The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1873-03-07
INAUGURATION DAY.
D,,I.l Correspondence Of Tho lntollIGcncer.)


SPECIAL Correspondence of tho IntelllgGneerl
WASHINGTON, D. G., March A, '7S.
The fourth Of March, Anno D0mtH'
1878. will be forever memorable in the
annals of this city as the most brilliant
and the coolest Inauguration day ON re.
cord "Old Probabilities" as the Signal
Service Chief is facetlously CALLED, had
predicted bright, fair day, with Mouth
wes,erly Winds" and a bright and fair
enough day 1t was TO be sure; but the
winds" turned out to be regular
Worcester, Of the most piercing and freez-
ing kind. The sky was blue and the sun
was out but the llmiuary seemed to be
for ornament only, for no warmth was
experienced. Pennsylvania Avenue was
in excellent condition as hard and dry
as brick llOOr-but dreadfully, desper-
s,ely cold. Indeed, it was absolutely one
of the coolest days ever experienced in
this CITY; and blue noses and red cheeks
formed a prominent feature in the tout
ensemble 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. Precisely at the
time appointed, the various organizations,
civil and military, assembled 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 orderlies were run.
ming hither and thilhGr, and in front Of
the porch was the presidential barouche,
with double span OF codecolOred state.
" coursCrs. A few minutes alter ten,
the President made his appearance, ac-
cOmpsnied by Senators Logan, Cragin,
aud Bayard, who formed the senatorial
committee on arrangements, under whose
auspices the programme at the Capitol
was to be carried into effect. The Presi-
dent with Senator Cragin, seated them
selves on the back seats, while Senators
Logan and Bayard occupied the front
seats opposite. Everything being In
readiness the carriage started, and
was followed by a closed carriage
containing the Presidents family. After
waiting for few minutes at the
eastern entrance, the two carriages
fell into line, amid loud and continued
cheering; and the procession moved on,
slowly, down the avenue, in the direction
of the glittering white dome Of the Capt.
tol.
The preparations made for the process
sion were on a most elaborate scale, and
the avenue through which it moved, and
many Of the side streets, had been h and
somely decorated In honor Of the great
event. Eighteen triumphal arches, COM
posed Of flags and streamers of all nation.
altics and Colors, SPAWNED the thorough
fares at different points, and large mum.
Der Of private residences and establish
ments were clothed in holiday attire, re-
gardess of expense" Wooden stands
had been erected at the intersection OF
Seventh street, capable Of accommodate
Ing more than two thousand persons; but
owing to the extreme GOODNESS of tho
weather but few awaited themselves OF
the facilities Afforded brisk locomotion
being necessary to render II at all eidur-
able out OF doors.
Your correspondent was fortunate
enough to secure an excellent window
from which a splendid coup Dell 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 msrshals, and all un.
der the leadership Of the Grand Marshal,
Brigadier. General William s. Barry. Not
far IRON ten thousand men were in line,
including the regular troops who partiCi-
pated, and the various clubs and other
civil organizations from the District, and
from Baltimore 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-
spicious picture in the procession; and
certainly made a handsome display with
their crimson and white uniforms, quaint
shakes with enormous plumes, and long
!ances to the end Of which were attach
ed bright red slreamels. Vieing with
them in point Of attraCtiveness, however
were the midshipmen from the Nava
Academy at Annapolis, who looked ex.
ceedingly neat and nobby, but cold, il
their dark blue jackets with anchor but,
tons, white gloves, and no overcoats
They brought with them their band con
Sisling OF forty pieces and a batter
of howilzers, and exhibited a mos
admirable discipline and drill AM
so did, also, the four companies {
West Point cadets, which preceded then
A they filed past the crowded window
and balconies, am sure they set many
susceptible young lsdy's heart a-throb
hng; for they are so nice, you know
Their progress down the avenue wa
hailed by the waiting Of handkerchief
and, in some instances, throwing OF be
quets, even.
The Presidential carriages came in ,h