Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-03-05
TWO PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATI0NS
DESCRIBED By MRS. W. H. FELION

(as the going-out-man TINS Jlme.J
II was a miserably cold day. and his
bald pate shone white as he lifted his
silk hat continually bowling to the null
titude. Il expected he would nave too'n-
ache.)
He and Mr.. Blaine had won over Grant
and Conkling, and it is safe to say that
there was then enough wrath and Dit
terness between the two factions 10 last
at least half century.
did not understand at that time how
the game of politics was being worked.
north and south. Later ] was told Of the
scheme. People still living in Georgia Will
recollect that there was full instructed
delegation from this state for unanimous
nomination of Stephen j. Field, as
Democrat but whose name was hardly
heard OF at all when the national Dem
oeratic convention met. II Grant had
been nominated by the Republicans then
Field was TO be run (by Mr.. Blaines col
fusion with certain southern Democrats),
but IL Blaine Cor his nearest mani won
the prize. the democracy was to bluff
along with some man like General Ham
cock. Conkiing discovered the plot too
late, and also discovered that certain fed
eral officials in New York, state had be-
trayed him 70 Blaine. and there are peo-
ple who stiil remember how certain
Georgia politicians went to- New York
city and had many and frequent inter-
views with one OF these federal officials
until the whole thing was fixed, etc, TO
their satisfaction.
Mr.. Conkling- despised the trade and the
traders and because he could not bear to
look at Blaine as he dominated the chief
executive and these traders. north and
south. ne left the whole business in pro-
found disgust. ~.
But this strange story will develop
and uncover some day, and our ''men in
control" can add a new wrinkle to their
knowledge OF national politics.
But there was no sign or symptom of
all this hidden rottenness and political
-treachery. as that elegant state landeau
rolled adong with al the splendor of this
Quadrennial occasion. down the most ell
egant avenue IN the western content on
that cold March day, 1851
r., President Shot Down
Within four short months the new pres
fdent was shot down as he leaned on Mr..
Blaine's arm. and the absolute rule of
Mr.. Blaine vanished under Guiteau's wea-
pom into nothingness.
But for double-dealing in politics, Mr..
Blaine would have reached the presiden-
cy, the acme of his hopes. For all time
TO come Grants friends and Conkling's
/ friends were embittered and ALTHOUGH
there were trades and Federal offices
controlled by the traders north and south.
there are memories that will revive and
vitrify into contempt when the inside
story OF the deal made in that Garfield
nomination is fully written up and ex-
planned
Since the war three of the eight presi-
dents of the United States have been shot
down by assassins In public places. e.
II 1 was to be inaugurated on the 4th
OF March next week and had to ride a
4 pie. am afraid 1 should be listening for
/ the ping of a bullet as well as the plau-
dts of the multitude. but 1 have reached
three score and ten, and Messrs. Roose-
Welt and Taft are younger and in the
prime of life, so my uneasiness can be
set down TO timidity and stretch OF years.
It is truly a wonderful sight to see a
president tnaugurated. 1t is the vivid
| spot in concentrated American politics,
when il takes place. Every time II is re-
peated new features are added in display
and expenditure.
Whether the game is worth the candle
Is another question. hardly suppose
there Is a man in the United States who
would refuse the office Ito be rid Of its
| cares and dangers.) but all the same it is
an awful wearing life. because we have,
at this writing, not one living ex-presi-
dent of the United States. and after Mr..
/ Taft is nominated we may lose our Teddy
/ in the wflds OF Africa by accident
/ sic Gloria Mundi," etc.