Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 March 1881 — PRESDENT GARFIELD. [ARTICLE]

PRESDENT GARFIELD.

Inauguration of the Twentieth Chief Magistrate. *, «„. , : ,r;,. Interesting Scene* and Incidents Attending the Ceremonies.

FAREWELL TO MENTOS. James A. Garfield, twentieth President of the United. States, left bis quiet home at Mentor, Ohio, for the National Capital on the last dap of February. Almost the entire population of Mentor and the neighboring villages, reinforced by friends of the family and .politician! from distant cities, assembled to bid tire Presidentelect good-by. After an uncomfortably 4ong and tedious address made to him by Mayor linker, of Fahnsville, Ohio, Gen. Garfield spoke as follows: FELtow-CrazEKs and Neiohboss or Lake County: I thank you for the cordial and kindly greeting and farewell. You have come from yonr homes, than which no happier are known in this country, from this beautiful lakeside, full of all that makes country life happy, to give mo your blessing and farewell. You do not know how much I leave behind me of friendship, and confidence and homelike happiness ; but I know I am indebted to this ple for acts of kindness, of neighborly friendship, of political confidence, of public support that few men have ever enjoyed at the hands of any people. Yon are a part of this great community of Northern Ohio, which for so many years has had no political desire but the good of your country, aud now wish but the promotion of liberty and justice; have nad no scheme but the building up of all that was worthy and true in our republic. If I wore to search over all the world, I oould not find a better model of political spirit, of aspirations for the truth and the right, than I have found in this community during the eighteen years its people have honored me with their confidence. I thank the citizens of this county for their kindness, and especially my neighbors of Mentor, who have demanded so little of me and have done so much to make my home a refuge and a joy. What awaits me I cannot speak of, but I shall carry to the discharge of the dutios that lie before me, to the problems and dangers I may meet, a sense of your confidence and your love, which will always be answered by my gratitude. Neighbors, friends, constituents, farewell. TUB JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON. The distinguished party—consisting of Gen. Garfield aud wife, his mother, Mrs. Eliza Garfield, his two sons, Irvin aud Abram, and his daughter, Miss Mollie, with four servants, Gen. D. G. Swaim, CoL L. A. Sheldon and wife, Opt. O. E. Henry, O. L. Judd, and J. D. Brown, Secretary—then boarded the train and began their Eastward journey. The entire trip by rail to Washington was a remarkably quiet one. Stops were few and short, and everything was in koeping, as much as possible, with'the General’s desire that the journey might be free from display. Only three ml tries were made on the way, and they were all confined to towns m his old Congressional district—Ashtabula, Warren and Youogrtown. AT THE CAPITAL. Gen. Garfield arrived at Washington on the morning of the Ist of March. There was a disposition to receive him with various military and civic formalities, but he requested that this should not bo done. A few gentlemen were at the depot, and there was a large crowd outside. Two rows of policemen kept the throng back, and botwoeu these rows Gen. Garfield and. his family passed. The aged mothor of the Presi-dent-elect was supported by her sou to the carriage. Sho was driven directly to the White House. Gen. Garfield and his family were driven to the Higgs House, where apartments had been secuied for them so high up as to be out of the roach of curious people. During the three following days the General found himself overrun with visitors. Almost all who callod were invited to go to his rooms, but tho crowds constantly waiting were so great that many left, contented with simply sending thoir cards. On Wednesday, tho 2d inst., an elegant reception was given by Congressman Chittenden, of New York, in liouor of the President-elect, which was mainly confined to gentlemen guests. The supper is described as a very elaborate one, and champagne, wo are told, followed in abundance. On Thursday, tho 3d, the last entertainment of tho out-going administration was given at the Executive Mansion, the Decision being a state dinner in honor of the President-elect and Mrs. Garfield. The guests were principally from Ohio. We are informed by tho over-present Jenkins that on this occasion—and we record it here for the benefit of our lady readers—Mrs..Hayes woro a superb White satin, brocaded in clusters of rosebuds and leaves wrought with tlireads of gold ; that Mrs. Garfield wore black velvet, with point-lace collar and rutiles at the sleeves ; that Mrs. G., like Mrs. K., escliows jewelry ; that Mrs. H. was radiant, and the life of tho