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Literary
June 1, 1839
Holly Springs Banner
Holly Springs, Marshall County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
Reminiscence from the National Intelligencer marking the 50th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration on April 30, 1789, detailing the delays in the new government's startup, his election announcement, journey to New York, oath-taking, and public acclaim.
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FIFTY YEARS AGO.
Under this caption we find in the National Intelligencer of yesterday, the following reminiscence:
"It is just fifty years this day since the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States, when this Government of ours went fully into operation. The 4th of March was the day on which it might have gone into operation but like all other new machines, (even the best of them,) it was rather difficult to set it agoing. The two Houses of Congress, owing to the absence of any such facilities for travel as now exist, and other obstacles, (want of confidence in the new scheme of Government was one of them,) did not assemble in numbers sufficient to organize themselves until a full month after the appointed day. The vote for President and Vice President, consequently, were not opened and counted in their presence until the sixth of April, 1789. The election of Gen. Washington to the office of President was announced to him at Mount Vernon on the 10th of the same month; and on the second day thereafter he took his departure for New York, where Congress was then sitting, and where he was received as he had been all along the road, with every mark of respect and honor.
"On the 30th of April, he took the oath of office in the presence of both houses of Congress and a great assembly of the People; on which occasion, after the administration of the oath, R. R. Livingston cried aloud "God save George WASHINGTON, President of the United States!" And all the people said Amen.
"The fiftieth anniversary of such a day is surely worthy of especial remembrance."
Under this caption we find in the National Intelligencer of yesterday, the following reminiscence:
"It is just fifty years this day since the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States, when this Government of ours went fully into operation. The 4th of March was the day on which it might have gone into operation but like all other new machines, (even the best of them,) it was rather difficult to set it agoing. The two Houses of Congress, owing to the absence of any such facilities for travel as now exist, and other obstacles, (want of confidence in the new scheme of Government was one of them,) did not assemble in numbers sufficient to organize themselves until a full month after the appointed day. The vote for President and Vice President, consequently, were not opened and counted in their presence until the sixth of April, 1789. The election of Gen. Washington to the office of President was announced to him at Mount Vernon on the 10th of the same month; and on the second day thereafter he took his departure for New York, where Congress was then sitting, and where he was received as he had been all along the road, with every mark of respect and honor.
"On the 30th of April, he took the oath of office in the presence of both houses of Congress and a great assembly of the People; on which occasion, after the administration of the oath, R. R. Livingston cried aloud "God save George WASHINGTON, President of the United States!" And all the people said Amen.
"The fiftieth anniversary of such a day is surely worthy of especial remembrance."
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Political
Patriotism
What keywords are associated?
Washington Inauguration
1789
Anniversary
Government Startup
Mount Vernon
New York
Oath Of Office
Literary Details
Title
Fifty Years Ago.
Subject
Fiftieth Anniversary Of George Washington's Inauguration
Key Lines
It Is Just Fifty Years This Day Since The Inauguration Of George Washington As President Of The United States, When This Government Of Ours Went Fully Into Operation.
On The 30th Of April, He Took The Oath Of Office In The Presence Of Both Houses Of Congress And A Great Assembly Of The People; On Which Occasion, After The Administration Of The Oath, R. R. Livingston Cried Aloud "God Save George Washington, President Of The United States!" And All The People Said Amen.
The Fiftieth Anniversary Of Such A Day Is Surely Worthy Of Especial Remembrance.