The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-03-02

was ball, but the president was not
present.
Martin Van Buren,, the first president
who was born an American citizen, had
an imposing Inauguration. General
Jackson contributed greatly to the sue
cess of the occasion Chief Justice Ia
ney administered the oath. Two balls
were given, one of which was attended
by the president and his friends. Cen
eral William Henry Harrison insisted
upon riding on horseback in his inaua
gural procession. although the Wings
of Baltimore had given him a fine car
riage for the occasion. There were
$4,000 persons in the procession. The
whole city gave itself up to the cele-
bration. Three balls We're given. and
the aged president attended them all
and took part in the dancing. It is be-
lieved that the fatigue and exposure to
which the general was subjected caused
his death, which occurred only month
later. John Tyler, the vice president,
succeeded, but under the circumstances
his Inauguration was private. His in
augural address was given to the pub
lie in the columns of a newspaper.
James K. Polk had a remarkable pub
lie demonstration. On his way to the
White House he was obliged to take
an indirect route in order to avoid the
press of the multitude. General Scott
was a prominent figure in the process
sion. Two balls were given. Zachary
Taylor, hero of the war with Mexico.
was accorded a grand public induction
into Office. After the official ceremo-
MES he held a reception at the execu-
tive mansion He lived only about a
year to enjoy his new dignity and was
succeeded by Willard Fillmore, whose
Inauguration was necessarily private.
Franklin Pierce went into Office with
bration- The platform on the east por-
tico was built entirely of New Hamp-
shire pine in compliment to the state
which had contributed a president.
For the first time in several years no
ball was held. James Buchanan and
MIR. Pierce went to the capitol together,
according to the now well established
custom. More than thirty out of town
organizations were in the procession.
A reception was held at the White
House, and a ball in the new city hall
closed the eventful day.
Abraham Lincoln's Inauguration was
a great military spectacle. The times
were so uncertain that some fear was
entertained that a hostile demonstra-
ton might be made, and unusual pre-
cautions were taken to keep the peace.
Regiments of cavalry surrounded the
carriage which bore Mr.. Buchanan and
Mr.. Lincoln to the capitol and an army
of infantry followed. The aged Chief
Justice fancy officiated for the last
time. There was a ball in a structure
specially erected, but the president did
not attend. Mr.. Lincoln's second in
auguratiOn was almost exclusively a
military affair. The president did not
take part in the grand parade, but he
appeared with Mrs. Lincoln at the ball
in the patent Office. Chief Justice Chase
administered the oath. Andrew John
sons induction into Office was entirely
devoid of publicity.
Both of General Grants Inaugural
tons we're more imposing than any
thing previously attempted. The inau-
gurations of Presidents Hayes and Gar
field were marked by nothing more no.
ticeable than an evident lessening of
the military features of the display and
a corresponding increase in the civil
details. After President Garfields
death the oath was administered to
Chester A. Arthur by Chief Justice
Waite in the presence of two former
presidents, Grant and Hayes. Grover
Cleveland's inaugurations were char
acterized by unusual splendor. On the
first occasion the procession was six
hours in passing a given point. Chief
Justice Waite administered the oath.
Chief Justice Fuller officiated at the
second. Both Benjamin Harrison and
William Mckinley were accorded the
usual patriotic display which is now so
essentially a part of the capitals quad
rennial celebration.
GEORGE H. PICARD.