Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-03-13
correspondence of the Herald ]
inauguration Bay

annals of this city as the most Drnilant
and the coolest Inauguration day on
record. "Old Probabilities" had predict
ed ga bright, fair day, with northwest
erly winds, and a bright and fair enough
day it was, to be sure, but the winds
turned out to be regular Worcester, Of
the most piercing kind. The sky was
blue and the sun was out; but the lumi-
nary seemed to be for ornament only,
for no warmth was experienced. Penn
svlvania avenue was in an excellent con-
dition; as hard and dry as any brick
fioor-but dreadfully, desperately, cold.
Indeed, it was absolutely one Of the cold
est days ever experienced in this city
and blue noses and ruddy cheeks formed
a prominent feature in the tout e1aSono-
bic Of the panorama.
Ten o'clock had been determined upon
by the committee on arrangements as
the hour when the procession would
start from the White House. Punctu-
ally at the time appointed, the various
organizations, civil and military, assem-
bled in the streets north and west of the
Executive Mansion, prepared to fall into
line when their turn should come. In
and about the White House, everybody
seemed to be busy; servants and order
lies were running hither and thither, and
in front of the porch was the presiden-
tial barouche, with double span OF cot
fee-colored stately coursers. A few
minutes after ten, the President made
his appearance, accompanied by Sena-
tors Logan, Cragin and Bayard, who
formed the Senatorial committee on ar
rangements, under whose auspices the
programme at the Capitol was to be car
red into effect. The President, with
Senator Cragin, seated themselves on
the back seats, while Senators Logan
and Bayard occupied the front seats OPP
posite. Everything being in readiness,
the carriage started, and was followed
by closed carriage containing the Pres
ident's family. After waiting for few
minutes at the eastern entrance, the two
carriages fell into line, amidst loud and
continued cheering and the procession
moved on, slowly, down the avenue, in
the direction of the glittering white
dome of the Capitol.
The preparations made for the process
sion were on the most elaborate scale,
and the avenue through which it moved,
and many of the side streets, had been
handsomely decorated in honor of the
great event. Eighteen triumphal arches,
composed of flags and streamers of all
nationalities and cOlors, SPAWNED the
broad thoroughfare at different points,
and large number of private residences
and establishments were clothed in holt
day attire regardless of expense"
Wooden stands had been erected at the
intersection of Seventh street, capable
of accommodating more than two thOus-
and persons; but, owing to the extreme
GOODNESS of the weather, few availed
themselves of the facilities afforded,
brisk locomotion being necessary to rem
der it at all endurable out of doors.
Your correspondent was fortunate
enough to secure an excellent window
from which a splendid comp dRd could
be had of the procession as it passed.
1t was composed of twelve sections, or
divisions, each of which was in charge
of marshal and several assistant mar
shals, and all under the leadership Of
the Grand Marshal. Brigadier- General
William S. Barry. Not far from ten
thousand men were in line, including
the regular troops who participated, and
the various clubs and other civil organi-
cations from the District, and from Bal
timore and Philadelphia.
The Boston Lancers, ''who had indeed
come all the way from Boston," as the
old song has it, solely to do honor to the
occasion, formed, perhaps, the most con
spicuOus feature in the procession and
certainly made handsome display with
their crimson and white uniforms, quaiat
shakos with enormous plumes, and long
lances to the end of which were attached
bright red streamers. Nieing with
them in the point of attractivencs,
however, We're the midshipmen from the
naval academy at Annapolis, who looked
exceedingly neat and natty, but cold,
in their dark blue jackets with anchor
buttons, white gloves, and no ovcrcoats.
They brought their band of forty
pieces and battery of howltzers, and
exhibited a most admirable discipline
and drill; and so did. also, the four
companies of West Point Cadets, which
preceded them. As they filed past the
windows and balconies, am sure they
set many young lady's heart a-throb
bing, for they are 50 nice, you know
Their progress down the avenue was
hailed by the waving of handkerchiefs,
and, in some instances, throwing of tiny
bouquets, even.
The presidential carriages came III the
third division, preceded by Lieutenant
Fred Grant, in uniform of U. s. Cav
airy, and the Philadelphia city troop
said to be the oldest military organiZa
ton in the United States Their appear
ance was the signal for universal cheer
ing, and loud huzZas rent the air as the
carriages progressed. The President
wore dark blue beaver overcoat, with
black velvet collar, dark pants and stove
pipe hat. The carriage would frequently
come to a stop, owing to blockade in
the road, and but slow progress was
made, SO that the best part of an hour
was consumed in the drive to the Capt.
toll.
Among tie visiting organizations con-
spicuous in the line, were the ..Old
Guard" of New York; the 'EBurgess
Corps" from Albany; the st. Louis
National Guard, who came here last
night in special Pullman palace car
the Washington Grays," from the city
of Brotherly Love; the Summer Corps"
of Syracuse, New York the ''Duquesne
Grays," of Pittsburg, Pa; the first bat
tallion Maryland "National Guards -
the Estate Fencilliers, of Philadelphia
the Second Connecticut regiment of
New Haven, Conn; the Third New Jer-
sey regiment; the Fifth Maryland regi-
ment, and several others, all marching
paor1xy in tho ordar crivo,,