The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-03-06
Brilliant Inauguration Ball.


and 10 an avalanche ofthe people is here !"
might have been truly said of Washington on
"Wednesday. From all parts of our great
country there were gathered together mighty
host, to see, most of them for the first time
in their lives, Democratic President inau-
gurated, and to rejoice with each other over
the glorious event.
The hotels were filled the day before and
Tuesday night thousands of persons were
compelled to walk the streets, unable to find
a place to lay their heads. Fortunately there
was no lack of provisions and at early dawn
they could refresh themselves with cup Of
hot coffee and a moderately comfortable
breakfast at almost any street corner. The
weather was most propitious. Few people
living remembered to have seen an Inaugu-
ration Day so pleasant. The morning broke
with promise of rain, but as the sun mount
ed higher and higher the mists disappeared
and genial warmth pervaded the atmos-
phere. Windy March borrowed one day,
at least, from April, expressly for this occa-
sion.
The city had put on its gayest attire and
Pennsylvania avenue, from one end to the
other, was respondent with bright-colored
decorations. All along the route of the pro-
cession stands had been erected and early in
the morning these were occupied by expect
ant sight.seers. Every train that came in
added to the crowd, until at least 100000
strangers were in the city. Trains were run
from Baltimore every ten minutes, and their
departure for long time, appeared to make
no diminution in the immense crowd at the
depots waiting to go to Washington.
President-elect Cleveland left Albany Mon
day evening, arriving in Washington early
Tuesday morning. He refused the offer Of
the free use of a special train but paid for the
train that took him to Washington. He was
accompanied by his sisters, Mrs. Hoyt and
Miss Cleveland; his brother, Rev. w. N.
Cleveland and wife; Col. and Mrs. Lamont,
his nieces Miss Mary Hastings, Misses Nellie
and Anna Youmans, Daniel Manning and
wife and Police Inspector Byrnes. Mr..
Cleveland desired to make the journey quiet
ly, but Notwithstanding the precautions taken
it leaked out that the Presidential train was
on the road, and at various points it was
greeted with cheers and bonfires lighted up
the hill-tops. The Presidential party went
at once to the Arlington Hotel, where, dur
ing the day, q number of distinguished per-
sonages called upon the President-elect. Mr..
Cleveland also called upon President Arthur,
who doubtless gave him some useful hints in
relation to the duties no was about to as
sumo.
AT half past ten o'clock Wednesday morn
ing the procession started from the White
House for the Capitol. In a carriage drawn
by four spanking bays from President Ar
thurs stables, sat President Arthur, with
President. elect Cleveland and Senators Sher-
man and Ransom. The second carriage con.
tanned Vice President elect Hendricks and
Senator Hawley.
The occupants Of the carriages were greet.
ed with the widest enthusiasm, men shout
ing, women screaming and waving their
handkerchiefs.
The procession was magnificent pageant.
Hundreds of brass bands, fife and drum corps
poured floods of music into the air as the vast
throng moved forward
At noon the President and his escort en-
tered the Senate chamber, and witnessed the
taking of the oath of Office by Vice President
Hendricks. 1t was administered by Mr.. Ed
munds, President of the Senate. Mr.. Ed
munds then delivered his farewell address
and declared the Senate adjourned, without
day.
Vice President Hendricks then took the
chsir and called to order the Senate of the
46th Congress in executive session. Prayer
was made by the Chaplain, Mr.. Hendricks
delivered short address and the new Sena-
tors were sworn in.
President-elect Cleveland, President Ar
thur, the Senators and all others who had
been admitted to the Senate chamber then
proceeded to the east front of the Capitol,
where q large stand had been erected, on
which seats were reserved for Senators, Rep
resentatives, the diplomatic corps and Others
more or less distinguished An immense
crowd was gathered around, extending far
beyond a hearing point, but all could see
President Cleveland as he kissed his mothers
Bible, after Chief Justice Waite had admins
tered the oath of Office to him, upon the con-
clusion of his inaugural address
The pictures of Mr.. Cleveland, published
during the campaign, were in general good
likenesses, so that the spectators had no diff
Guilty in singing him out from the crowd of
persons by whom he was surrounded. His
voice was clear and distinct, but not a deep
bass in its tones. He spoke without notes
and with the ease, nuency and solf-posst ssion
of man accustomed to address large audi
ences. He said:
F6lOD Citizens. In the presence of this
vast assemblage of my countrymen l am
about to supplement and seal by the oath
which shall take, the manifestation of the
will of great and free people, In the ex-
ercise oftheir power and right of selfgoyern.
ment they have committed to one of their
fellow-citizens supreme and sacred trust
and he here consecrates himself to their SER
vice.
This impressive ceremony adds little to the
solemn sense of responsibility with which
contemplate the duty owe to all the people
of the land; nothing can relieve me from anx-
iety lest by any act of mine their interests
may suffer; and nothing is needed to
strengthen my resolution to engage every
faculty and effort in the promotion of their
welfare.
Amid the din of party strife the peoples
choice was made, but its attendant circum.
stances have demonstrated anew the strength
and safety of a government by the people. In
each succeeding year it more clearly appears
that our Democratic principles need no
apology, and that In its fearless and faithful
application is to be found the surest guaran.
iy of good government.