Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-04
Getting Here to Be Sworn In
Early idens Oten lac a Tough1m of 1t

to be gotten at easy distances and
they were luxurious affairs as for food
and sleeping accommodations with every
manner of amusement to be had in
the way OF games of cards and other
devices.
Zachary Taylor was another warrior
who had campaigned in all seasons and
had traversed the country from end to
end. So he made nothing Of trip
to the Capital where SO much honor
awaited him. Even If he began his
journey in a binding snowstorm.
travel was getting easier in 1849 and
he came into Washington on fairly
fast and well equipped train.
Conditions were more rigorous with
Franklin Pierce in 1853, who was living
a brilliant military record during the
Mexican War and had retired with the
rank of brigadier general The son of
an officer of the Continental Army, Col.
Benjamin Pierce, this President had
been a member of the State militia
and had encouraged the Amoskeag
Veterans to make the trip TO Washing
ton in order to be present at the
inauguration Of the first native born
son Of New Hampshire. 1t had been
Gen. Pierce.s intention to make the
Journey with these veterans, who were
hneral defendants of the regiment his
father had commanded and who wore
the Continental uniform and morched
to the fife and drum. He was. however,
persuaded to come to Washington about
two weeks before his taking his seat
as Chief Executive. 1t was bitter
cold Winter in 1853 and for the best
part of the journey from Concord to
ha kro tNyyc latnn With q
small detachment of State militia In
attendance Reaching Boston he pro-
ceeded in luxury along the well known
route of the fine boats which ply from
Fall River to New York and thence he
made rapid trip by rail-
When James Buchanan was indicted
into Office four years after Gen. Pierce,
he came by what was then deemed the
high wave of speed and elegance IN
travelling At this Inauguration the
Pennsylvania troops arrived IN over
whelming numbers, as we'll as f1re COM
panies, amateur musical organizations
and numbers of the personal friends
OF the incoming President. ~.'
Makes Dramatic Entry.
1t was a different story when March
4, 1861, rolled around. Every honor and
dignity possible was planned by the
local citizens committee. by Congress
and by the many supporters OF the
Great Emancipation. but he probably
made the most inconspicuous entry into
Washington Of any OF his predecessors
bound on the same mission. In many
aspects it was the most dramatic. For,
warned Of impending trouble and That
II he accepted q military escort through
the streets he might be jeered or even
injured, Mr.. Lincoln, accompanied by
Pinkerton detective. left the train
which had conveyed him at point
IN the suburbs of the city. since
identified as about the intersection
OF New York avenue and First
street. northeast. where for so many
years a way station was conducted for
the benefit Of commuters. It was typical
March weather. heavy rain turning
into sleet and sharp wind blowing at
intervals. No conveyance Of any variety
mad been provided, perhaps owing to q
lack OF knowledge of the President
eiects exact plans, and street cars In
those days were few and none passed
this locality. So with his companion
aiding with his heavy canvas travelling
bag, and having a previous knowledge
OF the city. Mr.. Lincoln made his way
through devious alleys and unfrequented
streets to the Willard Hotel, where quar-
ters mad been engaged by the inaugural
committee: But avoiding the main
entrance, ne asked at a side door to see
Mr.; willard. the proprietor. with whom
ne mad some personal business, and was
allowed to wait for some time In a small
entry on Wizards ONCE. But eventu-
any the President-elect was led through