Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-03-12

of the capitol some two or three hun
dred men and boys had congregated.
In approaching avenues aud streets
the military companies and society
organizations were drawn up in
columns, forming a brilliant vista as
far as the eye could reach. Here and
there on elevated stands enterprising
photogra piers had perched their ia
struments to perpetuate III photo
graphic designs the assembly on the
stand, and the sea of hats and faces
that moved continually ike waves of
the ocean. This immense thrOng was
variously estimated as to numbers.
President Arthur subsequently said
it was simply immense. '
THE GREATEST CROWD HE EVER
SAW"
Senator Hawley, as he looked at it
said he thought it numbered about
$50, 1000 people.
While waiting for the arrival Of the
president elect, some one IN front
would walk before the platform, and
his presence was the signal for repeat
ed cheers.
Precisely at 1890 the head of the
procession appeared coming out of the
main east door of the capitol. Presi-
dent Arthur stepped to the front of
the platform, followed b. the president
elect, Chief Justice Waite and the
arms of the senate. All
uncovered as they stood facing the
Gro wd, and the vast assemblage cheer
ed again and again for several minutes.
When the persons who were to assist
at the ceremonies were seated on the
platform, President-elect
CLEVELAND BEGAN HIS INAUGURAL AID
DRESS.
He was clad in full suit of black,
Prince Albert coat, high, old-fash-
toned standing collar, and black tie.
In speaking he held his left hand
close behind him, and emphasized
his speech with gestures with his
right hand. He spoke without man
uscript, hut occasionally consulted a
small piece of paper bearing notes of
the heads Of his discourse. His voice
was clear aud resonant, and he slowly
enumerated his words, and occasion
ally turned about at pauses as if to
note the effect Of his remarks.
When Mr.. Cleveland first began
his inaugural address the crowd APP
plauded whenever he paused to take
a breath, but after while c0ntentea
itself with cheering him as he made
his principal points His reference
to the prohibition OF foreign contract
labor called out loud and long con-
tinued applause.
The address was as follows:
THE ADDRESS
FELLOW CITIzENs:-In the presence of this vast
assemblage Of my countrymen, am about to
supplement and seal by the oath which I shall
take the manifestation of the will of great and
free people. In the exercise of their power and
right of self government they have committed
to one of their fellow citizens a supreme and sa-
cred trust, and he here conseerates himself to
their service. This impressive ceremony adds
little to the solemn sense of responsibility with
which 1 contemplate the duty owe to all the peo-
pie 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 it's attendant circumstan-
ceS have demonstrated q new strength and
safety of 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 guaranty of good government.
BUT THE BEST RESULTS
in the operation of a government. wherein every
citizen has share, largely dependant upon the
proper limitation of purely partisan zeal and
effort, and a correct appreciation of the time
when the heat of the partisan should be merged
in the patriotism of the citizen. To-day the ex-
eeutive branch Of the government is transferred
to new keeping. But this is still a government
of all the people and it should be none the less
an object of their 'affectionate solieitude, At
this hour the animosities of political strife, the
bitterness Of partisan defeat and the exutation of
partisan triumph, should be supplanted by
ungrudging acquieSence in tn e popular will,
and sober and conscientious concern for the
general veal. Moreover. if from this hour we
cheerfuIy and honestly abandon all sectional
prejudice and distrust and determine with manly
confidence in one another to work out harmon
ionsly the achievements of
OUR NATIONAL DESTINY,
we shall deserve to realize all the benefits which
our happy form of government can bestOw. On
this suspicious occasion We may we'll renew the
pledge of our devotion to the constitution which,
launched by the founders OF the republic, ard
consecrated by their prayers and patriotic de-
votion, has for almost century borne the hopes
and aspirations of great people through pros
perity and peace, and through the shock of for
eign conflicts and the perils of domestic strife
and vicissitudes. By the father of his country
our constitution was commended for ad option
1.-The result of spirit of aHity and mutual con-
eession" In the same spirit it should be admin
stered in order to promote the lasting welfare of
the country and to secure the full measure of its
priceless benefits to us and to those who will sue
coed to the blessings of our national life.
The large variety Of diverse and competing in
terests subject to federal CONTROL persstently
seeking the recognition of their claims, need give
us no fear that the greatest good to the greatest
number" will fail to be accomplished if in the
halls of national legislation, that spirit of amity
and mutual concession shall prevail in which the
constitution had its birth. If this involves the
surrender or DOStDOnemant of nriyate interests