The Day of Days

The Scene. In front of the Capitol of the U. S. stretched the extended plaza, filigreed with the stark boughs of trees. Overhead, clouds threateningly concealed the sun. The stands built on the innumerable steps leading down from the main entrance to the Capitol were still vacant, but the faces of the growing crowd, which already blotted out the pavement and turf in front, were turned toward the building.

It was not yet time for the inauguration, but a dignified figure in cutaway and silk hat advanced on foot. The crowd stared. "It's the President!" exclaimed a little boy "President Jefferson walked to the Capitol," added his mother dubiously.* "It isn't the President," snapped her husband.

The man advanced to where the crowd was thickest before the stands. They made way for him. He addressed a policeman who was holding the crowd back. "Is everything ready?" he asked. The policeman looked at him. "Yes, sir," he answered. "I am the President-elect," the man announced. "I am here for the inauguration."

The policeman frowned. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"I am Pearson Mitchell Stackhouse of Philadelphia," the man replied, drawing a typewritten document from his pocket. "This is my speech."

"Come along with me," ordered the policeman.

The Preparations. The details of what the President of the U. S. did early on inauguration day are not accurately known. He rose betimes. He may or may not have taken his morning ride on the automatic hobby horse. At 7:30, he. emerged from the northwest gate of the White House grounds with secret service men. He walked past the reviewing stand, still waiting for its finishing touches. He reentered the grounds at the Executive Offices. At 8:00, the White House guests sat down to breakfast in the White House dining room. They were: Colonel Coolidge, the President's father, who chatted with Mrs. Goodhue, the mother-in-law; Dr. Olds, President of Amherst; Miss Laura Skinner of Manhattan; Mrs. R. M. Hills of Northampton; Mrs. Frank W. Stearns. Mr. Stearns was absent. He had gone to the Union Station to meet John Coolidge, the President's son, who was due on a 7:30 train. The President ate in silence, wondering where the boy was. Before breakfast was finished, Mr. Stearns returned, reported the train an hour late. When John arrived some time later, Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge sat with him while he breakfasted.

Meanwhile, General Dawes having risen and dressed, went into the sitting room of his suite at the Hotel Willard where breakfast waited him at 9:00. He was just seated and beginning when word was brought to him that several delegations, including the press, wished to see him. He had them brought in and offered to share his oatmeal, ham, eggs, hot rolls and coffee with them, but they declined. He ate leisurely for about an hour, talking to his visitors. Mrs. Dawes came to warn him to be ready to start. "I'll be ready in time," he promised her.

In a few moments, he disappeared and came back with Mrs. Dawes, who was dressed in a blue* suit with hat to match. The inaugural committee was waiting in the lobby. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes entered an open car with Senator Curtis. A troop of cavalry formed as an escort and they drove around the corner to the White House.

The Cabinet members had already arrived. At 10:40, the White House guests, with the Dawes children, entered several closed motorcars and were driven away to the Capitol. A dozen cars carrying the Congressional Inaugural Committee, Cabinet members, aids, etc., lined up in the White House driveway. The President and the Vice President emerged from the White House and paused to be photographed. Mrs. Coolidge appeared in a modish ensemble suit of moonstone gray, "joseema" cloth (a sort of cross between duvetyn and kasha), with a gray fox collar. Her hat was likewise gray with a trimming of burnt goose feathers.

She entered the first car, the President sitting on her right and Senator Curtis on her left. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes entered the second car. In single file, the cars rolled out of the grounds. Outside, buglers sounded a flourish. The escort of cavalry took up its position. As the cars emerged from the gate, a waiting crowd cheered. The President looked straight ahead. Two troops of cavalry led the procession. Then came the President's car, flanked by two cars containing secret service men, with a detective standing on the running board of each. Behind, followed three troops of cavalry and the other automobiles. The procession turned the corner at the Treasury building and rounded into Pennsylvania Avenue. The cavalry took a brisk canter. The empty stands extending to 15th St. were passed. Little knots of people, gathered here and there, applauded. Thin wire cables were stretched along the curb to keep the crowd back, but were not yet necessary. Policemen stood every few feet. The President, a bit constrained, touched his hat when he was applauded. Mrs. Coolidge bowed, smiled and chatted with Senator Curtis. Mr. Dawes, in the car following, lifted his hat and smiled whenever a burst of applause was evidently aimed at him.

