The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1901-03-07
CAPITOL LITERALLY THRONGED
Though 1arred Somewhat BY the
Elements Inaugural Program
Brilliantly Carried Out.

A Washington special says: Monday
at noon, William Mckinley, of Ohio,
was inducted into the presidential
Office, being the eighth in the illustri-
GUS line of presidents of the United
States thus honored by the American
people with second term.
simultaneously, Theodore Roose-
velt, of New York, became vice presi-
dent of the United States.
During the early hours of the morn
ing, and even we'll into the day the
prospect was certainly discouraging.
AIS o'clock q. M, adrizzlIng rain was
falling, and at sunrise the clouds hung
80 tbickly that the orb of day was
scarcely visible. About 8 o'clock the
clouds began to break, and in the
course of an hour broad beams OF sun
light swept the avenue, the variations
from the light to shadow, as the clonds
scudded rapidly over the sky under
the influence of northwest wind,
adding variety to the pictures. On
the whole the weather promised to re-
deem the pledge of the weather bureau
that the weather would be glorious,
The temberature being mild and broad
stretches of blue sky appearing as the
sun forced its way through the clouds.
The parade that followed President
Mckinley on his return from the cap
itol to the white house and passed in
review there before him. was different
from all its predecessors in the ma
iestic predominance of the military
feature. The civil contingent was
quite up to the average in numbers,
yet by actual count made by the mar
shals the soldiers outnumbered the
civilians in line by more than three to
one. In blue were many soldiers who
had carried the country's flag out into
the world, and had waged war which
was all in the future when the last in
augural procession marched along
Pennsylvania avenue.
With these young veterans, and in
the place of honor, as the presidents
escort, marched another contingent
made up entirely OF soldiers of the
civil war. At their head mar ched the
Rough Rider band.
For the first time in quarter OF a
century the president rode from the
white house to the capitol without
successor beside him in his carriage.
Grant was the last of the presidents OF
the United States up to this time to
occupy similar position. President
Mckinley had for his companions in
his carriage members of the committee
specially chosen by congress to take
chafgeefs the Inauguration, headed By
Senator Hanna.
The nations Of the world, great and
small, paid their tribute to the presi-
dant in attendance at the ceremonies
at the capitol and in reviewing the
great parade.
The navy was represented in the
ceremonies more numerously than ever
before. Half dozen warships, more
than have assembled in the Potomac
since the civil war, contributed
through their sailors and marines one
eof the most unique and enjoyable
features Of the ceremony, marching
over a thousand strong. Down on
the water front lay the famous old
flagship Hartford, while at the navy
yard foated the double-turreted moni-
tor Puritan. Further down the Po-
tomac lay other vessels unable to get
up the river to Washington, but whose
crews swe,led the list of paraders.
Sixteen states of the union-north,
east, south and west-were represen-
ted by their governors, most OF them
accompanied by numerous stats.
Though worn and weary the legisla-
tive branch of the national govern
ment faithfully executed its part in
the days ceremonies. The protracted
sessions of the lastfew days, involving
work day and night, imposed severe
physical strains upon the senators and
representatives, yet when the tipe
came to close up the task OF Legislation
and turn to the Inauguration of the
president, all was in readiness in the
capitol.
President Mckinley was sworn in at
LII p. M, on handsomely decorated
stand at the east end of the capitol, in
the presence of surging multitude.
The dense undulating throng filled
ell the winding walks, the broad ave-
nues and radiating streets, overflow
ing into thousands into the sweep of
lawn and even seeking the tree tops
points of vantage.
Quite as many women were in the
throngs as men, wearing bright hats
and gay gowns, mingling with the
color of hundreds of tiny flags waved
aloft on canes. Over towards the con-
gresaional library the seething mass