Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-03-05
TAKING THE OATH

In PsItIng Rain StOrm-A Solemn and
Imposing Scene.
The ceremonies in the Senate Chamber
concluded, the most solemn and imposing
event Of the day, when the Chief Magis-
trate Of the United States, chosen by his
fsllow-countrymen, was in their presence,
TO take the oath Of office, and swear 10 de-
fend the Constitution and laws of the land.
The spectacle, though merred by the
weather, vas worthy of such an event In
driving rain storm were countless thOus-
ands of citizens of the Republic cheering
and shouting the name Of the President.
1t was nearly one O'Clock when the pro-
cession from the Senate appeared at the
doors of the rotuDda. President Cleveland
and President-elect Harrison walked in
side by side and took their places in small
enclosure erected in the centre OF the front
of the stand Such members OF the Senate,
Diplomatic Corps, House of Representa-
tiyes, and other officers of the Government
az dared the rigOr5 of the elements, then
came in body.
When the crowd saw the President there
arose an uprosr like the rushing Of the wa
tsrs of Niagara. The cheering was re-
newed again and again and it Was not until
President Harrison had several times raised
hi9 haud for silence that order was re-
stored.
When the cheering had partially sub
sided, Chief Justice Fuller arOse, ana
barring his abundant white locks to the
rain. held a Bible in his right hand ready
to administer the oath of Office.
General Harrison and Sergeant-st-Arms
Canady also removed their hats. 1t was
a most impressive scene. Standing with
n covered heads in the midst of pelting
rain storm. the Chief Justice and the Pres
ident-elect. surrounded by high officials OF
sta;o. and IN the presence of an immense
multitude Of citizsns, faced each other with
bowed heads, while the former read the
oath of office in low tone of voice.
The oath exacted is in the following
words: -, ,.,
'I do solsmly swear that 1 will faith
fully execute the office Of President OF the
limited States and will to the best of my
ability preserve, protect and defend the
/ Constitution of the United States"
Al the conclusion of the reading OF the
oath the President, with his hand elasping
the Bible, bowed his head in assent. A
silence almost ewful hsd marked this pro-
ceeding, and when it was ended there was
another tremendous burst OF applause.
The Bible on which the oath was admin
istered was black flexible morocco bound
volume about 1OI8 inches in size. II Is
the latest New York and Oxford edition,
printed on thin paper with gold edges, and
is designed for the use Of teachers, with
supplementary notes and maps
In accordance with his custom, Mr. Nc
Kepnev. Clerk of the Supreme Court, will
present this book to Mrs. Harrison as
precious mementoe Of the occasion. The
cheering which followed this. ceremony
having at length subsided somewhat in
Difference 10 President Harrison's request,
he drew from his pocket a roll of manu-
script. and after adjusting his spectaeles,
began reading his inaugural address lie
kent his silk hat on during the delivery OF
his inaugural, and was partly protected
from the rain by Sergeant-st. Arn Oana-
dsv. much after the manner in which ori-
entail poten,ates are attended by their uu-
brella bearers.