The herald., 1897-03-05
THE SENATE CHAMBER
Simple but Solemn the Presidential Inargura- :
rion Ceremonies

attraction. Early in the day the CALLER
les presented a picture to which the
artists palette alone could do Justice
Madame Yang Yu, wife of the Chinese
minister, accompanied by Mr.. SEE and "a
number of ladies, were among the early
arrivals. Shortly after IL o'clock the
former Queen Liliuokalani entered the
diplomatic section with her secretary,
Mr.. Palmer She was given the most
available seat which was far in the
rear. The presidential family and party
arrived at 1880 and entered the east re-
served gallery. Mrs. Mckinley and her
sister, Mrs. Barber, took front seats.
Mrs. Mckinley. sr. was two seats from
Mrs. Mckinley, jr and the two bent
forward frequently for the exchange of
happiness. The diplomatic corps en-
tered the chamber at 11.45 followed
moment later by the chief justice and
associate justices of the United States
supreme court.
The members of the house of represen-
tatives then enterd.
There was stir when the senate Off
cials announced Vice-President Hobart.
who stepped to a seat near the presiding
cfficer's desk. AT 1920 President Cleve-
land and President-elect Mckinley en-
tered the main door, Attention was
riveted at once on these two central fig
ures. Mckinley and Cleveland were
seated Immediately in front of the presi-
ding officer, facing the senate and the
crowd. On the left sat Major General
Miles and Admiral Brown. both in full
uniform. To the right of the four Am
bassadors Sir Julian Pauncefote, M.
Paternos. Baron Thielman and Baron
Fava, directly beside Mckinley. Mem
bers of the outgoing cabinet were in
semi-circIe to the left. facing the out
going and incoming presidents. On the
opposite side of the center aisle in the
remi- were Chief Justice Fuller and
Associat Justices. Near them were Cen
eral Porter and Marshal Wilson of the
District of Columbia. Back of the su-
preme court judges were ministers of for
eign countries wearing rich. uniforms.
Members of the house of representatives
filled the entire lobby hall on the right
side and in the opposite area sat Sena-
tors and senators-elect AS the presiden-
tial part took seats Vice President
Stevenson arose and invited his sue
cessor to step forward and take the oath
of office. Hobart advanced to the desk,
raised his right hand and took the oath
in accordance with the constitution
Then Stevenson delivered his valedic-
tory address, speaking hoarsely. He
said:
ADLAI'S FAREWELL.
Senator's: The hour has arrived which
marks the close of the Fifty-fourth con-
EreSS, ana terminates HFy oihcidi icid-
tons to this body. Before laying down
the gavel for the last time, l may be
pardoned for OBTAINING you for mo-
nent In the attempt to give expression to
my gratitude for the uniform courtesy
extended me, for the many kindnesses
shown me during the time it has been
my good fortune TO preside over your
deliberations My appreciation of the
resolution personal to myself can find
no expression I'M words. Intentionally,
] have not given offense, and / carry
from this presence no shadow of feeling
cf unkindness toward any senator, no
memory of a grievance. Chief among
the favors political fortune has bestowed
upon me I count that of having been
the sassociate-and of having known
something of the friendship-of the
men with whom have so long held
official relation in this chamber. To
have been the president of this august
body is an honor Of which even the
most illustrious citizen might be proud.
I am persuaded that no occupant of
this chair during the one hundred and
eight years of our constitutional history
ever entered upon the discharge of the
duties appertaining to this office more
deeply impressed with a sense of the
responsibilities imposed, or with a
higher appreciation Of the character and
dignity of this great legislative assem-
bly,.
During the term just closing questions
of deep interest to political parties and
to the country have here found earnest
and at times passionate discussion This
chamber has indeed been the arena of
great debate. The record of four years
OF parliamentary struggles, Of MASTER
full debates, of important legislation,
is closed, and passes now to the domain
of history. think can truly say, in
the words Of a distinguished predeces-
cor In the discharge of my official du-
ties 1 have known 10 cause, no party,
no friend" 1t has been my earnest en-
deavor justly to interpret and faithfully
to execute the rules of the senate At
times the temptation may be strong
to compass partisan ends, by a disre-
gard or perversion CT the rules; yet I
think it safe to say the result, however
salutary, Will be dearly purchased by
q departure from the methods prescrib-
ed by the senate for its own guidance.
A single instance thus indicated nigh,
prove the forerunner OF untold evils
1t will be- recorded for precedent,
ard many an error, by the same exam
Pile, will rush into the senate.
1t must not be forgotten that the rules
governing this body are founded deep
in human experience; that they are the
result of tireless effort in legislative
halls to conserve. to render stable, and
secure the rights and liberties which
1have bcci5 achieved by conflicts BY
~ ypleS the senate wiseIy<Giyes the
ia III "a IL II 81 :.