FINAL REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Inaugural Ceremonies 
 
 OF MARCH 4, 1885, 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE. 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 C. VV. Brown, Printer, 923 F St., N. W. 
 
 1885. 
 
f«f F 
 

 2? 
 
 5^ 
 
 FINAL REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Inaugural Ceremonies of March 4, 1885. 
 
 The ceremonies, for which this committee was appointed 
 to make proper arrangements, having occurred, and the work 
 of the Committee accomplished, it is proper that a final 
 report — a brief account of its stewardship — be given. 
 
 The inauguration of a President has become an occasion 
 thought fit to be marked by ceremonies of no ordinary 
 character. The fact, that in obedience to the will of the 
 people, one man quietly surrenders to another tlie office of 
 Chief Executive of fifty million people, whom they have 
 designated by their ballots to receive the trust, is a living 
 proof of the strength of our institutions — that this is " a 
 government of the people, by the people, and for the peo- 
 ple." It is therefore proper that the day of such an event 
 should be a holiday, even a national holiday, and marked 
 at the Nation's Capital, at least, by impressive ceremonies. 
 
 Such an occasion, however, involves a vast amount of 
 labor and responsibility- The National Democratic Com- 
 mittee, in the exercise of their right, appointed the follow- 
 ing committee of fifty to carry out the necessary arrange- 
 ments for Inaugural Ceremonies : 
 
 Col. Jas. G. Berret. 
 W. W. Corcoran. 
 P. H. Sheridan, 
 
 General U. S. A. 
 
 J). D. Porter, 
 
 Admiral V. S. N. 
 
 Thos. J. Fisher. 
 L. Z. Leiter. 
 
 W. H. Clagett. 
 F. A. Richardson. 
 
 S. V. NiLES. 
 
 R. 0. Holtzman. 
 Thos. J. Luttrell. 
 E. Francis Riggs. 
 John W. Thompson. 
 
 10 inf. 
 
C. li. r. Rogers, 
 
 Rear-AdmH U. S. N. 
 
 Prof. Spencer F. Baird. 
 William M. Galt. 
 Martin F. Morris. 
 Dr. Jos. M. Toner, 
 Albert A. Wilson, 
 John L. Worden, 
 
 Jiear-Adm'l U. S. N. 
 
 CiiAS. C. Glover. 
 John E, Norris. 
 l)i-. Dan'l B. Clarke. 
 James E. Harvey. 
 Geo, a. McIlhenney. 
 Chauncey McKeever, 
 
 General U. S. A. 
 
 Jas. L. Barbour. 
 Watson Boyle. 
 Chas. G. McCawley, 
 
 Colonel U. S. M. C. 
 
 Walter D. Davidge. 
 Henry A. Willard. 
 
 Geo. W. Cochran. 
 Curtis J. Hillyer. 
 Henry H. Dodge. 
 Frank Hume. 
 H. Grafton Dulany. 
 Sam'l E. Wheatley. 
 James P. Willett. 
 Jas. C. Welling, LL. D. 
 Frederick B. McGuire. 
 Stilson Hutchins. 
 Geo. W. Adams. 
 Lawrence Gardner. 
 Garrett J. Lydecker, 
 
 Major U. S. A. 
 
 John G. Parke, 
 
 General U. S. A. 
 
 Henry Wise Garnett. 
 
 F. L. Moore. 
 
 Chas. M. Matthews. 
 
 John M. Sims. 
 
 Dr. R. S. L. Walsh. 
 
 James L. Norris. 
 
 This committee immediately organized, electing the fol- 
 lowing officers: 
 
 Chairman, Col. James G. Berret, 
 
 1st Vice Chairman, M. F. Morris, Esq. 
 
 2(1 Vice Chairman, Rear-Admiral C. R. P. Rogers, 
 
 M Vice Chairman, John E. Norris, Esq. 
 
 4^/i Vice Chairman, Gen'l C. McKeever. 
 
 Secretarij, Mr, James E. Harvey. 
 
 Treasurer, Mr. Charles C. Glover. 
 
 This committee delegated their authority to a Conmiittee 
 of Fifteen, designated the " Executive Committee," en- 
 trusting to it the general supervision of all sub-committees, 
 
the filling of vacancies thereon, the definition of their duties, 
 the authorization of expenditures, etc., which was organized 
 as follows: 
 
 William M. Galt, Chairman. 
 
