San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1881-10-06


fore u O'Clock Chief Justice Waite, in
his full robes Of Office, accompanied by
his associates Justices, proceeded from
the supreme court room to the marble
room. The doors were immediately
closed and without any Formally Pres
ident Arthur rose, and standing ON one
side OF the center table and Chief JUS
tice Waite ON the other, took the oath
OF Office. The presidents manner was
calm and composed and his response,
$50 help me God" was in firm tone
and without tremoI. The president
then read from his manuscript notes
the following
INAUGURAL ADDRESS:
For the fourth time in the history of
the republic its chief magistrate has
been removed by death. All hearts are
wild with grief and horror at the hide
GUS crime which has darkened our land,
and the memory Of the murdered pres
ident, his protracted sufferings, his I'M
Ainching 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
q vacancy so created, is called to assume
the executive chair. The wisdom of
our forefathers, in view even of the
most dire possibilities, made sure the
government should never be imperiled
because of the uncertainty of human
life. Men may die. but the fabric
of our free institutions remains
mistaken. No higher or more as
surfing proof could exist of the
strength Of popular government than
the fact that though the chosen Of the
people may be stricken down, his con-
stitutional successor is punctually in
stalled. He was without spot or stain,
and with the exception of the horror
which mourns the bereavement. ALI
the noble aspirations Of my lamented
predecessor, which found expression in
his life, the measures devised and sug-
gested during his brief administration
correct abuses and enforce economy, to
advance the prosperity and promote the
general welfare,to ensure domestic tran
guilty and maintain friendly and hon.
orable relations with the nations Of the
earth, will be garnered in the hearts of
the people and it will be my earnest en-
endeavor to profit by his example and ex-
perience. Prosperity blesses our coun-
try, our financial policy is fixed by law
and is well grounded and generally APP
proved; no threatening issue annoys
our foreign intercourse, and the wisdom,
integrity and thrift of our people may
be trusted to continue. For the present
we may be assured Of the continuation
of peace, tranquility and welfare. The
gloom and anxiety which have en-
shrouded the country must make the
repose especially welcome now. No
demand for speedy legislation has been
heard, and no adequate occasion is APP
parent for an extra session of congress.
The constitution. defines the functions
and powers of the executive as clearly
as those of either of the other repre-
sentatives of the government and he
must answer for the faithful discharge
of the discretion it presents and the
performance of the duties it imposes.
Summoned to their high duties and re-
sponsibilities and profoundly conscious
Of their magnitude and gravity, I as
sumo the trust imposed by the consti-
tuition, relying for aid on divine guild
ance and the intelligence of the Ameri-
can 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 the others present
shook hands with the president who ar
rived at the capitol soon after the cere-
mony of taking the oath was concluded
and in company with General Grant
shortly afterward left the same.
It is authoritatively learned as well as
indicated by the presidents inaugural
address, that there will be no session of
congress until the regular session OF
December.
ARTHUR'S FIRST OFFICIAL ACT.
WASHINGTON, Sept pa meeting of
the cabinet was held Immediately after
the ceremony of administering the
oath was concluded and the following
proclamation was prepared and signed
by President Arthur:
By the president of the United States
of America:
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, In his inscrutable wisdom
it has pleased Almighty God to remove
from the United States the illustrious
head of the nation, James A. Garfield,
late president of the United States;
and,
WHEREAS, 1t is fitting that the deep
grief which fills all hearts should mani
fest itself with one accord toward the
throne of infinite grace and that we
should bow before the Almighty and
seek from Him that consolation in our
affection and that sanctification of our
loss which He is able and willing to
vouchsafe.
Therefore, in obedience to sacred
a. i