Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1885-03-14
WASHINGTON LETTER

Although a presidential inauguration
is q quadrennial event, the Inauguration
of a democratic President was some
thing which the younger portion of this
generation had not seen. Mr.. CIeve-
lands journey on Wednesday from the
White House to the Capitol and back
was a memorable one, and the scenes
on Pennsylvania avenue baf1ed descrip-
ton. It was perfect day for pageant
~, cloudless, balmy, blue skYed and
sunny, an unprecedented 4th of March.
Hundreds OF thousands of people wit
messed the ceremonies of the day. They
came from every corner of the United
States, and on account of the great
numbers jOurneying to Washington,
trains on all the roads were so delayed
that several thousand people, to their
great indignation, arrived too late to
view the procession.
The city was hidden behind a mass
of decorations, and the sidewalks be-
meath q sea Of human heads. People
filed the windows, crowded upon the
housetOps, climbed trees and telegraph
poles to get a view Of the Presidential
party. Men shouted until they
were hoarse, women cheered and
waved their handkerchiefs, and
many an Old democrat who
had come all the way to Washing
ton to feast his eyes on the sight, rushed
out beyond the space assigned to spec
tatOrs and waved his hat in eXuberance
of feeling. The soft spring-Hke breeze
stirred the many silken banners of the
procession, and special aids, in brilliant
uniforms, gallOped hither and Jhither,
lending animation to the scene.
In an open barOuche drawn by four
fine bay horses sat Mr. Cleveland and
President Arthur, and senators Sherman
and Ransom. Mr.. Cleveland removed
his silk hat occasionally and bowed in
response to the cheers of the thrOng as
the carriage moved slowly along,
Soma interesting scenes were taking
place at the Capitol at this time The
FUrtv-eighth Congress was having its
final say when the announcement was
made 70 the Senate that the House had
passed the Grant retirement bill. This
was greeted by an OutbursG of applause
which was followed by another on re-
ceipt of President Arthur's message
nominating General Grant to the newly
created vacancy. The floor aud CALLER
les of the Senate were now filed with
distinguished spectators, and President
Arthur entered and moved down the
aisle to the seat assigned him, bOWlng
his acknowledgements to the welcome
Of the audience. Then there was the
hush of expectancy and 1.-THE Pre- sident-
elect of the United States" was an
nOunced at the same instant that MI.
Cleveland's stalwart form appeared.
The audience gave round upon round
of applause and rising to its feet, hon
Ored the man of the day with loud and
prolonged cheering. Mr.. Cleveland
wore his honors with dignity and per-
feet cOmpOsure, bowling pleasantly to
the right and to the left. He was es-
cOrted by Senators Ransom and Sher-
man to a seat beside President Arthur,
and by this time Mr.. Hendricks had en-
tered and advanced to the desk Of the
President of the Senate, where he
received the oath of office. SEN
ator Edmunds delivered a brief
valedictOry, handed the gavel
to Mr.. Hendricks and the latter
at once called the Senate to order IN
extra session. Prayer was offered by
the chaplain, the new Vice President
made q short address, the new Senators
were sworn in, and the audience then
proceeded to the main pOrticO Of the
Capitol to inaugurate the President
elect.
Mr.. Cleveland was clad in full suit
Of Prince Albert coat high, old fash
Toned standing collar, and black tie.
He deliTere his address without manu-
script, referring occasionally to a small
slip Of paper bearing the heads OF his
discourse. Chief Justice Waite then
administered the oath of Office using
well worn bibles given to Mr.. Cleveland
BY his mother when he left hOmes a
Young man. The Chief Justice then
shook hands With the new President, as
did also ex-President Arthur, the Su-
preme Court Justices and many others.
The scene on Capitol hill during these
ceremonies was brilliant and varied.
For blocks every street in that vicinity
glistened with bayOnets and the bright
uniforms of the troops and the less bril-
liant but equally attractive uniforms Of
the civic organizations. EX-Pre>ident
Arthur remarked that it was the largest
crowd he had ever seen Returning TO
the White House Mr.. Cleveiand received
an ovation all along the line, and rode
with uncovered head In acknowledge
ment. The procession was three hours
long, and while reviewing u IRON q
stand in front of the White House. the
President with his hands folded behind
him, remained standing until the entire
line had passed,