The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-19
Crack Marksnen
Stood Guard
Over Lincoln

duplication of Washington's second
inaugural than any since. The
President-elect and "Old Hickory
the retiring Chief Executive, rode
in magnificent phaeton, con-
structed entirely Of wood taken from
the old Frigate Constitution, and
drawn by four fine horses, wearing
brass studded harness belonging to
jackson.
Tyler's Address Published
Van Buren, was succeeded by Will
liam Henry Harrison, who had
served but one month of his term
when he died. The vice president,
John Tyler, three days later pub
lished his inaugural address in the
columns of newspaper.
The next man TO enter the White
House was James Knox Polk, the
only President In history who was
formerly speaker Of the House of
Representatives.
The ensuing four years placed in
office the second chief executive to
die while occupying the White
House. Zachary Taylor died July 9,
1850 and Willard Fillmore was ele-
waited from the vice presidency.
Then came Franklin Pierce, the
firts President to use the word "af-
firm" instead of swear" when tax
ing the oath. Pierce was sworn in
while standing on platform made
entirely Of New Hampshire pine, q
compliment to his home state.
Both the administration of Pierce
and his successor, James Buchanan
were uneventful save for the brew
ing rebellion. The closing days OF
Buchanan's term, however, were
grave, especially when news of Abra-
ham Lincoln's election reached the
southern states.
Scenes Ominous In 1861
In the parade Of Lincoln's first
Inauguration, March A, 1861, soldiers
marched with their guns loaded
There were fears Of civil war and
grave threats that the President
elect would never live to take the
oath. Sharpshooters watched in
tently the movements Of the crowds
lining the sides Of Pennsylvania
avenue, from every window and root
opening ON the historic thorough
fare. The tall, sad figure rode ST.
lently and slow in an open carriage
flanked on either side by troops Of
cavalrymen ready for action.
That night there was a grand bal
but few members Of Washington So
ciety were. present. Their hearts
were across the Potomac. A few days
later Lincoln asked for volunteers
The Great Emancipator did not: ride
in the parade Of his second inaug'
uration. Washington was an armed
camp and more important matters
kept him at the Capitol. 4
He was shot at Ford's theater or
Good Friday, April II, 1865, and wa,
succeeded by his vice president, An.
drew johnson, the only chief execu'
tive TO, be irnpeached.
Blue Line For Grant
Next came another figure prom.
inent in Civil War history. Or
March 4, 1869, Washington was full
of men clad in = faded blue uni.
forms. They came to the capita
city to see their old General
Ulysses s. Grant, made the Presi'
dent. ~
While Grant was reading his in
augural address, his little daughter
Nellie, became frightened by tn
cheerinb crowds and ran out on thu
platform where her daddy" wa
standing. Grant, holding the pape'
In one hand, reached down, tool
the little girls hand In his, and con
tinued reading.
The day of his second inaugura
ton was the coolest inaugural y
history. The thermometer that da.
read 4 degrees above zero. The mex
President, Rutherford B. Hayes, wa
sworn In secretly on Saturday
March 3. because Of lneasiness fel
over the decision OF the electora
college.
The successor Of Hayes was Jane
A. GARFIELD, the second President Z
be assassinated. Garfleld's mother
standing beside him as he read hi
inaugural address, was the mrs
mother to witness the Inauguration
OF her son.
Garfield Inaugural Simple
GARFIELD was succeeded by Vic
President Chester A. Arthur.
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