Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-03-31
ABOUT INAUGURATIONS.

"a w 'uHuiiklou lctttf I'd INC new 1Ork
Commercial AdcoTiSer, gives the follow
ing interesting account of the inaugura-
tions of the Presidents from Washington
to Garfield:
wAsHISGToSs INAUGURATION.
The constitutional history of the
United States begins from May 23, 1883,
the treaty of peace having been signed
Mt Paris, September ,, 1888. On the
sixth of April, 1889, Washington was
declared President The fourth of
March, 1889, had been selected as the
day on which the Inauguration cere-
monies should take place, but delays
carried it far beyond that time. The
twenty-seventh of April was ut last
decided upon, but here arose another
hitch. "What shall our Chief Magis-
trate bc called - was asked on all sides.
Shall il be His Grace" His Excel
lency," or " His Honor, or more regal
title still? Three days were consumed in
settling the yexatious question, Finally,
it was decided to call him simply "The
President On the thirtieth of
April, 1889, New York city presented a
lively appearance. The streets were
filled with people. Divine services were
held in all the churches Prayers for
the safety of him who WAS to guide and
for the nation to be guided, We're nu-
merous and earnest. At noon the pro-
cession, n gorgeous turnout for those days,
passed before Washington's residence
The procession was composed of the
military, a long line of carriages contain
ing the committees, members of Congress,
and heads of departments, then Wash
ington in his coach of state, drawn by
six milk-white horses, and nll splendidly
caparisoned. Foreign ministers and
citizens brought up the rear. Washing
ton halted short distance from the
city hall, and passed barehcadud between
the line of troops to the Scnat chamber
He was met by John Adam, who had
Just been inaugurated as Vice President,
and conducted to the chair of state-the
same chair General Garfield occupied,
and which has been owned for the past
fifty years 10y Mr.. W. c. Waddcll, of New
York. The oath of Office was admin
istered by Chancellor Robert Il. Living
ston, in full view of the thousands who
stood in the street below. Washington
was very much moved Near him stood
Roger Sherman, Hamilton, Generals
Knox, St Clair, Baron Steubcn, James
Otis and many other eminent patriots.
As soon as the oath was read Washing
ton solemnly said g swear, so help me
God" and kneelng, kissed the sacred
book that Mr. Otis held in his hand.
The chancellor then advanced and cried
to the assembled multitude, Long live
George Washington, President of the
United States, :" Washington was re-
elected and served till March 3, 1897.
JOHN ADAMS INAUGURATION.
The bitter and acrimonious contest
Adams was decided by the election of
the latter His oath Of Office was adj
ministcred by Oliver Ellsworth, chief
justice Of the United States, on March
>, 1897, in the hall of the House of
Representatives in Philadelphia. Wash
ington attended the ceremonies. In
letter 10 his wife, Adams said: a sol
cmn scene it was. indeed; and :. WAS
made more affecting to me by the pres
ence OF the general, whose countcnauce
was as serene and uncloudcd as the day"
Immediately after the ceremonies
Washington departed for Mount Yer
non, where, on December If, 1929, he
succumbed 10 the disease he contracted
several months before.
THOMAS JEFFEEsoN's IyAuGyRArIoS.
John Adams left Washington in huff
and was not present when his successor,
who, as every one well knows, rode into
town on horseback alone and unassist-
ed tied his horse to the fence. Thomas
jefferson was elected by the House of
Representatives and never before and
seldom since has party spirit ran so high
and sayagely. The oath of Office was
administered by the chief justice, the
Vice President, Aaron Burr, having been
previously inaugunted. There was no
ball in the evening No parade Of mil
itia. No great demonstration on the part
of citizens. The levees were abandoned
and the state carriages sold. During
Jefferson's second term, however, thanks
to the viyaciOus Mrs. Madison, whose
husband was secretary OF state, the ex-
ecutive had some style infused into him,
and change for the better followed.
JAMES MADIsoS's INAUGURATION.
James Madison, the fourth President