The Centennial

George Washington was the hero of the most sueeessful and least destructivo revolution recorded iu history. His inauguration was the begiuning of a new era, as wel] as the ineeption of a new government. Indeed, the chlef novelty of the new government consisted not so much iu ita form, for that contained little that was new, but the vital application of principies admitted down to that time, but generally ignored. The declaration of radicai principies by which the Uutcb of the Sixteenth century justified their 8anguinary struggle with Spain, and the system of politica! ethics professed by the Knglish in their revolution of the Seventeenth century, received but little addition in the Declaration of Independence, but what the Dutch and the English could not do by reason of their olii environment, the Americans, marvelously favored by a sparse population In an immense country, and the self reliance of pioneers, resolutely set theraselves to make practical The beginning of the American republic now stands forth an era far more important than that of Magna Charta or the Petitiou of Rights. lts oentennial will, therefore, be celebrated in New York city witb all the entbusiasm of tbe (rst inauguration added to the confldence bom of a hundred years' suocees. President Harrison will arrive by the same route, and will pass over the same scènes in New Jersey as did President Washington. He will embark in like manner at .Elizabethport, N. J., and pass thence on a government dispatcb boat to the foot of Wall street, among the vessels of all natious, as Washington did ; will be f ormally welcomed by the mayor and city officials, as Washington was; will be received with the same salute, and generally will observe the same routine. THE CONSTITUTIONAL FATHERS. Tbeannexed history of Washington's inauRuration will, tberefore, be a sort of advance programme of the ceremonies on the coming 80th of April. The preliminary sketch will, it is hopee I, enable young readers to comprehend the peculiar difüculties confronting the first president, and in the discussions which preceded and the words in vhicu the agreement to the charter of the national government was couched may be found the germs of our national policy and the divergenciesof our politica! parties. It is conceded by all observers of that time that the constitution never would haveobtained the sanction of the needed states had there not been a certainty in the public mind that Washington would be the tirst president and therefore give to its terms an executive construction which would be binding for all time. Washington was therefore in a peculiar sense the principal creator of the new government But the causes for local jealousy which went so near to def eating his object may here bo briefly and profltably reviewed. it should be borne in mind that the colonies were founded by men representiug at least four great branches of the Caucasian Gtock and six distinct and somewhat unfriendly religious bodies: The Puritan, Dutch and Swedish Calvinista and Lutherans; the Englisn Quakers, Catholics and Episcopalians, and lastly the French Huguenots. The Irish of the early immigration were nearly ail nonCeltic and Protestant, while the Palatino Germana who locatod in Pennsylvania aud the valley of Virginia did not in any sense conrtitute an alien political party. Necessity compelled some sort of union from the flrst, but it was self evident that no one of the local religious elements could prevalí over all Mie others, and thus by a mast fortúnate accident ttaere was from the flrst a complete divorce of church and state under the old govemment, while the anomaly was presentad of a union of the two in some of the states tili long after the adoption of the present purely secular national constitution. Jealousies inherent in the religiona of the original stocks were very slowly eliminated, and those growing out of local interests in trade and oavigation were most persistent of all Henee the instincts of the people looked to a man of impartial temper to hold the just balance of the constitution between state rights and centralization - between the BOUth, the west and the east- between the interests of nianufacturing, commerce and navigation. There was but one man in whom the confidence of the vast classes and sections centered ; a nati ve of the sou t h, who had won nis flrst great laurels in the nortli, and that man was Ueorge Washington. THE FIRST ELECTION. On the 21st of June, 1788, New Hampshire, the ninth state, ratifled the constitution. On the 2d of July her forma) notification of that fact was read in the Confederation congress, and after long and heated debate, that congress on the 13tn of September resolved that the flrst Wednesday in January should be the day for appointing electors, the first Wednesday in February the day for them to vote, and the flrst Wednesday