The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-03-12
Washington Letter.

lignly on human pomp and pagean
nv than on the 4th of March, 1885,
when Grover Cleveland was inaugu
.ated president of the United !
States. The superb broad avenue
which stretches from the capitol to
the treasury had been swept as
clean as 3 floor and it was kept
clear from curb to curb. The side
walks, windows and hundreds of
temporary balconies were filed, it
is estimated, by more than two
hundred thousand spectators.
Promptly at half past ten the Presi-
Dental cortege started from the
white house to the capitol. The
president and the president-elect
rode in q carriage drawn by four
bay horses and we're driven at
walk the entire distance.
The inauguration ceremony pass
ed off smoothly. Mr.. Cleveland de-
livered his address in o clear, strong
voice, and without other gesticula-
ton than a slight motion with his
right hand. When he had conclud-
ed he turned to the chief justice of
the supreme court and sWore that
he would maintain the constitution
and the laws Of the United States.
The bible used was one that had
been presented to Mr.. Cleveland by
his mother. After President Clevs-
land had returned to the white
house he took his position on the
stand that had been erected for the
purpose and surrounded by Elk
President Arthur and q number OF
distinguished personages, reviewed
a procession of $4,000 uniformed
civic and military organizations.
The parade was the most imposing
ever seen in the city. The crowd
was the largest, best behaved and
most respectable ever seen here.
The day was the finest ever vouch-
safed to pageantry, and President
Cleveland entered upon his arduous
work under the most cheering aus
pices.
1 had never seen the president
until he appeared in the carriage on
mis- way to the capitol. was i'm
pressed by his pallor, his express
sion Of WEAKNESS and harrassmsnt
He looks older than his photo
graphs. saw him again at the in
augural ball when he was escorted
around the densely packed hal
between Senator Pendleton of Ohio
and Mr.. Merrlck of this city. The
scene, the enthusiasm of the crowd
greetings of ladies who did moi
wait for an Introduction, was evi
IDENTIFY new to the president. HI
was pleased, and did not know how
to conceal it. AS q result he wal
perfectly natural, and the very op
posite of base. His face wore :
large uncultivated smile, such al
might be worn by healthy coun
try lass at her debut in the city, anc
in the surprise of finding herself al
unprofessional attraction. But 1 de
not think Hr. Cleveland will prov,
himself wanting the Suaviter IN mod,
that is the natural outcome of can
dor and simplicity Of character. Al
for the fortiter tn re, everyone know
he has it, and some good demvcrati
fear he has too much of it for Prac
tical purposes.
The future is OVERLOOKING will
visitors, and 80 great is their enthu
siasm and good will that it is fear
ed they will bore the president tx
death. His time on the day after
Inauguration was occupied in shak
! ing hands With delegations, which
had no other excuse or object thar
a desire to meet and greet the pres
idsnt of the United States. 1t Wal
observed that the president shook
hands without gloves. To have
shaken hands with the president is
doubtless very pleasant souvenir
of the memory Of those Who come
to Washington, but those who
wisely and periodically wish him
well will not take time and energy
that does net belong to individuals.
but is consecrated to the interests
of sixty millions of people. Presi-
dent Cleveland has a great and ap-
palling work before him, and if he
does not sternly protect himself
from the gush and drivel and i'm
portunIty of pilgrims who come
singly and in battallions mis-
four years will go out without their
mead Of accomplishments.