Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-25
Andrew Johnson's Inauguration.

AAoIeW JonuSou,S Inauguration.
Rev. Mr.. Rominger Of Fargo College.
North Dakota, inquiries concerning the
truth of the stories about the intoxication
of Andrew johnson at the time of his in
auguraton. and whether he was sober all
the way on his famous Swing around the
circle"
Some time before his death the late Han
nibal Hamlin told me the story Of John
sons Inauguration and explained how he
happened to get drunk on that occasion. 1t
was very exciting time in Washington.
Mr.. johnson and his friends were much
elated at his political triumphs, and Mr..
Hamiin says that, according to the custom
in the mountains of Tennessee, party of
them sat up nearly all of the night pre-
ceding the Inauguration, drinking from
demijohn Of apple toddy which one of them
had brought from home as an appropriate
gift to the new Vice President. AS nat
ural consequence Mr.. Johnson was in
very shaky condition when he appeared
at the room of the Vice President just be-
fore the proceedings were to commence at
noon on the 4th Of March. 1865. Mr.. Ham
lin, the outgoing Vice President. received
him in the room assigned to that official
In the rear Of the Senate chamber. After
Mr.. Johnson had removed his overcoat he
Immediately asked for a glass Of whisky.
He explained that he had been up all night
entertaining friends and wanted something
to steady his nerves. Mr.. 'Hamln. noticing
that he was already very much under the
influence Of liquor. suggested a cup of hot
coffee. but he insisted upon something
stronger. and the Vice Presidents messen-
ger was sent to the restaurant. AS he was
passing out of the door Mr.. Hamlin whis-
pered to him not to bring any whisky. but
to get glass Of sherry or something milder
and to bring pot of coffee and two cups
with sugar and cream.
The messenger was gone some time and
then appeared without either wine or liquor,
saying that the keeper Of the restaurant.
hntDr fowl NV r,r1n 2 hn q 10
to sell strong drinks, had none in stock.
He placed a tray with the coffee on the
table and Mr.. Hamlin suggested that he
would like to join Mr.. Johnson in cup of
that harmless but stimulating beverage.
But Mr.. Johnson insisted upon having
whisky and directed the messenger to call
out of the chamber certain senator who
was known to be familiar with that bever-
age. When that senator appeared Mr.. john
son asked him if he had any whisky in his
committee room. He replied promptly that
he had and sent the messenger for bottle
that could be found in his wardrobe.
When the messenger returned with the
bottle Mr.. Hamlin says that Mr.. Johnson
grasped it eagerly and poured out full
glass, as much as three or four ordinary
drinks That seemed to calm him, and he
sat down for the first time since entering
the ROOM Within a very few minutes the
outgoing and the incoming Vice Presidents
were summoned to the Senate chamber. but
before starting Mr.. Johnson helped himself
Then he took Mr.. Hamlin's arm and they
marched to the desk of the Vice President
where they stood side by side IN the pres
ence Of both houses OF Congress, President
Lincoln and his cabinet, the members Of
the Supreme bench and other officials of
the government, with the galleries crowded
with spectators.
Mr. Hanrlin delivered his valedictory In
two or three minutes. He then introduced
his successor and Mr.. Johnson, drawing a
manuscript from his pocket began to read
At first his voice was clear and his enuncia-
llon distinct, but the fumes of the liquor
and the high temperature of the Senate
chamber very soon began to affect him.
Mr. Hamln says that his tongue became
thick, his vision obscured and he began to
tumble his notes. He dropped two or three
pages upon the floor. which were picked up
by a page, but be became SO confused in
handling his manuscript that he abandoned
it altogether and continued to speak ex-
temporaneously. Very soon his language
became incoherent, and Mr.. Hamlin. fear
ing a scene, interrupted him. saying
1.-THE hour has now arrived to administer
the oath to the Vice President-elect."
by the interruption. Mr. Hamlin says he
looked relieved. and taking the Bible In his
hand repeated the oath as 1t was admin
tstered to him.
should have taken charge Of the proceed
fnRs but Mr.. Hamlin had the presence Of
mind to perform that duty himself le an
nounced that the Senate would proceed TO
the platform at the east entrance to the
Capitol to witness the inau ;uration of the
President-elect. and. taking Mr.. johnson
by the arm, led him staggering at the head
of the procession until they reached their
seats on the platform. There Mr.. Johnson
went to sleep and was not Weakened until
an hour later, after President Lincoln had
delivered his inaugural.
1 cannot speak from personal knowledge,
and do not know any one now In Wash
ington who accompanied Mr.. Johnson while
Swinging around the circle" but the
newspaper accounts of the day were doubt
less correct in their descriptions