in March the time and New York, the then seat of congress, the place to commence proceedings under the uow constitution. On the 4th of March but few delegates were present. On the 25th twenty-six representatíves answered to their names, but thirty were necessary to a quorum, whicb was not obtained until April 1. Fisher Ames saya that the delegates were "composed of sober, solid old charter folk." Ou the 5th of April Richard Henry Lee arrived f rom Virginia and completad the quorum of tb tenate. On the Cth of April the two house met In Federal hall, opened and counted the votes, George Washington reoeiving every one for president and John Adama enough to elect hira vice president. Charles Thompson, secretary of the Confederation congress, was immediately dispatched to Mount Vernon witb the ofücial notiflcation to the president-elect, and Sylvanus Bourne sailed in a packet boat through Long Islaml sound on the 7th of April for Boston with the formal notioe to John Adama Federal hall had been thoroughly refurnished and remodeled for the occasion. In front were four dorio columns and a pediment, the corniees being arranged in tbirteen squares, each of which contained a star, and over it was the American eagle and other insignia. Over it also were the arms of the United States with thirteen sculptured arrows, entwined in olive branches, all combining to give the imposing structure a truly national appearanee. The chamber for the representatives was siity-one feet long and fifty-eigbt broad, with an arehed ceüing forty-six feet high in the center. The senate chamber was smaller and mucb more bighly decorated. In the center of its arehed ceiling of light blue was a sun and thirteen stars. lts (re places were lined by polished variegated American marble, and the president's chair was elevated three feet above the floor under a crimsou canopy. Near it a large door opened southward upon the balcony where Washington took Ihe oath of office. In these halls in the closiug days of April, 1789, were assembled the really representativa men of the United States ARRIVAL OF WASHINGTON. Egbert Benson, from New York, Peter Muhlenberg, from Pennsylvania, and Samuel Griffln, from Virginia, were appointed a comrnittee on the reception of the president, and they prepared the house of Mr. Osgood, lately occupied by the president of congress. The house stood in what is now Franklin square, at tlio corner of (Jherry street. non as soon as Secretary Thompson arrived, and bis jouruey was ona continuous triumphal procession. Cities, towns and villages tunieU out en masse. The road for many miles was lined with poopl from the adjacent country, manifest ing their joy Ín many impulsivo ways, by shouts. by laughter aud by tears. Mothers who had trudged mauy miles held up their babea that tbuy might say in after lito that tho ƒ liad seen Washington. The .sick and the aged were carried to the line and given prominent places at the Windows. Tho veterana of t' _■ re vol ut ion and the ne w militia paraded everywhere. Guns were flred, triumphal arches were f.ected in tho towns and stretched from tree to tree in the country. At Gray's Ferry, across the Schuylkill, the president-elect was escorted through a long avenue of laurels under a sort of arbor covered with laurel branches. As he passed the last arch a civic crown of laurels was ingeniously lowered upon h3 head frotn above, greatly to his surprise, and amid the deaf ening shouts of the multitud a A t Tren ton a magniflcent triumphal arch had been erected. Above it was the date of bis vietory at that place in gold lettering with flowors twined a bout it, and as he passed under tuis thirtoen girls in white marched before hün, sang a welcoming ode and scattered flowers in his pathway. At the same time John Adams was approaching ith somewhat less state from New England, and on the 2Oth of April be arrived in New York, escorted from the Connecticut line to Eingsbridge by the light horse of Westchester county, and from Kingsbridge into the city by all the city cavalry, commanded by Gen. Malcolm and Capt Btokes, and followed by most of the members of congress and a large concourse of citizens. He lodged at the house of Hon. John Jay, and the next day was escorted to the senate chamber by Caleb Strong and Raltb Izard, where he was introduced as vice president of the United States and took theoath of office. Early on tbe raorning of April 23 the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells annouii'X'd that Washington had arrived at Elizabethport, N. J., and business was entirely suspended. At Elizabethport the president-elect was received by a committee of congrcss, of which Elias Boudiuoi was chairman, and by the beads of the depaitments ín the confederation, namely: Jolin Jay, secretary of foreign affairs; John Knox, secretary of war; Robert R, Livingston, chancellor of the state of