opinion IN
every part Of our common country without re-
gard to local prejudice. A Il laws to secure these
ends will receive my best efforts for their en-
fOrcement
A great debt has been contracted in securing
| to us and our posterty the Union. The pay
mcnt of this, principal aud interest, Is we'll as
he return to specie basis, as soon as
| it can be accomplished without material detrl'
| ment to the debtor class OF to tie country at
large, must be provided Tor 10 protect the
| national honor every dollar OF Government
Indebtedness should be paid in gold, unless
| otherwise expressly stipulated in the contract.
| Let it be understood that uo repuiiator OF one
farthiug OF our public debt will lie trusted in
| public place and twill go ia. towards strength
| euing credit which ought to be the best in
the world and will ultimately enable US to re-
place the debt with bonds bearing less interest
than We now pay 10 this should BE- added q
| faithful collection OF the revenue, strict &C
countablty to the Treasury for every dollar
collected, and the greatest practicable Ietrench
ment in expenditure in every department oil
Government
| When We compare the paying capacity oil
the county now with ten States st!ll 10 poverty
from the effects OF war, but soon TO emerge
trust into greater prosperity than ever before
with its paying capacity twenty five years ago