Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1881-09-29
PRESIDENT ARTHUR.
THE OATH RETAKEN.

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 tho way from Long Branch to Washington.
1t is understood that the president himself
was chiefly instrumental in bringing it
about Although somo of the cabinet
were strongly of the opinion that all things
considered it would be better to have the oath
to by the
the cabinet, it is alleged, did not
think the necessity paramount and in
deed were rather of tho opinion
that it was not worth while to so through the
form a second time. All finally agreed, how
ever, that while there was no necessity for the
president to take the 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 1t was
finally decided, however, that az he was in tho
vicinity of the capitol, and Furthermore, as
IT 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
the course of consultation upon the subject, it
was suggested that there might be some bubble
on the part of the sicklers for propriety of
form and ceremony, who would claim that the
oath of Office should be taken by the 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 judge of q state court, and was
within the jurisdiction Of 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 improperly of assuming the Office formal
ly under other circumstances than had been
the precedent since the formation of the gov
ernment
THE CHIEF JUSTICE ENTERED
the room, accompanied by Associate Judges
Mathews and Harlan, and ex-Associate Justice
Strong. The chief justice was arrayed in the
robes of office, but the other judges were in
citizens dress. The gentlemen present
who had remained standing formed
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 Bible
which he opened haphasard and handed it to
Chief Justice Waite. The president Immediately
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 a
firm voice, 81 do;" and then, after
the silence of moment, said in a firm and
impressive voice: $50 help me God" 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 small roll OF
manuscript containing his address, which was
written upon note paper, and proceeded to rear
as follows:
PRESIDENT ARTHUR's INAUGURAL.
For the fourth time in the history of the republic
its chief magistrate has been removed Dy Ceatp.
All hearts are filed with grief and horror at the
hideous crime which has darkened our land. and
the memory of the murdered president, his pro-
tracted suffering, his unyielding fortitude the ex-
amples and achievements of his life, aud the pathOs
of his death will forever Hume the pages of our
history. For the fourth time the officer elected
by the people, and ordained by the constitution to
iii a vacancy so created is called to assume the
executive chair. The wisdom of our forefathers
foreseeing even the most dire possibilities made
were that the government should never be imperiied
because of the uncertainty of human life. Men
may die, but the fabrics of free institutions
main mistaken. No higher more assuring
nroof could exist of the strength aud permanancy OF
popular government than that though the chosen
ruler of the people be struck down, his constitu-
tional successor is peacefully installed without
shock or strain, except the sorrow which mourns
the bereavement. All the noble aspirations OF my
lamented predecessor. which found expression IL
his life, the measures devised and suggested
during his brief administration, to correct
abuses and enforce economy, to advance
prosperity and promote genera! welfare tc
ensure domestic security and maintain friendly anG
honorable relations with the nations of the earth
will be garnered in the hearts of the people, and il
will be my earnest Sn to profit BY them
apd experience. Prosperity besses our country.
Our fiscal policy as fixed by law, is we'll grounded
and generally approved. No threatening issue
mars our foreign intercourse. and the wisdom, in
tegrity and thrift of our people may be trusted tc
continue undisturbed. The present assurances
are of peace, tranquility and welfare. The
gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded the
countrp must make repose especially welcome now
No demand for speedy legislation has been heard
No adequate occasion is apparent for an unusual
session of congress. The constitution defines the
functions and powers of the executive as clearly as
those of the other departments of the government,
and he must for the just exercise of the dis
erection it permits and the performance of the du-
ties it imposes Summoned to these high duties
and responsibilities and profoundly conscious Of
their magnitude and gravity, assume the trust i'm
posed by the constitution, relying for aid Divine
guidance and the virtue, patriotism and intelligence
of the American people
The address was delivered in q voice tremu-
lous at times, and it seemed once or twice a:
though the president was almost upon the
RSRs Of gXPg e tasEs 9F h m4ss Pat
very marked and emphatic, making deep i'm
preston upon his hearers. After the reading
was over, which occupied less than five min
utes, all the persons present advanced ant
shook hands with the president, and immedi
ately the party mingled in gen
eral conversation. Ex-President Hayes
was quite deferental to Gen. Grant
to whom he conversed for some minutes. Thu
subject of their conversation was common
place, Gen. Grant making monosyilabic re
sponses to the observations of the junior ex
president All present soon retired, except tn
president and the cabinet, whereupon the door
were closed and they proceeded to hold their
FORMAL CONSULTATION.
Ne auuresS Oh tne president was commented
on by all who heard it as being remarkably ap
propriate to the occasion and BETTING the stu
alton and demands of the hour. Aside from
the general sentiments of regret at the neces.
sity which occasioned it, il contained one i'm
portant announcement, that there will b.
no extra session of congress called. This
part of the address was perhaps commented
on with more satisfaction than any other, i
being the almost universal sentiment of mem
beers Of the senate and house in Washington
that an extra session of congress was Il
be avoided If possible. The occasion will lonl
ha ramannharad nf GREAT historic in
terest There were present one president tax
ing the oath Of Office, two ex-presidents and a
ex-yice president among the spectators, Will
but few feet away there was lying the re
mains Of the late chief magistrate, who vii
soon leave the capitol forever for his grave il
Ohio.