New York; Samuel Osgood, Arthur Lee and Walter Livingston, commisBioners of the treasury; Ebenezer Hazzard, postmaster general, and by the mayor and recorder of the city. A large and handsome barge, prepared and draped for the purpose, was in waiting, manned by thirteen masters of vessols in white uniform, and commanded by Commodore James Kicholson. Washington was seated in this, and as it moved slowly from the Jersey shore other barges, fancifully decorated, feil into line behind it. The procesdon moved through the narrowstrait between New Jersey and Staten Islami, and many boats and vessels feil into its wake. As it passed Bedloe's Island a sloop came alongside bearing a volunteer choir of twety-five ladies and gentlemen, wbo sang an ode composed for the occasion to the music of "God Save the Queen." Every vessel in the hnrbor was in holiday attire, the Spanish ship-of-war Galveston boing especially notice jble, and as the bargu carae abreast of her sho atoncedisplayed evi-ry flag and signal in use among nations. 1c is to be remembereU that the new natiun was on especially friendly terms with Franoe. Sjiain and Holland. RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENTELECT. Goveruor George Clinton receivcü the President-elect at the ferry stairs, and when Washington stepped to the thore the vast multitudo broke iuto loud and prolonged cheers. Tbo erowds were so densely packed in the procession that it required a loug time and much exertion to force the way to the president1 house in FVankiin square. Every house on tbe route was decorated; every window was filial with people, shoutingand waring flags and liaudkercliiefs. Flowcrs feil in the streets in constant showers and were displayed in every kind of devico. The name of Washington was presented in flowers, flags and evergreens. At his house in Franklin square Washington spent the rcmainder of the day, trom 4 p. m. to late bedtime, in receiving visitors and congratula tions of foreign ministers, political characters, publio bodies and private citizens of dUtinction. In the evening thoentire city was biilliantly 1luminated. All this time the city was being fllled with people frotn every part of tha adjoining country and frorn New England. New York had never beforo had such a multitudo. Old letters lately resurrected give amusiiig accounts of the difliculty of securing lodgings, of the breaking tlovra of carriages and deiays and hinderancus on account of the bad roads of that clay. All the houses in the city were soon fillod ar.d tents were pitcheil in vacant lots. On tho 2!tu the committee of the two houses repurted an elabórate plan, providing that tían. Webb, CoL Smith, Lieut CoL Fish, Ueat CoL Franks, Maj. L'Enfant, Maj. lïloocker and Mr. John R Livingston serre u aids and assistants; that chaira be placed in the senate cbamber for the president and vico president, the senators sitting on that sido whers the vice presidentes chalr was placed and the representatives on the other side, with the speaker at their head ; also that seats should be provided in the senate chamber for the late president of the ederation congres and governor of the Western territory, the five persons at the heads of the departments, the ministers of France and Spain, the chaplain of congress and persons in the suite of the president, the beutenant governor, chanceUor, chief justice and judges of the supreme court of New York and mayor of the city ; nlso, that there should be services in all the churches in the city at 9 o'clock in the inornlng, which all the people were requested to attend; that immediately after the conclusión of the services the procession should move; tbat the oath should be taken about noon, and that tbe president, chaplain and both houses of eongress should proceed to St Paui's church immediately after the cerernony to hear divine service. THE GLORIOUS DAY. The programme was fully carried out. A national salute ushered in the raorning of the 30th of April. At 9 o'clock every bell in the city poaled for a few minutes, then in slow tones summoned the people to religious service, immediately after which the procession was formed in the following order: Col. Morgan Iewis, attended by two officers Capt Stokes. wlth the Troop of Horse. Artillery MaJ. Van Horne. Greuadiers, under Capt. Harsln. Qerruan Grenadiers, very gayly attired. UDder Capt. Scriba. MaJ Bicker. Tbe. Infantry of the Brigade. Maj. Chryslie. Commlttee of the Senate. Prusidfnt lact, in a Charlot Drawn by Four Horses. His Suite. Civil Offlcers. Conimittee of the Kepreseutaitves. Hod. llr. Jay, Secretary of Forelgn AJTaii-s Gen. Kdoi, Secretary of War Chancellor Livingston. Several Gentlemen of Distinction. At Federal hall the troops massed in close order on Wall and Broad 6treeta Washing. ton passed through and was conducted to the senate chamber according to the programme, wben Vice President