The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-09-29
First Proclamation.

The president and members of the |
cabinet assembled in the marble |
room shortly before II O'Clock. A
few minutes later Chief Justice
Waite in his full robes of Office. ac-
companied by his associate justices,
proceeded from the supreme court
room to the marble room, when the
doors were Immediately closed.
Without any 1ormality President
Arthur rose, and standing upon one
side of the centre table and Chief
Justice Waite upon the other, took
the oath of office.
The presidents manner was calm
and composed, and his response of
so help me God" was in a firm
tone and without a tremor.
The president then read from
manuscript notes the following adj
dress:
For the fourth time in the his
tory of the republic its chief magis-
trate has been removed by death.
All hearts are wild with grief and
sorrow at the odiOus crime which
has darkened our land, and the
memory of the murdered presi-
dent-his protracted suflerings, his
unfiinching fortitude, the examples
and achievements of his life,
and the pathos of his death
will forever illuminate the pages
of our history. For the fourth time
the officer by the people and or
dained by the constitution to fill
vacancy so created is called TO as
sumo the executive chair. The wis
dom of our forefathers, even i'll the
most dire possibilities, made sure
the government should never be inn
periled because of the uncertainty
of human life. lie may die but the
fabric of our free institution re-
mains mistaken. No higher or
more assuring proof could exist of
the strength of our popular govern
ment than the fact that though the
chosen of the people be struck down,
his constitutional successor Is pune
tually installed without stop or
strain, except the horror which
mourns-the bereavement-for all
the noble aspirations of my
lamented predecessor which found
expression i'll his life. The measures
devised and suggested during his
brief administration, 10 correct
abuses and enforce economy TO adj
vance the prosperity and promote
the general welfare ; to ensure do
mestic charity and maintain friendly
and honorable relations with the
nations ofthe earth, will be garnered
in the hearts of the people. 1t will be
nv earnest endeaVor to profit bv his
example and experience. Prosperity
bIesses our country. Our foreign
policy is fixed by law, is wei
grounded, and generally approved
No threatening issue annOys our for
eign intercourse, and the wisdom, i'll
tegrity and thrift of our people may
be trusted to continue undisturbed
The gloom and anxiety which have
enshrouded the country must make
repose especially welcome now. NJ
demand for speedy legislation has
been heard. No adequate occasion
is apparent for an unusual session o
congress. The constitution defines
the functions and powers of the eX
ecutive as clearly as those of either
of the other two representatives o.
| IllC SObCl tlhu hO ans w -
for the just exercise of the discre
ton it permits, and the performance
of the duties it imposes. Summoned
to these high duties and response
bilities, and profoundly conscious o
their magnitude and gravity, l as
sumo the trust imposed by the con
stitution, relying for aid on Divin'
guidance, and the virtue, patriotism
: and intelligence of the American
people,"
= After the reading of the address
by the president, Secretary Blain
stepped forward and grasped tn,
presidents hand, and after him tn
, other members of the cabinet ant
others present shook hands will
the president, who arrived at tn
capitol soon after the ceremony o
f taking the oath was concluded, an'
} in company with General Gran
shortly after left the capitol.