 DoRSEY Clagett, Secretary. 
 
 Lawrence Gardner, Corresponding Secretary. 
 Gen'l C. McKeever. a. A. Wilson, 
 
 James P. Willett. Stilson Hutchins. 
 
 Curtis J. Hillyer. Fred. B. McGuire. 
 
 Tiios. J. Fisher. Wm. H. Clagett. 
 
 II. A. Willard. Sam'l V. Niles. 
 
 Watson Boyle. Thos. J. Luttrell. 
 
 James L. Norris. 
 
 with headquarters, 1317 F St., N. W.. 
 
 To aid and assist the Executive Committee in the multi- 
 plicity of details of the various matters and wants to be 
 arranged and provided for, and to act therein under the 
 supervision of the Executive Committee, a number of sub- 
 committees were appointed as follows: 
 
 Finance Committee, 
 
 Chairman, Levi Z. Leiter, 
 
 with a membership embracing many distinguished and re- 
 sponsible citizens of our own and sister cities. This sub- 
 committee soon got actively and zealously to work, and early 
 secured subscriptions to the guarantee fund sufficient to 
 warrant the large expenditures necessary to the elaborate 
 plans so successfully carried out. 
 
 Reception Committee. 
 
 Chairman, Mb. W. W. Corcoran, 
 
 with a membership embracing the entire Federal and Dis- 
 trict Judiciary, the Commissioners of the District, many of 
 
the leading Federal officials, civil, military and naval, many 
 of our best citizens, and distinguished representatives of 
 each State and Territory of the Union. This committee 
 extended courtesies to the President and Vice-President 
 elect on their arrival in our city, and to the invited guests 
 at the ball. 
 
 Military Organizations. 
 
 Chairman, Col. Wm. G. Moore. 
 
 This committee had charge of the visiting military. The}' 
 met the various military organizations on their arrival, es- 
 corted them to comfortable quarters, and saw generally to 
 their wants. Their work was performed most creditably, 
 and of the many thousand troops who participated in the 
 ceremonies, numbers have acknowledged their obligation to 
 this committee for attentions which did so much to make 
 their visit pleasant and memorable. 
 
 Civic Organizations. 
 
 Chairman, Thomas J. Luttrell. 
 
 The duties of this committee as to visiting civic organiza- 
 tions were similar to those of the committee last mentioned 
 as to military organizations, and were performed in a 
 creditable manner. 
 
 The large number of handsomely uniformed civilians was 
 an interesting feature of the parade, far excelling all for- 
 mer displays of a similar character. 
 
 Transportation. 
 
 Chairman, Henry L. Biscoe. 
 
 This committee conferred and corresponded with the 
 transportation lines of the country, with the view of securing 
 the lowest rates for round-trip tickets to this city from all 
 
points of the country, and succeeded in obtaining such low 
 and favorable rates that thousands visited the city who 
 would not otherwise have done so. Their intelligent action 
 and success was shown in the largely increased number of 
 visitors over any previous inauguration. 
 
 Hacks. 
 
 XJhairman, A. A. Wilson. 
 
 This committee made arraTigements with the hack and 
 €ab proprietors of the city, which insured suitable and satis- 
 factory service at reasonable rates on the night of the ball, 
 prevented crowding and confusion by arranging for tickets 
 entitling the holder to take the first carriage in line. In 
 this work the committee received the cordial co-operation 
 of the owners of vehicles, and is entitled to the commenda- 
 tion that has been so generously accorded it by the patrons 
 of the ball. 
 
 Public Comport. 
 
 Chairman, CoL. L. P. Wright, 
 
 obtained lists of parties willing to provide quarters for, 
 and cater to, visitors during the rush incident to the inau- 
 guration, the number each could accommodate, the quality 
 of the accommodations offered, and the rates therefor. To 
 this committee numerous letters of inquiry were referred 
 from parties proposing to visit the city, which were promptly 
 answered, enabling such visitors to make their arrangements 
 in advance. The certainty of having comfortable accom- 
 modations secured for them induced many to come who 
 possibly would not have done so had any uncertainty ex- 
 isted as to these matters. 
 
