The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-09-29

On the 22d President Arthur took the oath
of office a second time. The oath was admin
istered by Chief Justice Waite in the marble
room of the Capitol in the presence of the
members of the Cabinet, the Justices of the
Supreme Court, few Senators and Repre-
sentatives. The President then read from
manuscript notes the following address:
"For the fourth time in the history of the
Republic its Chief Magistrate has been re-
moved by death. All hearts are filled with
grief and horror at the hideous crime which
has darkened our land, and the memory of the
murdered President his protracted sufferings,
his unyielding fortitude, 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 officer elected
by the people and ordained by the Constitution
to fill vacancy go created is called to as
sume the Executive Chair. The wisdom
of our fathers foreseeing even the
most dire possibilities, made sure that the
Government should never be imperiled bee use
of the uncertainty of human life. Men may
die, but the fabric of our free institutions
mains unshaken. No higher or more assuring
proof could exist of the strength and per-
m ncy of popular Government than the fact
that though the chosen of the people be
struck down, his constitutional successor
is peacefully installed without shock or strain
except the sorrow which mourns the bereave-
ment.
''An the noble aspiration of my lamented
predecessor, which found expression in his
life, the measures devised and suggested
during his brief administration to correct
abuses and enforce economy, to advance
prosperity and promote the general
welfare, to insure domestic security
and maintain friendly and honorable relations
with the nations of the earth, will be garnered
in the hearts of the people, and it will be my
earnest endeavor to profit and to see that the
nation shall profit by his example and expert
ence.
Prosperity blesses our country our fiscal
policy as fixed by law is well-grounded and
generally approved. No threatening issue mars
our foreign intercourse, and the wisdom,
integrity, and thrift our people may be
trusted to continue undisturbed the assured
career of peace, tranquility, and well
fare. The gloom and anxiety which rave en-
shrouded the country must make repose
especially welcome now. No demand for
speedy legislation has been heard, no ad-
equate occasion is apparent for an unusual ses-
sion 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 answer for
a just exercise of the discretion it permits
and performance of the duties it imposes.
Summoned to these high duties and RESPONSE
bjlities, and profoundly conscious of their mag
nitude and gravity, 1 assume the trust imposed
by the Constitution, relying for aid on Divine
guidance and upon the virtue, patriotism, and
intelligence of the American people,
After the reading of the address by the
President Secretary Blaine stepped forward
and grasped the Presidents hand, and after
him the other members Of the Cabinet and all
present shook hands with the President.