party ; and that Mrs. G. appeared quiet, but seif-possessed. .Among the vast crowds of visitors reaching the capital on the evening of the 30th, was Gen. Hancock. Large numbers of his admirers met the great defeated at the depot, took the horses from tho carriage after he had entered it, and drew him up Pennsylvania avenue in triumph. THE INAUGURAL CEREMONIES. Tho weather on the morning of the 4th looked decidedly gloomy. It was snowing and the stroets were covered with water that stood in tremendous pools to the disgust of the eager pedestrians. To add to the discomfort under foot, the wind was cold and blustering, and after the snow ceased to fall, excopt by fits and starts, dark clouds floated across the sky in a threatening, dismal manner. At about 10:30 o’clock, however, the sun crept out with a weak, sickly smile that, v, tide not very comforting, was a little encouraging. Tlio day continued to improve until, at X o’clock, the sun shone brightly, but could not do much to soften the cold west wind that chilled tho watching multitude upon the stroets. At 10 o’clock President Hayes, accompanied by Senators Anthony, Bayard and Pendleton,. called at the Biggs House for Gen. Garfield cud drove to tho White House, the place of stalling on the journey to the CapitoL At 10:80 a chorus of bugles announced the arrival of President Hayes and Presidentelect Garfield from the hotel, who were received in the ante-room bvMr. Pendleton, and /or a brief moment the ladies and gentlemen and their invited friends in tho house greeted each other with a hasty good momiDg in the lied Boom. Col. Casey then announced that everything was ready, and assigned tho party to carriages in the following order : First—Gen. Garfield’s mother and wife ; Mrs. Hayes, Mollie Garfield and Fanny Hayes. Second—Mrs. I)r. Davis, Mrs. Herron, Cincinnati ; Mr. and Mrs. Andrews and Miss Bullard, Cleveland. Third—Mrs. Mason and three daughters, Cleveland. Fourth— Harry, Jimmy and Irvin Garfield and Scott Hayes. Fifth—Messrs. Swaim and Rockwell, Mrs. Deschler and Mrs. Green, of Cleveland. Sixth—Miss Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Noble, of Columbus. A magnificent four-in-hand of bays drove up, drawing an open barouche, into which stepped President Hayes and Gen. Garfield, accompanied by Senators Anthony and Bayard, who were driven off a short distance, and were followed by a carriage containing Vice Presidont-elect Arthur aud Senator Pendleton, drawn by a beautiful four-in-haud of grays. The Presidential party were halted an instant while tho Cleveland troops filed in ahead, and the Cleveland Grays fell in immediately in the roar. At the gate Gen. Sherman as Grand Marshal took ehargo of the procession, arranging the Presidential escort in tho following order: Two platoons of city policy, mounted. Grand Marshal Gen. Win. T. Sherman and the following, his aides: Gen. Lloyd Aspinwall, of New York; CoL L. M. DaytOD, of Ohio; Lieut. F. V. Green y of Washington. The fol'owing members of the staff of the General of . the Army: Col. R. T. Dodge, Col. J. C. Tibbali, Col. A. P. Morrow, Col. J. Ml Bacon, Gen. O. M. Poe. Brevet Maj. Gen. R. B. Ayres, U. 8. A., and staff. Maj. Gen. John Hammond, member of Congress from New York, Chief of Staff. First Lieut. George Mitchell, Adjutant Second Artillery, Assistant Adjutant General. First Lieut. Sebree Smith, Regimental Quartermaster Second Artillery, Assistant Quartermaster General. Second Lieut. C. G. Ayres, Tenth Cavalry, Aide-de-Camp. Second Lieut E. M. Weaver, Jr., Second Artillery, Aide-de-Camp. Second Lieut McKnight, Aide-de-Camp. Lieut. Charles McConnor, Eighth Cavalry, Camp. Maj. Anderson, Aide-de-Camp. Mr. Frantz, Knights Templar, Aide-de-Camp. Mr. Fenton, Washington, D. C., Aide-de-Camp. ator H. B. Anthonv, and Senator Thomas ) Bayard. Then followed: Twelve companies of regular artillery, four companies of the marine battalion, and the Cleveland (Ohio) Cavalry troop, escorting President Garfield, consisting of forty men, officered as follows: Captain, W. H. Harris; First Lieutenant, G. A. Ganetzon; Second Lieutenant H. H. Baxter ; Surgeon, N. Schneider ; Chaplain, C. Collins ; First Sergeant, H. E. Meyers; Third Mr. Fred P. Wright, Washington, D. C., Aide-de-Camp. SIT. Duhamol, Washington, D. C., Aide-de-Camp. Then followed three four-horse carriages, containing President R. B. Hayes, Presidentelect James A. Garfield, Vice President W. A. Wheeler, Vice President-elect C. A. Arthur, and an escort committee of Senators, consisting of Sen&to.- George H. Pendleton, SenSergeant, H. C. Rouse. Columb a Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar, Sir Wm. H. Brown, Genor Ci^Minjo^ Grand Army of the Republic—Commander, Wm. Gibson ; Senior Vice Commander, Paul Brady; Junior Vice Commander, Amos F. Mayford; Medical Director, J. Edwin Mason; Chaplain, the Eev. Benjamin Swallow. Band. Posts of the Departments of the G. A. g.