 The committee likewise arranged at the depots a corps 
 of messengers competent to escort arriving strangers to their 
 quarters without embarrassment. It is due to these well- 
 
6 
 
 directed efforts that many thousands of our visitors were 
 well received and all provided for comfortably. The com- 
 mendatory letters from numerous of our recent visitors 
 from all parts of the country, expressing their thanks for the 
 courtesies, proclaim the valuable services rendered, while 
 no complaint as to loss of any article at their quarters, 
 or dissatisfaction therewith, has been made, notwithstand- 
 ing the fact that this committee provided quarters for 
 53,895 persons. 
 
 Public Order, 
 
 Chairman, Noble D. Larneb, 
 
 co-Operated and counselled with the District Commissioners 
 in considering regulations necessary to the good order of 
 the city. It secured the appointment of a large body of 
 extra police, and the necessary order for keeping the streets 
 clear for the passage of the procession. Its duties were dis- 
 charged faithfully, intelligently and successfully. 
 
 Press, 
 
 Chairman, F. A. Richardson. 
 
 This committee made suitable arrangements for the fur- 
 therance of the work for which numerous journalists, repre- 
 senting papers in all parts of the country, visited the city, 
 securing and fitting up a " pressroom " at the Pension Build- 
 ing, where, on the night of the ball, they could promptly 
 prepare their dispatches and reports. It is needless to add 
 that the press of the country was w^ell served. 
 
 Public Decoration, Public Illumination, and Fire- Works. 
 
 Chairman, James L. Norris. 
 
 This committee had charge of public decorations, fire- 
 works, and public illumination. Although no uniform plan 
 
of public decoration could be settled upon as practical, the 
 members of this committee visited every house on the 
 Avenue, requesting and urging upon the occupants the pro- 
 priety and desirability of extensive decoration, obtaining 
 promises from nearly all that their houses should be decor- 
 ated. This mode of procedure undoubtedly induced the 
 general and brilliant decoration so extensive and noticeable 
 along the route of the procession. 
 
 The committee entered into correspondence with all the 
 leading pyrotechnists of the country, and received from 
 them plans and estimates for a display of lire-works on the 
 evening of the 4th. After much care and consideration, a 
 contract was made with the Unexcelled Fire-Works Com- 
 pany, of New York, with the result that on the evening -of 
 the 4th there was given a display' of fire-works unexampled 
 in the history of this city, and rarely, if ever, excelled in 
 the whole country, which afforded unalloyed pleasure and 
 satisfaction to the many thousand spectators thronging 
 Pennsj'lvania Avenue and the vacant spaces south of the 
 White House and Treasury. 
 
 In addition, it devoted much time, care and thought 
 to the problem of a proper illumination of the Avenue 
 and the various streets and approaches leading to the 
 Pension Building. Clusters of colored lights were sub- 
 stituted for the ordinary gas burners on the street lamps 
 of the Avenue, producing an ornamental effect during 
 the day and night, while on the Avenue and other streets 
 they placed nearly one hundred powerful calcium lights, 
 giving to such streets for some hours almost a daylight 
 appearance. It also massed at the Pension Building and on 
 the immediate approaches thereto a large number of such 
 lights, which were kept burning from nine o'clock in the 
 evening till daylight, making the exterior of the building 
 and its vicinity as light as day, thus adding to the comfort 
 and security of those attending the ball. 
 
Public Reservations and Stands, 
 
 Chairman, WiLLIAM DiCKSON. 
 
 This committee was entrusted with the duty of supervis- 
 ing or arranging for the construction of stands along the 
 line of procession. It obtained permission to have stands 
 erected on the public reservations, and took care that the 
 safety and comfort of the public patronizing them should 
 be full}^ regarded. The consequence was that thousands 
 were enabled to secure eligible places for reviewing the pa- 
 geant at reasonable rates, and the success of the plans and 
 precautions of the committee added largely to the pleasure 
 of the multitude. 
 
 It also placed a Grand Reviewing Stand in front of the 
 White House, capable of seating over seven hundred 
 persons, from which President Cleveland reviewed the 
 inaugural procession. It was handsomely and appropri- 
 ately decorated, principally with national colors in various 
 forms. Tickets thereto were issued to the incoming and re- 
 tiring Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Cabinet, to the mem- 
 bers of the Diplomatic Corps, to many of the Senators and 
 members of the House of Representatives, and to Hon. "W. 
 H. Barnum, chairman of the National Democratic Com- 
 mittee, for the members of that committee and their guests. 
 
