The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1889-03-09


expecting the results to last for all
time, the foundation should be laid,
not in sand, but upon everlasting
rock.
THE FIRST INAUGURATION.
How They Did 1t Hundred Years
Ago.
On June 81, 1888, New Hampshire
ratified the Federal Constitution, be-
ing the ninth State tc do so, and on
on the I'd Of July, her formal Motif
cation of the fact was read in the
Confederation Congress. BY the
terms of the Constitution, the ratifi-
cation of nine States made it opera
tive; therefore the Congress, after
long debate, on the 18th Of Septem-
Der, resolved:
THAT the first Wednesday in jan
uary next be the day for appointing
electors for the several States which
before that date shall have ratified
the constitution; that the first
Wednesday in February next be the
day for the electors to assemble in
the respective States to vote for
President, and that the first Wednes-
day in March next be the time, and
the present seat Of Congress the
place, for commencing operations
under the constitution"
Only the first part Of this was car
ried out on the dates designated.
George Washington received every
electoral vote for President, and as
far as can be known, every individu-
al vote in the United States. But
there was no such unanimity in the
vote for Vice President, John Ad-
ANS receiving little more than a ma
jority of the electoral votes. Owing
to the badness Of the roads, and to
what now seems to be criminal neg
lect, the members of the first house
did not assemble in sufficient num-
bers to form quorum until April,
1889, and on that day the votes of
the electors were opened and count
ed Official information was imme-
dialely communicated to Washing
ton and Adams, and preparations
made for an impressive Inaugural
tion. On the 18th of April, Charles
Thompson, secretary of the late Con-
gress, conveyed official notice to
Washington, and he set out at once,
his journey being confined tri-
umphal procession.
As they drew near the city OF
New York, it was seen that all the
vessels and boats were highly decor
ated and crowded with many specta-
tors, and his progress was accom-
panied by the music of many bands,
the roar of cannon and loud accla-
nations Of the people.
Landing at Murray's wharf, he
was received by the governor, corpor-
alton of the city, clergy, foreign min,
listers and the military, and escorted
to his residence. On the Both Of
April, services were held in all the
churches of the city at 8 o'clock in
the morning, and soon after moor
the committees Of Congress and the
heads of departments waited or
Washington, and a grand procession
was formed, the military in advance
the committees next, then the Presi
dent in coach, accompanied by bis
abide camp, Col. Humphreys, and
his private secretary, Tobias Lear
After them were various civil officers
and citizens. Arriving at Fedora
Hall, they we're conducted by Mar
shall Webb to the Senate chamber
at the door of which the President
was formally received by Vice Presi
dent Adams, previously inaugurated
and conducted to his seat. Boil
houses of Congress occupied the Sen
ate chamber before him. Then thu
Vice President, addressing Washing
ton, said:
"Sir, the Senate and House of Rep
resentatives of the United States ar,
ready to attend you to take the oatl
required by the Constitution, which
will be administered by the Chancel
lor of the State of New York"
Washington responded. Il an
ready to proceed" Then they pass
ed to the open porch at the south emf
Of the hall, where Chancellor Living
ston pronounced the oath, and Wash
ington, holding up his right hand
in clear, strong voice said:
Il, George Washington, do solem
~ swear that / will faithfully exc
cute the office of President of tn,
United States, and will, to the bes
of my ability, preserve, and protec
the Constitution of the United
States"
Then kissing the book which~M ar
shall Webb held up to him he added
$50 help me God" The Chancello
then, turning to the people. exclaim
ed in loud voice, sLong live Georg
Washington, President ofthe Unitet
StatesT" A roar of applause wen
ny from, fbo an mn ~ an noo ,..<s..I