It was 11:15 when the cars drew up before the steps leading to the Senate wing. The President assisted his wife to alight and they went up the stairs and entered. Mr. Coolidge was escorted to the President's room, where he found a batch of last-minute bills awaiting his signature. The Cabinet and Director Lord of the Budget joined him. General Dawes was led to the Vice President's office, where Senator Cummins, President pro tempore of the Senate, welcomed him.

In the Senate. The scene shifted to the Senate chamber. After perfunctorily passing a number of minor bills, the Senate recessed to await the President's action on the bills before him. The Senators gathered on the Republican (east) side of the chamber. Extra chairs were brought in. The galleries filled early. The Senators' private gallery, converted into an executive gallery, contained in its first row Colonel Coolidge, Mrs. Goodhue, Miss Skinner, John Coolidge. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns joined them. The Dawes children (Mrs. Malcolm Ericson, and Dana and Virginia, the adopted son and daughter) sat in the second row. Beman, Rufus and Henry Dawes, brothers, were also there.

The other galleries were filled by persons who held admission cards and by the Senators and Representatives. In the back of one of them, sat George Harvey and Will H. Hays, the former bending down to talk into the latter's ear.

Governors appeared on the floor: Gifford Pinchot of Pennsylvania, dressed in Prince Albert; Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross, Governess of Wyoming, wearing mourning, came in with Senator Kendrick of her state, was applauded. She conversed with the venerable Mr. Warren, father-in-law of General Pershing, now dean of the Senate, also from Wyoming. Other Governors wandered in, most of them unknown to the galleries. Governor Ritchie of Maryland, strikingly handsome, stood out from the rest. Old Senators went around shaking hands with Governors, while new Senators assembled to be sworn in.

In a gallery, Mrs. Gillett, wife of the Speaker, soon to be wife of a Senator, appeared. There were no seats left, and a place was squeezed for her on the stairs. Senators (they were allotted only two guest seats) rushed about asking doorkeepers to find seats for their friends. Representatives (they were allotted .one guest seat) implored the doorkeepers to find a place for so and so. The gallery doors were crammed with heads of those who could not get in. Chairs were snatched up in the corridors, and some stood on them to look over the heads nearer the doors.

The Senate's recess was up; it took another of a few minutes more.

In the President's room, Air. Coolidge signed bills. The Cabinet stood around. A curious crowd peered in at the door. He signed the second Deficiency Bill. He signed innumerable minor bills. He laid out the Legislative Appropriation Bill (containing a pay raise for Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet and Vice President)-a bill which he had brought with him from the White House. But he did not sign it. He took a long drink of water. He rose and spoke in low tones with General Lord. For ten minutes, he did nothing. Finally, at 11:54, he sat down and attached his signature, laid down his pen, closed the inkwell.

Frank B. Kellogg of Minnesota, ex-Senator, ex-Ambassador to Great Britain, to be Secretary of State in a few moments, chatted with his former friends on the floor of the Senate. Mrs. Coolidge and Mrs. Dawes appeared in the executive gallery. Everyone rose when Mrs. Coolidge entered. It was just noon, but the hands of the clock were turned back ten minutes. A doorkeeper announced : "The Speaker and the House of Representatives."

Speaker Gillett and smiling Representative Longworth, his successor-to-be entered, followed by other Representatives, among them Mrs. Mae Nolan of California, retiring. Miss Alice Robertson of Oklahoma, who retired from the House two years ago was with the group. The Representatives took some time in crowding in, finding seats, and arranging themselves, or standing around the rear of the Chamber. During this interval, the Supreme Court stood in the corridor without, waiting. Ambassadors and Ministers, the Cabinet, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Supreme Court were successively ushered to seats. Most of the diplomats were in uniform, some in evening dress with decorations, one in a dinner coat.

Again the clock was set back -- this time five minutes. The Sergeant at Arms announced: "The Chairman and members of the Joint Committee on Arrangements escorting the Vice President-elect." In company with Senator Curtis, General Dawes strode up the aisle to the rostrum. Senator Cummins motioned him to his side. Mr. Dawes sat down unceremoniously and promptly rose when he saw that no one else sat down. The audience laughed out loud.

