The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-03-23
- HE ceremonies attending the In
augurations of the present day
y form striking contrast to those

- HE ceremo nies attending the In
ri augurations of the present day
form striking contrast to those
in the early days of the Repub-
lie and even those preceding the Civil
War. In former times the simplicity
of the display was in keeping with
our democratic institutions, but now
every succeeding Inauguration tries In
some way to exceed the preceding one
until the installation of a new Presi-
dent to his high office and great re-
sponsibilities is almost lost sight of in
the elaborate and ofttimes gorgeous
show Of military, political and social
clubs. 1t is now an affair Of pomp
and pageantry rather than a mere
change in the personality of the Chief
Executive. This departure from the
custom and practice of bygone days
is not In accord with the views of
many OF our citizens, and the desire
of President-elect Wilson to return
to the plain ceremonies of former
times finds a responsive chord in the
breasts of those who long for return
to the methods in keeping with the
spirit of the common people of our
country.
The taking of the oath of office by
man who has been chosen by the
vote of the people to direct the des-
TIMES of country so great as our
own is solemn occasion, for in no
other land are the duties of the Chief
Executive so arduous. The United
States is rapidly becoming the melt
ing pot of European nations for the
immigration to our shores is rapidly
increasing and with it comes new
problems. and no man realizes this
more fully than President-elect VIII
son. In these days of strikes and
labor agitation when anarchy seizes
upon every display of wealth or law
ish expenditure of money as an excuse
for inflammatory speeches to excite
the passions of the weaker minds these
displays do more harm than good.
From the tine of tie inauguration
OF George Washington on April soth
1883. up to the present day the desire
OF the incoming President as to the
ceremonies has cen followed more mr.
less. and from the records of the In
augurations ii seems clear that no two
have been alike in their tastes. Ma
turally the first ladies of the land
nave been consulted by their husba nds
and their wishes in the matter have
oeen respected.
In the early days travelling was n
dlfficuit proposition and the crowds
were not large. The inauguration of
the irst President of the new born
republic was spectacular in the ex-
IRENE owing to the fact that the can-
ilal or the country was at that time
located in New ork and the entra noe
OF the President was made from ~ a
river. travelling was slow and Wash
iiis ION arrived on April 18th. which
iesulted IN the ativities covering a
peIloa OF two days. His entrance +o
Ne" ORR was made on barge which
was decorated with flags and flowers
anu manned by thirteen masters ~
vessels representing the thirteen sta+ee
as the vessel neared Bedloes TsIand !.
large Sloop sailed close to tho hare
ana moved with it toward The sbore
twenty ladies and gentlemen W.
were on board the sloop sane az
original ode of praise to Washins,tor
the words being set to the t,,a -
God Save the King" Inst ~
singers finished their ode a school -
porpotses appeared in the midst -
the little fleet which was following tho
barge and began bobbing up and down
as though inquiring the reason for So
much commotion in the quiet water,
OF the harbor. AS the barge neared
the shore aalutes were fired. Wash.
ington stepped ashore and was greeted
by Governor Clinton and his staff
many of whom had been officers unde
Washington. A dinner with Governo
clinton followed. after which Wash
ington retired to the Presidential hous
on Cherry Street for the night. A
nine o'clock on the morning of tn
u''rtieth the bells Of all the churche