"Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief
Justice: 'I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United
States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend
the Constitution of the United States.' This is the obligation I have
reverently taken before the Lord Most High. To keep it will be my single
purpose, my constant prayer, and I shall confidently rely upon the
forbearance and assistance of all the people in the discharge of my solemn
responsibilities."

When the speech was made, the main work of the day was over.

After this came the great parade; the new and old Presidents were escorted
back to the White House, in front of which a stand had been erected. From
this stand the new President reviewed the parade.

This took two hours and a half to pass, and consisted of National
Guardsmen from every State in the Union, a division of the regular army
and navy, clubs and organizations, and a division of Indian cadets from
the Government School at Carlisle.