The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1885-03-18
From our regular Correspondent.
Washington Letter.

w dSu1uSGOu AoIU6I.
succession of important events has
transpired at the Capital since / last
wrote you. The recently elected Presi-
dent of the United States has pronounced
his inaugural address and taken the oath
of office. The city has doubled its pop
ulation and and again divided it. The
new Cabinet has been officially an
nounced and confirmed by the Senate,
now convened in extra session, and the
new Democratic regime has started upon
its course.
Everything in connection with the
festivities of the 18th, inst, was satisfac-
tory, complete and impressive. Even
the weather amiably fell in step with the
occasion and showed fairer face than
it has worn for twenty-five years. Never
on a similar occasion has Washington
been so thronged with visitors or looked
so gay. Pennsylvania Avenue was mass
of flags and bunting; the amount of ma-
terial used being beyond calcula ton. No
Z serious occurrences marred the effect of the
celebration as a whole. The people and
pageant lived up to the weather. There
were some almost unprecedented jams,
such as that at the Inauguration Ball,
which drew from President Cleveland
the remark, 81 have never before seen
anything like this, )" and that on the White
House Lot where the fire works were
displayed. But there were no railroad
accidents, no platforms broken down
with their burdens of spectators, no
street broils occurred, no jealousies nor
misunderstanding to break the harmony
of the day. AS the procession moved
over the broad asphalt Avenue to the
Capitol, and afterwards as the long col
umn dehled and stretched away fully
four miles to the westward, accompanied
by the harmonious din of 125 bands of
music, and the Haunting of national ban
ners, the scene was grand and inspiring.
But | must turn from the day to the
man. The new occupant of the White
House has had ample opportunity al
ready to realize the strain to which he
will be subjected during the next four
wears. The city is still full of visitors,
and many of them are unwilling to de-
part without shaking hands with him,
and receiving an Office Several times
Mr.. Cleveland has felt constrained to
leave his official duties and hold informal
receptions.
The Presidents first official act was
the nomination of the Cabinet, and the
second was the signing of Gen. Grants
commission as an officer on the retired
list of the army with the rank of Gener-
al. Secretary Lincoln brought the COM
mission to the White House and laid il
before the President for signature. The
President glanced at it and laid it aside,
remarking: 81 suppose there is no par
ticular hurry about it," Secretary Lin
coin picked it up and said, "Well, the
fact is, Mr.. President, one of my highest
aspirations before leaving the Cabinet is
fr Oft +hic md xxyaY1IA
personally oblige me by signing it now"
'Maybe Mr.. Endicott, as Secretary of
War, shares your aspiration, Mr.. Lin
coln," quietly remarked the President,
again laying aside the paper. Secretary
Lincoln, somewhat abashed, took his
leave, and later President Cleveland
signed the commission, as did also his
Secretary of War.
The new Cabinet seems to be one de-
signed for hard work, and well equipped
for its duties. For some days it was
known who would compose it, save that
a slight uncertainty clouded two of the
names. Therefore the full list OCCASION
ed little surprise. The fitness of Senators
Bayard and Garland for their respective
desks is acknowledged, while the value
of Senator Lamar's presence at the Pres
ident's council board is also conceded.
OF the men less known in Washington,
Mr.. Manning comes to the head Of the
Treasury with high reputation for EX-
ecutive ability and good judgment as a
politician. 1t is thought that Mr.. Villas
will make an efficient Postmaster Gen
eral. Mr.. Whitney has shown great
energy and tact as lawyer and politi-
clan, and will bring these qualities to his
new duties at the helm of the Navy De-
partment. Judge Endicott is known as
an able lawyer and man of great firm
ness of character.
The new President is confronted each
morning now with steadily increasing
volume of mail OF course he does not
see one-fourth the matter that is address
ed to him. That would be impossible,
even if he occupied every hour he is
awake to the task. The letters, too, en-
brace every conceivable subject. Some
are congratulations, others relate to APP
appointments, and one New York man
wanted the President to send him dam
Ding programme of the ball.
Hdshinqtoa, ID. c., March 8, 1855.