The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-26
United States Greeted Its First President 15O Years Ago Sunday Connecticut Played Prominent Part in Inauguration of
 Ceremonies SYear Old Washington Irving

public functionaries, and members of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives. He was clad in full suit of dark-brown cloth, of American manufacture, (made in Hartford), with a steel-hilted dress sword, white silk stockings, and silver shoe-buckles, his hair was dressed and powdered in the fash ion of the day, and worn in bag and solitaire.
 Acclaimed
 His entrance on the balcony was hailed by universal shouts. He was evidently moved by this demonstration of public affec- ton. Advancing to the front of the balcony, he laid his hand upon his heart, bowed several times, and then retreated to an arm- chair near the table. The popu- lace appeared to understand that the scene had overcome him; and were hushed at once into a pro- found silence.
 After a few moments Wash- ington rose and again came for- ward, John Adams, the Vice. President, stood on his right; on his left the Chancellor of the State, Robert R. Livingstone; somewhat in the rear were Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox, St. Clair, the Baron Steuben and others.
 "The Chancellor advanced to administer the oath prescribed by the Constitution, and MT. Otis, the Secretary of the Senate, held up the Bible on its crimson cushion. The oath was read slowly and distinctly: Washington at the same time laying his hand on the open Bible. When 1t was con- cluded, he replied solemnly, I swear so help me God!' MT. Otis would have raised the Bible to his lips, but he bowed down reverently and kissed it.
 "The Chancellor now stepped forward, waved his hand and ex- claimed, LONG LIVE GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!' At this moment flag was displayed on the cupola of the hall; on which signal there was a general dis charge of artillery on the battery. All the bells in the city rang out a joyful peal, and the multitude rent the air with acclamations.
 Inaugural Address
 Washington again bowed to the people and returned into the Senate Chamber, where he de- livered to both Houses of Congress, his inaugural address, char acterized by his usual modesty, moderation and good sense. After this he proceeded with the whole assemblage on foot to St. Paul's church, where prayers suited to the occasion were read. So closed the ceremonies of the inaugura- tion.
 "The whole day was one of sim cere rejoicing, and in the evening there were brilliant illuminations and fireworks.
 we have been accustomed to look to Washington's private let ters for the sentiments of his heart. These, written to several of his friends immediately after his inauguration, show how little he was excited by his official eleva- tion. I greatly fear writes he, that my countrymen will expect too much from me. I fear, if the issues of public measures should not correspond with their san- guine expectations, they will turn the extravagant, and I might almost say undue praises, which they are heaping upon me at this moment, into equally extravagant, though I will fondly hope unmer- tied censureS.'
 Little was his modest spirit aware that the praises so dubi- ously received were bu: the open- ing notes of a theme that was to increase from age to age, to per- wade all lands and endure throughout all generations"
 Connecticut's Part
 The part that Connecticut offi- cially played on that historic oc- casion was one to forever giveSsat- isfaction to her citizens. Her two Senators - Oliver Ellsworth and William Samuel Johnson; and hex five members of the House of Representatives Roger Sher- man, Benjamin Huntington, Jon- athan Trumbull, Jeremiah Wads- worth and Jonathan Sturges - were all men of outstanding character and ability.