New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-06

from stan torrespoudeni ~ ih' 'I"-''i
Washington. March st was high
noon in front OF the Capitol. fIfty
thousand people were assembled in the
plaza, standing so close together that
they made a great carpet Of black
spotted with the bright colors o.
women's dresses and thousands OF waV-
ing red. white and blue flags. The
wind. which had been blowing freshly
all the morning, finally cleared an oper
snace in the heavens, and the bright
sun streamed down upon bright req
carpet leading down the Capitol STEPS
to a little white platform in the middle
Of the crowd. Just at that moment
Woodrow Wilson appeared at the top
of the red stairway, standing with
barred head in the sunshine. Those
nearest the aisle saw him at once and
broke into cheers. which became roars
as the entire multitude took up the
greeting.
The President smiled a dignified re-
Spouse; then. with Mrs. Wilson at his
side. he walked quickly down the red
carpet TO the stand, where he was to
take the oath of Office for the second
time.
Chief Justice White and the other
members Of the Supreme Court were
waiting for him. and the platform ana
reserved seats behind it were quickly
flied with members of the diplomatic
corps, the Vice President and Cabinet
officers. members of Congress, Cover
nors of many states and high officer,
Of the army and navy.
Thousands See Ceremony
The people watched intently. stand
ing on tiptoe and straining every
muscle TO win a glimpse of the actual
ceremony. Then, because Woodrow
Wilson is a tall man, many thousands
Of them had their wish. Against a
background of dark clothed humanity
the face of the President stood out,
stern and gaunt, but clear as cameo
in the sunshine. Thousands saw him
lift up the Bible and kiss IT, Those
nearest him heard him repeat after
the Chief Justice the words which
made him for the second time Presi-
dent of the United States.
81 do solemnly swear that ] will
faithfully execute the Office of Presi-
dent OF the United States. and will TO
the best Of my ability preserve, pro-
tect and defend the Constitution Of
the United States
The distant booming OF cannon al
Fort Myer notified the nation that the
second Administration had begun. and
another cheer broke from the crowd.
II was not wildly demonstrative
cheer, however. II war clouds had
cleared away as the heavens did, the
people might have put more heart
into their inaugural celebration. Even
if Woodrow Wilson were a man TO in
spire intense personal affection. instead
OF a more sedate respect. the people
might have forgotten the war peril.
As it was, they cheered and waved
their flags and the brass bands Of the
marching regiments in the distance
made the blood Jingle with a fine
initial thrill OF patriotism. but behind
IL all in the minds Of the people hung
the dread which has overcast the whole
Inauguration.
Voice Carried to Front
The President turned TO receive the
congratulations Of the members OF the
Supreme Court, and then swung at once
into his address. The strong wind
carried his voice 10 the thousands in
front Of him. but in the reserved seats
on the amphitheatre behind him scarce.
ly word could be heard. and the crowd
realizing this turned and hurried down
the hill 20 secure seats for the parade
Others slipped under the rails into the
reserved seat section and mingled with
Senators and diplomats in most demo-
cratic fashion.
Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Wilson wer.
the only women on the platform with
the President. The former attracted
much attention IN a blue and yellow
cape Of the Culver Military Academy,
IN honor OF the cadets who were 10 be
her guests a. reception in the even
ing
Mrs. Wilson wore sealskin cloak
and big black hat. from when hung a
ripping lace veil. Miss Margaret Will