The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1870-01-29
INA TG URATION OF VERN-
OR GEARY.
HARRIsBuRG, Jan. 19,


the Senate and House assembled upon O
platform erected, adjoining the south por-
tico of the State Capitol. Many invited
guests we're also present. The walks and
grounds surrounding the platform were
covered with at least three thousand peo-
pie.
At an earlier hour of the morning, pro,
cession had been formed in another por-
ton of the city, which, after marching
through the principl streets, reached the
Capitol.
The military and civic bodies formed in
line on either side of State street, and be
tween their ranks the Governor, heads of
departments, legislative committees, and
invited guests were driven up to the plat
form. After this the brilliantly attired
soldiers and visiting fremen, together with
the civilians, marched to position near the
platform where they could hear the ipau-
gural address of the Governor. The tens
porary stand was decorated with battle
flags of Pennsylvania regiments.
The procession, as it was originally de-
signed and as it was intended to be formed,
included seven fire companies of the city
of Harrisburg, who were assigned a posi-
ton in the Sixth and Seventh divisions
Among the visiting soldiers we're the "Ex-
celsor Reserves" colored regiment from
Philadelphia (about one hundred strong),
who were assigned a position in the First
division, in advance Of the fremen. For
some reason, either because the negroes
we're given the preference in the line, or
because they objected to march in compa
ny with the colored men, the seven Uar-
risburg fire companies withdrew from the
procession, aud refused TO take part in the
proceedings. They, however, left a detail
of five men as an escort to the Good Will
Engine and Good Will Hose Companies OF
Philadelphia. These two visiting compa-
MES maintained their respective positions to
thu vud = -uuj WY uIuUli al ,ni,>i
All the respective participants being in
readiness, prayer was offered by Bishop
Simpson.
George Hammcrsly, Clerk of the Senate,
read the certificate Of the election of the
Governor.
Speaker Charles H. Stinson. of the Sen
ate, then stepped forward and administered
the following oath to Gov. Geary:
you do swear that you will support the
Constitution Of the United States. So help
you God.
"You do also swear that you will support
the Constitution of Pennsylvania, and that
you will perform your duty as Governor
with fidelity. So help you God"
The Governor then delivered his
INAUGURAL IDDREss.
Fello'e Citizens: Having been honor
ed, second time, by the voluntary sufra
yes of my countrymen as their choice for
Chief Magistrate Of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, have, in the presence OF
God, and of this assembled multitude, re-
newed the solemn and binding obligation
required of me by law, to support the
State and National Constitutions, and to
perform with fidelity the duties devolving
upon me as Governor. 1t shall be my con
slant aim and most earnest effort to observe
the very letter as well as the full spirit,
meaning, and intent, of the obligation /
have just taken.
Deeply impressed with the most pro-
found gratitude, can but express my'most
hearty thanks to the good citizens Of this
Commonwealth for the generous confidence
ana partiality they have reposed i'll me by
reelection to the most honorable and most
responsible position in their gift. But know
ing well their exactions and requirements
of one who occupies position so exalted,
it is with extreme diffidence, | again un-
dertake responsibilities of such vast impor
tapce, which even the boldest and most gif-
ted might hesitate to assume. And how
ever determined may be my endeavors to
realize the expectations of my friends in
support of the right, and to battle against
whatever, in my judgment, may be wrong,
still | am conscious of the necessity for
some sustaining power, and, therefore, un>
hesitatirgly acknowledge my dependence
upon the enlightened support and patriot
ism of my fellow citizens, and my firm re-
lance upon the unerring wisdom and new
er failing aid of Him who controls alike
the destinies of individuals aud of nations.
The settlement Of the vexed questions
growing ont of the armed conflict with
traason devolvea a mighty resnonsihilitv on