Adams said: "Sir, the senate and house of representaI tives of the United States are ready to attend you to take the oath required by the constitution, wbich will be admimstered by the chancellor of the state of New York." "1 am ready to proceed," was the reply. They then passed to the balcony in the order prescribed. Broad and Wall streets in each direction presented a compact mass of upturned faces, and it is remarked that every person was still as a statue and profound silence reigned. The windows and housetops were crowded with people. Spectators exactly on the opposite side have many tunes described the appearance of the group on fae balcony. In the eeuter and standing apart a little, separated by a space from all except CoL Webb and Chancellor Livingston, stood Washington, ciad in a complete suit of elegant broadcloth, of American manufacture, with white silk stockings, also a native production, plain silver buckles in his shoes, head uncovered, his hair heavily powdered and tied in a cue, according to the fashion of the day. He stood upon a square stone slightly elovated above the floor of the balcony. To the right of him stood Chancellor Ut; hj, nearly as tall as himself. On the otner side stood Vico President Adams. Samuel A. Otis, secretary of the senate, stood near. A little to the rear and fomiing a sort of semicircle was a group of persons then and ever since dear to the American people, whose f ame was second only to that of Washington. First was the secretary, John Jay, a tall, süght man, with a face inttieating calm sereuity and a öne type of character. Kext, he bravo Oen. ÍCnox, Baron Steuben, Alexnder Hamilton, Oorernor St. C'lair of the ïorthwest Territory, and Roger Sherman. lebind them were the congressional celebrieg; then, extcnding to tbe wiiigs of tbe balony on eacb sido, as man y members, both of tbe senat and bouae, as there was room for. Cbancellor Livingston slowly pronounced the oath. Washington reverently repeated it after him. The Bible -ras raised. As the president bowed to kiss it, be said in a clear voicei "Iswear," then.lelosinghiseyes.added, "So help me. God." "It is done," said tho cbanoellor. Then, turning to the multitude, he said iu a loud voice: "Long live George Washington, president of the United States!" Instantly the öag was run up to the top of the staff of tbe cupola of Federal hall, and all the bells of the city broke forth at once. Shouts and acclamations from the waiting thousands nere repeated again and again, and cannon boomed from every point of the compass from land and water. Altbough a century has pnssed, what American can read of thU inspiring theme without feeling his pulses thrilJ anewï HIS PERSON ANO CHARACTER. Washington was at that time 57 years old, and as was stated by thousands who knew him intimately, had outgrown that awkwardness of movement which marked bim all through his early life, and arrived at an attitude of most wonderf ui and kindly dignity His figure was neither awkward nor stiff. He was six feet three iuches high, splendidly porportioned, finely developed and straight. He had a long and muscular arm and a very large hand. His motions were somewhat slow, and his voice alraost uniformly gravo. His breeding, of course, was that of a gentleman. He was fond of society, enjoying tbe good thingsof life, and in the circle of his mtimates be indulged in a quiet humor and was sensitive to the beauty of a good story. Alter Wosbington's return to tbe senate chamber and delivery of the address, be, with botb bouscs of congress and many others, proceeded on foot to St Paul's chapel on Broadway, where divine service wás performed by Bishop Provost, when the president was escorted to his own house. In the evening the city was illuminated in a style unparalleled in America, and which drew forth praise even from visiting FVenchmen and other foreigners. The theatre in John street was a blaze of light, the front covered with transparencies, oneof wbieh representad Fame like an angel descending from heaven tocrowu Washington with immortality. In Bowling Green were numerous cíes representuig Washington and the different branches of the new govemment presided over by Justice and Wisdom, Columbia, Liberty and many other characters. It is reponed that every house in the city was illuminated, the most brilliantly so being those of the French and Spanisb ministers, who tried to outdo each other. All the doors and wlndows of the French minister's house vrere bordered with briUiant lamps shining upon numerous paintings representing the past and present of American history. Gathered about the door of the Spanish minister's house was a curiously elabórate group of the Graces, and in each window moved pictures arranged to pass bef ore tbe eyes of the spectators so as to present the illusion of a panorama. One of the ships off the Battery arranged lts rigging