Huntsville gazette., 1881-10-01
THE NEW PRESIDENT.
Arthur Formally Takes the Oath.

President Arthur took the oath of office in
the Marble Room at the Capitol in the pres
ence of the members of the Cabinet, the Jls-
tices of the Supreme Court, a few Senators
and members of the House of Representa-
tiyes (all who could be notified this morning
to be present., Gen. Sherman Gen. Grant,
Rear Admiral Nichols, Hon. Hannibal Ham
in, Gen. Beale and few others. This step
was taken after a conference between the
President, Secretary Blaine and the Attorney
General. Very few persons know the oath
was to be administered until the ceremony
was over. The President and members of the
Cabinet had assembled in the Marble Room
shortly before Il O'Clock. Chief-Justice
Waite, in his fnll robes of office, accompanied
by the Associate Justices, proceeded from
the Supreme Court room to the Marble Room.
The doors were Immediately closed, and
without any formality President Arthur
arose, and standing upon one side of the cen
ter table, Chief Justice Waite on the other,
took the oath OF office. The Presidents man
ner was calm and composed, and his re-
sponse, so help me Cod" was in firm
tone, without tremor The President then
read from manuscript notes the following:
PRESIDENT ARTHUR's ADDRESS.
'For the fourth time in the history of
this Republic its Chief Magistrate has
been removed by death. All hearts
are filed with grief and horror at
our land, and the memory of the mur-
dered President, his protracted suferingj. his
unyelding fortitude the example and
achievements of his life and the pathos of his
death will forever illumine the pages of histo-
ry. For the fourth time the officer elected Dy
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 possibilities,
made sure that the Government should never
be imperied because OF the uncer alnty OF
human life. Men may die, but the fabric OF
our free institutions remains unshaken- NO
higher or more assuring proof could exist OF
the strength and permanency OF a popular
government than the fact that, though the
chosen of the people be struck down. his con-
stitutional successor is peacefully installed
without shock or strain except the sorrow
which mourns the bereavement. All the no.
Bile aspirations of my lamented predecessor
which found expression in his life. the meas
ures devised and suggested during his Driet
administration to correct abuse and enforce
economy, to advance the prosperity ana pro
mote the general welfare, to insure domestic
security and maintain friendly ana
honorable relations with the
nations of the earth, will be garDered i'll the
hearts of the people, and it will be my earn
est endeavor to profit and to see that the Ma
ton shall profit by his example ana eXpe-
rience. Prosperity besses our country. Our
fiscal policy is fixed by law, is well grounded
and generally approved. NO threatening IS
sue mars our foreign intercourse, and the wis
DOM integrity and thrift of people may
be trusted to continue undisturbed. The
present assures a career of peace, tranquility
and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which
have enshrouded the country must make re
pose especially welcome now. No demand
for speedy legislation has been heard; no ad-
equate occasion is apparent for unusual
session Of Congress The Constitution defines
the functions and powers of the Executive as
clearly as those of either of the other depart
ments of government, and he must answerfor
the Just exercise of the discretion it permits
and the performance of the duties it imposes.
Summoned to these high duties and responsi-
nitude ana gravity, assume the trust inn
posed by the Constitution, relying Tor aid on
the divine guidance and the virtue, patriot
ism and intelligence OF the American peo-
pie"
ELAINE'S GRASP.
After the reading of the address by the
President, Secretary Blaine stepped forward
and grasped the Presidents hand. After him
the other members of the Cabinet and ali
present shook hands with the President. Ex-
President Hayes arrived mt the Capitol soon
after the ceremony of taking the oath was
concluded, and in company with Gen. Grant
shortly afterward left the Capitol.
CABINET MEETING.
A meeting OF the Cabinet was held immedi-
oath was concluded, and continued until so
O'Clock.
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT.
The following proclamation has just been
issued by President Arthur:
BIZ the President Of the United States Of 1inericd
A Proclamation:
WHEREAS, In His inscrutable wisdom it has
pleased God to remove from us the illustriOus
President of the United States; and whereas
it is fitting that the deep grief which fills all
hearts should manifest itself with one accord
toward the throne of infinite grace, and that
we should bow before the Almighty and seek
from Him that consolation in our aillictiOn
and that sanctification of our loss which lie
is able and willing to vouchsafe: Now,
therefore, in obedience to a sacred duty and
in accordance with the desire of the people,
1, Chester A. Arthur, President of the
United States of America, do hereby APP
point Monday next, the 26th day of September,
on which day the remains of our honored and
beloved dead Will be consigned to their last
resting place on earth, to be observed
throughout the United States as a day OF
humiliation and mourning, and earnestly
recommend all people to assemble on that
day in their respective places of divine wor-
ship, there to render alike their tribute of
sorrowful submission to the will of the Al
mighty God, and to reverence and love
the memory and character of our late
Chief Magistrate. In witness whereof L have
hereunto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed Done at
the City of Washington, the 22d day OF Sep
tember, in the year OF our Lord, 1881, and of
the Independence OF the United states the
one hundred and sixth.
[Signedl CHESTER 4. ARTHUR.
L.. S.
BY the President
RI nf ~tata