John A. Rawlins Post, Ha 3, Commander M. E. UrdL Kit Canon Port, Ha 2, James M. Edgar, Commander. _ Lincoln Port, Ha AN. 1 L Brooke, Commander. O. P, Morton Port, Ha 4, William E. Hall, Commander. George tt. Heeds Poet, No 6, Thomas G. Allen, Commander. John W. Reynolds Poet, Na «, L. B. Barter, Ownmander. Boys in Bine, Gen. B. 0. Porii, Commander. O, 8, Grant Club, CoL Seeley. “Pap” Thomas Clnb, CoL Montes. Columbia Club, CoL Hart Boecoe Conkling Club, Cot Oyster. James A. Garfield Red-Ribbon Club, CoL Fillmore, The United States Naval Cadets. XXFAMTBY AND ARTILLERY DIVISION. Com. Robeson, Lient Com. Thornes, Lieut*. Parker, Bush and Miller. Two Horse Batteries, A battalion of the Washington Light Infantry four companies, Cot 0. W. Moore, commanding; First Lieutenant W. N. Dalton ; ’Second Lieutenant B. B. Bose; Hampton Cadeta, Virginia, Capt Romaine. Langston Guards, Norfolk, Va., Capt W. H. Palmer, .forty men. National Rifle*, Washington, Col. J. O. P. Burnaide, commanding; fimt platoon, Capt Fitzgerald; tt cond platoon, Capt Bassett. Signal Corps, United States Army, Brigadier Gen. W. B. Hazen, commanding. Ninth New York Regiment, Col. Oscar Eider, mustering 600 men, ENTHUSIASTIC RSCEPTIOH. As the two Presidential carriages came Out of the White House grounds, a shout, long and loud, went up. President Garfield, Vice President Arthur and ex-President Hayes uncovered as they rode down the avenue, and the shoutings and hurrahs were almost incessant Bodies of armed and unarmed men marched and countermarched on the avenue and at almost every approach to it, getting into position for the procession on the return from the Capit°L , , ' The procession was formed m accordance with the programme, and marched in order to the east front of the Capitol, where a large platform had been erected for the accommodation of the Presidential party, Senators, Representatives and members of the press. As Gen. Garfield passed through the east door of the Gapitol building to the portico, he looked upon the most extraordinary spectacle that has ever met the eyes of a President in making the journey from the Senate Chamber to the spot associated with the beginning of so many memorable administrations. In front was a solid mass of people, prlncigallv men. covering all the space between the apitol steps and the .Washington statue. Standing through the masses of people in black waß a line of bright uniforms, and fringing the edges of the crowd were picturesque groupings of color in guidon, plume and flag, Beyond, branching out on the circling roadways of Capitol hill, like the lines of a waiting army, were masses of troops, the bright red facings of the light-blue overcoats and the trappings of the men in black or dark blue shining out in sharp-cut splendor in contrast with tho heavy masses nearer.

