The morning times., 1897-03-05
TAKING THE OATH

front of the Mansion, the two central
figures in the ceremonies of the day were
compelled to wait behind the closed gates
When the last file of regular troops had
gone by, Troop A, OF Cleveland, wheeled
into position, the gates were opened and
the triumphal progress of the new Presi-
dent TO the Capitol began.
Cheering began from the time the Presl-
dcnt-elect's carriage, drawn by its four
sorrcls, passed through the White House
gate and began it's progress eastw ard.
Flags and Eandkrrchiefs were waved by
women andchildren, whilenlen waved their
hats, and their display Of enthusiasm was
made stronger by using their lungs The
escort TO the Capitol consisted OF a brigade
OF United States forces, artillery, infantry,
cavalry, engineers, marines, and sailors,
and a brigade OF the National Guard OF the
District of Columbia. 1t was led by
platoon of mounted police, and followed
immediately by the regular army la nd from
Governor S Island, n. Y. Gen Horace Por-
ter, the grand marshal. with numerous
array of special and regular aides, most
OF them in uniform, preceded the escort,
which was commanded by Gen. Wesley
Merritt, U. S. a. The escort formed the
first division OF the parade, details Of which
are givenin the regular program
Tie last troop OF cavalry was followed
hyTroop \, the Cleveland organization that
composed Major Mckinley's personal es-
corr. Behind them came the carria ges
containing President and President elect;
the Cleveland Cabinet Ma ior Gen Miles
and Admiral Browne, and the rear was
brought UP by the two regiments OF the
District OF Columbia National Guard. COM
muiided by Col. Cecil Clay
Major Mckinley was kept removing his
hat constantly IN response to the cheer
ing that preceded, followed and kept
abreast of him. At times he would ride
with head barred for a block or two The
sun shone warm and bright and lessened
the danger he ran of catching cold Mr.
Cleveland seemed to he in the best of
spirits He showed keen interest in the
scenes along the way, and smiled in a
pleased manner at some unusual out
bursts.
Just as the carriage containing Mr. Cleve-
land and Major Mckinley turned the cor
ner of Fifteenth street into Pennsylvania
avenue, at the southeastern end OF the
Treasury building, halt occurred, and
some horses that drew the White House
victoria, quivering with excitement at the
music and the shouts, slipped on the
asphalt and fell in a heap after an ex-
citing performance on his hind legs. This
excited the other horses and for a minute
or two the mishap gave evidence o. Sc
rioUs results. Half dozen policemen and
aides rushed to the assistance of The fallen
animal aud helped him to his feet, while
others caught the brides of the remain
ing three to keep the mettleSome beasts
from running away.
Coachman Beckett wrapped the reius
around his gioved hands and sat cool and
collected on his seat. while the active
Brewer leaped from the footman's perch
to lend assistance TO the policemen and
the rest. President Cleveland and the
President-elect were laughing together at
the time. Neither appeared in the least
startled, and continued their sonversa-
ton when the fallen wheel horse had
regained his feet.
The progress to the Capitol was un-
marked by further untoward accidents
All along the ranks volleys of cheers
greeted the President elect and q like
welcome was his when his carriage turned
into the plaza in front of the Capitol,
where thousands upon thousands were
wedgcd into a dense mass of humanity.