Milford chronicle., 1895-04-12

/ tie taken, how grand it VIII be II you and
I are among theml Blessed are all they
who enter in through the gates into the
city
LlNcoLN's SECOND INAUGURAL
Noah Brooks Describes the Scene at the
Delivery Of the Address.
The day Of Lincoln's second inaugura-
ton, March 4, 1865, was as dark and driz-
ely as the November day of his second cleo
tion. When the hour of noon arrived,
great crowds Of men and women streamed
around the capitol building in most
wretched plight The mud in the city Of
Washington on that day certainly exoelled
all other varieties I have ever seen before
or since, and the greatest test Of feminine
heroism-the spelling of their clothes
was amply to the credit Of the women who
were so bedraggled and drenched on that
memorable day. The only entrance to the
senate wing, where the preliminary oere-
monies We're held, was by the main or
eastern portioo, the other entrances being
used only by privileged persons.
Colonel Forney, the secretary Of the sem
ate read the proclamation OF the president
convokina an extra session. and called the
names of the members elect. Thereupon
the newly chosen senators were sworn in,
and the procession for the Inauguration
platform, which had been built on the
east front of the capitol, was formed.
There was a sea of heads In the great plaza
In front of the capitol as far as the eye
could roach, and breaking in waves along
its outer edges among the budding foliage
of the grounds beyond. When the presi-
dent and the procession of notables ap-
peared, a tremendous shout, prolonged and
loud arose from the surAng ocean OF hu-
manity around the capitol Luilding.
Then the sergeant-at-arms of the senate,
the historic Brown, arose and bowed
with his shining black hat in hand, in
dumb show before the crowd, which there
upon became still, and Abraham Lincolni
rising tall and gaunt among the groups
about him. stepped forward and read his
inaugural address, which was printed in
two broad columns upon single page OF
large paper. As he advanced from his
seat a roar Of applause shook the air, and
again and again repeated, finally died far
away on the outer fringe of the throng,
like a sweeping wave upon the shore.
just at that moment the sun, which had
been obsoured all day, burst forth in its
unolouded meridian splendor and flooded
the spectacle with glory and with light.
Every heart beat quicker at the unexpeot-
ed omen, and doubtless not fow mental
" prayed that so might the darkness
which had obsoured the past four years
be now dissipated by the sun Of prosperity.
Till dangers troubled night depart
And the star Of peace return.
The inaugural address was received |
with almost profound silence. Every word I
was clear and audible as the somewhat
shrill and ringing tones Of Lincoln's voice |
sounded over the vast ooncourse. There |
was applause, however, at the words,
Both parties deprecated war, but one OF /
Them would make war rather than let the /
nation survive, and the other would ac- /
sept war rather than let it perish, and |
The cheer that followed these words lasted 1
long enough to make a considerable pause 1
before he added sententiously, And the /
war came" There were occasionally /
spurts of applause, too, at other points
along this wonderful address.
Looking down into the faces of the peo-
Dle Illuminated by the bright rays OF the
sun, one could see moist eyes and even
fearful cheeks as the good president pro-
nounced these noble words: With malice
toward none, with charity for all, with
irmness in the right as God gives us to
zee the right, let us strive ON to finish the
work we are in to bind up the nations
to care for him who shall have
lorne tho battle and for his widow and
lis orphans; to do all which may achieve
md cherish just and a lasting peace
imong ourselves and with all nations.
Among the memories Of lifetime doubt
ess there is none more fondly cherished
ly those who wore so fortunate as to stand
rear Lincoln at that historic moment than
he recollection of the beautiful solemnity,
he tender sympathy, Of these inspired Ut
eranoes and the rapt silence of the throng-
ng multitude Noah Brooks in Century.