The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-05

II Is very natural that the election of
President should be an event of rejoicing
and festivity to the nation at large. Even
the prejudice OF party feeling is, in great
measure. laid aside in the consideration
that he who is the peoples choice pledges
himself solemnly to preserve, protect,
and defend the Constitution of the United
States"
From the first the American people
elected to make the inauguration Of
President a great national festival. They
did this spontaneously, and somewhat In
disregard, on the occasion of the first
inaugural, of all efforts on the part of
Washington for a less ostentatious mode
of procedure. The first President desired
to be installed with an utter absence of
pomp and parade, as was natural in the
man who looked upon his consent to serve
at all, as a sacrifice greater than that
which he had gladly made when he took
command of the Continental armies to
endure the hardships and dangers Of the
Revolutionary campaigns. Washington
entered upon his task as Chief Magis-
trate Of the nation with an unfeigned re-
luctance, for which he hardly expected to
receive credit from the world.
When called to the Presidency Of the
United States the Father oil His Coun-
try" was living quietly at his beautiful
home at Mount Vernon. New York was
then the seat of government. and his
Journey thence was a veritable triumphal
progress. Making his way-slowly, on
horseback, or in stage coaches and barges.
tokens Of the nations love and honor
greeted him perpetually. The farmers
gathered along the country roads 10 well
come him. In towns and cities process
s,ons were formed to escort him, and the
enthusiastic people often took the horses
from his carriage, and dragged II with
their own hands along the gayly decor
ated streets. In Philadelphia, then the
largest and finest city in the Union, he
rode on his magnificent white charger be-
meath triumphal arches declsed with flow
ers and evergreens. on which were in
scribed notices expressive of loyalty and
devotion to the great soldier Of the Revo-
luton. On every side the Stars and
Stripes foated in their newborn splen-
dor, and, in various other places along
the route, young women scattered flowers
in his pathway, while their voices were
lifted in anthems of patriotism and
thanksgiving.
Arriving at New York, the first Presi-
dent was installed in office at the old
Federal Building, which was the meeting
place of the new Congress. He himself,
by unanimous request, dictated the order
of the exercises A military escort waited
upon him at his temporary stopping place
on Cherry Street. They were all regular
United States troops. for the militiamen
of the Revolution had again returned to
their farms and workshops, from which
they had gone forth TO free nation.
The President-elect rode alone in his car
rage in the line, for, naturally there was
no retiring President to bear him COM
pany. Special committees appointed by
Congress. just as is done at the present
day. attended him into the presence of
the Senate, where the oath Of office was
administered by Chancellor Livingston.
and the formal announcement to the null
titude assembled without the building was
the signal for a great rejoicing and fes-
tivity that was concluded by a display of
fireworks at night.
When Washington was inaugurated for
his second term. the scene of the cere-
>nony was Philadelphia, which city had