Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1916-03-04
TODAY WE
CELEB RATE.


One OF the results OF the great war
has been to diminish the popular in
terest in the presidential election TO
be held in the United States on the
seventh of November next. While the
professional politicians have been Wig
orously stirring the political pot, the
people at large have yet to be aroused
to anything approaching enthusiasm.
The belief entertained in some quart
ers that the United States has no in
terest In the European holocaust that
rises above the dollar mark is effec-
tually disproved by this widespread
apathy of the people toward their own
most important political question.
The fact remains, however. that n
year from today will be Inauguration
Day, when President Wilson will begin
aonther term or his successor will be
indicted into office. 1t is yet too early
TO make any prediction as to the prob
able opponent of President Wilson in
the impending presidential race. That
issues which have grown out of the
European war will profoundly influ-
ence American politics this year is
certain. What effects these new ele.
ments will have on the result of the
contest only a rash prophet would at
tempt to foretell.
The fact that the next Inauguration
Day will fall on a Sunday recalls a
curious incident. When Zachary Tay-
lor was to be inaugurated president in
1849 the fourth of March fell on the
be indicted into office on that day.
He did not take the oath OF office until
the ceremony of Inauguration was per.
formed on the fifth of March. At that
time the law made the president Pre-
TEN of the Senate in line for the
presidency, in case there were nc
president or vice-president. This gave
rise to the claim that David r. Atchi
son, at that time president pro ten
of the upper house of congress, is en-
titled to recognition among the chiei
executives Of the United States as hav
ing been president for a day" 1t /!
declared that under the law AtchisoI
became president of the United State!
at noon Of March 4, 1S49, and legal.
held that high office until Genera
Taylor was inaugurated on the follow
ing day. --.---r- -r--------.....--.r-....
This president for a day" was
native of Frogtown, KY, and was
senator from 1841 to 1855. After hi
brief term as president he becam
vicepresident of the United States TO
lowing the death of William r. Kinl
This was another accidental honor
President Taylor died in 1850, an
Vice-President Fillmore succeede
him, while King became president O
the senate and acting yice-president
The latter was elected vice-presiden
In 1852 but died after his inductio
into office, and Atchison assumed tn
duties of the office. The president 70
a day died fifty years ago, but hi
name is commemorated by the Kansa
city of Atchison.
The first Inauguration Day in tn
United States was celebrated on tn
last day of April, 1889, when Generi
Washington took the oath of office
Federal Hall, New York City, wheI
the first congress held its session
Washington rode to the hall in
coach of state, and was wildly cheere
as he passed through the streets. TT
vicinity of the ancient hall was crow
ed with people, the New Workers
that day having as great fondne!
for spectacle of any kind as hay
those of today. Washington took Il
oath of office in balcony overlookir
the street. That ended the form
ceremony, but the New Workers mac
day and night of II. Crowds
merrymakers filled the streets al
taverns until the small hours of Il
following morning, intoxicated vii
liberty and liquid beverages.