The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-08-07

(to morrow P. NJ en- that may be e1-
pccted in New York on the 3lst instant. II
has been cold and dreary since my arrival
here. have worked "like furl" u pre-
sumo that means hard work. in the country,
in making fences, cutting down trees, re-
pairing buildings, &c, &c, and am at least
able to say that 81. Louis is the coolest place
in the winter,ns il Is the hottest in summer,
Of any that have encountered in temper
ate zone. have known 81, Louis in De.
cember n have genial weather throughout
the month; ThiJ December has been frigid,
and the river has been frozen more solid
than have ever known it.
THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION.
When heard the rumor that was or
dered TO the Pacific coast thought it pro-
baby true, considering the past discussion
on that subject. The possibilities seemed to
me to point that way. Had it been true !
should, Of course, have presented no COM
plaint nor made resistance OF as-tind. !
would have gone quickly If not prepared to
go promptly. certainly would have been
relieved from the responsibilities and anx-
ietics concerning Presidential matters which
may fall to those near the throne or in au-
thority within the next four months,as well
as from other incidents or matters which
could not control aud the action concerning
which might not approve. / was not ex-
Octly prepared TO 60 TO the Pacific, however,
and therefore felt relieved when received
your note informing me that there was no
truth in the rumors.
Then l did not wish to appear to be es-
Gaping from responsibilities and possible
dangers which may cluster around military
commanders in the East, especially in the
critical period fast approaching. Ais well
that ends well. The whole matter Of the
Presidency seems to me simple, aud TO ad-
nit of peaceful solution. The machinery
for such a contingency as threatens to pre-
sent. itself has been all carefully prepared.
1t only requires fabrication, owing to disuse.
The army should have nothing to do with
the selection or Inauguration of Presidents.
The people elect the President. The Con-
gress declares in joint session who he is.
We of the army have only to obey his man
dates, and are protected in so doing only SO
far as they may be lawful. Our commissions
express that. like Jefferson's way Of in
auguration; it suits our system. lie rode
alone on horseback to the capitolQ fearit was
the "old Capitol"), tied his horse 10 rail
fence, entered and was duly sworn, then
rode to the Executive Mansion and took
possession. lie inaugurated himself, f,simply
by taking the oath Of office. There no 9TH
er legal Inauguration in our system. The
people or politicians may institute parades
in honor Of the event, and public officials
may add to the pageant by assembling
troops and banners, but all that only comes
properly after the Inauguration, not beiorei
and il is not part of it. Our system does
not provide that one President should in
augurate another. There might be danger
in that, and 1t was studiously left out of the
charter. But you are placed in an except
ionally important position in connection
with coming events. The Capital is in my
jurisdiction also, but am a subordinate
and not on the spot, and if l were, so alsc
would be my superior in authority, lol
there is the station of the Commander-in.
Chief