Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-01-31
STIRRING TIMES.
washington Life ut the Time OF LinoOin'S
Inauguration.

washington Life 1t the Time OF Linooln's
Inauguration.
II was in Washington few days prior
b the Inauguration Of Lincoln In 1851. :"
says Thomas Mast, "having been sent to
lake sketches when that event should come
of. did nothing but walk around the
city and feel.the public pulse, so to speak.
There was no necessity Of saying anything
10 anybody. You intuitively recognized
that trouble was brewing. Southerners
had sworn that Lincoln should not be in.
augurated. Their utterances had fired the
Northern heart and the people loyal 10 the
old flag were Just as determined that the
lawfully elected President should be in
augurated, though hood should flow in
the attempt. II was an awful time. Peo-
pie looked different then than they do now.
Little knots OF men could be seen convers-
ing together in whispers on street corners,
and even the whispers ceased when
q person unknown to them APP
preached Everybody seemed to sus-
pect every one else. Even women
looked askance at each other and children
Obliged to be out would skurry home as
II frightened, probably having been given
warning by their parents. The streets at
night, for several nights prior to the inau-
gural ceremonies, were practically de-
serted. There was hush over every
thing. It seemed to me that the shadow
of death was lowering near. had con.
stantly before my eyes sable plumes and
trappings of woe. / could hear dirges
constantly, and thought for awhile that |
would have to leave the place or go crazy.
knew all these somber thoughts were but
imagination, but / also knew that the
something which had influenced my mag
nation was tangible, really existed. The
4th of March came and Mr.. Lincoln was
inaugurated quietly and without ostenta'
ton. After the services were over and it
became known that Mr.. Lincoln
had really been indicted into office
q savage snarl went upfrom the
eoutherners. The snarl was infec'
tious. It was answered by just
as savage growls all over the city. But
nothing was said. A single yell OF den,
ance, pistol shot, or even an oath would
have precipitated conflict Men simply
glared at each other and CRASHED their
teeth, but were careful not to grit them so
It could be heard. l went 10 my room in
the Willard and sat down to do some
work. l couldn't work. The stiffness
was oppressive. At least dozen times
picked up my pencils only to throw
them down again. got up and paced
the floor nervously heard men on either
side of me doing the same thing. Walking
didn't relieve the severe mental strain.
sat down in my chair and pressed my
head in my hands. Suddenly heard
window go I'D and some one stepped out
on the balcony of the Ebbitt house direct
ly opposite Everybody in the hotel had
heard him. What Is he going to do?
asked myself, and suppose every one
else propounded the same mental
interrogation. We hadn't to wait
long. He began to sing the Star
Spangled Banner in clear, strong voice.
The effect was magical, electrical. One
window went up, and another, and then
another. and heads popped out all over the
neighborhood People began TO stir on
the streets. A crowd soon gathered. The
grand old song was taken up and sung by
thousands The spell was broken, and
when the song was finished tongues were
loosened, and cheer after cheer rent the
air. The man rooming next to me raped
on my door and insisted that should take
drink with him. AS we passed along
the corridors we were Joined by others.
Men were wild with joy, some OF them
weeping and throwing their arms around
each others neck. Others were singing
and all were happy.
Washington was itself again. The
Star Spangle Banner saved it.