The Coolidge examiner., 1933-02-24

KS of the nation on that day will be
the scene of celebration which is
J always impressive, matter how
many of the spectacular elements
which have characterized past Pres
idential 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 IL has become almost tradition that it's
pretty likely to be stormy, Inauguration day
is a red-letter day for the nation and as many
of our citizens who can go to the National
Capital TO take part in It and usually do their
best TO make the most of that day.
There has been a 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 Tins" after long years of being
the "outs," just as they did when Grover Cleve-
land and Woodrow Wilson were inaugurated
But the outstanding fact about this years in
auguration. so far as it is possible to character
lie IL In advance, is that more Americans will
hear the new President take the oath of office
and deliver his inaugural address than have ever
before listened to those spoken words In our
IA years of history
The radio hook-ups which will carry the new
Presidents words TO every corner of the coun-
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
the traditional March g. Instead il took
place in New York city, which WAS then the
capital of the nation. on April 80 1850 In the
case of the first President there was an sin
augural parade" which preceded the Inauguration
ceremony instead Of following ii. as became
the custom from the time of Andrew jackson
down through the years
The actual Inauguration took place on a stage
which had been built on the steps of the fed.
eral 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 ofice). The first congress
of the United States of America took its place
on the stage. Escorted by Gen. Morgan Lewis,
a distinguished figure assembled the steps-the
man who had led the Continental armies to
victory and who had been chosen the first lead
er 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 10 mar the impress
siveness of historic occasions. Over the throng
came d mighty stiffness and heads were barred ::
Chancellor Livingston about TO rise to ad-
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 marshal absent only few seconds,
but when he returned he was carrying an open
Bible resting on cushion of crimson velvet,
from the altar of st. Johns lodge Then it was
known to those on the platform at least that
while the other details had been carried out no