On the terrice3 to the right and left; on the roof of tho Capitol; in the windows and on tho balconies and other prominences were •rowds of people struggling lot place or foothold. As tho procession debouched npon the terrace the head moved steadily to the front, but the main part of the column, composed of grave Senators and Representatives and ladies who are leaders or society, broke into fragments and deployed to the right and left, as if preparing for an impetuous ctiarge on the crowd in front. There was a good-humored scramble that threw ovpn tho staid diplomatic corps into a sort of a panic, and the gold lace picturesque costunfbs went to the front in tho spirit of impulse that seemed to control the entire crowd admitted to the platform. The Britishers and the suites of the German. French, Spanish, and Japanese Ministers looked on with amusement at first, and then, breaking ranks, proceeded to skip over the chairs and scramble forward after the manner of the distinguished Americans. For a few minute* tho scene was an exciting one, but in a short space of time the people had settled down to a dignified repo le of manner, and stood expectantly waiting for the ceremonies to begin. The space on tho platform had been very carefully mapped out, but the scramble had broken up the geography of the arrangement, and nowspaper men found themselves where the diplomatic corps ought to have been, and Senators and their ladies looked serenely down from tho place where the plans and specifications said the reporters were to be. Presidents Hayes, Gen. Garfield, Chiof Justice Waite, anffothers of the Presidential party. arrived at the appointed place Without being subjected to the pressure prevailing on either side, and were received with tremendous cheering. Gen. Garfield was seated with the Chief Justice on bis right and the President on his left. Behind him sat his mother, wife and daughter, Mrs. Hayes and daughter, and Vice President Arthur; and, to his loft, Senators Pendleton, Bayard and Anthony, of the special committee of escort. Gen. Garfield, when introduced, threw off his overcoat, and, waiting until the cheering subsided, began his address. He read from manuscript., and spoke with unusual deliberation, but the first ringing sentence was in its diction and delivery so like Garfield that it met the expectancy and fixed the interest of all within hearing. The day, which had been dreary and stormy, brightened about this time, and the sun came out from its hiding place. There was a strong, cold wind blowing from the south, taking up with a western impulse as it swept round the corner of the Capitol building, and Gen. Garfield spoke against this. Yet his voice was, during the first start of his long address, clear and strong. Ho faced the greater part of the time to the southeast and received repeated invitations from the crowd below to face the other way. There was less freedom of gesture than is usual with Gen. Garfield, but at times he caught the hampering manuscript in bis clenched hand and flung it aloft in an emphatic forceful sweep. Again he brought his closed hand down with fierce fervor on the rail in front, but for the most part contented himself with making his points effective by tho extraordinary plan of emphasis aud modulation at his command. As an oratorical display the effort did not come Up to his famous Chicago speech, and not once did he lean back in the old familiar way, and swing his arms, as is his /wont when he gives free rein to his impetuous oratory. Following is Gen. Garfield’s inaugural Address in full: \

Fellow-Citizens : We stand to-day upon an eminence which overlooks a hundred years of national life—a century crowded with perils, but crowned with the triumphs of liberty and love. Before continuing our onward march, let us pause on this height for a moment, to strengthen our faith and renew our hope by a glance at the pathway along which our people have traveled. It is now three days more than 100 years since the adoption of the first written constitution of the United States, the articles of confederation and of perpetual uuion. The new republic was then beset with danger on every hand. It had not conquered a place in the family of nations. The decisive battle of the war for independence, whose centennial anniversary will soon be gratefully celebrated at Yorktown, had'not yet been fought. The colonists were Struggling not only against the armies of Great Britain, but against the settled opinions of mankind, for tho world did not believe that the supreme authority of government "could be safely intrusted to the guardianship of the people themselves We cannot overestimate the fervent love of liberty, the intelligent courage and saving common sense with which our fathers made the great experiment of self-government. When they found after a short time that the confederacy of Statos was too weak to meet the necessities of a vigorous and expanding republic, they boldly sot it aside, and in its stead established a national Union, founded directly Upon the will of the people, and endowed it with future powers of self-preserva-tion and with ample authority for tho accomplishment of its great objects. Under this constitution the boundaries of freedom have been enlarged, the foundations of order and peace have been strengthened, and the growth in all the better elements of national life has vindicated the wisdom of the founders and given new hope to their descendants. Under this constitution, our people long ago made themselves safe against danger from without, and secured for their marines and flag an equality of rights on all the