The New York herald., 1869-03-05


unobstructed path might be assured TO the pro-
cessionsts The hotels, stores and private houses
| were covered with nags. The balconies and WIN
dows were crowded with ladies' The roofs OF houses
were lined with more daring spectators, while the
lamp posts and awnings afforded points OF observe
| tion TO enterprsing youngsters. Black and white
held on tenaciousy in positions that might test the
agility and muscle OF professional acrObats. Amer
can citizens OF African descent swarmed the
sidewalks and formed, by all Odds the
most enthusiastic and delighted element Of the
| lockers on. The sidewalks were packed with men,
women and children as closely as herrngs In box.
There was no moving about possible. When you
got into the crowd you had to stick there resgnedy
until the whole show got to termination. Though
| fags noated In abundance 1t was remarkable how
few notices or inscriptions were to be seen on the
houses Along the entire extent OF the route your
correspondent only noticed one giving "Welcome to
our new President;" and others, in their words
'ail to the Chief OF free nationn and third,
peating Grants famous words, "Let us have peace"
As the procession moved on, however, there was no
lack OF enthusiasm. Each company, regiment and
organization was greeted with loud shouts, and the
hero Of the day. President Grant, seated in his open
barouche was received with perfect roar Of de-
light and exultation.
Reception of President Grant by the Crowd.
From the moment Of jumping into his carriage
until he reached the east part OF the Capitol, his
head, arms and hat were kept constant use, bow
ing to the vast throns that greeted him with ap-
plause Some Of the spectators, apparently intoxi-
Gated with enthusiasm, frequently broke through
the barrier dividing them from the carriage contain
ing the little President, and sough rush to his side
to shake him by the hand and give vent to their un
conr0able ard0r. But In all such cases the police,
Jealous and watchfu would interfere In the nick of
time, collar the over jealous patriots and force them
back to the outer rim OF the spectators. President
Grant viewed the extraordinary demonstrations In
his honor with very good natured smile, which
afforded about the only external sign Of excite
ment on his part. Few men placed in his
position could have comported themselves with the
wonderful GOODNESS and selfpossesson which he dis
played, though the object upon whom the greatest
and freest nation Of the world had bestowed the
highest mark Of its confidence, respect and affection;
though surrounded by ,appaudihg hosts, and re-
| minded at every step Of the procession that he
Grant the central figure Of the grand display,
still he sat quietly and coectedly In his carriage.
and beyond the faint smile that played about his 1rm
lips ana the bowling which he was obliged to do in
acknowledgement OF the unceasing paudits, showed
no evidence Of emotion. Many person in the vast
throng wondered at this remarkable appearance Of
GOODNESS and observed it aloud while Grant was
passing before them. "That's the little with the
iron WILL" exclaimed one; 'Nobody is going to be
President while Grant is at the White House but
Grant himself, you may bet sure Of that" said
another ''He's not the stuff to be Sewardized
Stantonized, that's certain,n uttered third "You
may bet your pile on that" put in fourth; 'sThe
country wants man who has the ability to be Presi
dent in reality as well in name; he's the man for
the crisis;'' ''God grant he may succeed" and a
hundred other like expressions might be heard
issuing from the crowd.
Arrival Mt the Capitol.
But the procession went on. 1t passed Wizards
with its thousands looking out Of windows from bal
comes and roof; 1t has passed within sight OF the
hosts gathered about the Ebbit House, the NEW YORK
HERALD rooms and other offices on Newspaper row;
1t has passed the Kirkwo0d, National Metropolitan
and all the leading points along the route. 1t
at the west gate Of the Capitol and In few more
minutes was around a ts halting point on the east
front. At the west side dense Of people fol-
lowed. The wide, open space the Capitol grounds,
were choked I'M with shouting thousands, and
OF applause rent the that was altogether deafen
ing. The procession went on, however, through all
the vast crowds, and finally reached the east front
OF the Capitol at five minutes before The cav
airy and infantry here deployed into the open espla
made OF the east 'front.' and the carriage containing
General Grant drew up at the foot OF the grand
flight OF marble stairs leading up to the Senate. The
procession halted, the multitude cheered and
Grant, stepping nimby out Of the open carriage,
walked rapidly up amid an immense concourse OF
gayy dressed ladies standing either projection Of
the portico all around the Senate wing. People Of
every condition swarmed, some vainly striving to
procure admission to the building, others the gut
Uire to get look at Grant and all Africa running
after the Butler Zouaves and their flaming red con-
tnuations. Grant passed straight into the ladies'
reception room wheeled by the left and went
directly to the Senate.
Scenes In the Senate Chamber.
Leaving Grant at this point OF the days proceed
ings, let US for few moments return to an early
hour OF the day to chronicle the closing hours
OF the Senate and the incidents that pre-
ceded the Inauguration OF Vice President Col
fax and President Grant himself In the Capt.
toI. Soon after nine O'Clock q very considerable
portion OF the crowd which had overnowed the city
began to make its way to the Capitol so that by ten
O'Clock it was difficult to get the entrance Of
the building. Most Of these were sghtseers, who
went up thus early to secure positions for outside
observation OF the procession and crowd but many
were the fortunate holders Of tickets giving admis-
sion to the Senate Chamber. Through the door on
the north entrance the families OF Senators and
members poured In q dense throng, escorted by
both officers ana private citizens. IL was pleasant
to see how largely their families had been increased
by the Divine blessing for this special occasion.
Messrs Anthony, Sumner, Nye and Chandler were
among this throng escortng ladies. And here
the progress was slow ana the pressure
tremendous. Much wit Sumner circulated free
OF charge. Mr.. Nye delicately informed the ladies'
that an occasion had arrived which would test their
squeezability. His prophecy was abundanty veri-
fed and pretty girls and Senatorial sinners were
welded together in beautiful confusion. At the east
door Of the entrance 10 the Senate wing similar
scene occurred, but the police arrangements we're
much better. The galleries were speedily filled, and
by quarter past ten O'Clock hardly vacant seat
Was % bs seen.
Appearance Of the Ladies'.
whether from the pressure In getting In, or that
fashions have changed the ladies did not cut the
~, zI4a aha iuara