Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-29

structure on the S0th Of April, l7s9. From
early dawn crowds of people poured into New
York, although for two weeks previous the city
had been apparently filled to its utmost limit,
and every tavern and boarding-house was
jammed full. The ceremonies of the day were
opened by discharge OF artillery at Fort
George. At o'clock the church bells rang
joyous peals. At IL O'Clock the military
marched 10 the presidential house on Cherry
street, followed shortly afterward by the con-
gressional committee of reception and the
heads Of the principal governmental depart
ments. Half an hour later the procession,
commanded by Col. Morgan Lewis, with Major
Van Horn and Major Morton as aids. proceeded
to Federal hall. The President-elect was in a
state coach, drawn by four horses. Behind
him were Gen. Jay, Gen. Knox.
Chancellor Livingston, and number Of
other dignitaries. The militia made
a remarkably fine showing. the two companies
OF grenadiers attracting especial attention.
One OF the companies was composed of the
tallest young men in the city, while the other
was made up exclusively of Germans The
Federal building was crowded almost 20 suifo-
cation long before 10 o'clock. In the Senate
there was much nervousness and discussion rs
to how the Senate ought to act when Washing
ton appeared. Should it stand or sit. Parlia-
mentary precedent was sought for in vain. and
John Adams was finally left without instruc-
lions as TO the Presidents reception. Then
arose another debate 10 how the Senate
should receive the clerk of the House OF Rep
resentatives and while the Senators were in
the midst of the debate the Speaker Of the
House. closely followed by all the members.
entered the chamber. That put stop to dis
cussion, and for one hour and ten minutes the
two houses sat together.
WHEN THE PRESIDENT ARRIVED
he was received by the joint congressional COM
mittee and by them his coming was announced
to Congress. Just at this time Chancellor
Livingston discovered that there was no Bible
in the Federal building. His being grand
master of the Free Masons, however, relieved
him from this dilemma, for he remembered
that there was Bible in the rooms of ~.
Johns Lodge No. l. I desc rooms were in the
Immediate vicinity of the Federal building, and
the Bible made its appearance without delay.
Washington was conducted to the open gallery.
In front of the Senate chamber, which looked
out on Broad street. He was accompanied by
John Adams, Gov. Clinton and Chancellor
Livingston. The multitude which thronged
the streets and houses shouted itself hoarse
when the hero appeared. Washington adj
yanced to the front of the balcony, laid his
hand on his heart, bowed several times aud
then sat down.
ADMINISTERING THE OATH.
When Chancellor Livingston advanced to-
ward him he arose and he paid the closest at
tention while the oath was read. The open
Bible was lifted up and Washington kissed it,
Chancellor Livingston cried, Long live
George Washington. President of the United
Statesi' linen Washington bowed once more
to the people, while guns were fired and The
populace renewed its cheering. Washington
was dressed in a suit of dark brown cloth. with
metal buttons on which eagles were embossed.
His hair was dressed and powdered after the
fashion of the day and was worn in bag. On
his shoes We're silver buckles and at his side
was a sword.
NOT AN ORATOR.
The President returned at once to the Senate
chamber. When he entered all arose, and. still
standing, they listened to his inaugural ad-
dress. The President was extremely nervous;
he trembled continuously. He attempted a
couple OF gestures. but they were so awkward
that one OF the spectators ia writing OF the az
fair remarked that he wished the President had
not attempted oratory. He did not like to feel
for moment that Washington was not first in
everything. From the Senate chamber the
President and great crowd of legislators pro-
ceeded to St. Paurs church, where the chap
lam of the Senate conducted services. Prayers
for the President were said and the TIE Deum
was sung. and then the President returned
to his official residence. At night there WAS a
gorgeous display of fireworks paid for by
private subscription, winch lasted over two
hours. The fiery beauties were witnessed by
the President from the windows of Chancellor
house. on the lower part OF Broad
way. Illuminated pictures of Washington
were numerous but not always artistic or true
to nature. The best picture" SAID one of the
chroniciers, twas over the door of beer house;
a place which Gen. Washington never fire.
quents." From the chancellor's 10 his own
residence the President returned on foot be-
cause the crowds were go great that carriage
would have been useless. 1t was great occa-
sion when the nation honored the greatest of
its citizens.