Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1881 — PRESIDENT ARTHUR. [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT ARTHUR.

He Taken tlie Oath of Office at Washington, and Delivers a Short Inaugural. As the result of a conference between several of the highest Government officials, the oath of office was administered to President Arthur by Chief Justice Waite, in the marble room of the Capitol in Washington, noon of Thursday, Sept, 22. Among those present were ex-Presi-dent Hayes, Senator Sherman, Rear Admiral Nichols, Gen. Grant and Hannibal Hamlin. Within a few moments after taking the oath of office President Arthur loosened the npper button of his coat, took from the inside-pocket a small roll containing his address, which was written upon note paper, and proceeded to read his inaugural address, which is as follows : “For the fourth time in the history of the republic its Chief Magistrate has been removed by death. All hearts are filled with grief and horror at the hideous crime which has darkened our land, and the memory of the murdered President, his protracted sufferings, bis unyielding fortitude, the example and achievements of his life, and the pathos of his death, will forever illumine the pages of our history. “For the fourth time the officer elected by the people, and ordained by the constitution to fill the vacancy so created, is called to assume the executive chair. The wisdom of our fathers, foreseeing even the most dire possibilities, made sure that the Government should never be imperiled because of the uncertainty of human life. Men may die, but the fabrics of onr free institutions remain unshaken. No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the strength and permanency of popular government than the fact that, though the chosen of the people be stricken down, his constitutional successor is peacefully installed without shock or strain, except the sorrow which mourns the bereavement. All the noble aspirations of my lamented predecessor, which found expression in his life; the measures devised and suggested during his brief administration to correct abuses and enforce economy ; to advance the prosperity and promote the general welfare ; to insure domestic security, and maintain friendly and honorable relations with the nations of the earth, will be gar nered in the hearts of the people and it will bo my earnest endeavor to profit, and to see that the nation shall profit, by his example and experience. Prosperity blesses our country: our fiscal policy, fixed by law, is well grounded and generally approved. No threatening issue mars our foreign intercourse, and the wisdom, integrity and thrift of our people may be trusted to continue undisturbed the present assured career of peace, fraternity and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded the courttry must make repose especially welcome now. No demand for speedy legislation has been heard; no adequate occasion is apparent for an unusual session of Congress. The constitution defines the functions and powers of the Executive as clearly as those of either of the other departments of the Government, and he must answer for the just exercise of the discretion it permits, and the performance of the duties it imposes. Summoned to these high duties and responsibilities, and profoundly conscious of their magnitude and gravity, I assume the trust imposed by the constitution, relying for aid on divine guidance, and the virtue, patriotism and intelligence of the American people.” The occasion will long be remembered as one of great historic interest. There were present one President taking the oath of office, two exPresidents, and an ex-Vice President among the spectators, while but a few feet away there was lying in state the remains of the late Chief Magistrate. After the reading was over, which occupied less than five minutes, all the persons present advanced and shook hands with the President, and immediately the party mingled in general conversation. All persons soon retired except the President and Cabinet, whereupon the doors were closed and they proceeded to hold their formal consultation. The most important matter personally to the Cabinet officers was attended to without delay, and after some preliminaries each handed his resignation to the President. President Arthur gave no intimation as to the course he int tided to pursue. There was some discussion relative to the funeral arrangements. The Cabinet agreed that it would be best for the President to remain at the capital and not expose himself to the dangers of travel while hiH life only stood between a lawful head of tho Government and possible confusion. In deference to this opinion the President decided not to accompany the funeral party to Cleveland. The question of most importance to the public was that of a special session of the Senate, it having already been announced in the President’s address that no extra session of Congress would be called. The propriety of convening the Senate was admitted by all the Cabinet, but a single opinion on the subject being expressed. It was agreed that it was an urgent necessity to have a President of the Senate as soon as possible, in order that the country might not be left without an executive head in case of the death of the President of the United States. The new President, shortly after his formal induction into office, issued a proclamation designating Monday, Sept. 26—the day set apart for tho burial of the lamented Garfield—as a day of humiliation and mourning, and recommending “ all people to assemble on that day in their respective places of divine worship, there to render alike their tribute of sorrowful submission to the will of Almighty God, and to their reverence and love for the memory and character of our late Chief Magistrate.”