The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1881-01-11

Notwithstanding the tnclemency Oh tne Weatn-
very large crowd assembled In the Assem-
NV Han. and the rotunda and corridors OF the
cspisol to witness the inaugural ceremonies.
Al 9 o'clock the Assembly was called to order,
the members being seated along the eastern and
western walls, and seats having been arranged
far the members of the Senate and for ladies in
the centre OF the Hall.
detachment of the Governors Guards, un-
der the immediate command of Captain Meseley,
was on duty 10 preserve order and keep the pas
sage clear for the entrance of the Senators and
the principal actors In the scene and the visiting
military, consisting of the Jacksonville Light
Artillery, commanded by Captain George C.
Wilson; the Jacksonville Light Infantry, COM
handed by Captain w. B. Young; the Suwan-
nee Guards, commanded by Captain A. L. Wood
ward, and the Jefferson Rifles, commanded by
Captain s. Pasco, were formed in two ranks
Immediately in the rear of the assembled lady
guests.
Adjutant-General Dickson, in full uniform,
had general supervision of the arrangements,
and performed this arduous duty with much tact
and skill
The handsome uniforms of the Guards, the
gay costumes of the ladies, the imposing appear
ance Of The Assembly and the restlessness of the
expectant multitude, combined to make the
scene one Of rare interest; and the roaring of the
cannon outside in the grounds, where salute
was being fred, interspersed with the dulcet
strains of Snider's Silver Cornet Band, kept the
vast audience in a fever of expectation until
the entrance of the Senators to organize in Joint
Session, preceded by their Secretary and Ser
geantat-Arms, and escorted by the Adjutant-
General was announced whereupon the Assem-
bly, under the direction of the Speaker, arose
and remained standing until the Senators were
seated
The Lieutenant Governor, as President of the
Senate, having taken the chair, called the Joint
Session TO order
The roll of the Senate was called by the Sec
reiary, and the calling of the roll of the Assem-
bis was, on motion, dispensed with
During the performance of The "Bloxham
March" by Snider's Band, Governor Drew and
the members of his Cabinet, accompanied by
GOvernor-elect Bloxham and Hon. d. S. Walker
ST. Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit and
escorted by the Adjutant- General and Captain
Moseley, entered the Hall and proceeded to the
rostrum amidst repeated cheers, stirring strains
Of martial music, the waving of flags, hats and
handkeTchefs, and the boom ing of the cannon
outside
The President of the Senate received the dis
inguished party at the rosrum, and introduced
10 the members of the Assembly and the assem-
bled audience, in a few well-chosen words, the
Governor-elect, Hon. William ID. Bloxham, who
was greeted by perfect storm of cheers Sup
ported on either side by Governor Drew and his
Cabinet, who remained standing about him, Mr.
Bloxham proceeded TO deliver his inaugural ad-
dress, which has already been given 10 our read
ers The delivery of the address was frequently
interrupted by outbursts of applause, especially
when the policy of the new administration on
The subject of immigration was outlined, and
during the pronunciation of the inimitable and
heartfelt tribute 10 the administration of Gov
ernor Drew, and to the speakers late fellow
members Of his Cabinet
The Governor-elect then proceeded to take the
oath of Office, administered by Judge Walker
and al its conclusion Governor Drew stepped for
ward and addressing Governor Bloxham, said
." SIR: In accordance with time honored
custom, hereby deliver 10 your keeping the
Great Seal of the State of Florida May you
guard il faithfully, and may the blessing of ar
'over-ruling Providence rest upon your admins
1ration of the Affairs of Statep
The Great Seal being received by Governor
Bloxham with profound obesance, and a coun-
tenance which showed that he was too deeply
impressed with the solemnity of the sacred trust
10 make any response in words, Governor Drew
and his Cabinet cl0uylx fbo hon Y1la xo n
an appropriate piece of music, and the many
personal friends of the new Governor pressed
about him TO wiring his hand in congratuaton
A"Governor's salute " was fired by the artil-
lery outside, and as soon as order could be re-
stored, on motion, the Joint Session adjourned
and the Senators retired TO their Chamber; the
Speaker resumed the chair and the Assembly, on
motion, adjourned until next day at 12 o'clock
The Inauguration was over, and the great crowd
slowly dispersed