seas. Under this constitution twenty-fire States have been added to the Union, with constitutions and laws framed and enforeed by their own citizens, to secure the manifold blessings of local and self government The jurisdiction of this constitution now covers an area fifty times greater than that of the original thirteen States, and a population twenty times greater than that of 1789. The supreme trial of tho constitution came at last under the tremendous pressure of civil war. We ourselves are witnesses that the Union emerged from the blood and fire of that conflict, purified and made stronger for all the beneficent purposes of good government, and -now, at the close of this first century of growth, with inspirations of its history in their hearts, our people have lately reviewed the condition of the nation, passed judgment upon the conduct and opinions of the political parties, and have registered thenwill concerning the future administration of Government. To interpret and execute that will, in accordance with the constitution is the paramount duty of the Executive. Even from this brief review, it is manifest that the nation is resolutely facing to the front, resolved to employ its best energies in developing the great possibilities of the future Sacredly preserving whatever has been gained to liberty and good government during the century, cur people are determined to leave bebina them all those bitter controversies concermng things which have been irrevocablv fettled, and the further discussion of which can only stir up strife and delay the onward march The supremacy of the nation and its Jaws should be no longer a subject of debate. That discussion, which for half a century threatened the existence of the Union, was closed at J3?t in the high court Of war, by a decree from

which than is M appeal, that the ooflstitution and laws Made ih pursuance thereof Shall continue to be tiue supreme law 6t the land, binding alike npon the State* and upon the people. This decree does not disturb the autonomy of the States nor interfare with any of their necessary rules of local self-government, but ft does fix and establish the permanent supremacy of the Union. The will of the nation, speaking with the voice of battle, and through the amended constitution, has fulfilled the neat promise of 1776, br proclaiming “liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof." The elevation of the negro race from slavery to the full rights of eitifiedshlp Is tile mott important political chkhtfe we have known since the ado{ tiaa of the cOUstitUtioit of 1787; No thofightfUl min can fail to appreciate its beneficent effect upon our institutions and people. It has freed us from the perpetual danger of war and dissolution. It has added immensely to tiie moral and industrial forces of our people. It has liberated the master as well as the slave from the relation which wronged and enfeebled both. It has surrendered to their own guardianship the manhood of more than 5,000,000 people, and has opened to each one or them a career of freedom find usefulness | it has given new inspiration to the power of self-help iu both races by making labor mote honorable to one and more necessary to the other. The influence of this force will grow greater and bear richer fruit with coming years. No doubt the great change has caused serious disturbance to our Southern community. This is to be deplored, though it was unavoidable; but those who resisted the change should remember that under our institutions there was no middle ground for the negro race between slavery and equal citizenship. There Can be no permanent disfranchised peasantry ih the United States. Freedom can never yield its fullness of blessings as long as law or its administration places the smallest obstacle in the pathway Of any virtuous citizen. The emancipated race has already made tematkable progress. With unquestioning devotion to the Union, with a patience and gentleness not bom of fear, they have “ followed the light as God gave them to see the light.’’ They are rapidly laying the material foundations of self-support, widening the circle of intelligence, and beginning to enjoy the blessings that gather around the homes of the industrious poor. They deserve the generous encouragement of all good men. So far as my authority can lawfully extend, they shall enjoy the full and equal protection of the constitution and laws. The free enjoyment of equal suffrage is still in question, and a frank statement of the issue may aid its solution. It is alleged that in many communities negro citizens are practically denied the freedom of tho ballot. In so far as the truth of this allegation is admitted, it is answered that in many places honest local government is impossible if the mass of unedu* cated negroes are allowed to vote. These are grave allegations. So faf aS the latter is true it is the only palliation that can be offered for opposing the freedom of the ballot. A bad local government is certainly a great evil which blight to be prevented, but to violate the freedom ana sanctity of suffrage is more than an evil; it is a crime which, if persisted in, will destroy tho Government itself. Suicide is not a remedy. If in other lands it be high treason to compass the death of the King, it should be counted no less a crime here to strangle our sovereign power and stifle its voice. It has been said that unsettled questions have no pity for the repose of nations* it should bo said, with tho utmost emphasis, that this question of suffrage will never give repose or safety to the Slates or to the nation until each, within its own