Evening star., 1937-01-20
Inauguration.

The founding fathers of the Republic
provided no ceremonial formula for the
induction of Chief Executive. Pledged
to the simple customs and manners OF
democracy and distrustful of the trap
pings of monarchistic display, they de-
liberately chose to stipulate only that:
Before he enter on the execution of his
Office, he shall take the following oath or
affirmation: I do solemnly swear Cor
affirm that will faithfully execute the
Office of President of the United States
and will to the best of my ability pre-
serve, protect and defend the Constitu-
ton of the United States.'"
Nothing is said in the basic charter
of the Nation concerning addresses or
speeches. professions or parades, recep-
tions or Publications of any kind. All
such excrescences have developed in
formally. irregularly, unconventionally.
None was purposefully planned by the
architects of the Federal State. With
z out exception, they represent the in
stinct of the people to celebrate victory,
to express confidence in their designated
leaders, to manifest patriotic interest in
government, to show appreciation of
their heroes. The usual inaugural
address is merely an acknowledgment of
cheers. George Washington attempted
no oratorical effort. 1t remained for
Thomas Jefferson to employ the occa-
sion for a statement of ideals and prin-
ciples and for Andrew Jackson to au-
thorize what historians have called "a
grand affair"
But even "the boys" for whom Old
Hickory bespoke "a good time once in
four years" were sensible of the mean
ing of the word solemn" as used by the
trainers of the fundamental law of the
land. Invariably, it is deeply impress
sive spectacle when the President places
his hand on the Book and covenants with
God and man to be faithful to his trust.
The crowd may be exuberant, the scene
not notably dignifled, yet the moment
Of conservation cannot be marred by
any extraneous circumstance. A citizen,
humble and plain in himself, Is joining
the immortals becoming part OF the
annals of his country, assuming the posi-
ton Of a governor of human destiny,
accepting responsibility for millions liv-
ing and for millions unborn. Dull indeed
would be the perception, the intelligence,
the imagination and the sympathy of
any observer not profoundly moved by
IN event so significant.
The coronation of a king perhaps may
be more compelling. Centuries of ira
dition combine to render It memorably
distinctive. For America, however the
American fashion Is best. It is, frankly,
q carnival for the masses But it would
be unnatural If it were otherwise.
The people are happy. Why, then,
should they not stage their festival of
Joy in their own way? Franklin Delano
Roosevelt surely has no objection. Those
who know him intimately understand
the pleasure he will find in the ex-
perience.
To the population as a whole, not
physically in attendance, the drama will
be conveyed by press, radio and camera.
Thus 1t may be suggested that today
every living soul under the Star spangled
Banner will share in the Inauguration
program-particularl in that fraction of
eternity in which new chapter in the
chronicle of the Nation reverently and
sacredly begins. Aspiration and dedica-
ton are the business of that brief tick
OF the clock-for Mr.. Roosevelt and for
his fellow Americans everywhere alike.