Senator Curtis had returned up the aisle.

"The President of the United States," was announced.

He entered with the Committee and his aids and was ushered to a seat just beneath the rostrum.

Senator Cummins, venerable President pro tempore, then turned to Mr. Dawes and administered the oath of office ; then, turning toward the Senate, he announced:

"Senators, it is 12 o'clock meridian (the audience again burst out laughing) of the fourth day of March, 1925, and it is my duty at this moment under the Constitution and laws of the United States to declare that the Senate of the 68th Congress is adjourned 'syne dee.'" (So the phrase sounded to the listeners.)

The Vice President seized the gavel and, with a lusty stroke called the Senate to order. The chaplain prayed. Heads were bowed.

With the "Amen," Mr. Dawes faced the chamber and began. It was obvious that he was a bit nervous. His voice was pitched high, was almost shrill. As he warmed to his speech (see Page 5) he spoke more rapidly. He pointed an accusing forefinger at the Senators grouped on the Republican side of the Chamber. He paced up and down and gesticulated fiercely. As his remarks became more pointed, a slight flush, as if of embarrassment, appeared on the face of the President. Secretary Hughes grinned. Chief Justice Taft looked puzzled. The Cabinet and Supreme Court appeared amused. The galleries tittered, then laughed outright. The Representatives took it in good part. Only the Senators were glum. Senator Reed of Missouri stifled a laugh, Senator Watson sank down in his chair; one or two showed that they were amazed. Senator Wheeler laughed mirthlessly.

But the Vice President went on, stamped across the rostrum, a lock of hair flying, his cravat bulging, paused to pound home an emphatic point upon the desk, as his voice rose almost to a shout.

He had done. The galleries applauded, but the Senators refrained. He ordered the Clerk to read the President's proclamation for the special session of the Senate then beginning. Next he directed that the names of the Senators newly elected or reelected last Fall be called, so that they might come to the desk to be sworn in.

The Clerk read: "Mr. Blease, Mr. Borah, Mr. Bratton, Mr. Brookhart."

The four advanced, each with his holdover colleague from his own state, and were sworn in.

The Clerk: "Mr, Capper, Mr. Couzens, Mr. Deneen, Mr. du Pont."

But the Vice President broke in: "Call them all up at once."

So it was done and, contrary to precedent, all the remaining 24 were sworn in together. Then, with a sweeping gesture, Mr. Dawes ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to carry out the order of the Senate for the inauguration of the President on the east front of the Capitol. The jammed galleries-all except the executive gallery-were instantly in a hurly burly as everyone rushed for the door. The floor of the Chamber emptied with almost as much confusion.

The Great Ceremony. The entire plaza before the Capitol was packed with people, more than 50,000, ex- tending far beyond ear reach. Cameramen were hastily making ready their machines on every vantage point. The threatening clouds had rolled away and it was clear and sunny. Ushers began to lead the various parties to their seats. Under the white pavilion, on the main steps, well known figures began to appear. Mrs. Coolidge, Colonel Coolidge, the President and Mr. and Mrs. Dawes joined the group behind the string of amplifiers connected with the largest radio "hookup" ever attempted-an oral connection with 20,000,000 people, it was said.

The Supreme Court filed in, all wearing black satin skull caps, except Justice McReynolds, whose bald pate, unprotected, bore the chilly breeze. Sixteen years before, at that time and place, a heavy blizzard was blowing; slush was ankle deep. On that occasion, Chief Justice Taft, now about to administer the oath of Office to the President, had taken that same oath himself, but in the Senate Chamber. The Cabinet, including Mr. Hughes, retired, appeared in their silk hats. The new Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Jardine, was with them; in the fortunes of the day, a dent had been stove in his headgear. Frank B. Kellogg was not with the Cabinet. He stood at one side with Senators Butler and Watson. At one side also were Will Hays, Colonel Harvey and Frank H. Hitchcock, who last summer managed Senator Hiram Johnson's abortive attempt to take the Republican nomination. Silk hats were everywhere in the stand, even Dick Jervis, the tall, the handsome head of the White House Secret Service men, was wearing one. There were a few exceptions. Senator Pat Harrison, for example, wore a broad brimmed black felt.