 Badges. 
 
 chairman^ James P. WiLLKT, 
 
 designed and provided the distinguishing badges for the 
 various committees. This duty was discharged with good 
 taste, and the series of badges were remarkable for their 
 beauty and fitness. 
 
 Auditing. 
 
 Chairman, WiLLIAM H. Clagett. 
 
 This committee has faithfully audited the large volume 
 
of receipts and expenditures which, owing to the great num- 
 ber of items and vouchers, has required great care and much 
 time. The promptness of the committee and the business 
 intelligence of its members have been of great service to 
 the Executive Committee, and thanks are due them therefor. 
 
 Ball-T?oom. 
 
 The work of preparing the Pension Building so as to fit 
 it for the duties assigned to the various sub-committees con- 
 nected with the arrangements for the ball devolved on the 
 Executive Committee. It may be stated here that the 
 securement and preparation of a suitable building for the 
 customary Inauguration Ball and President's Reception con- 
 stituted no small portion of the burden resting upon the 
 committee. After full consideration of many plans, the 
 choice was made of the new and spacious Pension Building, 
 in course of erection in Judiciary Square. Its ample court, 
 embracing more than an acre of surface, it was seen would 
 give the necessary floor surface, while the surrounding rooms 
 would afford ample accommodations for supper, retiring, re- 
 ception and office rooms. 
 
 Although, so far as the purpose was concerned, it consisted 
 really of only four bare walls, without flooring or roof- 
 ing, windows or doors in position, or means of heating and 
 lighting, and that, therefore, a large and an unusual increase 
 in expense to fit it for the purpose would be entailed, it was 
 nevertheless determined to use it, and by permission of the 
 Government the committee was given immediate and full 
 possession. 
 
 The first problem was how to roof at the lowest expense so 
 large a space, 400 by 200 feet, in such maimer as to be weather- 
 proof and able to stand the changes so frequent and apt to oc- 
 cur in March. On this point the committee sought the coun- 
 sel of some experienced and eminent gentlemen, who ad- 
 vised that a canvas roof properly secured, would suflfice. 
 
10 
 
 Application for such material was thereupon made to Hon. 
 W. E, Chandler, Secretary of the Xavy, who kindly and 
 promptly furnished the material, detailing an accomplished 
 officer of the Navy, Commander li. C. Taylor, to superin- 
 tend the Avork, and placing at his disposal the mechanics, 
 sail-makers, and riggers of the navy -yard for use in the work. 
 
 This roof, 1)}' the cordial co-operation of the Secretar}^ of 
 the Navy and Commander Taylor, was promptly finished at 
 small expense to the committee. A severe wind-storm dur- 
 ing the following night demonstrated its impracticability. 
 
 During the progress of the work on this roof doubt of 
 its efficiency had arisen in the mind of your chairman, lead- 
 ing to his seeking a conference on the matter with Mr. 
 Thomas W. Smith, an extensive lumber dealer of this city, 
 at which conference Mr. Smith made a rough sketch of the 
 old truss-roof plan, explaining how thereby the space might 
 be reliably and safely roofed. 
 
 After the wind had disposed of the canvas roof, it be- 
 came necessary to immediately adopt some other plan and 
 vigorously execute it. Accordingly within six hours your 
 chairman, in view of the emergency — an emergency threat- 
 ening failure of the ball — held consultations with Mr. Smith, 
 and urged him to quickly mature his plans, and ascertain if 
 sufficient material could be secured for a complete roofing. 
 Detailed drawings, illustrating Mr. Smith's plans, were im- 
 mediately prepared by Mr. J. L. Parsons, and the plan, with 
 illustrative drawings, were submitted the same day to the 
 committee and fully considered, and thereupon an order for 
 the immediate erection of a board roof, supported by trusses 
 and covered with felt, was given, notwithstanding the ad- 
 verse opinions of several prominent architects and the fact 
 that such a roof involved an immensely greater expense 
 than had ever been contemplated. In view of the limited 
 time, (it being then February 10th,) the committee felt 
 that there was no other alternative. This judgment was 
 sustained by the result, for in about eight working days 
 
11 
 
 after the disaster, to the great relief as well as pardonable 
 pride of the committee, a firm, substantial roof was com- 
 pleted. 
 
