TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION

Chronicle (Levin), 21 January 1949, Page 5

TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION

(N.Z.P.A^

-^Revfer*

Truman Leads Democrats To White House

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Received-Friday, 11.15 a.m. WASHINGTON, Jan. 20. President Truman led the triumphant Democrats to the White House today at the head of a rip-roaring inaugural parade. "The Man from Missouri" rode down Pennsylvania Avenue from Capitol Hill to martial music, the thunder of plahes and the cheers of hundreds of thousands of spectators. At President T-ruman's side rode the Vice-President, Mr. Alban Barkley, and behind them trailed the seven-mile procession of 40,000 marchers in uniform and mufti. President Truman and Mr. Barkley dropped out of the parade in front of the White House to take the salute. President Truman was sworn in by Mr. Justice Vinson on a large platf'orm immediately after Mr. Barkley had been sworn in as Vice-President. President Truman stepped to the microphone amid band flourishes and repeated the oath, whereto he added, "So help me God." He began the inaugural address: "I accept with humility the honour which the American people have conferred upon me. I accept it with the deep resolve to do;all I can for the welfare of this nation and for the peace of the world." A crowd estimated at 120,000 gathered in the winter sunshine at the Capitol. Hundreds of thousands more lined the route to the White House, where the President was given a vociferous welcome.