The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-03-06
TIE OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to President Harrison Ly
Chief Justice Fuller.

Administered to President Harrison Ly
Chief Justice Fuller.
WAsHINGTOS, March 1.-The ceremonies in
the senate chamber concluded, came the most
solemn and imposing event of the day, when
the chief magistrate oil the United States
chosen by his feilow-countrymen, was, in their
presence to take the oath of Office and swear
60 defend the constitution and laws of the land.
The spectacle, though Individually married by
the weather, was worthy OF such event. In
driving rainstOrm were countless thousands
Of citizens of the republic hoarsely cheering
and shouting the name of the president. From
one end Of the east front of the long and
stately capitol was TO be seen dense mass of
umbrellas, while Immediately about the inaug-
ural platform great numbers of people were
packed in an unmovable mass, exposed to the
rain. The crowds in the streets kept up a
constant cheering, shouting the name of Harri-
son and -four, four, four years more"
It was nearly o'clock when the procession
from the senate appeared at the doors of the
rotunda. President Cleveland and President
elect Harrison walked side by side aud took
their places in a small rallied Enclosure, erected
In the center OF the front Of the stand. Such
members OF the senate, diplomatic corps and of
the house of representatives. and a number of
other officers OF the government as cared to
IN body.
When the crowd saw the president there
arose an uproar like the rushing of the waters
OF Niagara. The cheering was renewed again
and again and II was not until President Harri-
son had several times raised his hand for silence
that order was restored.
When the cheering had partially subsidized,
Chief Justice Fuller arose, and, barring his
abundant white locks to the rain, held a bible
In his right hand ready to administer the oath
Il IT. So A
Canaday also removed their hats. Ii was a
most impressive scene. Standing with uncov-
cred heads in the midst of pelting rainstorn,
the chief justice and the President-elect, sur
rounded by high officers Of state and in the
presence OF an immense multitude OF citizens,
faced each other with bowed heads, while the
former read the oath of Office in low tone of
voice The oath recited is in the following
words:
a. soIemnIy swear that I will faithfully exc
euts the Office Of president Of the United States,
and will. 10 the best Of my ability, preserve pro-
tsct and defend the constitution OF the United
States.
At the conclusion Of the reading Of the oath
the president, with his right hand casping the
bible bowed his head in assent silence al
most painful had marked this preceding, and
when il was ended there was another tremend-
ous applause.
The olOie on which the oath was admins
tered was a black, flexible, mOroccobo bound vol
ume about ten by eight inches in size. Ii is
tho latest New York and Oxford edition,
printed on thin paper with gold edges, and is
signed for the use of teachers with supple
n.-itary notes and maps. In accordance with
b custom, Mr. Mckinney, clerk of the SUI
rrlt0e court, will present this book to Mrs.
"a rson as precious memento of the occa-
son.
81. cheering which followed this ceremony
having at length subsidized somewhat, in defer
eTce to President Hsrrison's request, he drew
from his pocket a roll Of manuscript and, after
adjusting his spectacles began reading his in
suguraI address. He kept his silk hat on dur
ing the delivery of his inaugural, and was
partly protected from the rain by Sergeant-at-
Arms Canaday, much after the manner in which
oriental potentates are attended by their UNI
brella-bearers.
Mr.. Cleveland. now sx-president. stood up