 During the roofing and flooring of the building, your 
 chairman, with members of the committee, was constantly 
 present during the day and a portion of the night un- 
 til these primarily necessary works were completed, aid- 
 ing, cheering, advising, hastening the workmen, and often 
 during the critical period lending a baud at the manual part 
 of the labor, and this notwithstanding the severe weather 
 and in a building devoid of heating apparatus, doors and 
 windows. 
 
 In all the labors of the committee, Commander Taylor 
 rendered valuable, willing, and intelligent aid, and to his 
 energy and ability we are largely indebted for escape from 
 defeat. The thanks of the General and Executive Commit- 
 tees are especially due to him. 
 
 But not alone the matter of roofing this enormous space 
 occupied the attention of the committee; flooring, lighting, 
 heating, etc., were considered and provided. Frozen 
 ground and rubbish were dug down, hauled away or leveled 
 in order that the fl(wr might be laid; windows and doors 
 were gotten into place, passable approaches from the streets 
 to the building were prepared. At length and in seasonable 
 time the building was in condition for the sub-committee 
 appointed to take charge of various details to proceed with 
 their duties. 
 
 Your committee are under great obligations to Gei\. 
 M. C. Meigs, architect of the Pension Building, for the 
 valuable assistance he rendered them. He did everything 
 in his power to promote the success of their labors. 
 
 Decoration. 
 
 Chairman, E. G. Davis. 
 
 The decoration of so large a space, the hiding and rend- 
 ering beautiful such a vast expanse of rough brick-work was 
 
12 
 
 not an easy task. Mistakes eonld be easily made even in 
 parts only which would destroy the beauty of the general 
 effect aimed at. No such mistakes, however, were made. 
 The committee carefully considered the plana, and saw them 
 faithfully carried out. The size of the hall, the taste and 
 elegance of the decorations, formed a spectacle believed 
 never to have been surpassed in a ball-room, and called 
 forth the highest encomiums of the Diplomatic Corps, also 
 of our own distinguished fellow-citizens. 
 
 Illumination of the Ball-Room. 
 
 Chairman, John A. Baker, 
 
 adopted such plans that the ball-room and the adjacent 
 rooms were brilliantly illuminated, so that all could enjoy 
 the full effect of the decorations and the picturesque appear- 
 ance of the gayly-dressed throng of visitors. 
 
 Music. 
 
 Chairman, JaMES P. WiLLETT. 
 
 The committee secured the famous Germania Orchestra, 
 of Philadelphia, one hundred pieces, Charles M. Schmitz, 
 conductor; Henry Fehling, Jr., assistant conductor, to sup- 
 ply the dancing music ; and the Marine Band, John Philip 
 Sousa, director, the promenade music. The music was all 
 that could be desired. 
 
 Floor and Promenade. 
 
 Chairman, W. A. GoKDON, 
 
 had charge of the dancing-floor, and promenade. The 
 chairman divided the floor into twelve sections, each in 
 charge of a chief and sub-committee, and by their admirable 
 arrangements the extended programme was enabled to be 
 carried out in the vast hall without confusion or embarrass- 
 ing delays. 
 
IS 
 
 if . 
 
 Ball Tickets. 
 
 Chairman, Feed. B. McGuire, 
 
 had charge; of the distribution and sale of the ball tickets^ 
 a work involving great pecuniary responsibility. It made 
 intelligent arrangements for their sale, taking such steps 
 therefor that no one who desired to purchase a ticket could 
 fail to readily and conveniently find one on sale. At the 
 same time every precaution was taken, and successfully, that 
 the full benefit of the sales should reach the committee. 
 
 Cloak Koom. 
 
 Chairman^ JaMES E- BeLL, 
 
 with a corps of assistants from the letter carriera of this 
 city, managed this department so well and faithfully that 
 the hats, w^raps, etc., of guests were perfectly secure, yet 
 readily attainable. The system devised and executed by 
 Mr. Bell was so perfect that not a single article was lost, 
 a fact unparalleled, we think, in the history of any previ- 
 ous public gathering of even a fraction of the size of this 
 grand assembly. 
 
