Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-06
DEVOTED TO PRAYER
Continued from Page Cne)

kSOntltluCQ IFOtn aye SISJ
tie President as he addressed the cheer
ing multitude in the broad plaza OF
the Capitol grounds In the assemblage
before him American citizens OF all ma
tions had sung America" with mighty
voice while waiting for his appearance
on the inaugural stand. And In the
procession which followed him to the
White House and passed in review "A
composite and cosmopolitan people"
gave graphic evidence OF loyalty and
patriotism.
Former Aliens
we are American citizens" flared on
banners borne by once alien hands,
We are ready to fight and die for
America" was the stirring message
blazing from a standard waving over
the heads of new American citizens
from Poland. Men of many foreign
ancestries held to the breeze as they
marched past the Chief Executive. other
insignia from countless streamers
aroused the throngs along Washington's
broad thoroughfare to continual out
bursts of patriotic fervor.
From the time the President left the
White House until his return, his course
was triumphal. Sharing with him the
plaudits was Mrs. Wilson, who accom-
panied him to the capitol, stood by his
side on the inaugural stand as Chief
Justice White administered the oath of
office and joined with him in acknowl-
edging the tributes and acclaim in the
journey to the White House. In the first
time in history the lyife of President
had participated so prominently in the
inaugural ceremonies and gracing them
also was Mrs Marshall, wife of the
Vice-President, who sat with her hus-
band in the inaugural stand and rode
beside him in the parade.
No less impressive chan the Inaugural
ton of the President was the Inaugural
ton of the Vice President and the
swearing in of new senators in the Sen
ate chamber, in which the President
participated. When members of the
Senate and House had been seated the
diplomats of foreign nations in their
glittering official regalia were ushered
into the chamber, followed by the chief
Justice and associate justices OF The
supreme court in their sombre robes.
officers of the army and navy, and men,
bers Of the cabinet. Then TIE sergeant
at-earmS of the Senate heralded the
approach of THE President of the
United States" In stantly the crowd in
the galleries and dignitaries on the
Senate floor rose to their feet and ap-
plauded as the President walked down
the aisle to the seat in front Of the
Vice-Presidents dias II any bitter
ness had been caused by the Presidents
statement to the public last night de-
claring that a Little group of wilful
men had made the country helpless and
contemplate" before the world 1t was
buried in the acclaim which welcomed
his appearance in the presence of some
of the men he had rebuked.
La FoIIette's Entrance
The spectacular fight during the closing
hours of Congress still was subject of
interest and discussion, however. and
spectators looked for the group Of men
denounced by the President. Only one
attracted attention, and that was Senator
La Toilette, leader of the filibuster, who
entered the chamber late and walked
down the center aisle alone after the as
semblage had been seated.
After the administering Of the oath to
the Vice President. President Wilson with
Mrs. Wilson at his side was escorted by
the committee on arrangements to the
inaugural stand. His appearance at the
head of the red-carpeted aisle In the CEN
trail doorway of the capitol was the first
signal for cheers from the waiting
throngs outside.
With barred head, the President ap-
preached the inaugural platform and
bowed to the distinguished guests about
him and to the great crowds in the plaza
damned in closely to the stand. Although
a brilliant sun had broken through the
blanket Of lowering clouds which carrier