Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-09-25
ROOSEVELT SWORN IN
TIE NEW PRESIDENT TAKES THE
OATH OF OFFICE.
Tells the Cabinet Ofiicers that His
Main Purpose Is TO Continue the
Policies of McKiniey-Pa Pays Visit of
Coincidence to Widow.

Theodore Roosevelt became President
OF the United States at $3.50 O'Clock Sat
urday afternoon, when he compiled with
the constitutional provision and took the
prescribed oath to support and defend the
constitution and the laws of he United
States. He took that oath at Buffalo in
the library of the residence of Ansiey
Wilcox, Il personal friend, with whom he
stopped earlier in the week when the
physicians thought President Mckinley
would recover from the Mound inflicted
by the assassin.
The scene was most affecting one.
The new President had just come from
the Milburn house, where his predecessor
lay cold in death. Overcome by the deep
personal sorrow he felt, in his character
istically impulshe way he had gone first
to the house Of mourning TO offer his con-
dolence and sympathy to the broken,
hearted widow. Secretary Root, who,
twenty years ago. had been present at
similar scene. when Arthur took the
OATH after the death Of another Presi-
dent who fell victim to nn assassin's
BULLET, almost broke down when he re-
tuested Mr.. Roosevelt, on behalf OF the
members of the cabinet Of the late Presi-
dent to take the prescribed oath. There
was not dry eye in the room.
The new President was yisibly shaken,
but he controlled himself. aud when he
lifted his hand to swear it was steady.
With the deep soemnity Of the occasion
full upon him, he announced to those
present that his aim would be to be viii
liam Mckinley's successor II deed as well
as in name. Deliberately he proclaimed
IT in these words;
In this hour of deep and terrible be-
reayement. l wish to state that it shall
be my aim to continue absolutely unbrok-
eh the policy Of President Mckinley for
the peace aud prosperity and honor OF
our beloved country"
The great, farreaching significance OF
this pledge to continue the policy of the
dead President, announced at the very
threshold of new governmental sgime.
profoundly impressed his hearers. and
President Roosevelt's FIRST step after TAX
ing the oath was in line with its red mp
tion. His first act was 10 ask the ulem-
bers OF he cabinet to retain their port
fnlios temporarily in order~to aid him to
conduct the government on lines laid
down by MIN whose policy he had declgr-
ed he would uphold. and every member
Of the cabinet, including Secretary OF
| State Hay aud Secretary OF the Treasury
Gage, who were communicated with in
Washington, agreed for the present, al
least, to retain their several portfolios.
The President said he was 50 shocked
by this national calamity that had thrust
his new responsibilities apon him that
baI no. "a f4f
future ear ser at Washington lie remain
ed in Buffalo SUNDAY, and ON Monday ae-
| com9aniea the funeral train TO the ma
| tional capital.
Col Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo at
| 1:35 o'clock Saturday afternoon. lie had
| had hard nights ride from the North
i Woods 10 Albany and then a swift rush
across the State by spccti train, but his
| bronzed face showed no sigas Of fatigue
as he stepped from the train to the plat
form. lie looked grave and saadeneI'
but not in the least fatigned.
| Inquiry was made cy the President as
to whether an extra session Of Congress
! would be called by him, and he said IN
substance that there was no fnndaIat ntal
! law requiring The calling of Congress to-
| gether upon the succession OF Vice
| President to the presidency, and that az.
ter consultation with the caSinet they
| had decided tiat no such extra session
would be called.
Cabinet Will Stay.
Somewhat 10 the sdrprise e the six
members Of the cabinet who we're on the
| funeral train from Buffalo. President
! Roosevelt called thcm into bis private
| compartment and said 10 then tlat lac
wanted everyone If them to consider him-
SELF invited to become member OF the
/ new cabinet.
II not only wait ; ou to stay Wit me,
said the President TO them, "hgt want
! you to consider that | am selecting you
as my choice. You are asked not nle3ely
10 ill our term. but TO be my chosen
! counselJrs wish 10 have the matter
regarded ID this light. There are vac +
| cics in the cabinet post, aud ! choose all
sou gentlemen to fla them. / viii appoint
! you anew.
| Z ie six meo! iers OF The cabinet held a
brief consultation. and at the end Of it
| all of thu D accepted the invitation and
! pledg.d them solves to their new chief.
/ At the request Of the President they also
} .omised to use all tbai, Suence 10 se-
/ cure similar acceDtanc, from the two
members Of the cabinet who ere not
| present at this happy eonference-Secre'
! taries Gage AKA Hay.