St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-03-12
Letter from Washington.

''N'e'i ieasoHs. LII the past ten seasons
that we have experienced in this city,
rarely have we seen and met so MANY
noted and distinguished men and women
as during the present winter. The out.
gong and incoming administrations OF
different factions naturally brought in
large delegations of prominent men,
Office seekers and their friends. The
Mothers Congress, followed by the Con-
tinental Congress Of the d. A. R., caused
thousands of women to come to this city
and with the extension of railroad
tickets to remain over the Inauguration
OF the president Thus the city has been
visited by large class of representative
men and women of the country
Although March 3 dawned dark and
rainy, the afternoon found the sun shin
ing and high wind dried up the mois-
ture on the seats OF the stands erected on
Pennsylvania avenue to witness the
grand procession. A large prayer meet
ing from members Of the different
churches in the city was held in the New
York avenue Presbyterian church that
night to invoke Gods blessing on the
coming administration.
The 4th of March was unexceptionally
clear, cold and beautiful There is half
superstition, which still fingers in the
minds OF many persons, that the kind OF
weather which we had on Inauguration
day is sure index Of what that admins
tration will prove, whether stormy or
pleasant. This has led some of our
writers to review the weather conditions
OF such days, which has conclusively
shown that it is not sure test. March
is usually an inclement season and Old
Boreas likes occasionally to show his
power, as he did four years ago, when
President Cleveland was inaugurated
the second time as well as upon Gen.
Grants second term OF Office, when the
thermometer was four degrees above
zero, the coolest day then ever known
for an inauguration. Gen. Taylor and
James Buchanan had delightful weather.
Andrew Jackson was the first president
TO take the oath of office on the east
portico OF the capitol, which custom has
since been followed by succeeding presi-
dents.
This year the day proved beautiful, the
exercises and the procession were a
grand success in every respect with but
few casualties, owing to the perfection OF
arrangements in the minutest details by
the committees in charge as well as to
the precautions taken to have such
large number of the chief oil police present
from leading cities in the country 10
identify crooks and thieves, and private
detectives were stationed at many
points and scattered through the crowds
OF people. A wire railing extended the
full length of Pennsylvania avenue from
the White House to near the capitol,
which kept back the surging masses Of
people and left it free for the triumphal
procession which accompanied the new
president of the White House Among
the many regiments and political organi-
cations it would be difficult to select the
finest. The Western Company, Troop A,
OF Cleveland, splendidly mounted on
black horses about 100 men, including
son OF EXPIRES. Hayes, were part Of his
president was former member,
attracted much attention. Geu Horace
Porter and 200 mounted aids, the United
States marines and band, Gen. Nelson A.
Miles and Capt. Davis, representing the
army, and Admiral Brown and Lieut..
Sharp of the navy in bright uniforms,
etc, were Il princely escort for the party.
Photographers were numerous and snap
shots were taken all along the line, all
aiming to get a good picture OF the presi-
dent and party.
Mr.. Mckinley looked pale but carried
himself with dignity and great self
possession, 1t was remarked that he
resembles somewhat in strong decided
features Daniel Webster 1t was nearly
two hours later before the return of the
president alter taking the oath of Office
at the capitol, but the patience of the
people was well rewarded by the review
of the magnificent triumphal procession
that followed. The aesthetic as well as
military effect had been carefully studied
in the order OF arrangement. lnterspers-
ing the distinguished fine looking men
composing the different political clubs
and organizations OF the country
amongst the regular militia with their
new and handsome uniforms and nod
ding plumes of various colors, the famous
New York 7th, West Point cadets, the
Carlisle Indian boys, carrying instead of
armor the implements OF peace, their
own handwork as well as the boys of
the Cambridge Manual Training school
! from Massachusetts, the Zouaves OF
Washington in their bright costumes
the governors and staff from the different
states, was a grand spectacular sight
Conspicuous amongst them was the
! leader of the 81 Brigade, Gov. Grout OF