Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-09-28
The New Administration.

President Arthur was on Friday of last
week conveyed by special train from New
York to Long Branch, and accompanied the
funeral train to Washington. Shortly be-
fore noon on Thursday he formally took the
oath of office in the marble room at the
capitol, in the presence of the cabinet, the
justices Of the supreme court and few SEN
ators and representatives. General Sher-
man, General Grant and few other nota-
bes were also present. Chief Justice Waite,
in his full official robes, administered the
oath, after which, the president read the
following inaugural;
"For the fourth time in the history of the re-
public its chief magistrate has been removed by
death. All hearts are filled with grief and hor-
ror at the hideous crime which has darkened our
land, and the memory OF the murdered president,
his protracted suHerings, his unyielding fcrttude
the example and achievements of his life, and the
pathos OF his death, will forever illumine the
pages of our history. For the fourth time the Of
ficer elected by the people and ordained by the
constitution to fill vacancy so created is called
to assume the executive chair. The wisdom of
our fathers, foreseeing even the most dire posi-.
bilites, made sure that that government should
never be imperiled because OF the uncertainty OF
human life, Men may die, but the fabrics of our
free institutions remain mistaken. No higher or
more assuring proof could exist of the strength
and permanence OF popular government than the
fact that though the chosen of the people be struck
down, his constitutional successor is peacefully
installed without shock OF strain, except the sor
row which mourns the bereavement. All the no.
BILE aspirations Of my lamented predecessor, which
found expression in his life, the devised
and suggested during his brief administration to
correct abuses and enforce economy, to advance
rttx and IN
insure domestic security and maintain friendly
and honorable relations with all the nations OF the
earth, will be garnered in the hearts of the peo-
pie, and it will be my earnest endeavor to profit
and to see that the nation shall profit by his ex-
ample and experience. Prosperity blesses our
country. Our fiscal policy is fixed by law, is well
grounded and Is generally approved. No threat
ening issue mars our foreign intercourse, and the
wisdom, integrity and thrift of our people may be
trusted to continue undisturbed. The present
assured career of peace, tranquility and welfare
the gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded
the country, must make repose especially welcome
now No demand for speedy legislation has been
heard no adequate occasion Is apparent for an
unusual session OF congress, The constitution de-
fines the functions and powers Of the executive as
clearly those of either OF the other two depart
ments of the government, and he must answer for
the Just exercise Of the discretion it permits and
the performance OF the duties it imposes. Sum-
moned to these high duties and responsibilities,
and profoundly conscious of their magnitude and
gravity, assume the trust imposed by the consti-
tuition, relying for aid on divine guidance and the
virtue patriotism and intelligence of the Ameri-
can people"
President Arthur's first official act was to
issue proclamation appointing "Monday,
the Goth instant, the day on which the re-
mains Of our honored and beloved dead will
be consigned to their last resting place on
earth, to be observed throughout the United
States as day of humiliation and mourn
ing" His second official act was the issu-
ance of proclamation converting the senate
in extra session on Monday, October 10, ito
receive and act upon such communications
as may be made to it on the part of the ex-
ecutive." Following the established GUS
tom, the members of the cabinet have ten
dered their designations, and have been re-
quested by the president to retain their port
folios, for the present at least.