The Washington bee. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1884-1922, 1893-03-11
THE INAUGURATION.
THE RElNS OF GOVERNMENT GIVEN
TO Mr.. CLEVELAND.

| the Senate
At noon Saturday, March 4, the Gov
ernment of the United States passed
from the control of Benjamin Harrison,
the President, to the hands of Grover
Cleveland, who was chosen by the people
last November to the high trust for the
period of four years. the first President
ever reelected after having once retired
from Office
The day was cold and disagreeable, a
northeast snowstorm having prevailed
throughout the morning. The snow
melted as it fell, making the streets very
sloppy, but at noon the skies cleared and
a piercing northeast wind soon dried up
the streets, and the full programme of
the inaugural ceremonies was carried
out. The number of visitors in town
was estimated at 100000.
At noon in the United States Sem
ate Chamber Vice President-elect Adj
lai E. Stevenson took the oath of office.
A procession was then formed, aud.
headed by the Justices of the United
States Supreme Court, President Harri-
son escorted President-eIect Cleveland to
the East portico of the Capitol Building
Here, after the delivery of the inaugural
address, the oath of office was admins,
tered to Mr.. Cleveland by Chief Justice
Fuller.
The inaugural address of President
| Cleveland was one of the shortest, per-
haps the shortest, of all inaugural ad-
dresses delivered by incoming Presidents
of the United States. It's delivery occu-
pied about twenty minutes. 1t was not
read, but with the exception of refer
ence now and then to notes, was spoken
to the great audience that assembled at
the east end OF the Capitol. Mr.. CIeve-
land dwelt largely on the monetary
question and deplored the present finan-
| cial situation. He said that so far as the
executive power is concerned every thing
| that is possible under the Constitution
| and laws will be done to prevent a de-
| probation of the currency, and that the
whole power of the administration viii
be put forth to bring about the restora-
tion of confidence in the money of the
country. He said nothing about the
prospects of an extra session of Congress
beyond what is implied in his decara-
ton that there must not be permitted. so
far as the executive branch Of the Gov
ernment has power to prevent it, de
probation of any form Of the currency
He also said that the people have placed
the Democratic party in power in both
the executive and legislative branches of
the Government, and that it was the
duty of the Administration and of the
Democratic ma ajorities in the Senate and
House of Representatives to do their
utmost to fulfil the promises and pledges
that the party has given to the country.
Nothing was said concerning the pro-
posed annexation of Hawaii nor concern
ing the relations of the United States to
any foreign power.
The closing remarks of the address
were as follows:
Anxiety for the redemption of the
pledges which my party has made, and
solicitude for the complete justification
of the trust the people have reposed in
us, constrain NE to remind those with
succeed in doing the work which has
most sincere, harmonious and disinter-
ested effort. Even if insuperabe OBJ
stacles and opposition prevent the con-
summation of our task, we shall hardly
be excused; and if failure can be traced
to our fault OF neglect, we may be sure
the people will hold us to a swift and ex-
acting accountability
The oath [ now take to preserve, pro-
tect and defend the Constitution of the
United States not only impressively de-
fines the great responsibility | assume,
but suggests obedience to constitutional
commands as the rule by which my
official conduct must be guided. I shall
to the best of my ability and within my
sphere of duty preserve the Constitution
by Loyalty protecting every grant of Fed
eral power it contains. by defending all
its restraints when attacked by impa-
tlence and restlessness, and by enforcing
Its limitations and reservations in favor
of the States and people.
Fully impressed with the gravity of the
duties that confront me, and mindful of
my weakness, should be appalled, if it
were my lot to bear unaided the response
bilities which await me. / am, however,
saved from encouragement when [ re-
member that L shall have the support and
the counsel and the cooperation of wise
and patriotic men, who will stand at my
side in Cabinet places or will represent
the people in their legislative halls
find also much comfort in remember
ing that my countrymen are just and
generous, and in the assurance that they
will not condemn those Who, by sincere
devotion to their service, deserve their
forbearance and approval.
Above all, l know there is a Supreme
Being who rules the affairs of men and
| whose goodness and mercy have always
followed the American people, and I
know He will not turn from us now if
we humbly and reverently seek His
powerful aid.
AT the conclusion of the address the
| procession was reformed, President
Cleveland and ex-President Harrison
riding together to the reviewing stand in
front of the White House. Here Presi-
dent Cleveland reviewed the great parade
and demonstration Of the people of the
country.
After assisting in the inaugural cere-
| monies, in accordance with the usual
courteous precedents, ex-President Harri-
son took the 4 80 train on the B. & O.
Railroad for his home at indianapolis.
In the evening a grand inaugural ball
was given in the Pension building.
Mr. Cleveland bore himself with praat