witb Lunteraa so as to represent a pyramid of stars, and the display of fireworks under the directlon of CoL Bauman was the finest America had ever seen. President Washington drove down Broadway, around Bowling Green, along the Battery aml turough the principal streets, obtainins a full view of the cheering spectacle. THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL. Fifty years passed away and tho semi-centennial of the flrst inauguration was celebrated by tho New York Historical society AprlJ SO, 1839. The acoomplished John Quincy Adams dclivered an eloquent address. Fortyone years more passed, and in 1S80 the chamber of commerce of New York began the movement to erect a colossal bronze statue of Washington on tbe same spot where he took tbe inaugural oath. The necessary money was raiscd in a few days and the work was executed by the eminent seulptor, John Quincy Adams VVard. On the liSth of November, 1SS3, the one hundredth anniversary of Washington's entrance into New York city, tho unveiling ceremonies took place, unfortunately in the mist of a drenching rain. Georgo W. Lane, president of the chamber of commerce, presided. Richard S. Storrs offered prayer. Royal Phillips, in behalf of tho chamber of commerce, reported respecting the work. Govenior Grover Cleveland, of New York, unveiled tho statue, and President Arthur accepted it on behalf of the government of tho United States. An eloquent address was delivered by George WUliam Curtís and the benediction pronounced by Rt. Rev. Henry C. Potter, bishop of New York. Two yeara later the New York Historical society began the movement for a centennial celebration, which has now reaohed such immense proportions. All theold societies of New York hare joüiod in. Committees have been organized on every branch of tho work, of whicD it is only neceaary to mention tho most responsible and thoM of most historie noto. PLAN OF THE CENTENNIAL. The general outline of proceedings wül be as follows, to wbich will be added a supplementary outline for each separate department, and directions furnisbed upon the ground for eacb of the different detaehuents i'epresented by various nations and various departmeuts of the government: 1. The president of the United States, proceeding through Fhiladelphia and New Jersey, balting in the same marnier and stopping at the samo places as did Washington, will arrive at the harbor of New York on líonday, April 20, will be met by a deputation oí the officials of New York state and city and taken theqce on a government dispatch boat to the foot of Wall street ín the city of New York, passing en route the United States and foreign ships of the yachts of all the clubs which may be present aixanged in proper order and a Iarge number of other vessels suitably decorated for the occasion. In this progresa he wil] bo receivcd by the crews of all the vessels with the bonor due his office and by the shlps of nar with the salute presrribeii by law for tlio president. At Wall street the president will bo formally welcomed by his honor Mayor Graut, of New York, and cscorted to his quarters. On the evening of April 'J'J will occur the great ball at the Metropolitan Opera house, which is designed to be the grentest assembly of the kind the world ever saw. At the bead of the principal committee in rranging for this ball is Mr. Ward McAllistcr, the recognized autbority on matters of social rank, adornment and taste in the city of New York, who bas devised many uniquo and original features, making the ball as distinctively American as possible. The dance will be opened witb a quadrille, wherein the dancen will be tbe president, vlce president and their wives, wirh (íovaraor Hill and Mayor Gract ' I ' " and meta Istiies as thcy shaJJ caoose, and along with these other sets will be made up of peoplo who are the lineal dnsrendants oí tho héroes of the revolution. The committee od art have arranged designs for the hal), in which the American Eagle, the Father of His Country, the Star Spangled Banner, Peaee, Victory, Fortune, the Genius of the Republie, Liberty, and the Goddess of Justice will be presented in the most impressivcstylesof art. Bronze medals have also been struck, having on one áde a medallion of Washington and on tho other appropriate inscriptions. These are to be kept as historie souvenirs. The badges of the committee and the drapings of the hall will be arranged in various colors, namely. For the general government, in red, white and blue; for the army, light blue; for the navy, darfe blue, and for the other committeee and departments in appropriate colora 'Í The great day of April 30 will begin with a demonstration unique in icself, and which could probably occur in no other country in the world, at any rate it distinguishes the American republie above all others. Representótives of all the gTeat religious bodies in America have eombined