The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-03-11

scribed by the constitution, to enable me
to enter on the execution Of the office
which this event has devolved on me-"
Judge William Cranch administered the
oath Of Office to President Fillmore. and
with this service his connection with the
duty Of swearing in presidents ceased.
President Pierce was sworn in by Chief
Justice fancy, and, at the same time that
this ceremony was taking place, United
States Consul Rodney, stationed in Cuba,
administered the oath Of office on planta-
ton above Matanzas to William r. King,
vice president. Chief Justice fancy pre-
sided in the oath administering ceremony
Of Buchanan's and Lincoln's first inaugu-
ration. His death in 1854 caused the ap-
pointment of Salmon p. Chase to the chief
justiceship. and this official administered
the oath to Lincoln at the latter's second
Inauguration. .4-
Lincoln was assassinated on April II, and
on the following morning Solomon Foote,
president pro tempore OF the senate, ac-
'companied by Senator Stewart, went to
the residence Of Chief Justice Chase. Sen
ator Foote explained the reason for his
call, and thereupon Mr.. Chase entered the
carriage of the Vermont representative and
hotel, located on the corner of Twelfth
street and Pennsylvania avenue.
I'VE want to see Mr.. Johnson" Senator
Stewart said to the clerk. There is no
need of sending up cards: just tell us where
his rooms are and we will find him"
Johnson's apartments. located at the head
of the stairs. were pointed out to the call
ers. The sharp rap Of Chief Justice Chase
brought the vice president to the door.
I'VE have come to administer the oath
of office to you as president Of the United
States" said the chief justice. johnson
made a reply -inaudible to his visitors, and
then disappeared in the direction Of his
bedroom, from which he shortly appeared.
clad in his trousers and vest. and putting
on his coat. Solemnly the chief justice adj
ministered the oath of office to him. John
son apparently did not know what to do,
and appeared to be Disconnected when adj
dressed by the title 'rMr. President" The
chief justice advised him to go at once
to the white house, and in accordance with
the advice he promised to do SO.
At both of Grants inaugurations Chief
Justice Chase administered the oath. A
prophecy made by Boston astrologer con-
corning Henry Wilson, vice president dur
ing the war presidents second term, was
fulfilled during the administration Of the
oath at the second Inauguration. The pre-
diction was to the effect that on March 4,
1879, Wilson would assume the. second place
in the political dignity of the United States.
The oath at this Inauguration was read by
the chief justice, Gen. Grant repeating
the words spoken. The sergeant at arms.
without design, opened the Bible and hand
ed it to the chief justice, who held it to
the lips Of the new president. The verses
touched by Grants lips were from the
eleventh chapter of Isaiah, second and
third verses, which read:
And the spirit Of the Lord shall rest
upon him; the spirit Of wisdom and UNDER
standing, the spirit of counsel and might.
the spirit of knowledge and Of the fear Of
the Lord.
''And shall make him of quick understand
ing in the fear Of the Lord, and he shall
not judge after the sight of his eyes.
neither reprove after the hearing of his
ears
Chases death caused the appointment
of Chief Justice Morrison r. Waite, who
administered the oath to President Hayes
and subsequently to President Garfield.
President Hayes took the oath twice, once
privately and the second time publicly
President Arthur took the oath of Office
administered by Judge j. r. Brady, of the
New York supreme court. at his home,
No. 1923 Lexington avenue, New York, he
of the president. Chief Justice Waite ad-
after the latter gave his assent to the pro-
posed ceremony In these words: %:
II am now prepared to take the oath pre-
scribed by law, and the constitution
Chief Justice Fuller succeeded Chief JUS
tice Waite, and performed his first duty in
the matter of swearing in presidents at
the Harrison Inauguration: He performed
like service for Cleveland at that officials
second inauguration, and repeated the cere-
mony when William Mckinley appeared at
the capitol on March a.