The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1881-09-29
PRESIDENT ARTHUR

THE OATH RETAKEN.
WASHINGTON, Sept 22.-Gen. Arthur again
took the oath of Office at the capitol to-day
This step was decided on after conversation
on the way from, Long Branch to Washington
1t is. understood that the president himself
was chiefly instrumental in bringing it
about Although some of the cabinet
were strongly of the opinion that all things
considered it would be better to have the oath
readministered, according to precodent, by the
chief justice of the supreme court, others of
the cabinet it is alleged, did not
think the necessity paramount, and in
deed were rather Of the opinion
that it was not worth while to go through the
form second time. All finally agreed, how
ever, that while there was no necessity for the
president to take tho oath second time, still
there could be no harm in it, and
it was admitted that there were
some cogent reasons for it The
first plan was for the president and cabinet to
meetthe chief justice of the supreme court at
the Office Of the secretary of state and there
have the president take the oath. It was
finally decided, however, that az he was in the
vicinity of the capitol, and furthermore, as
1T HAD BEEN THE CUSTOM
OF president when regularly inaugurated, to
receive the oath there, that the vice presi-
dents room adjoining the senate would be the
most appropriate place for the ceremony. In
tie course of consultation upon the subject, it
was suggested that there might be some bubble
on the part of the sticklers for propriety of
form and ceremony, who would claim that the
oath of Office should be taken by tho president
from an official of the government, and not at
the hands of state officer. The oath that the
president took at his residence in New York
upon the night of the presidents death was at
the hands of q judge Of state court aud was
within the jurisdiction Of q state government.
The chief justice of the supreme court Of the
United States being federal official, and
the District of the Columbia being domain
under the authority Of the government, it was
held that some question might be raised as to
the impropriety of assuming the Office formal
~ under other circumstances than had been
the precedent since the formation of the gov
eminent
TIE CHIEF JUSTICE ENTERED
the room, accompanied by Associate judges
Mathews aud Harlan, and ex-Associate Justice
Strong. The chief justice was arrayed in the
robes of Office, but the other judges were ia
citizens dress. The gentlemen present
who had remained standing formed
q circle around the president
who stood several feet in advance and awaited
the beginning Of the ceremonies, which were
very brief. The president appeared calm.
although still somewhat pale from the axcite-
ment of the last few days. The presi-
dent was dressed in black, wearing
a Prince Albert coat closely but toned across
the breast After the chief justice and the
associate justices Immediately behind him ha d
taken their positions, the clerk of the supreme
court, Mr.. Mckinney, entered, carrying a Bible
which he opened haphasard and handed it to
Chief Justice Waite. The residentimmediate
placed his left hand upon it with the right up-
lifted Justice Waite proceeded to repeat the
ordinary oath of Office for president Of the
United States. not reading it from the constitu-
ton, but reciting it from memory.
President Arthur responded in
firm voice, 81 do" and then, after
the silence Of q moment, said in firm and
impressive voice: $50 help me Godn AS he
said this he stopped and kissed the open book.
He then loosened the upper button Of his coat
took from the inside pocket q small roll Of