in a re quest to the people of their respective belief s throughout the country to unite at 9 o'clock in religious services, demonstrating that the iinion of civil and religious iiberty is now eo complete that men of every faith meet under a common flag at the cali of rector, rabbi, pastor or minister to return thanks to the common God of the Jew and the Christian for tho libtrties we enjoy. At !) o'clock all the bells of tbe city will peal, and all the churches will be open for religious services. It is to be !io[xl this will be tbo case in every part of thö United States. As Dr. Provost, bishop of New York and chaplain of the senate, eondueted the services 100 years ago, so Bishop Potter, of New York, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Morgan Dix, rector of Trinity and 8t. Paul's church, will conduot the services on the morning of April 80. 8. The anny committee will then take charge of the president and party, who wül be escorted to the steps of the sub-treasury, at the corner of Wal] and Nassau streets, but looking towards Broad, where the formal literary exercises will be held, beginning at half past 10. The Rev. Richard a Storm wil] offer the prayer. If his healtb permite, a poem will be read by the venerable Quaker poet, John GreenJeaf VVhittier. The Hou. Chauncey M. Depew will then deh'ver tb oration of the day. President HarrisoD wUl speak briefly, and Archbishop Corrigan wül pronouuce the benediction. 4. On the conclusión of the literary exercises all the batteries of all the f orts and the shipping in the barbor will lire a salute oí twenty-one puns, and the military parade will then begin. This has given the committee more concern than any part of tiie ceremonies, which wil] be easily understood when it is know ii that a single state expects to have many thou-.-imi troops present. It was at tirst intended that tbe president should review the procession from the steps of the subtreasury building by the Washington statue, but as this woirid require the somewhat unmiütary uiovement of breaking filos to the left in narrow Wall street, it was decided that be ibonld review from the stand er tod on Broad street opposite. By this latter it was founü that were even one balf of the parade to pass the reviewing stand the entire portion of lower Now York would bo blocked with civic and military organizations and spectators. Tbe review will, therefore, take place in the hroader streets and larger squares, wbere ït can be witnessed by 2,000,000 people, if so many are present. Oen. Sheridan was originally designated as grand marshal. Siam bis decease tbat honor has been most appropriately conferred on his official successor, Maj. Oen. Scbofleld. 5. The day will close vritb a fjrand banquet at the Metropolitan Opera House, where covers 111 be laiil for 800 guests. 6. Un tbe lst of May the proc-eedings will be more informal, ezcept for the grand industrial parad-, of which only tbe general features bave been arranged in advance, the details of eaoh art and industry being lef t to the persons interested. From every state and ten-itory, every noted mine, every product of the country, agricultural and manufactu.-eil, will be represented in the parade. Barges vrith bLstorical groups and appropriate paintings will present every detail of natiouol evolution from tbe landing of Sir Walter Raielgh and the Pilgrims to the inauguration of President Benjamin Harrison. Historica) reproductions wil) show New York as it was when Henririck fïudson landed in September, ifiOÜ, and again as it was in the days of the Dutcb and early English oocupation, the colonial dnys, and, in short, all It stages frorn the scaport town to the metropolis of the western world. Similarly visitois from every section of the country will see their progresa portrayed, from the wigwam in the forest, the ruda hut of the settler and the early town to the present time. It is believed that in the way of typifying a hundrcd years' progress of a great nation in gcn"-al and detail tbe industrial parade will be omong tbe most attractire features of the centenniai Although thecommitteeshavearranged but for threedaya, yet a number of supplementary exhibitions of various kinds will precede and foUowtheeentenniaL During theentiremonth of April theie wil) boan exbibition of historica! portraits in the Metropolitan Uiera House, and of portraits, letters and documenta never beforeexhibited to tbe public. Among the noted relies will be the chairs which stood in Federal hall, especially that oecupied b7 Washington during the flrst days of tbe presidency. The noted portrait of George Washington painted by Uilbert Sluart, at Mounl Vernon, in 1797, and given by Washington to Alezander Hamilton, a portrait which bas never been photographed or engraved, will be on exbibition. It is now the property oí Hamilton'8 grandson, Alexander Hamilton, Of New York.