The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1920-05-06
Barometer of Public Opinion
The First Inauguration.

Editor World. Among oklahoma Outbursts"
there recently appeared tho following
'Just to show how historians fall down
many important details r. L. Steenrod has
been searching all the available records and
can't find who Administered the oath of office to
George Washington when he assumed father
hood OF the country and the presidency of the
United states. The most important thing his.
torians remember in the life Of Washington *
his farewell address. which has driven Wilson
to confusion"
This Interested mo and looked in tho book
TO see" AS a result. | able TO vouChsatc
the Information that tho chancellor OF che
state OF New York, Robert r. Livingston. ad-
minstercd the oath to General Washington at
his first Inauguration.
The book in which I looked is a rather un-
usual, and presumably somewhat rare, historical
work by r. NJ. Dcvens. published 10 years ago
under the title Great Events Of our Past Cen
Wry." Perhaps short excerpt regarding the
occasion now under discussion would be Of in
tcrcst SO | quote:
AT o'clock on tho memorable morning
Thursday. April 30, l7S9) tho sky was overcast
and the appearance was that OF gathering
storm. Everybody noticed, however that the
moment the bells began to ring the skv cleared.
and by the close of divine service the weather
was serene and beautiful Al noon tho process
sion that was 10 conduct the president to Fed
cral hall assembled IN due style opposite his
residence In Cherry street. There were the
usual military companies. an the chief municipal
officers, The congressional committees and the
new cabinet -muiutudes Of distinguished cit-
2ons bringing up tho rear. BY this asscmhag
the new president was escorted to Federal hall
which stood at tho head of Broad street in
street. where
sequenny built The old building had been
put in repair at considerable expense but II was
sim so rickety that cautious persons looked for
ward to the ceremony with uncasincss. The
procession having arrived and tho hall occupied
according 10 the program, nothing remained hut
to procecd with tho solemn formaIitios. and
when It is remembered that there was no pro
oedcnt In history for the Inauguration Of a
republican president ono can only admire the
striking dignity which characterized tho whole
occasion. Al IN" door of the senate chamber,
10 which the eyes OF the whole vast multitude
were intensely directed the vice president, John
consummate but unaffected ease and grace OF
manner said:
sir, the senate and house Of representa-
tives OF the United states are ready to attend
YOU to take tho oath required hy the constitI-
ton. which will be administered 10 YOU by the
chancellor Of the state OF New York
I am ready to proceed, was Washington =
reply, made with his accustomed elegant dig
nifty.
''rhe vice president now led tho way 10 the
outside gallery, the president followed, with as
many Of the high functtonaries as could find
/ room, ana an were presently gathered on tho
balcony fronting on wall street Ot the group
/ perhaps the most striking person was Canccl,or
| Iiylngston in a full suit Of black and like
! where to be seen. Secretary Otis carried the
/ Bible on a crimson cushion, and near him were
! Generals Knox and ST. clair. Roger sherman
Alexander Hamilton, and other persons OF rcvo-
/ luuonary fame. At the proper moment the
canccllor administered the oath with great dc,
/ liberation and emphasis, TO Washington, who
! bowing down, seized the book. kissed It, and OK
/ claimed with closed eyes and much emotion, I
| swear, help me God"
IT is done. the chancellor declared and
/ turning 20 the crowd exclaimed Long live
George Washington, president Of the United
/ states" This last named declaration. on the
part Of the chancellor, was In imitation Of mon,
/ arChCal custom. Tho error OF this practice
/ was, however soon exposed and abandoned, but
at this time the crowd thought Of nothing but
the exciting solemnlty OF the scene and many
/ who demonstratiNcly waved their hats were toe
/ overcome by emotion TO Join In tho huz2as
7 trust the foregoing will not be considered Toe
/ lengthy To print in your paper
) ROBERT EMMETT BENNETT.