Jurisdiction, makes and keeps the ballot free and pure by the strong sanctions of law. But the danger which arisos from ignorance iu the voter cannot bo denlod. It Covers a field far wider than that Of negro suffrage and tho • present condition of that race. It is a danger that lurks and hides in tho coursos and fountains of power in every State. We have no standard by which to measure the disaster that may be brought upon ns by ignorance aud vice iu citizens when joined to corruption and ffaud in suffrage. The voters of the Union who make and unmake constitutions, and npon whose will hangs the destiny of our governments, can transmit their supremo authority to no successor save the coming generation of voters, who are sole hoirs of our sovereign powers. If that generation comes to its inheritance blinded by ignorance, and corrupted by vice, the fall of the republic will be certain and remediless. Tho censnt has already sounded the alarm in appalling figures which mark how dangerously high the tide of illiteracy has risen among o'lr voters and theif Children. To the South the question is Of supreme importance, but the responsibility sos the existence of slavery did not fest on the South alone. The nation itself is responsible for the extension of suffrage, and is under special obligations to aid in removing the illiteracy which it has added to the voting population of the North and South alike. There is but one remedy. All the constitutional power of the nation and of the States, and all the volunteer forces of the people should be summoned to meet this danger by the saving influence of universal education, It is a high privilege and sacked duty of those now living to educate their successors, and fit them by intelligence and viriuo for the inheritance which awaits them in this beneficent work. Sections and races should bo forgotten, and partisanship should be unknown. Let onr people find a now meaning in the divine oracle which declares that “ a little child shall lead them.” For onr little children will soon control the destinies of the republic. My countrymen, we do not now differ in onr judgment concerning the controversies of past generations, and fifty years hence onr chilacen will not be divided in their opinions concerning our eontroverses. They Will surely bless their fathers and their fathers’ God that the Union was preserved ; that slavei y w.as overthrown, and that both races were made equal before the law. Wo may hasten or we may retard, but we cannot prevent the final reconciliation. Is it not possible for us now to make a truco with time by anticipating and accopiing its inevitable verdicts ? Enterprises of tho highest importance to our moral and material well-being invite hs, and offer ample scope for the employment of our best power*. Let all our peo pie, leaving behind them the battle-fields of dead issues, move forward, and, in tho strength of liberty and a restored Union, win the grander victories of peace. The prosperity which now prevails is without Sarallel in our history. Fruitful seasons have one much to secure it, but they have not done all.

The preservation of the public credit, and tbe resumption of specie payments, so successfully attained by the administration of my predecessors, has enabled our people to secure the blessings which tho seasons brought. By the experience of commercial nations in aH ages, it has boen found that gold and silver afford the only safe foundation for a monetary system. Confusion has recently been created by variations in tho relative value of the two metals, but I confidently believe that arr raugements can be made between the leading commercial nations which will secure the general use of both metals. Congress should provide that compulsory coinage of silver now required by law may no * disturb our monetary system by driving either metal out of circulation. If possible, such adjustment shoitld bo made that the purchasing power of every coined dollar will be exactly equal to its debt-paying power in the markets of the world. The chief duty of the National Government in connection with the currency of the country, is to coin and declare its value. Grave doubts have been entertained whether Congress is authorized by the constitution to make any form of paper monoy legal tender. The present Issue of United States notes has been sustained by the necessities of war, but such paper should depend for its value and currency upon its convenience in use aud its prompt redemption in coin at the will of a holder, and not upon its compulsory circulation. These notes are not money, but promises to pay money. If holders demand it, the promise should be kept. The refunding of tho national debt at a lower rate of interest should be accomplished without compelling the withdrawal of the national bank notes, and thus disturbing the business of the country. I venture to refer to the position I have occupied on financial questions during my long service ih Congress, aud to say that time and experience have strengthened the opinions 1 have so often expressed on these subjects. The finances of tne Government shall suffer no detriment whioh it may be possible for my administration to prevent. The interests of agriculture deserve more attention from the Government than they have yet received. The farms of the United States afford homes and employment for more than one-half the people, and furnish much the largest part of all onr exports. As the Government lights our coasts for the protection of mariners and for the benefit of commerce, so it should give to tho tillers of the soil the lights of practical science and experience.

