Evening star., 1942-12-06
By John Clagett Proctor.

Constitution avenue seems to be grow
ing into considerably more present day
Importance than Pennsylvania avenue,
though 1t will probably never become as
historic as the latter thoroughfare. which
for events of great national Importance
has held the spotlight for nearly CEN
tury and a half, and the many inaugural
parades which have taken place along
this noted boulevard have certainly
history
The first of these took place on March
4, 1905. And this, incidentally, Is usually
confused by chronicles and by many
writer's past and present, with Mr.. JET
ferson's first Inauguration. Upon the
second inauguration he actually did
proceed on horseback" according to re-
liable reports, from the Palace, which
is of white stone and the largest building
here, and attended by his secretary and
groom rode up the long Avenue of Penn
sylvania to the Capitol, which is an un-
finished rival in stone of the Roman
building of that name, and, dressed in
black and silk stockings, delivered
speech"
The oath of Office was then admins
tered and the President began his return
to the White House attended by"-so it
is stated-"a large assemblage of men,
bers of the legislature, citizens and
strangers of distinction, and procession
was formed at the Navy Yard, composed
of the several mechanics engaged there,
which marched to military music, dis
playing with considerable taste the var
ious insignia of their profession"
VaShingfOn Votes
To those of us who have never been
permitted to vote for a President, 1t
might be interesting to speak of the first
election of Thomas Jefferson, when all
males over 81 years OF age residing within
the District of Columbia did actually
exercise this inherent privilege, in those
parts of Maryland and Virginia ceded to
the United States for its Federal Capital.
The polls in Georgetown were set up
in Suffers Tavern on the second Monday
in November, 1900. 1t was rough
affair. and liquor flowed freely.
= Describing the building and speaking
of the election, Christian Hines has said: ::
: THE house was a one-story frame and
stood on High street, between Bridge and
Water streets, and a little east OF the
canal bridge. George Peter, who was
then a lieutenant in the Regular Army,
had, l think his recruiting office in a
three story brick house directly south of
the tavern, or pretty near where Waters
-four warehouse now stands. In those
days there were two political parties-the
-Federals and Republicans. The Federal
party upheld Mr. Adams and the Repub-
lcan party supported Mr.. Jefferson.
We'll. the ballot box was brought and
the polling Of votes commenced, while a
large crowd, as is usual on such occa-
sions, was gathered in front Of the
tavern. After the election had con-
tinued some time, and the bad whisky
had begun to operate. some of the crowd
began to dispute and quarrel, and per-
haps a few had already the modification
Of having been knocked down.
Fight at the Polls.
TT was very muddy in front of the
tavern rain having descended but a
short time previously, so that the mud
and water were nearly ankle deep. The
whisky operated more and more, until
nearly the whole crowd was in motion.
At length man named Shipley stepped
out and challenged any man of the
opposite party to come out and fight him,