The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1889-05-03
The Egis and Intelligencer
Il Ell AIR, NJ Il.
The Inauguration Centennial.

The Inauguration Centennial.
On the Goth Of April, 1889, in the city of
New York Gen. George Washington was
duly inaugurated as the first President of the
United States, with the ringing of bells, the
firing of cannon and religious services in the
churches The event was celebrated on the
Both of April 1889, in the same city, in
similar manner, but on scale Of magnitude
worthy of the occasion and OF the greatness
of the country. The observance of the day
was not confined TO the city of New York
but was general. 1t was declared legal
legal holiday by the President and the Cover
nors of the several States, and public offices
were closed. In addition the authorities of the
Roman Catholic and Protestant Episcopal
churches issued recommendations to their
clergy to observe the day and services were
accordingly held. The day was also appro-
priately observed in other churches.
The celebration began on Tuesday, with
the reception at New York of President Har-
rison, and included an imposing naval parade
in New York HaboT, a luncheon to the Presi-
dent at the Lawyers Club, a public reception
and large ball at night. The city was de-
corated with flags, bunting and triumphal
arches and everything that money could &C.
compish to make the occasion notable was
freely done. The city was crowded with
people
On Tuesday the ceremonies included an
Grafton of Chauncey NJ Depew, short
speech by President Harrison, the reading Of
patriotic ode by Whittier at the sub-treas-
ury building, splendid military parade, with
10000 men in line, and banquet at night,
with speeches by President Harrison, Ex-
Presidents Cleveland and Hayes, Governor
Hill and others, together with fireworks and
music everywhere.
The service at St. Paul's Episcopal church
was most impressive one President Har-
rison and Vice President Morton were in the
same pew which was occupied by Washing
ton exactly one hundred years before. The
sermon by Bishop Potter was plain-spoken
talk on the degeneracy in political affairs and
in public men since the days of Washington.
1t is estimated that there were million and
a-half of people packed along the sidewalks
to witness the great parade. The Fifth Reg
iment OF Baltimore, as they marched along
with the precision Of veterans, their banners
flying and the band playing Dixie" and my
Maryland" were received with roar
of applause.
On Wednesday there was grand indus
trial and civic parade, in which so 900 men
were in line.
Throughout the entire celebration the COM
memoration of Washington was the most
prominent feature, and this was proper, for
the more closely his life and character are
studied the more plainly it appears how
greatly we are indebted to his wisdom, pru-
dcnce and forethought for the establishment
OF our free government upon firm and en-
during basis. At the close the Revolution
airy war the political affairs of the colonies
were in chaotic condition. The patriots
who endured the shock of battle in defence
oftheir liberties were at loss how best to
secure the fruits of their arduous and self.
denying labors for their children. Many
plans were suggested, but it was due to the
wisdom of Washington, as much or more
than any other man, that our present system
was finally adopted. He was the idol of the
army and possessed the confidence ofthe peo-
pie at large. 1t was felt that no personal
ambition had place in his thoughts or would
swerve him from his judgment as to the best
course for the colonies to pursue. His influ-
ence was brought to bear in behalf of our
present system of government and it was
adopted. The condition of our country,
compared with what it was hundred years
ago, verifes the correctness of his position,
and he therefore deserves all the honors that
are showered upon his name as the "First
In war, the first in peace and the first in the
hearts of his countrymen."
The celebration will rekindle the fires OF
patriotism, and affording common ground
upon which every lover of his country can
unite, it is to be hoped will do away with the
remnant of the unhappy feeling which
for years has embittered one section of our
common country against another.
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