The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1897-03-20

Oh the OppOSltlOn VIII NC 1OIIIlluS III
the gray of the morning for assault on
the new administration. But, for the
one day, the people of all ranks and
classes, and politics, as if uttering q
nations laundering voice, have vel
coined and aided to install their presi-
dent, not as the executive Of any party,
but as the head of the national govern
ment. 1t has been a great state af-
fair. not, in it's broadcast n a tribute
to the man, but a national demonstra-
ton of respect for the high Office. The
weather was appropriate for such a
day. g%lOriously beautiful. No previous
Inauguration has equalled it in careful
preparations. Washington gives months
of time and unremitting efforts to
these preparations for properly receiv-
ing Il president. and OH this occasion
she we'll played her brilliant part in
the opening drama of an administra-
ton. The city was early astir. Its
own population and the strangers
within it's gates moved in great tides
from all quarters toward Pennsylvania
avenue to view the decorations. House
before the organized columns passed
over the line Of march an army of Wis
itors closed in mass. far exceeding the
formal array to follow. swarmed for
hours over it. Citizens of every grade
and station took first view of every
thing. After this general inspection by
the people. came their two servants,
numerously and calamity attended
Mr.. Cleveland. whose stewardship was
ending. escorting Maj. Mckinley to the
capitol where the honors and burden Of
the succession We're to be laid upon
him. Meantime. from every quarter
came the sounds Of bands leading the
columns into their appointed places
east Of the capitol, whence. later, they
would file into the united lines of the
grand parade. Great streams of citi-
zens poured into the immense spaces
open to them eastward from tile re-
viewing stands in front of the senate
wing S:saiting the appearance of the
official party from the senate chamber.
In and about that room
The Official Pageant -
of the inaugural ceremonies gathered.
The senate wing was closed to all x
cept those formally connected with the
exercises and the few invited guests
which the contracted chamber could
accommodate. The members of the de-
funct house of representatives. leaving
their chamber at noon, appeared last
upon the floor of the senate. The new
vice president took the oath of Office.
new senators were sworn in, and, until
the waiting president-elect should pro-
coed t. the platform in front of the
senate. and there be inaugurated. Mr..
Hobart would be the acting president.
The nation could furnish no more i'm
posing official audience. Crowded upon
the small floor of the senate were the
three coordinate branches of the gov
eminent in the persons of their most
prominent men; the legislative branch
in force; the executive of the immedi-
ate past. with his cabinet, and the new
executive and cabinet, representing the
past and the unknown future: the 81
preme court in it's robes; the army and
navy in their plumes. their gold and
their glitter: the diplomatic corps in
It's lace and decorations. and citizens in
ordinary dress, representing the UMPIRE
tending millions of the land. The
brief ceremonies were quickly over,
and the official company, forming in
twos, filed out of the chamber and
passed on to the platforms at the east
front. With its first appearance the
waiting thousands broke out into tire
mendous cheers of welcome. which
rolled and roared while the procession
poured over the immense platform and
crowded it's seats. This general ac'
claim greeted the president-to.be with
q shout which was the climax Of Its
enthusiasm. and as Maj. Mckinley ad'
vanced to deliver his inaugural, these