Evening star., 1925-03-04
SIMPLE INAUGURAL
PRECEDENT FEARED
Col. Hopkins Expresses Con-
Germ That Ceremonial May
Disappear Altogether.

Too much simplicity at inaugural
ceremonies finds scant precedent in
American history, according TO Col.
Archibald Hopkins, who, in q letter
to The Star, expresses fear that il
Inauguration festivities are allowed
to peter out as rapidly as they have
been of late. IL will end before long
in the President taking the oath be
fore a justice of the peace"
In 1893 Col. Hopkins wrote an ar
ticle for Harper's Weekly, discussing
the subject of inaugural ceremonials.
IN which he pointed out that the ac-
cesslon to power of a new ruler has
among all races and from time i'm
memorial been made occa sion for the
display OF pageantry, rejoicing and
festivity
Realisation Of Nation.
1t furnishes natural oppor-
tunity," he wrote, for a people recos-
nizing common ties and one alIegiencs
to give expression to the sentiments
that bind 1t together, take cognizance
realization, in loyalty pledged anew
TO its executive head, however con
stituted of its own unity and stature
among the nations of the earth
Probably no greater exhibition OF
power, glittering pomp and military
splendor and display has ever been
seen than at the coronation of the
Car at Moscow. When we threw off
monarchial institutions and took on
the garb of republican simplicity
there remained. even with those ex-
treme in their democratic views, q
recognition of the fact that certain
amount of ceremony was proper.
even indispensable, when magistrates
chosen by the people assumed their
responsibilities, and the inauguration
of Washington was conducted in s.
stately and dignihed a manner and
with as much display as the prevail
ing conditions admitted of"
Inaugural Ball Origin.
Referring to Washington. Col Hon
kins pointed out that "it is interesting
10 note that at Washington's second
inauguration began the custom OF
having an inaugural ball" John
Adams, too the writer continued, was
inaugurated with much the same
ceremonial display as Washington.
Jefferson, the first President to take
office here, disapproved the ceremonial
pomp at the inaugurations of his
predecessors. but Col Hopkins denied
that he rode horseback, unattended,
to the Capitol.
Return by Madison.
of a more splendid inaugural. Mon
roe's advent was marked by some
thing of a military display. despite
the fact that the Capitol had not yet
been rebuilt from the burning by
the British only a few years before.
The military parade that escorted
John Quincy Adams back from his in
auguration was yet larger. Immense
crowds poured into Washington to
see "Old Hickory" Andrew Jackson.
assume the oath of office and his
inaugural was a time of great festi-
Vities.
Up to and through the days of Jack
son. Col. Hopkins wrote, the old tradi-
tions and manners OF royalty persisted
in America. To many writer's the
White House was known as the pal
ace" and one over-enthusiasticw woman
even referred to Mrs. Madison as her
majesty" The passing of "Old Hick-
ory" the author continued. saw the
passing of that order, but the idea OF
some display and pageantry at the
inaugurations of the Presidents has
persisted up until very recent admin
| istrations.