Chief Justice Taft and the President rose together. Without notes, Mr. Taft administered the brief oath: "Calvin Coolidge, do you solemnly swear that you will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of your ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help you God?"

The President's response was almost inaudible. The silver-haired clerk of the Supreme Court held out a Bible* that had been the property of the President's grandfather. A purple ribbon held it open at the first chapter of St. John. The President kissed it perfunctorily.

The President then turned toward the crowd and the microphones. He was wearing a light overcoat, but no hat. During the ensuing speech of 40 minutes, Ambassador Riano of Spain, Doyen of the Diplomatic corps, deemed it proper that he, too, should remain uncovered since the President was hatless.

Mr. Coolidge spoke in an even voice. His speech (see Page 4) was several times interrupted by applause in which no one took part more heartily than General Dawes. Those who were on the roof of the Capitol complained that the amplifiers did not carry the speech to them as well as they did four years ago. Whenever the President paused, his last words were echoed from the Senate and House wings on both sides. Possibly it was irritation from this echo that caused Senator Cole Blease, newly elected from South Carolina, to walk down the stairs from the stand in his black sombrero and disappear before the President had finished. Halfway through, the President donned his glasses, but there were no other interruptions, save for applause, until the conclusion.

After the final applause, the President and the Vice President, with their parties, entered the waiting machines and drove hastily back to the White House accompanied by an escort of cavalry. Going back, the President smiled broadly.

The Parade. A hasty buffet lunch was served at the White House and, about 20 minutes later, the parade, following over the same course from the Capitol, began to pass the White House reviewing stand. The President and Vice President with their wives occupied a glass-enclosed reviewing stand on the street before the White House. Mr. Hughes was there in a very jovial mood.

First came a police escort, then General Hines, Chief of Staff, riding alone, saluting with his sword as he passed. Soon after, he joined the President's party in the reviewing stand.

Meanwhile the Army band passed in its gray uniforms with blue and white facings. There followed cavalry, infantry, a machine gun detachment, engineers, an Army Air squadron, three batteries of artillery, 32 tanks, mobile repair shops, 60 quartermaster trucks, a regiment of marines, a regiment of sailors, every group with a band in bright uniform. Last in line were the Governors of the states.

Gifford Pinchot of Pennsylvania rode first, astride a great horse, in swallow tails and black felt hat which he swept off, bowing as he passed. The President took no notice of him, but smiled and bowed to Mrs. Pinchot, following in a car. Some 1 Governors and Lieutenant Governors followed, riding in cars. Governor Trinkle of Virginia was escorted by the Richmond Light Infantry Blues in their tight-fitting blue uniforms with high helmets and waving white ostrich plumes. Last in the procession rode Governess Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming, in a car with two other women. She leaned out and bowed. Messrs. Coolidge and Dawes lifted their hats, Mrs. Coolidge and Mrs. Dawes smiled and waved.

In just 50 minutes, the entire parade had passed, and it was still a few minutes before four o'clock in the afternoon.

The Conclusion. After the official ceremonies, the Governors and several delegations from Massachusetts were received at the White House. After dining in the evening, the President dropped in on a dinner being given by a group of members of the Massachusetts Legislature and stayed to chat for over an hour.

Four years ago, the Vice President and Mrs. Coolidge attended a private ball given by Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. McLean and later went to a charity ball at the Willard. This year the Coolidges went to no ball. But a charity ball at the new Mayflower Hotel was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Dawes. They arrived about 10:00 P. M. The orchestra struck up El Capitan and they were escorted the length of the hall behind the colors. The Vice President went down the floor rapidly followed in a more leisurely fashion by Mrs. Dawes in white crepe with a silver train. Her dress was not low necked and it had short sleeves--since she does not approve of decollete. Mr. Dawes was in high spirits during the hour that they remained. Most of the Governors and members of the Cabinet were there. Mr. Hughes received a great ovation when his face was observed in a box. The floor was flooded to the scuppers with dancers. Music and revelry--the close of an illustrious day.

*The woman was misinformed. Thomas Jefferson rode to the Capitol, tied his horse to a fence.

*Asked the color of her suit, Mrs. Dawes replied: "Navy? Midnight? No, just blue." --It was previously reported, in error, and in TIME, Mar. 9, that the President would use his family Bible. The one used was that from which the President learned to read at the age of four.