The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-04
From the New york Trihnne.


 0A CIRCUMSTANCES which are be-
 V yond human control attach to
 certain days in the year signifi- canoe and importance which causes them to be regarded by people Of the various nations and races almost as being sacred, md are consequently observed by them as national holidays.
 The paramount red letter day in Amer ican history Is the Fourth of July with Washington's birthday a close second Another day of deep historical import to this country Is April s0 It is the day on which George Washington was inaugu- rated as the first President of the United States. This important event took place in this city on Thursday. April 30, 17S9
 It was on April 30, also, that the Louis lana purchase treaty was signed between the American republic.
 New York expected that it would be the capital city of that nation. Congress- feeble gathering, as it was, had held It's sessions in this metropolis from 17S5. In anticipation of being the chosen spot, New York felt an impulse in business of every kind that sent her far on the road to the conspicuous position sne now en- joys. With a liberallty that to this very day distinguishes her citizens, sS2,OOO was contributed to enlarge and beautify what was then the city hall TOT the occupation of the new government. where the sub- treasury now stands.
 Congress did not meet until more than month after the time appointed to count the votes that had been cast for the first President and vice president of the United States. It was not until April 6 that this business was accomplished, and that John Landon, the president pro tenn of the senate, officially declared the result.
 Of course no one was mentioned for the first office except Washington, but for the second in importance. John Adams had no less than ten competitors.
 On the day following the arrival in New York of MT. Adams, on April 20, he was conducted to the senate chamber by Caleb Strong of Massachusetts and Ralph lizard of South Carolina, where he quiet ly took the oath of office and made a brief address. On the same day the mayor and aldermen of the city called upon him and presented him with an ad- dress, in which they promised to con tribute whatever might be in their power to render his residence agreeable his person respected and his office dignfied."
 MT. Adams chose as his residence the Richmond Hill house. about a mile and a half from the city of New York" which in the Revolution was the headquarters of General Washington.
 New York was now ready for the inci- dent that overshadowed all others of the time-the arrival of President Washing ton. It took the messenger of congress, Charles Thompson, just a week to reach Mount Vernon, and he delivered his off, ciai notification to the President-elect on April 14.-The second day after that Washington began a journey, every step of which Is memorable From the mo- ment when he left the gates of Mount Vernon until, seven days afterward, he was met at Elizabethtown, in Ney Jer- sey, by the deputation from congress, 1t was one continuous triumphal march.
 On Thursday, April 23, Washington ar rived at Elizabethtown, where he was met by the congress deputation and other dignitaries. These all, with General Washington. embarked in the barge manned by thirteen pilots in white uni- forms, commanded by Commodore Nich- olson, and with John Randall acting as coxswain.
 In this wise the floating procession reached Murray's wharf, now the foot of Wall street, where crimson carpet had been laid from the water up the ferry stairs to the carriage that awaited the general.
 Here Governor Clinton met Washing