Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-03-05

were alive with occupants, mounting
the balustrades and scaling ~fag-poles,
A blaze of color was at every hand.
just beneath the Goddess of Liberty
there hung out huge flags to the north.
south, east and west. The big dome
was surrounded with iags. and further
down mammoth flags hung in graceful
folds from between the pillared front
OF the main portico. The huge stand
had a front of solid color, flag IN flag.
And amidst this riot of color and sur
ging humanity rose the central feature
OF the decorative scheme---the pavilion
sheltering the President and the dis
tinguished asssmblage about him. Il
was of Grecian outline, with Corin-
THAN pillars, and low-arched roof The
glass windows provided against storm
had been removed.
From the fronto of the pavilion blaz-
ed h national arms. Just opposite
on a raised platform
Half u Thousand Cameras
were trained IN the presidential pavil-
ion. looking like 81 many machine
guns along a quarter deck.
Just before l o'clock a drizzlin9
sleet with hail began TO fall. and oyer
the sea of heads went up countless
umbrellas, some of them of fantastic
color and patriotic hue. The sky turn
ed from gray TO black and the signs
lowered ominous. But the crowd held
its ground unmindful of the lowering
sky and slanting hail.
ct was Just l O'Clock when the off,
cial party came through the main
doorway OF the capitol. All eyes were
1 strained fnur0VI $hA ,se~ f-l- 81
groups as they appeared. Usually the
President GENES among the first, but
to-day there was an entire change
and instead OF having the President
wait until all the officials were in place
the presidential party did not appear
until all the invited guests had as
senibled and everything was in readi-
ness to administer the cath.
BY this time the hail had turned into
a steady drizzke OF rain, making the
officials and ambassadors shift
uueasily Under the Downpour.
When the special guests had been
ushered to their seats, there was a
m~cmentary hull, ard an awe like
silence fell upon the great cou
as it strained to catch the first glimpse
of the President.
AS President Mckinley stepped out
upon the portico in full view of the
waiting multitude. a great cheer went
up which was echoed and re-echoed
until the huge stand fairly trembled
with the volume of sound. The Pres
ident bowed his Acknowledgements OF
the greeting. His face wore a look OF
calm dignity and contentment. He
put on his hat as he stepped into the
open and his oyercoat was buttoned
high UP to keep of the beating drops.
He moved across the portico, and then
pausing at the top of the high marble
stairs, again waved his s~alutations to
the continued huzzas.
With him was Chief Justice Fuller,
prepared to administer the oath.
Through the lines of Senators and
officials, all standing TO do him honor.
the President proceeded to the central
pavilion, going forward to the railing
and facing the vast assemblage at close
range again and again bowling his ac-
acknowledgement to the tremendous cho-
rus from forty thousand tnroats. Then
he turned and shook hands with Vice
President Roosevelt while another
great cheer went up as the Two central
figures-tMcKinley and Roosevelt
1t000 0at A1 N10h a
Now again a deep hush fell upon
the assemblage as the President and
his Chief Justice advanced to the CEN
ter of the pavilion.
h President Removed His Hat
and then he raised his right hand. In
the intense stiffness, family could be
heard the solemn words Of the Chief
Justice, and the measured response oil
the President taking the oath 10 MAIN
tain inviolate the Constitution and
laws of the United States. He spoke
in strong voice easily heard by those
near the front of the stand. His face
looked very grave as the oath was pro-
nounced. There was no demonstration
as he concluded the oath. Now he turn
ed again to the people and advancing
to the raaL OF the pavilion began his
inaugural address. He spoke In rather
low tones at first. gradually growing
more distinct until he was heard by
all those on the stands and most OF
those in front rank OF the crowds.
He kept his hat OFF while he spoke.
Occasionally he used gestures to m
phasize some salient point OF his adj
dress.
AS the President spoke the pent-up
clouds gave out their full force and the
pelting rain came down in sheets,
throwing a watery veil over the drip
ping multitude. Under his pavilion
the President was well protected III
there was no faltering In the address
as the %down-pour OF rain continued.
AS he raised his voice, In a resound-
ing phrase for free Cub" there was
a mighty shout OF approval and FREE
quently he paused to allow some well
turned sentence to receive its tribute
of popular approval.
A the President Closed
his address the Vice President and
many of the Senator'S grasped his hand
In congratulation. Then he returned
to the capitol, proceeding TO the Sen
ate wing where a lunch had been
spread in the committee room OF the
COMMITTEES on military affairs. Here
the President was joined by the Vice
President. the inaugural committee,
distinguished officers OF the army
navy and a number OF Senators and
other invited guests. Half an hour was
spent in taking Refreshments and tnen
the President was escorted bach to his
carriage to join in the parade to the
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