The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-03-06
TAKING TIE OATH.



of President Mckinley short resume
of how his predecessors took the oath
of Office cannot fail to be of historical
interest:
George Washington, first president OF the
United States. took the oath on April ~.
1883, In the federal building OF New YORK
city. having journeyed from MS home ~
Virginia 20 New York. for that purpose.
The trip was continual ovation, the
hero OF the revolution being escorted from
place 10 place by enthusiastic and admiring
citizens.
He was received In New York by a Joint
congressional committee. which announced
his presence TO congress. When washington
entered the federal building 10 participate
In the inaugural ceremonies Chancellor Liv-
ingston. OF New York, discovered that n
Bible had not been provided for the occa-
Sion. He was relieved from his emoar-
rassment by remembering that there was
Bible In the quarters OF ST. Johns Lodge,
No. 1. of the Order OF Free Masons, OF
which he was grand master, which were
in tho Immediate vicinity OF the federal
building A messenger was dispatched for
the sacred book and a few minutes later
Il was In Llvingston's hands, ready for
use.
The oath was not administered IN the
senate chamber, but on a portico directly
I'm front of II and facing on Broad street.
Washington was conducted 10 this point
and was accompanied by John Adams. his
vice president; Gov. Clinton. OF New YORK,
and the chancellor washington listened
with the closest attention while the chan
cellor read the oath. his right hand rest
ing on the open pages of the book, which
Mr. Livingston held. Upon the conclusion
OF the reading. Washington kissed the
book II has been stated that as he bent
to do so he murmured In an intense and
fervld tone:
II swear. so help me God"
The old federal hall OF Philadelphia was
the scene OF washington's second inaugu-
ration The ceremony was witnessed by
large gathering OF public men. The presi-
dents inaugural address was listened 10
with the closest attention. and the man
ner IN which the speaker closed was sub
ject OF some favorable comment at the
time lie said:
Previous 10 the execution OF any official
act OF the president the constitution re-
quires an oath OF office. This oath | am
now about 10 take. and In your presence,
that II Il shall be found during my admin
istration OF the government ] have In any
instance violated the injunction thereof
may (besides mourning constitutional pun
ishmenD be subjected 10 the upbraidings
OF all who are row witnesses OF the pres
ent solemn ceremony"
When Washington had concluded Vice
Sir one OF the Justices OF the United
States supreme court Is now present and
ready 20 administer TO you the oath re-
qulred by the constitution 90 be taken by
the president OF the United States"
Gen. Washington then walked over to-
ward Justice of the Supreme Court VIII
liam Cushing, who read the oath to the
president and heard his words OF assent.
Chief Justice oliver Ellsworth, OF Con-
nectlcut. was the first chief Justice Of the
supreme court OF the United States 10 adj
minister the oath OF Office 10 "A president.
John Adams succeeded Washington In the
white house, and on March 4. 1927, in the
Federal hall. Philadelphia, he was sworn In
by Chief Justice Ellsworth
Thomas Jefferson's Inauguration occurred
I'm the city OF Washington. TO which the cap
ital was transferred from Philadelphia.
Chief Justice John Il. Marshall. who had
the honor OF swearing I'm the largest NUM-
Der OF presidents, here entered upon this
duty. In the senate hall OF the capitol
now occupied by the supreme court. Jeffer-
son read his inaugural address. and upon
it's conclusion Marshall administered the
oath 20 the new president. This Office was
performed by Marshall upon the occasion
OF the second Inauguration OF Jefferson.
which also took place In the senate cham
Der.
AT President Madlson's first Inaugural
tion the scene OF the ceremonies was trans
ferred 10 the hall OF the house OF repre-
sentatives. and the figure OF Marshall oc-
cupied the same dramatic position Il had
done I'm the two preceding inaugurations
The second administration OF Madison be-
gan with the administration OF the oath
By Marshall I'm the representatives. hall.
President Monroe took the oath OF office.
administered by Marshall. upon the east
portico OF the capitol. and afterward deliv-
cred his inaugural address, departure
from tho custom which had obtained up
TO that time. When the congressional COM
mittee called upon him four years later TO
await his commands as TO his second in
auguratlon. he Informed Il that he would
take tho oath OF Office I'm the hall OF the
house OF representatives at ~ o'clock on
Monday next" Here the oath was admin
istercd by tho chief justice.
In the same place and witnessed by John
Adams, the second president. John Quincy
Adams, took the oath OF Office on March 4,
1926. Chief Justice Marshall presided az the
ceremony. Adams trst read his inaugural
address. and when he had concluded re-
ceived from Marshall volume OF laws
OF the United States. from which he read
I'm a low, clear voice the oath OF Office.
Marshall performed the same Office for
Jackson at both OF tho inauEurations In
which "Old Hickory participated. IL was
at Jackson's second Inauguration that
Chief Justice Marshall. who had admin
istercu tho oath OF Office to presidents FOR
more than a quarter of century. per-
formed his last service OF this character.
Chief Justice Roger II. fancy OF Mary
lan1, was appointed as the successor OF
Chief Justice Marshall on the supreme
bench. and the duties OF tho latter IN the
matter or swearing In presidents also de-
volved upon the new appointee. Van Buren,
was the president upon whom Chief Jus
tice fancy performed his initial service In
the way or administering the oath OF Office
TO presidents William Henry Harrison was
also sworn I'm by Chief Justice fancy, the
ceremony being performed after the for
NAL presentation In the senate upon the
out-of-door platform.
one month later the United States had n
new president. Vice President Tyler was
informed OF the death OF the president. and
that the duties OF chief magistrate now
devolved upon him. lie thcrcupon took and
subscribed the oath OF Office required by
the constitution before William Cranch.
chief Justice 9th supreme court OF the Dis
trict OF Columbia. Chief Justice Crnnch
thercupon drew up this notarial certificate
In regard 10 the new presidents act.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.