presence of the imposing military and civil
procession which had escorted him with music and banners. When the
ceremony was concluded, the distinguished personages around the new
President tendered their congratulations, the assembled multitude
cheered, and a salute fired by a light battery stationed near by was
echoed by the guns at the navy yard, the arsenal, and the forts around
the metropolis.

Republicans congratulated each other on the indications of a vigorous
administration, governed by a conscientious determination to promote
harmony. But a few months had elapsed, however, before President
Garfield was cruelly assassinated, in the full vigor of his manhood, and
the Republican party was at first stricken with apprehensions. These
gloomy doubts, however, soon disappeared as the incidents of Mr.
Arthur's patriotic and useful life were recalled, and a generous
confidence was soon extended to the new President.

President Arthur took the oath of office in New York immediately after
the death of General Garfield, and he repeated it in the Capitol on the
twenty-second of September, in the Vice-President's room. The members of
General Garfield's cabinet, who had been requested by his successor to
continue for the present in charge of their respective departments, were
present, with General Sherman in full uniform, ex-Presidents Hayes and
Grant, and Chief Justice Waite in his judicial robes, escorted by
Associate Justices Harlan and Matthews. There were, also, present
Senators Anthony, Sherman, Edmunds, Hale, Blair, Dawes, and Jones, of
Nevada, and Representatives Amos Townsend, McCook, Errett, Randall,
Hiscock, and Thomas. Ex-Vice-President Hamlin, of Maine, and Speaker
Sharpe, of New York, were also present.

When President Arthur entered the room, escorted by General Grant and
Senator Jones, he advanced to a small table, on which was a Bible, and
behind which stood the Chief Justice, who raised the sacred volume,
opened it, and presented it to the President, who placed his right hand
upon it. Chief Justice Waite then slowly administered the oath, and at
its conclusion the President kissed the book, responding, "I will, so
help me God." He then read the following address:--

THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

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