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....