Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-03-11
NO. 10.

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the language Of my predecessor, l believe Il
10 be the right and duty Of the United States
to assert and maintain such supervision and
authority over any inter- oceanic canal across
the Isthmus that connects North and South
America as will protect our national interest.
The constitution guarantees absolute re-
ligious freedom. Congress is prohibited from
making any law respecting an establishment
Of religion or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof. The territories Of the United States
are subject TO tho direct legislative authority
Of congress, and hence the general govern
ment is responsible for any violation OF the
constitution in any Of them. Il is therefore
a reproach to the government that in the
most populous of the territories the constitu-
tional guarantee is not enjoyed by the people,
and the authority Of congress is set at naught.
The Mormon church not only offends the
moral sense of mankind by sanctiOning po-
lygamy, but prevents the administration Of
justice through the ordinary instrumentalities
of law. In my judgment it is the duty Of
Congress, while respecting to the uttermost
the conscientious convictions and religious
scruples of every citizen, to prohibit within
its jurisdiction all immoral practices, especial
ly OF that class which destroy the family re-
lations and endanger social order. Nor Can
any ecclesiastical organization be safely per-
mitted to usurp in the smallest degree the
functions and powers Of the national govern
ment.
The civil service can never be placed on
satisfactory basis until it is regulated by law.
For the good of the service itself for the
protection of those who are entrusted with
this appointing power against the waste Of
time and obstruction to the public business
caused by the inordinate pressure for place,
and for the protection of incumbents against
intrigue and wrong, 1 shall at the proper
time ask Congress 10 fx the tenure Of the
minor Offices Of the several executive depart
ments and prescribe the grounds upon which
removals shall be made, during terms for
which incumbents have been appointed.
Finally, acting always within the authority
and limitations of the constitution, invading
neither the rights Of the states nor the re-
served rights Of the people, il will be the
purpose OF my administration to maintain its
authority and in all places within its jurisdic-
tion to enforce obedience TO all laws Of the
Union in the interests of the people, to de-
mand rigid economy in all the expenditures
of the government and TO require the honest
and faithful service Of all executive officers,
remembering that the offices were created,
not for the benefit Of the ineumbents or their
supporters, but for the service of the govern
ment. And now, fellow citizens, am about
to assume the great trust which you have
committed TO my hands. / appeal to you for
that earnest and thoughtful support which
makes this government in fact, as It is in law,
q government of the people. shall greatly
rely upon the wisdom and patriotism Of Con-
gress and of those who may share with me
the responsibilities and duties of administra-
ton, and above all upon our efforts to pro
mote the welfare Of this great people and
their government, I reverently invoke the
support and blessings Of Almighty God
The reception which the inaugural address
received from the crowd must have been ex-
ceedingly gratifying to the president-elect.
Many portions of it were loudly applauded,
particularly the references to the colored peo-
pie and their elevation to citizenship. The
delivery of this and other portions was re-
markably effective-so much so that in many
instances old black men, who had been slaves,
were seen weeping in the crowd. The close
of the address was most impressive, and as
the strong man who had won q great political
fight stood with hands uplifted appealing 10
God for aid in the trial before him, there was
the utmost silence upon the stand and plaza.
When he had concluded his speech, the pres
ident-elect handed his manuscript to President
Hayes and turned to the chief justice, who
rose to qualify him for the high Office upon
which he was about to enter. That officer
administered the oath. james A. Garfield
bent low, kissed the Bible held by the clerk
of the supreme court and was declared pres
ident of the United States. Three cheers for
Garfield and Arthur we're then shouted wildly
by the crowd, and the throng upon the plat.
form pressed about to greet the nations new
chief magistrate. For q moment, however,
President Garfield had no thought for con-
gratulations. He had scarcely taken the oath
| when he turned and reverently kissed his
mother and then his wife. Afterward he
shook hands with the ex-president, Senator
Bsyard, Senator Anthony, the chief justice
and Others. 1t is noteworthy that the chair
upon which he sat while on the grand stand
was the same used by Washington in New
York at his Inauguration as first president Of
the United States.
When the ceremonies at the east front were
concluded, as described, the presidential par
| ty separated; the president aud ex-president
took seats in their open carriage as before,
accompanied by Senators Anthony and Bay
ard a signal was given for the column to
move, and the procession started for the
| White House.
The Review.
Immediately upon their arrival there, the
president ex-president, with members Of
their families and family friends, made their
appearance in q decorated reviewing stand at
the edge of the White House grounds. Then
| cheer upon cheer arose as the president step
ped to the front, and these cheers were re-
peated when Gen. Sherman joined the party.
As the long ranks of soldiers and citizens
marched past, the president lifted his hat TO
the commanders and bowed graciously, the
ladies of the party waving their handkerchiefs
vigorously whenever any of the Ohio bodies
went by. The enthusiasm of the crowd con-
tinued until, at 4:30, or two hours and half
after the head of the line passed the review
ing stand, the rear of the procession marched
l.. - al.
As soon as the procession was over, Presi-
dent Garfield gave a reception to a few friends,
including President Hopkins and about 80 Of
| the alumni of Williams college. After the
| departure of these guests and until the presi-
dent and Mrs Garfield went TO the inaugura-
ton ball, they were permitted TO enjoy q sea-
son of needed retirement and peace.
The hall.
The Inauguration belI, which closed the
| days festivities, was held in the new national
museum, near the Smithsonian Institute, re-
Gently finished and not yet occupied by ex-
hibits. The building is spacious and con-
venient, and the ball was what no similar af-
fair ever was enjoyable and success
full. The receiving party from the White
| House arrived at nine O'Clock, and an inces-
SAINT handshaking was kept up until eleven,
when the dancing began Neither President
Garfield and his wife nor ex-President and
Mrs Hayes have ever been dancers, and, ~
they were excessively fatigued by the cere-
/ monies of the day, they retired soon after,
the new president and his family returning 10
the White House, and Mr.. and Mrs. Hayes
to the residence of Senator Sherman. And
so the day, which began with sleet and snow
and misgiVings about the possibility of carry
ing out the programme for the ceremonies,
passed of pleasantly and ended right merrily
with music and social gayety.
TKRRmLE TRAGEDY AT CHINA, ME.-on
| Saturdav the 10Th nit Charles Merrill a