Our manufacturers are rapidly mailing ns industrially independent, and are opening to capital and labor new and profitable fields of employment. This steady and healthy growth should still be maintained. Our facilities for transportation should be promoted by the continued improvement of our harbors and great interior water-ways, and by the increase of our tonnage on the ocean. The development of the world’s commerce has led to an urgent demand for shortening tho great sea voyage around Cape Horn, by constructing ship canals or railways across the isthmns which unites the two continents. Various plans to this end have been suggested, but none of them have been sufficiently matured to warrant the United States extending pecuniary aid. The subject is one which will immediately engage the attention of the Government, with a view to thorough protection to American interests. We will urge no narrow policy, nor seek peculiar or exclusive privileges in any commercial route, but in the language of my predecessors, I believe it is to be “ the right and duty of the United States to assert and maintain such supervision and authority over any interoceanic canal across the isthmus that connects North and South America, as will protect our national interests." The constitution guarantees absolut e religious Congress is alpo prohibited from ' • . > .>'» i

thereof the Territories of the United States are subject to the direct legislative authority of Congress, and henoe the General Government is reepooa&ie far any violation of the constitution in any of them. It is, therefore, a reproach to the Government tost in the moat populous of the Territories the constitutional guarantee is not enjoyed by the people, and the authority of Congress is set at naught. The Mormon church not only offends the moral sense of mankind by saneiinning polygamy, hut prevents the fidmftiisttation of justice through the ordinary instrumentalities of law. In my judgment it ia the duty of Congress, while respecting to the utmost the conscientious con victions and religious scruples of every citizen, to prohibit, within its jurisdiction, all criminal practices, especially of that class which destroy family relations and endanger social order, nor can any eccesiastical organization be safely permitted to usurp in the smallest degree the functions Mid powers of the national Governrrmni. The civil service can never he placed on a satisfactory basis until it is regulated by law. for the good of the sefvice itself, for the protection of those who are intrusted with the appoint'ng power against the waste of time and the obstruction to public business caused by inordinate pressure for place, and for the protection of incumbents against intrigue and wrong, I shall at the proper time ask Congress to fix the tenure of minor offices of the several executive departments, and prescribe the f rounds npon which removals shall be made tiring the terms for which the incumbents have been appointed.

Finally, acting always within the authority and limitations Of the constitution, invading neither* the rights of States nor the reserved rights of the people, it will be the purpose of my administration to maintain authority, and, in aH places within its jurisdiction, to enforce obedience to all the laws of the Union, in the interest of the people; to demand a rigid economy in all the expenditures of the Government, and to require honest and faithful services of all the executive officers, remembering that offices were created not for the benefit of incumbents or their supporters, but for the service of the Government. And now, fellow-citizens, I am about to assume the great trust which you hate commuted to my hands. I appeal to you for that earnest and thoughtful support which makes this Government m fact as it is in law—a Government of the people. I shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and patriotism of Congress and of those who may share with me the responsibilities and dnties of the administration; and, above all, upon our efforts to promote the welfare of this great people and their Government, I reverently invoke the support and blessing of Almighty God. As soon as the oath was administered, he turned impulsively to his mother and kissed her, and then kissed his Wife. The little incident was very touching because of the overpowering impulse that controlled President Garfield at the moment, and it called out a tremendous cheer. The crowd from first to last were disposed to license the General’s motions, and would probably not have forgiven him had he not stooped and crowned his mother’s supreme happiness in this day by a kiss. Ex-President Hayes was the first to greet and congratulate Gen. Garfield as President, and was followed by Vice President Arthur and Senators Pendleton, Bayard and Anthony, of tho committee.