 Ball-Room 1'rogramme and Supper. 
 
 Chairman, StILSON HuTCHINS, 
 
 provided a dancing programme of numbers, sufticiently 
 diversified to afibrd the greatest enjoyment, and was a 
 marvel of good judgment. It made arrangements for a 
 supper, which was furnished at a fixed rate. The arrange- 
 ments were faithfully carried out, the viands and service 
 both good, and unmistakably ranked above the average of 
 those furnished at large gatherings. 
 
 Ball Tickets and Invitations. 
 Upon the other duties that devolved upon the committee 
 
14 
 
 • 
 
 was the preparation of a ticket for the .ball. It was felt that 
 for such occasions this ticket should be a work of art, fin- 
 ished in the best style, surpassing, if possible, any previous 
 elforts on similar occasions, and able to stand rigid scrutiny 
 and criticism. 
 
 To secure these ends, the members of the committee gave 
 much time and thought to the subject, and it was a matter 
 of frequent discussion. Each contributed suggestions, and 
 from wiiicli finally came the design adopted — in reality a 
 work of art — fit to be. associated with artistic and cherished 
 souvenirs as a memento of this memorable inauguration. 
 
 Chief Marshal. 
 
 Great praise is due Gen'l H. W. Slocum, Chief Marshal, 
 for the admirable manner in which he directed the vast 
 number of troops and organizations composing the inaugural 
 procession. It was owing to his great military skill and 
 executive ability that no delays occurred and that the line 
 of march was unbroken, while the general appearance and 
 conduct of those taking part in the parade were such as to 
 call forth the highest encomiums from the great number of 
 persons who witnessed the grand procession. 
 
 Resume. 
 
 It Avill be seen from this resume of these various sub- 
 committees, each of which reported constantly to and Avas 
 under the supervision of the Executive Committee, that 
 the labors of this committee were by no means light, but in 
 fact, enormous, and engrossed for weeks almost the entire 
 time and attention of its members, to the virtual neglect 
 of their own business. They have also since then been al- 
 most as actively engaged in settling up the matters and ac- 
 counts connected therewith. 
 
 The committee had placed to their credit by the Treasurer, 
 
15 
 
 J2,125.50, contributed 
 
 110 
 
 00 
 
 25 
 
 00 
 
 25 
 
 00 
 
 25 
 
 00 
 
 40 
 
 00 
 
 40 
 
 00 
 
 50 
 
 00 
 
 287 
 
 50 
 
 500 
 
 00 
 
 3,270 
 
 00 
 
 17,853 
 
 00 
 
 i;22,125 
 
 50 
 
 C. C. Glover, a guarantee fund of 
 as follows : 
 
 Virginia 
 
 Michigan 
 
 Pennsylvania 
 
 Maryland 
 
 West Virginia 
 
 North Carolina 
 
 Montana 
 
 Kentucky 
 
 Louisiana 
 
 New York 
 
 District of Columbia 
 
 Total 
 
 It also received through the Treasurer from various other 
 sources the sum of $47,724.16, making the total receipts 
 109,849.66. 
 
 The disbursements incident to the ceremonies have been • 
 ^47,806.63, and the repayments on account of the guarantee 
 fund to the subscribers thereto, $22,125.50, making the total 
 disbursements $69,932.13. Present deficiency, $82.47, with 
 an asset more than ample to meet it. 
 
 All just liabilities have been paid in full, the subscrip- 
 tions to the guarantee fund returned to the subscribers, and 
 there is not a dollar due on account of the work of the 
 committee. 
 
 The Treasurer. 
 
 All money raised for the use of the committee was received 
 throucfh him and disbursed on checks signed bv the Chair- 
 man and Secretary. He reported daily the names of con- 
 tributors and the amounts contributed, so that the committee 
 was at all times posted as to its financial condition. In this 
 
16 
 
 connection it is due that the thanks of the committee be 
 returned to its Treasurer, Chas. C. Glover, Esq. 
 
