Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-03-05
Inauguration Nstes.

DETAILS OF THE DECORATIONS PkRADE-
THE INAUoURAL-PERsoNAL,--s L,--soENEs-DETAIIs
The weather was very cold, in fact, one of thu
coldest days Of the season. The wind blew
down the Avenue at a fearful rate, and carried
with it clouds of dust, although the spacious
thoroughfare had been thoroughly cleaned.
Notwithstanding this fact the thoroughfares
| we're crowded at an early hour in the morning
and continued so all day and far into the night.
OF these a very large proportion were ladies'
The decorations along tina avenue could not
be excelled although the wind played sad hav-
90 with many beautiful specimens
On account OF the extreme ferceness of the
hurricane quite Dumber Of plans regarding the
decoration of the avenue were not carried out
and many were net finished as originally con-
templated.
Nearly opposite the Executive Mansion. was
the first triumphal arch, formed by flags and
streamers OF all nationaties. stand, hand
somely decorated with bunting and flowers had
also been erected just opposite the White House,
from which the President, with family and frinds,
reviewed the troops to-day. and Witnessed the
maneuvers of the West Point cadets and other
military organizations. p H4..I.
Passing down toward Fifteenth street, the
solemn-looking rear Of the Treasury Department
presented comparatively cheerful appearance
decorated as il was with bunting and garlands.
Newspaper row was also neatly decorated as also
the Ebbitt The ninth arch or span of flags was
81 Ninth street and was very effective. At tho
81. Marc hotel there was another arch.
Looking up Seventh street the eve encoun-
tered bright vista Of flags waving frona house
tops and windows. Some OF the houses nearest
the avenue uad made extra efforts at decoration,
and had, owing to their location, been rather
more successful In withstanding the effects OF
the gale than some Of the houses on the avenue
At the corner of Sixth street was another arch
OF hags, and little further down there was still
another at the National Hotel on Sixth street
and the avenue
In front of the latter, as also OF tho Metro.
poiitan, were erected large platforms, wreathed
In bunting, for the accommodation of their
guests, from which to witness the procession
as 1t passed; and notwithstanding the icy blasts,
the sojourners at these establishments seemed
fully to appreciate the courtesy OF the propri-
tors in providing these welcome accommoda-
uons' The remaining portion Of the avenue
also made fine display and the view, when
the entrance to the Copitol grounds was reached,
was grand and beautiful.
The crowd along the avenue who Witnessed
the ceremonies and watched the procession
numbered fully one hundred thousand persons,
and never has Washington seen such throng
from all sections OF the country they came to
do honor to the President The hotels we're
nlled to Overlooking, and many, night before
last, were obliged to leave the city to secure
lodgings Beds in the hotels were placed every
where, and the people were satisfied il they
could get place to lay their heads.
The day passed off without any disturbance
and the police were not bothered much, EXCEPT
IN assisting to keep the crowds out of the way of
the procession as it marched along the avenue.
One noticeable fact was the immense num-
Der OF drunken men upon the streets. You could
hardly walk distance Of fifty feet without en-
countering them.
The procession moved shortly after 10 o'clock
and in accordance with the arrangement, a halt |
was made to take up the President, President-
elect, VINO, for tho OCCASION, was seated in an
open barouche. drawn by four beautiful horses
4 inns only occupied few moments, and then the
Ihe long line OF human beings, in their many |
styles and colors Of dress the glistenng Of rifles.
the clash Of sabres, tie prancing of steeds all |
seemed to enthuse the locker on.
As soon As the President had taken the oat |
he delivered bis inaugural address, which. how
ever, could be hoard by scarcely any one off the
stage, and by but few on it. When he had fin |
ished he RETIRED and the platform was soon
cleared.
Vice President Colfax delivered his valedictory
a few minutes before IL, and then administered |
the oath Of office to his successor vce-President /
elect Wilson, who at once swore in the SenatorS,
three at time, occupying about 20 minutes
About P. NJ the West Point Cadets marched |
to the residence Of General Sherman, and form |
ing into line, reviewed by that officer who |
for that purpose in full uniform, ac-
companied be Gems. Sheridan, Howard, Heintz- |
Gilman, and other distinguished veteran officers.
The Cadets had regular dress parade, with |
very fine music, and the drill in the manual OF |
arms was absolutely perfect, and received the |
greatest ecomiums from ofhosrs ald citizens who |
Witnessed the display.
At the conclusion Of the parade the Cadets ]
stacked arms, aud, by invitation of General /
Sherman, went into his mansion and were en- |
with speeches and introduced to a /
large number Of ladies' and gentlemen who had |
been invited to be present.
While the Vice President was being sworn in |
Mrs. Grant and Miss Nellie Grant, and score |
OF others, sat in the marshal's room of the Su-
preme Oourt, waiting until the procession should /
issue from the east door of the Capitol in order /
to take their places on the staud behind the /
President.
The supper was on a magnificent scale and |
proved satisfactory to everybody, and the ball /
is regarded as a success-the only detraction |
being the insuffioiency Of preparation made for |
warming the hall, causing many ladies and gen. |
tlemen to wear their outer wrappings during the |
evening.
The Inauguration ball was largly attended. |
The dancing was interrupted at IL. 80 blythe en-
trance OF the President, who was escorted by |
Governor Cooke and A. r. Shepherd, followed /
by Vice President Wilson. All the members Of |
the Cabinet were present.