The President and party were then escorted to the carriages in waiting, and took their places in the procession, which was formed ready for marching. The crowd in front included every grade of people, as well as ifiefi Of all parties and from all sections of the country. There was a fair sprinkling of colored persons present, all of whom were greatly pleased at Gen. Garfield’s reference to their race. When the time came the Crowd scattered with the suddenness of an explosion, and, as Gen. Garfield’s carriage turned into the avenue, he looked in one direction upon 60,000 people moving in diverging lines, and in the other upon an orderly mass that covered the breadth of Pennsylvania avenue, from house to house, as far as his eye could reach. It was a magnificent spectacle seen from a fine point of observation, and through this mass of cheering, shouting people tne new President moved toward his new home. IN THE SENATE. *: In the Senate, at 11:45 the message from tho President Convening that body in extra session was read. Ten minutes of expectancy ensued, and there was a flutter of excitement as the minute-hand clock turned toward 12. Mr. Bassett, the veteran Assistant Doorkeeper of the Senate, did what he was expected to do, and what he has done on so many previous occasions of tbe kind, walked forward, got on a chair, and, with the historical stick, treasured, up for almost a quarter of a century, put back the hands of tbe clock ton minutes. This performance gave the old gentleman great satisfaction and certainly it pioased the expectant audience. The minute hand had almost regained the lost time when the Senate committee escorting President Hayes and Ges. Game... appeared at the door. The President and President-elect came in arm and arm, both self-possessed iu their movements. They were given seats in front of the Clerk’s desk, facing the Senate and audience, Garfield sitting to the right of Hayes and the committee on the left. The Cabinet followed and took the front seats on the right Ail the members were present, Acting Secretary French representing the Treasury Department The Senato rose and remained standing nntil the party were seated, and the scene as the two men walked down the aisle was an impressive one, and to a few people more than that. Gen. Garfield’s mother looked down on this triumphant progress of her son, and, motherlike, burst into tears. The Senate arose again as Vice President-elect Arthur came in with the committee, and for a few minutes that gentleman was the center of attention. He went immediately to the chair by the side of Vice President Wheeler, was introduced in a speech of a single sentence, and proceeded to deliver his inaugural. After administering the oath of office to Gen. Arthur, Vice President Wheeler delivered his farewell address as follows : Senators : The moment which terminates my official duties as presiding officer of the Senate is at hand. These duties have been rendered of easy performance by your uniform leniency and forbearance. lam sure that in this parting hour I need no other guarantee of full amnesty for all my shortcomings. If I do, it is furnished in your very kind resolution of approval of my official action. I shall carry into my retirement grateful memories of personal kindness, alike of the Senate and its officers, and cordial wishes for future well-being of all, and now I proclaim my last official act by declaring that, the hour for the termination of the Forty-sixth Congress having arrived, the Senate stands adjourned without day. Vice-President Arthur here assumed the chair, and delivered the usual formal address as follows:

Senators : I come as yonr presiding officer with genuine solicitude. Remembering my inexperience in parliamentary proceedings, I cannot forget how important, intricate and often embarrassing are the duties of the chair. On the threshold of our official association, I invoke that courtesy and kindness with which you have been wont to aid your presiding officer. I shall need your constant encouragement and support, and I rely with confidence on your lenient judgment of any errors into which I may fall. In return, be assured of my earnest purpose to administer your rules in the spirit of absolute fairness; to treat every Senator, at all times, with that courtesy and just consideration due to representatives of equal States, and to do my part, as assuredly each of yon will do his, to maintain the order, decorum and dignity of the Senate. I trust the official and personal relations upon which we now enter will be marked with mutual confidence and regard, and that all our obligations will be so fulfilled and redeemed to our own honor, to the glory of our commonebuntry, and the prosperity of allits people. I am now ready to take the oath of office prescribed by the constitution. This country has witnessed no military display of such proportions as was seen on this occasion since the return of Sherman’s army and the grand review at tho close of the war. Gen. Sherman wisely concluded to make the escort to the Capitol and the procession separate performances. This course excited a great deal of grumbling at first, but the General adhered to his programme, maintaining that it woold take too long tb move such a body of men to have the main parade on theftray to the Capitol, which must be reached at a certain moment. He preferred to have the esoort a smaller body, so it was arranged that but a single division should participate in the first ceremony. A careful estimate places the number of men marching in the column at 20,000. Of this number there were fully 12,000 infantry, beside the batteries and several troops of cavalry. • • Is took over two hours for the column to pass the stand in review. President Garfield made many pleasant comments npon the appearance of the various commands as they passed.

The meeting between the President and Gen. Hancock was watched with interest Neither gentleman showed by word or look that their relations had ever been of an extraordinary character. They met as friends who enjoy a mutual respect for each other, and they grasped bauds as cordially as did any others that met on this historic scene. After leaving the grand stand, President Garfield, with Mrs. Garfield upon his ann, walked to the Executive Mansion. Ex-President Hayes and family left the White House in the afternoon, and went to the residence of Senator Sherman, from which four years ago they went to the Whit© House. The day’s celebration was brought to a close in the evening by a brilliant display of fireworks at the head of Pennsylvania avenue, on the piazza in the rear of the Treasury building. The inaugural ball, in the evening, turned out, as it was designed, to be one of the grandest affairs of the century.