 Contributors, 
 
 It will be noticed that of the sums phiced at the disposal 
 of the committee, $17,853 was contributed by citizens of 
 this District, In this they again gave proof, as they have 
 in the past, that in all public matters dependent upon their 
 general good will and in the manifestation of that good 
 will, they were prompt, active and generous in their con- 
 tributions. In addition to the pecuniary aid given, the press 
 and the citizens en masse took great interest and pride in 
 the work of the committee. 
 
 The Weather. 
 
 It was a source of gratification that the weather was so 
 propitious. After weeks of cold, stormy weather, inaugura- 
 tion week followed balmy, clear and almost spring-like. On 
 the day itself, the sun and sky were so propitious that the 
 multitude could be out and spend the day in the open air 
 without discomfort. In all the history- of inauguration days 
 it is not remembered that there was before one in which 
 everything so combined to make the occasion pleasantly 
 more memorable. 
 
 The committee spared no expense to carry out in every 
 part the design of making the ceremonies attendant upon the 
 Inauguration commensurate with the dignity of the occa- 
 sion, befitting a great national day. It required that every- 
 thing should be of the best attainable character, and it is 
 believed that the arrangements were more elaborate, novel, 
 elegant and enjoyable than on an}^ previous similar occasion. 
 
 Our labors ended, our tasks completed, it must be a con- 
 
17 
 
 solation to each member of the committee to reflect that no 
 duty was neglected or shirked^ neither was ettbrt spared for 
 the happy results attained 5 that each member vied with his 
 brother members in the strife, only to see which should do 
 the most, and work the hardest to insure success. And we 
 may say that every member of the committee has, and 
 always will have, just pride in having been one of the 
 committee for the Presidential inauguration of 1885. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 WM. M. GALT, 
 
 Chairman Executive Committee. 
 
 Washington, D. C, i¥rt)T7i 30, 1885. 
 
RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE. 
 
 Monday, March 30, 1885. 
 
 The General Committee met at 8 o'clock, the Chairman, 
 Col, James G. Berret, in the chair, Mr. James E. Harvey, 
 Secretary. 
 
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
 
 William M. Gait, Esq., Chairman of the Executive Com- 
 mittee, submitted his final report, in writing, as above, which 
 was read. 
 
 Mr. John E. Norris submitted the following resolution, 
 which was unanimously agreed to: 
 
 The General Committee, appointed by the National Dem- 
 ocratic Committee to prepare and conduct the ceremonies 
 of the inauguration of the President and Vice-President on 
 the 4th of March, 1885, have heard with approval the report 
 read to-night by William M. Gait, Esq., Chairman of the 
 Executive Committee, on the acts and doings of his own and 
 the sub-committees acting under it, desire hereby to attest 
 our high appreciation of the consummate manner in which 
 they have respectively performed the duties they assumed, 
 and to express their approval of the said report, and to return 
 our thanks, and the thanks of the people of the District, for 
 the ability, energy and success of their efforts; Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we tender our especial thanks to the Chair- 
 man of the Executive Committee, William M. Gait, Esq., 
 and our thanks to the Executive Committee, and each of 
 the sub-committees as named in the said report, for their 
 conduct in the premises. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the General Committee are 
 due to Gen. H. W. Slocum, Chief Marshal, for his admirable 
 disposition of the procession, and the orderly conduct of the 
 entire proceeding. 
 
19 
 
 The secretary was requested to transmit to each of the 
 gentlemen a duly attested copy of these resolutions. 
 
 On motion, it was further resolved that a vote of thanks 
 are hereby tendered Col. Jas. G. Berret, chairman, and Jas. 
 E. Harvey, secretary, of the General Committee ; also to 
 Lawrence Gardner, corresponding secretary; Dorsey Clagett, 
 secretary, and C. C. Glover, treasurer, of the Executive 
 Committee ; and that the secretary of the General Com- 
 mittee, Mr. J. E. Harvey, be requested to present to these 
 gentlemen a properly attested copy. 
 
 Also a vote of thanks to Col. Thos. L. Casey, Col. A. F. 
 Kockwell, Lieut. R. N. Batchelder, Lieut. Edwin S. Curtis, 
 Hon. M. L. Josslyn, and the Commissioners of the District 
 for courtesies to the various committees. 
 
 The Committee then adjourned sine die. 
 
 Printed May 15, 18 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
 002 495 786 
 
 H