Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-01-08
The prescribed oath which Clerk Bigger

the prescribed oath which Clerk Bigger
had laid upon the desk.
Judge Lewis read the oath 1.-THE same
that is pres crlbed for all officers) IN clear
voice, and Gov. Lee listened with marked
attention. HIS eyes sparkied and ray of
happiness seemed to illnmine his counte-
nance. Without moving muscle he stood
there amid the gaza Of SIX OF eight hundred
people and pledged himself to support the
Constitution and uphold the laws of the
State. The oath being administered, Judge
Lewis handed it TO Gov. Lee, with the re-
quest that he should sign it. Gov. Lee
picked up pen. and in a clear, bold haEd
wrote beneath the printed copy ''Fitzhugh
Lee -
Mrs. Lee occupied seat near the clerk 3
desk and heard the oath of office read
GREETING THE VISITORS.
After the oath was administered to
Lieut.. Gov. Massey Gov Lee stood In the
open space near the reporters desks and
shook hands with the New Jersey visitors
as they passed out into the rotunda of the
| Capitol. He mnst Cordially greeted each
one OF the visitors. and they in return
most heartily congratulated the new
Governor.
One Of the New jersey visitors had a
little speech, and he succeeded in saying
Az UdO A2Cu odhU ohShO
were hundred more persons behind him
pushing ahead to shake hands with the
Governor. His closing words however
were: "God bless you, Governor May
you live many years and may old Virginia
stand firm In the sisterhOod of States and
keep pace with the music of the Union"
"Thank you,'' Gov. Lee heartily replied.
as the Jerseyman moved slowly along in
the stream of people. The next was
cOlOred man, who wore badge indicating
that be came with the Joel Parker Asso-
citation. He was the only colored man in
the crowd of visitors, and when he ex end
ed his hand to the Governor a smile play
ed over his face, and with charact istic
modesty he said, Governor, let me con-
gratufate you" Gov. Lee looked at him
and, breaking out into a laugh. exclaim-
ed, ''My friend. don't you think the coun-
try is safe now 2'' The colored mans
face hid behind grin and there came
rolling out over his strong set of pure
white teeth the answer, Governor,
believe it isl 1t was an amusing Incl
Gov. FitZhugh Lee.
Soon afterwards Capt. Hayes pressed
forward and stood near the Governor
awaiting chance to greet him The Gov
error saw him and as be gave Capt. Hayes
warm and cordial grasp of the hand, he
exclaimed: "Heigho Jack; how are you
to-da,?' And ia reply Captain Hayes
said, VERY Will FltZ Allow me to con-
graduate you"
1t was half an hour before Gov Leo
could get out of the hall 50 universal was
the desire on the part of every one to
greet him. CIV. Cameron remained in
the hall during the reception and shook
hands with many persons.
Shortly after clock the Speaker call
ed the convention to order, and the crowd
slowly wendell their way out into the ro-
tunda.
Gov. Lee went upstairs with Gov.
Cameron, who turued over to him the Of
fee. and the programme was that he
would dine with DR.. Ross, and that
among the invited guests would be Capt.
Hayes. Gen. Lees lifelong friend and
companion in arms, before the latter re-
signed his commission as lieutenant in the
Unitek States army to cast his fortune
with the Confederacy.
Lieut.. Gov. Massey went over to the
Senate and Senator Hurt, the president
pro teTa., vacated the chair for Mr.. Mas
sey, who, before taking his seat, remarked
that his experience as presiding officer of
the Senate was limited, and he would ask
the indulgence and cooperation of the
Senators.
Both branches of the General Assembly
then adjourned, and for an hour or more
afterwards large crowd of persons re-
NAMED in the Capitol Square to see Gov.
Lee as he came out of his office.