The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1889-01-15

Confederate States Army 81 which both the outgoing and
incoming Governors were members.
Carriages containing Governors CaolneL
Carriages with Supreme Court Judges
Carriages with R4r ad Commissioners
Carriages with Circuit Court judges.
Carriages with the Reception Committee
Carriages with members of State Executive Committee
Carriages with members of County Executive commit
FOURTH DIVISION.
College Students.
Citizens in carriages.
Citizens on horseback.
AS the long line began TO march, the bands
struck up in lively strains, the multitude cheered
and All was excitement. Great crowds followed
the line of march while about as great mum
Der rushed for the east front of the Capitol to
seek favorable points for witnessing the closing
ceremonies.
The procession moved up Adams street to
NcCarty, down McCarty 10 Calhoun, up Cal
houn 10 Georgia, down Georgia to Monroe.
thence down Monroe to the east front OF the
Capitol.
an along the line of march the streets were
crowded, and the verandas and windows of the
residences were packed with lovely ladies, who
waved their snowy handkerchletS and checred.
II was nearly an hour before the procession
worked its way back 10 the Capitol, and in the
meantime those who were wai'lngln the grounds
were in fever of excitement.
As the long line hate>, Governor Fiemi ng,
Governor Perry Chief Justice Raney and Col.
Chpey alighted from their carriage, and fol-
lowed by the members OF the Cabinet and others
walked up the broad avenue and mounted the
Capitol steps. BY the time they had reached the
top the soldiers and citizens had filed in and
formed a solid mass, completely filling the square
and the street beyond.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Governor
Perry and Governor Fleming turned, facing the
vast multitude and removed their silk hats.
They were greeted by loud and prolonged cheers,
the waving OF hats helmets, caps and handker
Chiefs Governor Perry advanced step and
raised his hand. When all was quiet he spoke
in firm clear voice as follows;
am happy to announce that Francis P. Fleming,
who has been duly elected Governor of the State Of
Florida is ready at the time fixed by the ConStitu
ton, and prepared to take upon himself the obllga-
ton of office. Chief Justice Raney, you will please
step forward and administer the oath of office as
prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the
State.
The ChiefJusticc stepped forward, facing Gov
ernOr Fleming, and extending closed Bible,
which Governor Fleming firmly grasped, adj
mnlstered the accustomed oath. The Governor
revelently kissed the divine book and responded
in a clear voice Il do, so help me God"
Private Secretary Whitfield III n handed Gov
ernor Perry the great seal OF the State, and he
placed it in the hands of our new Governor and
said:
Governor Fleming | now most cheerfuv turn
you the high office of Governor of the State
OF Florida and commit to you the great seal OF the
State. This do with much pleasure, in full conf
dence that you will the power and exercise the
authority of the Office for the best interests of all the
people, and for the honor of all and the advance
ment of the whole State Ladies and gentleman,
here assembled have the honor and pleasure of
presenting you the duly elected and qualified
Governor OF the State Of Florida loud applause and
to you the tlant volunteers of Florida. present
your future commander in chief.
The applause that greeted these words was
tremendous, and it was many minutes before
Governor Fleming could be heard When 81
lence again came he spoke in clear ringing
voice as follows
Governor Perry, receive this symbol of author
ity at your hands realizing that it has been in the
keeping OF one who has been true to he achings
of duty inculcaed by the great leader whom We both
had the privilege to follow, who gave exp ession
the thought at duty is the sublimcst word in the
English language can have no better hope than
that when shall deliver the great seal of florida
to my success or, may have the consciousness that
have been as true to the bchests of duty he in
whose care it has been for the past four years.
Felor Citizens q Florida:
The wisdom of those statesmen and patriots
who were the architects of the admirable system
OF Republican government which obtains in our
country. located III the people the fountain OF
power, and the source OF all governmental author
ity. based upon the principle that that government
which best lnsures the happiness of IA people must
rest upon the consent of the gov rued In har.
mony with the system thus marked out, aud in the
exercise of that right guaranteed by the Con- titu-
ton, the people OF our State have chosen by ballot
those who will exercise The functions of govern
mcnt for the next tour years
AS the chosen head of the Administration
with grateful appreciation OF the honor conferred
upon ME standing upon the threshold of my official
career, cannot tut be profoundly Impressed with
the responsibilities and difficulties which confront
me, all the more so 10y reason of my inexpe,ience
in official life, never before having held civil
office. And when glance back at the wise and
able administrations of my predecessors | have
indeed misgvings as to my ability TO satisfactorily
discharge the duties of the Ugh Office TO which |
have been chosen. Well may supplicate the
Great Ruler OF the universe in the humble language
of the mighty sovereign Of His chosen people
" Give therefore Thy servant understanding
heart to judge Thy people, that may discern be.
tween good aud bad" Relying upon His aid and
guidance, l shall earnestly cndeavor to discharge
those duties faithfully aud lmpartiay, with fidelity
to to the people and in the interest of the whole
Slate.
Having visited every section of Florida within the
past few months, my pride and admiration of my
native State are, if possible, increased by more eX-
tended acquaintance with her people and better
knowledge OF her resources, Industries and attrac-
tons which unsurpassed in variety. and have
drawn within her borders valued immiy ration
and large capital for their development. Within
the past decade she has made rapid strides in ma
teral prosperity, and is destined to advance to the
front rank of the great sisterhood of the Union.
Her prosperity however. has been temporarily
retarde by the visitation of yellow fever to our
eastern metropolis, and some other places, which
has cost the State the loss of some of val
ued aud esteemed citizens, brought affection and
sorrow to the hearts OF many OF our people and has
seriously interrupted business and travel But while
We extend our sympathy to those who have suffered
personal bereavements or pecuniary loss, let Us
thank Almighty God for the bright spot in that dark
cloud which overshadowed us, rs presented by the
example OF that noble bind of heroes, who, facing