The Evansville journal., 1869-03-15
WASHINGTON, d. c., March

w ASEINGTONs u. O's hdlCh "
Editors Journal:
The scenes of the Inauguration
divide public attention with the Cab
iuet appointments. The former was
the grandest display in that line
which has ever been seen here, as the
latter are the most extraordinary.
Inauguration Day opened gloomily.
There was a cold rain until about ten
o'clock, at which time the clouds
broke and the rain ceased. And 1t Is
a singular fact that a few minutes
after President Grant had finished
reading his Inaugural Address, the
sun shone out from amongst the
clouds, for the first time during the
day.
The inauguration of President
Grant is pronounced the greatest that
has ever been witnessed here. The
procession that was formed on the oc-
easion was fully two miles in length.
1t vas composed of numerous brass
and martial bands, military organlza-
tons. ffe companies, political asso-
ciations. soldiers of the war of 1Sl2
and Mexican war, sailors and marines.
The colored population was repre-
sented by bands, military companies
and political clubs. There were asso-
ations of German and Irish Repub-
Icans. The uniforms, equipments,
aud paraphernalia were elegant In
display, and dazzled the eyes of the
multitude. The clang of trumpets,
the melody of the brass bands, the
sound of the ear-piercing life ard
the sDirit-stirring drum" the tramp,
tramp of the legions in the procession
and on the sidewalks, and the jingle
of the bells Of the engines and hose
carriages, all punctuated by the deep
roar OF the cannon--all this made up
an occasion of grandeur unknown be-
tore in this country on CIVIC occa-
sion.
General Grant was expected to ride
in pomp amid a snowy and numerous
retinue of attendants; but instead OF
his, he went to the Capitol in process
sion in carriage-elegant. it IS true,
but with only one companion besides
the driver. No insignia, no display
to distinguish him from persons in
other carriages. He went as Re
publican should, plainly and unos-
tentatiously.
1t was a superb sight to stand at a
n0int OF observation where Pennsyl
wanna Avenue turns to the right, along
the east front Of the Treasury build
ing. Through a vista of mile In
length, formed by Pennsylvania Ave
nue-a street one hundred aud fifty
feet wide-the beholder looks until
h : ewes rest upon the noble colon
nades. the graceful porticos, and the
magnificent dome of the Capitol,
standing on an elevated site, skirted
by trees. Along the middle of the
avenue the serried ranks OF the sol
diers, and others composing the pro-
cession, moved 10 graceful undula-
tions with the rythm of the music.
At distance the procession
resembled a huge serpent, glisten-
ing and writhing along the Avenue.
Another imposing spectacle was pre-
sented when the procession had gath
cred into the space along the East
front of the Capitol. The various or
gauizations were arranged each by
itself, in order. Cavalry. artillery, in
fautry, fire companies with their en-
gines and hose carriages, bands, the
CEiC CUIdiC0 DQA KISS OOl Va AAAOGhy
with neat gray uniform and huge
shakos, white and black, fire and mill
tary zouaves, splendid carriages con-
tanning gaily decorated foreign diplo-
mats and gorgeously arrayed ladies,
marshals and aids riding about giving
orders-all mingled together In an ap-
parently confused but really orderly
mass. The back ground was formed
by the noble Capitol stretching hum
dreds of feet on either hand, and
standing out against the sky like a
white and pure "castle in the air. "
Tn the middle ground, in front of the
main portico, was a temporary wooden
platform covered with flags and ever
greens, upon which the dignitaries
assembled after the Inauguration of
the Vice President in the Senate
! Chamber. Here on this platform the
Inauguration of the President took
! place, at exactly half past II o'clock,
the procession being a half hour be-
hind time 10 reaching the Capitol.
You have doubtless had graphic,
telegraphic and other accounts of the
even's of the Inauguration; so | shall
not depict them further.
The suspense of the public mind
pending the announcement of the Sc
lection of the Cabinet was unparallel-
ed on similar occasions. The people
hungered aud thirsted after Cabinet
news. Not one taste did they get
not hint was given prior to the an
nouncement in the halls and lobbies
of the Capitol. All conjectures were
wide of the mark. OF course every
body was astonished, as thev were
throughout the whole conntrv,
who's Borie?" was on every lin,
Few knew Hoar, the appointee for
Attorney General. Soon it began to
be whispered about that Stewart was
ineligible. And then the reason why
transpired. At the present writine
rumors are rife that he has resigned
and that Boutwell,, of Massachusetts,
has been appointed in his stead. anC
that Lyma Tremaine orJ udge Pierre.
pont, of New York, will be the Attor.
ney General. You will probably
know the result before this reaches
you.
The repeal OF the law of 1889. pro.
hlbltlng any person engaged in i'm
porting from acting as Secretary of the
treasury, being requested by the Pres
dent was proposed in the Senate, but
laid over until the new committees
could be appointed. But from what
l. can learn, Congress is indisposed to
repeal this just law, which has stood
eighty years, to fit Mr. Stewards case
1t was right at first, and is still
right.
The new Senate committees were
reported from a caucus, but have
not been acted on.
The new Speaker of the House, Mr..
Blaine, Will announce his committees.
| learn, next Thursday.