The Washington herald., 1909-03-04

first Inauguration ceremony was
held In Washington. For in 1903. Just a
century ago. ended the administration CT
Thomas Jefferson, the first President of
the United States TO be inaugurated in
the District OF Columbia
The Inaugural ceremonies. which have
come to be so elaborate as almost 10
beggar description. started with George
Washington. who displayed in this. as he
did in so many matters. his fine apprecia-
ton Of the true spiri1 OF American insti-
tutions. Above everything else, he want
ed the ceremony OF his Inauguration 70
be a simple one; impressive because Of
its inward meaning, rather than by rea-
son Of outward show or pomp OF circum-
stance But even he could not have quite
his Own way. Whatever his desire was. It
was defeated by the enthusiasm Of the
people. who converted his journey from
Mount Vernon 70 the National Capital,
then IN New York. into a veritable pro-
eession OF triumph
The route he vas TO follow On this
journey was known for days ahead, and
through every town he passed he found
himself compelled TO ride beneath deco
rative arches and along streets gay with
bunting and echoing the cheering OF the
people. All during the progress OF the
journey. too ne was met by civic on
eiais who had carefully prepared ai-
dresses Of welcome TO which he had TO
make formal reply. When he reached
Eliza5ethport he was conveyed across
the river 10 the foot Of Wall street IN a
huge barge manned by thirteen rowers in
white uniforms. these representing the
thirteen States, and this barge with the
first President On board was followed on
It's short voyage by aiT manner OF sea
craft II was q tUmultuous welcome 70
the man who had done more than any
other 70 win Independence for the na-
ton.
First Oath in New York.
But once IN New York the wishes OF
Gen Washington prevailed, and al the
place in Wall street where the Washing
ton statue now stands George Washing
ton took the oath Of Office and delivered
brief inaugural address and then at
tended a short but impressive religious
service in St. PauTs Church in Broadway.
His journey back TO the Executive Man
sion then situated in Cherry street was
again an opportunity for the display Of
patriotism by the people. and that even
ing there were brilliant fireworks. fol-
lowed by an inaugural ball which has
ever, with one or two exceptions. re-
cd "a y-F
When George Washington was re-eIect-
ed the second time the Inauguration cere-
mony had grown TO be much more eIabo-
rate. IN the meantime the seat Of gov
ernment had been changed from New
York 10 Philadelphia, and during the
time Of the Inauguration in 1913 Congress-
was in session in that han OF independ-
ence from whose tower had rung out on
July 4. 1T76. the news Of the Declaration
of Independence Up 70 this building. 50
Teplete with thrilling memories OF the
period OF the struggle for liberty. Presi-
dent Washington was driven IN a magnIh-
cent coach especially built for the occa-
sion Il was drawn by six white horses
led through the streets The President
himself seemed 70 have cast aside for the
nonce his ideas OF the beauty Of sim
plicity. for he was dressed FOR the cere-
mOny in an ornate costume Of black vel
vet. silver laces. and diamond-studded
buckles.
That was the first Inauguration that
Philadelphia Witnessed. The last with
which the City Of Brotherly Love was
70 be honored occurred March 1. I7g7,
when John Adams. Of BraIntree Mass,
assumed the Office. The ceremony. took
~ E= IL
where Washington had taken the oaths
four years previously. That must have
been an impressive inauguration, for
public interest was centered much more
IN the outgoing than IN the incoming
President There must have been many
there that day who realized that Il was
perhaps the last time they should ever
see President Washington, and President
Adams himself recalled the fact that
during the ceremonies due to his taking
Office the faces OF the multitude about
him were suffused with tears.
Quiet John Adams
It was, indeed. a change from President
Washington. Observation-Disclosures. fine in
his splendid clothes. and armed with a
superb dignity. to John Adams. a simple.
quiet gentleman, with powdered hair
and drab. unostentatious suit. There
were no elaborate ceremoniaIs- The Pres
ident-elect marched into Independence
Hail escorted by the head Of the govern
ment departments and the marshal Of
the district OF Pennsylvania Congress
rose TO greet him, and there was a riot
OF enthusiasm from the crowds that
packed the entrances 70 the hall and
the galleries inside. Walking to the
Speakers desk, President Adams was
met by Chief Justice Ellsworth, who ad-
ministeTed the oath Of Office and this
done. the President read in an even and
Unimpassioned voice mis- inaugural ad-
dress Thomas Jefferson, the Vice Pres
ident took the oath Of his Office right
after the President II was during the
administration Of Adams the elder that
was divided into two Offices on April 80.
i7sS
The fourth Inauguration found another
shift in the field this time 70 Washiug-
ton Thomas Jefferson was the first OF
the Presidents 10 be inaugurated in the
District Of Columbia. Tfe9e IS a legend
to the effect that Jefferson. the great
republican. rode I'D 10 the CauitOl shso-
lutely unattended. got on ms horse.
wEsch he hitehed 70 3 convenient post
and then went inside 70 take the oath OF
ofice. The jefferson Inauguration was
simple. but not quite so simple as that.
i IS true that Jefferson rode horseback
from his estate at Monticello on the
morning Of the Inauguration. But he
went 20 q house where he had lodging
and remained there until time 70 20 70
the Capitol Then he walked over. ac-
cOmpanied BY a party Of his political