The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1889-04-19
The Inauguration CentennIali in New York

The 30th of April, 1889, will remain
memorable as the initial date of the
American Union for on that day all
the wheels of the new machinery OF
government began to turn with the inS
auguratiOu in New York of George
Washington as President. 1t is the GEN.
tenEry of that event which will then be
celebrated in the metropolis, and the en-
thusiasm which is being manifested
over the prospective occasion. together
with the extensive character of the
preparations, indicate that 1t will be a
noteworthy episode in the history of the
Republic.
On September II. 1857, the day on
which the new Constitution was agreed
TO and signed, the Philadelphia Conven-
tion sent a letter to :he President of
Congress. in which he pointed out that
it was obviously impracticable TO secure
all rights OF independent sovereignty to
each State and yet provide for the safe
ty and interest OF ell "and thus the
Constitution which we now present is
the result or spirit OF amity, and OF
that mutual Difference and concession
which the popularity of our political
situation rendered indispensable. This
Constitution. which was thus intended
TO promote the lasting welfare OF the
OF the country, and secure to IL peace
and happiness, went into effect in 1889.
On the first Wednesday of that year
electors were appointed in the various
States, who voted for a President on
the first "Wednesday in February Con-
sress assembled on March 4 on April
6 the electoral votes were counted in
the presence of both Houses, and on
April 30 President Washington was in
augurated.
The Official programme of the coming
centennial celebration has involved in
its preparation vast amount of labor.
So many interests had to be considered,
and so many applications for share in
the commemoration poured in from all
parts OF the country, that the task of
the committee was rendered extremely
difficult. Naturally the committee has
not escaped criticism and yet it would
seem as if its members had succeeded in
providing for most imposing display.
y naval and merchant marine parade :;
parade OF military organizations from
nearly every State in the Union an in
dustrial and civic parade /; open-air
concerts, orstions, banauets and recep>
tions, and the presence of the President
of the United States, make up a pro-
gramme that will ftly represent the
marvellous growth and resources OF the
country and illustrate the patriotism of
the people.
To provide for an influx of strangers
such as may naturally be looked for will
be no light task but Philadelphia &C
complished it when the centennials of
the Declaration OF Independence ard of
the adoption of the Constitution were
commemorsted, and the citizens of
New York will doubtless show a spirit
OF self-sacrifice and try TO convey an
impression of generosity and hospitali-
u. The railroad companies throughout
the country have extended the time of
excursion tickets for visitors from May
8 to May 6, which will give the latter
i've days after the close of the ceIebra-
tion itself for the transaction of bust
ness or for pleasure. Doubtless many
people from this State will be among
the visitors.
1t is worthy OF note as a matter OF
history that, although New York rati-
FED the Constitution ard entered into
the new Union, she did not choose
electors for the first President. But
Pennsylvania did, and she also contri-
buted able m5D to the first Congress.
Among them were George Clymer,
Thomas FltZsimmOnS, and Peter and
Frederick y. Muhlenburg, the last
Damed the first Speaker OF the House,
while Robert Morris sat in the Senate.
1t is fitting, therefore, that this Com
monwealLh, having been the scene OF
two national COMMUNICATIONS, should
take part in an event which was the
elimination of long struggle and the
carr wing into effect of a fundamental
law which has been declared to be ''the
most wonderful work ever struck off at
given time for the brain and purpose
of man. '-Pbila. Record.