New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-03
THE INAUGURATION FESTIVAL

The inauguration Of President Harrison 10
evidently to be attended by popular gather
inc sucb a, was never seen in Washington De-
fore on the 4th of March, and the aggregate
demonstration will give the Federal CITY PROD
ably the most brilliant and the gayest week IN
it's history. It's rapid growth in attractveness
"a a capital has something to do with THIS IL
Il a trite remark that Washington only gen.
eraSion ago was simply an oyergrown Maryiahu
village but we must 60 back to the letters anu
diaries of the statesmen and diplomats Oh
earlier days to know what half-built, I'M
paved, grotesque town it was that they were
compelled to inhabit. The diplomats. especial
w. who knew something of the luxury ana
magniicence Of foreign capitals, have lett eio-
auent records of the discomforts and drawbacks
of life there. 1t is only eighteen years SINCE
the laying Of the first pavement on fennsy-
yania-ave. was celebrated by jubilee
But the Washington of to-day is beautiful
oity. UNIQUE among the great capitals OF the
world. and every year larger numoes OF
Americans discover that it is place wen worth
visiting. 1t is distinguished from most great
capitals by not being centre of commerce ana
manufactures, whore the gathering OF vasO
population serves TO exhibit the extremes Oh
splendor and misery, the pomp OF power ana
wealth and the wretchedness Of want. IL Ii Guy
practically without manufactures or commerce.
and so having tranquility of atmosphere not
to be found in the noisier haunts OF trade. 30
much of il has been built since the recent de-
velopment in domestic architecture began that
it has grown up into beauty, instead OF having
beauty thrust upon it. The mildness OF the
climate and the presence of large body OF
men of distinction in craftsmanship ana ga
ence have had the effect of drawing to 10
leisure class, until it can boast OF 5nihant
and cultivated society, in which money is not
the sole standard. The facilities afforded Tor
witnessing the proceedings Of Congress, such
as are known in no other country, and Tor IN
specting the workings of the various Depart
ments, make it attractive even to those who
feel only a languid interest in our system OF
government.
But though the desire to see the capital and
to take part in National festival under pc
culiarly pleasant circumstances no doubt has
much to do with this great outpouring, there
is deeper and stronger sentiment at the bot
tom of it. The Republican party is returning
to power, after an unjust exclusion OF single
Presidential term. For quarter Of century
it had ruled the country with an ability, hdei-
ity and honesty never before equalled since the
people began to have share in their own gov
eminent, unless we except the early days Of the
Republic, before its great growth brought new
temptations upon it, The defeat Of the party
four years ago was felt to be, in part acct
dental, and, in so far as 1t was not accidental,
due to gigantic crimes against the suffrage.
Four years of Democracy were enough to show
the country what could be expected OF it, and
so, by popular majority of half a million
votes in that part Of the country where cleo
lions are free, the Republican party returns to
power, ready to resume its work where 1t was
interrupted. This is proper and natural 90
casion for great rejoicing. The thousands OF
patriotic citizens who will swarm into Wash
ington during the next few days, and who will
hail the new President with enthusiasm both
for the principles he represents and for the
man he IL, are there to testify their Joy that
the country again passes under the control Of
party which stands for sound principles OF
government and honest elections.
Apart from the ceremonial, excitement and
gayety of an Inauguration, the act has great
beauty and significance. 1t is the visible
gathering Of the people to put into office the
ruler they themselves have made. No pageantry
Of coronation, however splendid. was ever so
impressive to those who Will look beneath the
surface as this simple formality, attended by
vast concourse, mostly of plain citizens. 1t
typifes the government Of the people, by the
people, for the people.