The Valentine Democrat. [volume] (Valentine, Cherry Co., Neb.) 1896-1898, 1897-03-11

market. The prices asked had been phe-
nomenal-$25 being the lowest for which
a single window could be had. while the
prices ranged from that figure to $500
for Il three window room. Calvin Brice
of Ohio paid $1,000 for an avenue room
for the day at Wizards with luncheon
served for small party, and Secretary
Carlisle q good price for one in the Postal
Telegraph building.
While the rest of the town was pulSing
with enthusiastic anticipation, there sat
at his desk in the White House the man
who is now eX-President. Even his in
disposition of Tuesday did not keep him
from his work Mr.. Cleveland toiled
through most of Wednesday night, and
when he resumed his labors in the morn
ing the electric lights had to be turned
on, for day had not broken yet. He work
ed on till the hour for him to leave the
White House for the last time as Presi-
dent. and then he laid down his pen with
the satisfaction to himself, at least, of
duty done His cabinet officers also were
similarly engaged in cleaning up the final
bits of business on their desks. and. like
their chief, were ready to relinquish the
cares of Office.
Close of Congress.
And up on the hill in the great white
building. bathed in the bright sunshine.
the congressional mill was grinding on
and on and on, intent on making up for
lost time. The House was noisy. the
Senate calm and quiet. Bills We're being
ground out with a speed which made
those spectators who have been watching
progress of this great national legislative
mill for the past two years dizzy. An i'm
mense throng Of people stood round the
outer doors of the Capitol. beseeching
clamoring. demanding admission. but the
police, obedient to orders issued by their
superlors, because the capacity of the
building could not be stretched. refused
admission to all save those who held tick
cts TO the Senate, where the dignitaries
of the nation We're assembled
A sound nights rest put the President
elect in perfect condition for the exhaust
ing functions of the day. He had retired
early, so that he enjoyed full nights
repose, and the beneficial effect was plain
ly visible when he arose Thursday morn
ing and saluted Mrs. Mckinley with the
remark that it was the first day of her
accession to the dignity and title of the
first lady of the land.
At five minutes to 10 o'clock Senator
Sherman and Senator Mitchell of Wis
'consin of the Senate committee appointed
to conduct the inauguration. appeared and
announced that they had come TO escort
the President-elect to the Capitol. They
were admitted at once and exchanged
greetings with Mr.. and Mrs. Mckinley.
Soon the President elect emerged from
h.
Sherman. He looked calm and walked
firmly. Just behind him came Secretary
Porter with Senator Mitchell of Wiscon-
sin. Capt. Heistand of the army. with
Abner Mckinley. brought up the rear and
kept back the people who pressed upon the
party. even in the hotel corridors.
As the party emerged from the private
entrance of the Ebbitt there was a roar of
applause that shook the buildings. The
street was packed with solid mass of
people, through which the carriage that
was to convey the President-elect to the
White House could scarcely be driven.
While the police struggled to clear q
passage through the crowd the President
elect stood at the head of the granite steps
and bowed his acknowledgements. The
applause became deafening as he crossed
the sidewalk and mounted the carriage
step. so great that he stopped again. while
the horses reared and champed uneasily in
the din, and turned from side to side with
uncovered head. his face expressing the
appreciation he felt of this great manfes-
tation of popular esteem. The President
elect was seated with Senator Sherman,
sitting on the rear seat, and Senator
Mitchell and Mr.. Porter occupied the
front seat.
The start was made for the White
House amid renewed cheering by the
crowd. Troop A of the Cleveland crack
cavalry troop. comprising about 100 men.
splendidly mounted on black chargers.
opened the way through the mass of peo-
pie, with line stretching almost across
the street; the coachman gave the word
TO his horses, the carriage fell in behind
and the way was taken down Fourteenth