The Cecil Whig., 1881-01-29

10 the Inauguration. lHeI broke vi
housekeeping at Baton Rouge before
they left there, and took with them vii
liam Oldham, faithful colored man
who had been the body servant of Gen
Taylor for many years. the parade horse
"old Whitley" which he had ridden il
the Mexican campaign, and a favorit,
dog.
| President Polk called upon Genera
| Taylor soon after his arrival at Wash
ington, and invited him and Mr.. Fill
more to dine at the White House-al
invitation which was accepted. Genera
Cass also called to pay his respects Il
his successful competitor. and as he ell
tered the room General Taylor advanced
grasped his hand, and shook it cordially
| General Cass who had not at first recog
nized the President-elect. exclaimed
8 on had the advantage of me! That's
twice you We had the advantage of mer
"That's true" said Gen. Taylor: "but
you know the battle is not always to the
strong?' ''That' fact replied Gen
eral Cass, and then the two had a very
friendly chat. Just before General Cass
left the room, 4 gentleman introduced
| himself to him, remarking. Il was on
the stump as 4 Democrat, and in every
State in which spoke you had major.
ity." My good friend" said General
| Cass, II am very much obliged to You
but l wish you had stumped in two OF
| three States more
General Taylor was inaugurated on
Monday. March 5th. He was escorted
from Wizards Hotel by an imposing
procession. headed by twelve volunteer
companies. The President-eect rode in
an open carriage. drawn by four gray
horses, and he was joined at the Irving
House by President Polk. who sat at his
right hand. One hundred gentlemen,
residents of the District of Columbia,
formed IL body-guard, and kept the crowd
from pressing around the President 5
carriage. Then came the Rough and
Ready clubs of Washington, George
town, Alexander. and Baltimore. with
banners, badges. and music. while the
students of the jesuits' college brought
up the rear.
The personal appearance of Gen. Tay-
lor, as he read his inaugural address from
a platform erected in front of the eastern
portico of the Capitol. was not imposing.
His figure was somewhat portlv. and his
legs were short his thin, gray hair was
unbrushed: his whiskers were of the mill
tary cut then prescribed his features
were weather-bronzed and care-furrowed,
evident, however, that he was popular
favorite. and when he had concluded
the vociferous cheering OF the assembled
thousands was echoed by the firing of
cannon and the music of the bands.
The inaugural message showed that
General Taylor regarded the Union as
III danger, and that he intended to use
every possible exertion for its prcserva-
ton. Mr.. Calhoun had requested, through
Mr.. Clayton, that nothing should be said
in the inaugural on this subject, which
had prompted the addition of aragraph,
in which tee incoming President declared
that a dissolution of the Union would be
the greatest of calamities, and went on
to say. Whatever dangers may threaten
it, shall stand by it. and maintain it in
its integrity. to the full extent of the
obligations imposed and the power con-
ferred upon me by the constitution
There were three Inauguration balls at
night-one in temporary building an
nexed to the City Hall, one at Mr.. Rives
Jackson Hall. and one at Carusi's saloon.
President Taylor, accompanied by Colo
mel and Mrs. Bliss, attended them all,
going last to the ball at the City Hall,
where the Diplomatic Corps were pres
ent, wearing their court suits. The
Count &c Bodisco Wore the uniform Of
an imperial chamberlain, with the insig-
MIA of number of orders of knighthood
while his beautiful wife appeared in the
dress which she had worn when she was
presented to the Gar, the year previous.
1t was of white satin, embroidered with
gold. and over it she Wore crimson vel
vet "polonaise. with a sweeping train.
also embroidered with gold. while her
crimson velvet head-dress was resplend-
ent with diamonds.
When the bachelor ex-Secretary of
State came forward with number of
his fair friends, to present them to the
President, General Taylor remarked
"Ah. Mr.. Buchanan, you always pick
out the prettiest ladies' why. Mr..
President" was the courtly reply. 50
know that your tastes and mine agree
in that respect Yes" said General
Taylor: but have been SO long among
Indians and Mexicans that hardly know
| how to behave myself. surrounded by so
many lovely women.
President Taylor, although South
| erner by birth and slaye-owner, took
prompt steps to thwart the schemes OF
Mr.. Calhoun and his fellow conspirators.
Military officers were promptly ordered
to California, Utah, and New Mexico,
which had no government but lynch law
and the people of the last-named province.
which had been settled two bundled
years before Texas asserted her indie
pendence, were assured that her domain
would be guaranteed by the United States
against the claim Of the Lone Star State.
The horde of Wing office-seekers which
| invaded Washington after the inaugura,
ton of President Taylor recalled the say.
ing of John Randolph, when it was as,
serted that the patronage of the Federal
Government was overrated: 81 know,
said the sarcastic Nirginian, that il
NAV be overrated: | know that we can
not give to those who apply offices equal
to their expectations: and | also know
that with one bone can call five hun.
dred dogs The Democratic motto that
Ito the victorS belong the spoils was
adopted by the Taylor Administration.
Unexoeptionable men were removed from
Office, that their places might be filled
with officers of Rough and Ready clubs
or partisan orators. Democratic collect
ors of customs, postmasters, surveyors
marshals, tide walters, and even keep
ers of lighthouses were replaced by
Wings, who were thus rewarded fol