Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1882-01-11
THE OUTS AND ms.
Ceremonies of Inauguration at Madi-
son, Wis.
Imposing Military and Civic DispIay--.The
Speeches.

Monday, January 2, the day for the
Inauguration of Wisconsin's new state
officers, opened bright and cheerful and
consequently nothing prevented the out
of-door portion of the programme,
which was exceedingly brilliant and i'm
posing.
Promptly at II o'clock two battalions
of militia, composing eight companies,
formed on Main Street and proceeded to
the capitol where they received the re-
firing state officers and escorted them to
the Park Hotel. Here the state officers
elect were received and the column made
the circuit of the park and entered OF the
south gate. The state officers entered
the east door of the Capitol, and then
proceeded to the main stand in the as
sembly chamber. On the main stand,
at the head of the chamber, were the fol-
lowing distinguished persons: Hon. j.
G. Gregory, president of the day; Gov
ernor VIM. E. Smith, Governor-elect J.
NJ. Rusk, Lieutenant Governor Fifeld,
Secretary of State Warner, Secretary
elect Timme, State Treasurer Guenther,
State Treasurer-elect McFetridge, At
torney General-elect Frisby, State Su-
perintendent Whitford, State Superin-
tendent-elect Graham, Railroad Commits
sioner Turner, Railroad Commissioner
elect Haugen, Insurance Commissioner
Spooner, Hon. Philetus Sawyer, and all
OF the supreme court judges except
Judge Taylor, who was absent from the
city.
At about half after twelve the exer-
cises were opened with music by the
Arion band. After prayer was offered
by Rev. G. FL. Richards, of this city,
the Hon. j. G. Gregory delivered short
address as president OF the day.
Gov. Smith then delivered the follow
ing address:
FELLOW CITIZENS: This day marks q change
in the administration of public affairs in Wis
consin. The gentlemen who have been en-
trusted with the conduct of these affairs for
the past four years will nearly all retire to pri-
vate life, or enter upon other positions of pub
lie trust.
On every occasion and in every practicable
way during this period your friendly and most
charitable consideration has been granted to
me in unstinted measure, and I gladly avail
myself of the opportunity which this occasion
affords to make public acknowledgement there
of. Indeed there has been SO little of personal
or partisan rancor and so much of generous
commentator that / am able to say that these
years of official life and duties have been ex-
ceptlonally pleasant to me, and / would fain
believe not without sorio profit and reasonable
satisfaction to the people. For this am large
ly indebted to tbs gentlemen who have been
associated With me In the administration of the
affairs of state, and they in turn to most eff
cient and faithful subordinates. The records
in the state department; the books, vouchers
and accounts in the treasury; the legal affairs
of the state and condition of the land depart
ment prove most conclusively that those who
have executed the work in connection there
with, have had high ideals of duty; and have
brought to its discharge intelligence, zeal and
infdelity.
1t is therefore without miseivirgs or regret
that we meet to-day to give place to our sue
cessors, and unite with you in tending to them
most hearty congratulations.
In the several positions of trust and RESPONSE
blllty which they are now about to assume we
bespeak for them the same measure of conf
dence and cooperation that has been extended
to us. Fortunately there are no perplexing
questions pending which would tend to en-
barassing a new administration. The state
finances are in most satisfactory condition;
with every known demand against the state
fully paid there is balance in the treasury to-
day belonging to the general fund of $173,-
367.63. Peace and prosperity everywhere pre-
vail, not only IN our own state but throughout
the nation.
1t is an especial privilege for me to be per-
mitted on this occasion to introduce to you as
my successor my lifelong and much respected
personal friend, gentleman of large ex-
perience in public affairs, who, without any
Fictitious aids from birth or fortune, has
achieved honorable distinction III both civil and
military life, and brings to the service of the
state sound mind IN sound body-Gen.
Jeremiah M. Rusk, governor-elect, and soon to
be governor in fact, of Wisconsin.
Governor-elect Rusk, at the conclusion
of Governor Smiths address, made the
following remarks:
Mr.. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: In
entering upon the duties assigned me by the
state, am deeply impressed with the RESPONSE
bilities of the labors before me; and with pro-
found era itude for the confidence reposed in
me, / commence my labors this day, determined
to devote my best efforts to the entire people.
Succeeding in this high Office the many dis
tinguished gentlemen Who have administered
its affairs with such marked ability and success,
shall consider myself very fortunate if, at the
close of my term, the same good opinions go
with me.
The state of Wisconsin has become one of the
most important in the northwest; it has
taken q high rank in its agricultural and COM
mercial interests, and is surely and steadily
progressing. Our already large manufacturing
interests are continually developing and ex-
tending greater facilities to American lsbor;
and in national affairs state has Justly taken
a high rank, fer which all good citizens feel a
just pride.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, allow me to
thank the citizens of Madison and others who
have assembled here, for this most kind and
generous reception of the newly elected officers,
who are now about to assume their duties; also
to thank the National Guard, who have SO gen.
erously rendered services upon this occasion,
and the retiring state officers, who are entitled
to the thanks of all for the faithful and eff
cient manner in which they have discharged
their several duties.
I again thank you-one and all-and ask for
Divine guidance in the performance of our Off
cial acts.
The oath of Office was administered by
Chief Justice Cole, to the state officers
elect in the following order; Governor,
J. M. Rusk; Lieutenant Governor.
S. S. Fifeld; Secretary of state, Capt.
E. G. Timme; State Treasurer, Ed. W.
McFetridge; Attorney General, Hon. L.
f. Frisby; State superintendent, Hon.
Robert Graham.
The oath of Office was not taken by
the insurance commissioner and railroad