The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1901-03-07

was exceptionally beautiful. 1t was in
closed in plate glass as precautior
against stormy weather and projected
some distance beyond the line of the 9th
ers. From 1t an unobstructed view was
afforded of the procession as it approach.
ed from Fifteenth street.
Mrs. Mckinley reached the White
House by side streA ahead of the
president, but was very tired when she
returned from the capitol and thought
1t prudent to retire to her room for rest.
She did not witness the parade.
TAKING THE OATH
Amid the cheers of thousands and the
good wishes of millions William Mckin-
ley repeated the second time the words,
II do solemnly swear that | will faith
fully execute the Office of president of
the United States and will to the best of
my ability preserve, protect and defend
the constitution of the United States"
That was really the Inauguration. All
else was cidental-interesting Impress
i've, as ii should be. in view of the ex-
allied station of the chief magistrate of
eighty millions of his fellow citizens: gor-
geous. ii may be, in consonance with the
doctrines of republicanism and the artis-
tic feelings of the American people. but
accessory.
Despite elaborate preparations for the
start to the capitol. the details of which
were perfectly carried out, there was a
striking absence of everything resem-
bling pomp and ceremony. As the presi-
dent emerged from the house he was
chatting smilingly with Senator Hanna
and the other members of the escort COM
mlttee. Pausing long enough to bow to
the few persons standing on either side
of the porch, several of whom were per-
sonally known to him, the president en-
tered his own carnage, which was used
for the purpose at Mr.. McKinley's re-
quest. There were no decorations what
ever on horses or carriage.
After completing the signing of the
bills which awaited him and before ap-
pearing at the front of the capitol To take
the oath of office himself the president
attended in the senate chamber the cere-
mony of swearing in Vice President Elect
Theodore Roosevelt.
The white pilared, rooted stand in
which the oath of office was to be ad-
ministered faced directly south. and
about 100 feet directly in front of it in
the midst of the crowd was raised
white platform on which stood battery
of cameras. The house and senate
stands to the south and north respective
ly were packed with people standing.
In front of the presidents stand the
crowd spread out. A little to the left
in the midst of the crowd were some gay
ly caparisoned mounted aids and farther
along Troop A of Ohio. To the right
in slightly open space near the out
skirts of the crowd the West Point and
Annapolis cadets stood at ease.
The supreme court and officers, lead
ing the inaugural column, emerged from
the main doorway of the capitol at 1888.
They took seats on the left of the presi-
Dental stand. Members of the diplo-
matte corps, headed by Lord Pauncefote
of Great Britain, followed, taking the
seats reserved for them on the right.
Vice President Roosevelt, accompanied
by the officers of the senate, elected a
round of shouts from the crowd. The
black clad members of the senate and
house followed slowly and stood in front
of their blocks of seats.
Thunders Of applause greeted the ma
tion's chief executive when, tall and
erect, on the arm of Chief Justice Fuller
Of the supreme court, he strobe firmly
down the capitol steps to the inaugural
pavilion stand. Immediately behind the
president walked Senator Marcus A.
Hanna. chairman of the Republican ma
tional committee. and James X. Jones,
chairman of the Democratic national
committee.
The president then took his position in
the box where he was to take the oath
closely followed by Vice President Roose-
vet.
Meanwhile Chief Justice Fuller was
waiting with his Bible to administer the
bath of office. Vice President Roosevelt
stepped back, facing the two. Mr.. Nc
kinley took his stand back of a marble
able, and Chief Justice Fuller faced him
while the oath was administered. With
)ne motion the crowds on the stands
Dared their heads, and the ambassadors
uncovered also Mr.. McKin.
ey repeated the oath of Office in firm,
steady voice. Then, as he bowed at its
conclusion and Chief Justice Fuller re-
tired to seat In the rear of the stand,
another shout burst from the crowd.
President Mckinley, still bareheaded.
then faced the crowd to begin his inau-
sural address, but it was fully minute
before the applause died down sufficiently
TO allow him to make himself heard
Theodore Roosevelt of New York took
the oath of Office as vice president of the
United States at half past IL o'clock.
Three years ago, when the country
rang with the din of coming war, Mr..
Roosevelt had suddenly left the gay life
Of Washington. Strenuous of conscience
no less than of physical habit, he had re-
inquished comfortable and honorable
post in the navy department to don the
Khaki blouse of a soldier. Many thought
his course patriotic, some thought it err
ratio. Vice President Roosevelt has an
Swered the call of duty again. He re-
turns to the capital once more factor
in Washington life, no longer as a de-
Dartment assistant, but placed by popu-
ar franchise in the Office next in success
sion to that of the chief executive.