New-York tribune., 1903-04-26

Circumstances which are beyond human control
attach to certain days in the year significance
and importance which causes them to be regarded
by peoples Of the various nations and races almost
as being sacred, and are consequently observed by
them as national holidays.
The paramount red lette- day in American his
tory IS the Fourth of July, with Washington's
Birthday close second. Another day of deep his
torica import to this country is April 80. 1t is the
day on which George Washington was inaugurated
as the first President of the United States. This
important event took place in his city on Thurs
day, April 80 1883.
It was on April 80. also. that the Louisiana Pur-
chase treaty signed between the representa-
tives of Napoleon 1 and the American Republic.
New-York expected that it would be the capital
city Of the nation. Congress- feeble gathering
had held its sessions in this metropolis from
1885 In anticipation of being the chosen spot.
New-York felt impulse in business of every
kind that sent her far on the road to the con-
spicuous position she enjoys With 1iber-
aty that to this very day distinguishes her citi
zens, So 900 contributed to enlarge and beau
tify what then the City Hall for the occupa
ton of the government, where the Sub-Treas-
ury 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. 1t not until
April that this business accomplished. and
that John Langdon, the president PRO tenn. of the
Senate, officially declared the result.
OF course, mentioned for the first
Office except Washington; but for the second in
Importance, John Adams had no less than ten com
petitors.
On the day following the arrival in New-York of
Mr.. Adams on April 20. he was conducted to the
Senate Chamber by Caleb Strong, of Massachu-
setts and Ralph lizard, of South Carolina, where
he quietly took the oath of Office and made a brief
address. On the day the Mayor and alder
of the city called upon him and presented him
wit an n TO
tribute whatever might be in their power to render
his residence agreeable. his person respected and
his Office digni1ed"
Mr.. Adams chose as his residence the Richmond
Hill house, "about mile and half from the city
of New-York," which in the Revolution the
headquarters of General Washington.
New-York ready for the incident that
overshadowed all others of the time-the arrival Of
President Washington. 1t took the messenger of
Congress, Charles Thomson just week to reach
Mount Vernon and he delivered his official notih-
cation to the Presdent-elect on April IA The
second day after that Washington began jour-
ney every step of which is memorable. From
the moment when he left the gates Of Mount Yer
non, until, seven days afterward. he met at
Elizabethtown. in New-Jersey, by the deputaton
from Congress. it continuous triumphal
march.
On Thursday, April %, Washington arrived at
Elizabethtown, where he met by the Con-
gress deputation and other dgnitaries. These
ALL with General Washington. embarked in the
barge manned by thirteen pilots in white uniforms.
commanded by Commodore Nicholson, and with
John Randall acting coxswain.
In this wise the floating procession reached Muir
rays Wharf, the foot of WaII-st, where
crimson carpet had been laid from the water UP
the ferry stairs to the carriage that awaited the
general
Here Governor Clinton met Washington and
welcomed and congratulated him. AS he landed
all the bells in the city rang welcoming peal.