Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1933-02-23

idental inauguratons may be discarded because
OF the demand of the present times for economy
In all things
For whether the ceremony Is simple or elab-
crate and whether the weather Is fair or stormy
(and 1t has become almost tradition that It's
pretty likely to be stormy, inauguration day
lis a red-letter day for the nation and as many
OF our citizens who can go to the National
Capital to take part In 1t and usually do their
best to make the most of that day.
There has been sameness to all Inaugural
ton day ceremonies and yet there has always
been some new element to make each one diff
ferent Undoubtedly this years ceremony will
be different from the last three In that 1t will
witness thousands of jubilant Democrats flock
Ing to Washington to celebrate the fact that
they the "ins' after long years Of being
the "outs" just as they did when Grover Cleve-
land and Woodrow Wilson were lnaugurated.
But the outstanding fact about this years IN
auguration. so far 1t is possible to character
lie 1t In advance, Is that more Americans viii
hear the new President. take the oath Of Office
and deliver his inaugural address than have ever
before listened to those spoken words In
IA years of history.
The radio hook-ups which will carry the new
Presidents words TO every corner OF the conn-
try, and perhaps even around the world. are
responsible for that fact.
The first Inauguration ceremony that of
George Washington, was held neither In the
city of Washington (Which did not then exist)
on the traditional March 4. Instead 1t took
place In New York city, which was then the
capital Of the nation, on April 30, 1850. In the
case Of the first President there was an I'm
augural parade" which preceded the Inauguration
ceremony instead of following 1t, as became
the custom from the time of Andrew Jackson
ON down through the years.
The actual Inauguration took place on stage
which had been built the steps Of the fed
era building (where the present subtreasury
building In Wall street now stands, and the
Washington statue there is believed to stand
upon the exact spot where Washington stood
when he took oath of office). The first congress
of the United States OF America took It's place
on the stage. Escorted by Gen. Morgan Lewis,
distinguished figure assembled the steps-the
man who had led the Continental armies to
victory and who had been. chosen the first lead
err in peace-Gen George Washington. great
cheer went up from the people who were watch
Ing the scene.
Then took place one of those curious Incl
dents which often happen to mar the impress
sIveness Of historic occasions Over the throng
came mighty stiffness and heads were barred:
Chancellor Livingston was about to rise to adj
minister the oath. Instead he kept his seat.
There followed a whispered conference with
Gen. Jacob Morton, marshal OF the day. At the
conclusion, General Morton hurried out INTO the
street to, the old coffee house at Wall and Water
streets, the meeting place OF st. Johns lodge
Of Masons, OF which he was master,
The HHarShaI absent emily a few seconds,
but when he returned he was carrying an open
Bible resting on q cushion OF crimson velvet,
from the altar Of st. Johns lodge. Then 1t was
known to those on the platform at least that
while the other details had been carried out, no