The morning times., 1897-03-10

onApril30, 1889, Gen. George Washington
was inaugurated at New York as the fiIst
President OF the United States OF America.
The delay from March to april 80 was
caused by the failure OF quorum of the
House OF Representatives earlier 10 appear.
washingtons inaugural address was pro-
nounced in the presence Of beth houses of
Congress, a mode borrowed from the
British custom, where the monarch opened
Parliament by "A speech from the throne
addressed to My Subjects Washington
addressed himself to "FellCw-Citizens Of
Senate and House Hisinaugural address,
the first delivered by any chief magistrate
in the New World, was naturally per-
meated with his own personality, and
tinctured throughout with his personal
emotions Equally with the inaugural ad-
dress Of President Lincoln in 1861,
washington's was intensely pathetic. His
torians Of the day have particularly 'lwelt
upon his opening sentence:
''On one hund / am summoned by MY
country, whose voice can never hear but
with veneration and love, and from a re-
treat which 1 had chosen with fondest
years. On the other hand, the magni-
uudc and difficulties of the trust cannot
Tut overwhelm with despondence one VINO,
inheriting inferior endowments from ma
ture, and unpracticed in the duties of
civil administration, ought TO be particu-
larly conscious OF his own deficiencies
This modesty OF declaration was fol-
lowed 10y an appeal to the Creator, which.
Tnri iurn .FlrfT Tsa-fr rral, fI,n h..S
been surpassed by prayer-book or extern
pore appeal from a pulpit. Finally, re-
viewing with remarkable conciseness some
general recommendations for legislation
over newly-formed Con stitution and
government, Washington closed speech
which in print would barely fill column
of newspaper, by a still more pathetic
appeal, ITO the Benign Parent OF the
human race TO give His blessings toward
temperate consultations; 10 enlarged views
and wise measures, upon which the sue
cess or our government must depend
To this address both houses, after the
British prccedents OF the era, returned on
their journals in equally pathetic, religious
and tender EXPRESS their respect, their
thanks and their promises Of cooperation.
Both addresses have long been american
classics.
Washington's second inaugural may be
entitled q maSterful Judicial summary Of
his first administration and a euiogy Of
republican system and workings. It's eau
tons against fraud in elections and cor
ruption IN politics Were again pathetic,
and are as suitable TO our national condI-
lions OF parties for reading in 1897 as
I'll, e cautions were to an American audi
enCe q century ago.
When March !. 1897, arrived, the day
Oh which John Adams was inaugurated
President. Washington entered the Senate
chamber and affeCuonately saluted his
successor. and, says one of the historians.
great seusbility was manifested 10y the
distinguished company assembled. when
Washington was seen by the side of his
successor and Revolutionary Compatriot
ana much admiration was expressed at
the evident cOmplacence and delight which
ex-President Was hington manifested at
beholdinG another clothed with the au-
thuri,y. with Which lie himself had been
twice invested
TIE inaugural address Of President John
Adams was especially scholarly III style.
and in tone eloquent. as he made refer
snces "a the foundation OF the government,
the stirring events preceding il. and in
praise Of the Constitution. Employed
in the service Of my country abroad, first
saw that Instrument in a foreign country.
and having perused it. exclaimed: What
Bthcr form Of government can so well dc
serve our esteem and lover . President
Adams inaugural is especially worthy OF
reading FOR its Urfsute Co the retiring hero
II is an American classic.
Thomas jefferson was the first Presi-
lent to he naugurated at Washington
His illusJIogs predecessor did not wait
20 witness the triumph Of his successful
rival, nor to listen TO hisinaueural, marked
by the souoroUs periods Of has declaration
Of Independence. That address contained
D succient summary OF "the essential pTin-
ripIes of government which ought TO shape
administration. Principles which from
he bright consultations which have gone
before us and guided our footsteps through
an age of revolution and reformation
Many OF nsteHetsare often forgotten, wnen
lhe euIogists of jefferson refer to him as the
lather OF democracy.
The inaugural address of Madison was
also remarkable for sGccinctness, brevity,
md classic rhetoric, and was especially