Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-03-04
lie ceremonies attending the In

n augurations Of the present day
form a 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 Presl-
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. It 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
.sof 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 a 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 Will
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 moro harm than good.
From the time Of tie Inauguration
of George Washington on April both,
1899. up to the present day the desire
OF the incoming President as to the
ceremonies has ,een followed more or
less, and from the records of the in
augurations 1t seems clear that no two
have been alike in their tastes. Ma
turally. the first ladien of the land
have been consulted by their husbands
and their wishes in the matter have
been respected.
In the early days travelling was a
difficult proposition and the crowds
were not large. The Inauguration of
the nrst President of the new born
Republic was spectacular In the ex-
treme owing to tho fact that the cap
ital Of the country was at that time
located in New ork and the entrance
OF the President was made from the
river. Travelling was slow and Wash
ington arrived on April 10Th. which
resulted In the ,stivities covering
period Of two days. His entrance to
New York was made on barge which
was decorated with flags and flowers
and manned by thirteen masters Of
vessels representing the thirteen States.
As the vessel neared Bedloes Island
large sloop sailed close to tho barge
aud moved with II toward the shore.
Twenty ladies and gentlemen who
were on board the sloop sang an
original ode Of praise to Washington.
the words being set to the tune Of
"God Save the King" Just as the
singers finished their ode school Of
porpoiseS appeared In the midst Of
the little hest which was following the
barge and began bobbing up and down
as though inquiring the reason for 80
much commotisn in the quiet waters
Of the harbor. A. tho barge neared
the shore s-lutes were fred. Wash
lngton stepped ashore and was greeted
BY Governor Clinton and his staff,
many Of whom had been officers under
Washington. A dinner with Governor
Clinton followed. after which Wash
ington retired to the Presidential house
on Cherry Street for tho night. At
nine o'clock on tho morning Of the
thirtieth the bells Of all tho churches