Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-11

SEttoE OLutOu 0uQ Ills Sl60 HUI ny many ~
Washington's old officers. all In full uni
form. The streets were so crowded that
1t was only with the greatest difficulty thar
way could be cleared for the distin-
guished party. Flags lind flowers in pro-
fusion were displayed from every house
and the windows were illuminated with the
sparkling eyes of thousands of ladies.
special bodyguard was rendered to Wash
ington, and in reply to the offer he said
that for the present occasion he would ac-
cept it, simply, however. as a matter of
ceremony, because he needed no other
bodyguard than the affection of the citi-
Zens.
procession was formed with Col. Nor
gan Lewis as chief marshal. A band of
music, the mayor of New York city, the
French and Spanish ministers and the state
officials were mentioned as prominent in
the parade. Washington, in blue coat,
bum wastcoat and buff breeches, was the
central figure in the short but imposing line
OF march. which ended at the Franklin
house, where Washington had established
another Of his headquarters. Later the
general dined with Governor Clinton. The
streets were all brightly Illuminated and
crowded with people.
The First Inauguration.
The capstone was placed on the national
structure Of the new government on the
Both Of April, 1885, From early dawn
crowds of people poured into New York.
although for two weeks previous the city
limit, and every tavern and boarding house
was jammed full. The ceremonies of the
day were opened by discharge of artillery
at Fort George. At 8 O'clock the church
bells rang joyous peals. At u O'Clock the
military marched to the presidential house
on Cherry street, followed shortly after
ward by the congressional committee of re-
ception and the heads of the principal gov
eminent departments. Half an hour later
the procession, commanded by Colonel Nor
gan Lewis. with Major Van Horn and Ma
jor Morton as aids proceeded to Federal
Hall. The President-elect was in a state
coach, drawn by four horses. Behind him
were General Jay. General Knox, Chancel-
lor Livingston and number of other dig
nitaries.
The militia made remarkably fine show
ing. the two companies of grenadiers at
tracing especial attention. One of the
companies was composed of the tallest
young men in the city. while the other was
made up exclusively of Germans. The fed
eral building was crowded almost to suffo-
cation long before 10 o'clock.
In the Senate there was much nervous
ness and discussion as to how the Senate
ought to act when Washington appeared.
Should it stand sit? Parliamentary
precedent was sought for in vain and John
Adams was finally left without instructions
as to the Presidents reception Then arose
another debate as to how the Senate should
receive the clerk of the House of Repre-
Sentatives and while the senator's were in
the midst of the debate the Speaker of the
House, closely followed by all the members,
entered the chamber. That put stop to
discussion, and for one hour and ten min
uteS the two houses sat together.
When the President arrived he was re-
ceived by the joint congressional commit
tee and by them his coming was announced
to Congress. Just at this time Chancellor
Livingston discovered that there was no
Bible in the federal building. His being
grand master of the Freemasons, however,
| relieved him from this dilemma, for he re-
| membered that there was a Bible in the
| rooms of st. Johns Lodge, No. l. These
| rooms were in the immediate vicinity of
/ the federal building and the Bible made its
| appearance without delay.
Washington was conducted to the open
gallery in front of the Senate chamber,
| which looked out on Broad street. He was
accompanied by John Adams, Gov. Gin
ton and Chancellor Livingston. The multi
tude which thronged the streets and houses
| shouted itself hoarse when the hero APP
| peared. Washington advanced to the front
| of the balcony, laid his hand on his heart,
| bowed several times and then sat down.
When Chancellor Livingston advanced to-
ward him he arose. and he paid the closest
attention while the oath was read. The
| open Bible was lifted up and Washington
| kissed it. Chancellor Livingston cried.
| Long live George Washington, President
| of the United Statesi''
| Then Washington bowed once more to
| the people, while guns were fired and the
populace renewed it's cheering Washington
| was dressed in suit of dark brown CLOTH
| with metal buttons on which eagles We're
embossed. His hair was dressed and pow
| dered after the fashion of the day and was
worn in a bag. On his shoes were silver
| buckles and at his side was sword
| Washington's Inaugural Address.
The President returned at once to the
| Senate chamber When he entered all
arose, and, still standing, Sthey listened to
| his inaugural address. The President was
| extremely nervous; he trembled continuous
| ly. He attempted couple of gestures, but
| they were SO awkward that one of the spec
| tators in writing of the affair remarked
that he wished the President had not at
| tempted oratory He did not like to feel
| for a moment that Washington was not
| first in everything.
From the Senate chamber the President
and a great crowd of legislators proceeded
| to ST. Pauls Church, where the chaplain of
| the Senate conducted services. Prayers for
| the President were said and the TIE Deum
was sung, and then the President returned
to his official residence. AT night there was
a gorgeous display of fireworks, paid for by
private subscription. which lasted over two
hours. The fiery beauties were witnessed
! by the President from the windows of
Chancellor LivingstonS house. on the lower
part of Broadway. Illuminated pictures of
Washington were numerous, but not always
artistic or true to nature. 1.-THE best pic
| ture,'' said -one of the chronclers, was
over the door of a beer house, a place
which General Washington never fire.
quentS."
| From the chancellor's to his own resi-
dence the President returned on foot be-
cause the crowds were so great that a car
| riage would have been useless. 1t was
| great occasion when the nation honored
| the greatest of its citizens.