Monday dawned cold and rainy, but cleared by noon; and although so much uncertainty had hung over the results of the recent sitting of the electoral commission, the city was packed with a great inauguration throng, thirty thousand being estimated as the number of visitors. The entire route of the procession was magnificently decorated, and vociferous cheering and shouting greeted President Hayes throughout the drive to and from the Capitol. Mrs. Grant had put the mansion in perfect order, provided a day’s supply of food so that the new First Lady need not concern herself with a menu for dinner and breakfast, supervised the removal of her own effects then, as their hostess, she awaited the return of the new President and his wife, to preside for the last time over the elaborate luncheon, to which she had invited as many of the official family as possible. After the meal, which was made most jolly and informal, General and Mrs. Grant went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Fish, where they remained for several weeks completing preparations for their trip abroad. Instead of the long afternoon procession and gay ball which usually featured inauguration celebrations, there was a torchlight parade during the evening. All winter, Hayes’s supporters had been waiting to hear that he had won at the polls, so into that night-time parade they infused the pent-up enthusiasm of four months. Ten thousand torch bearers swung up Pennsylvania Avenue singing the campaign songs. Unrestrained, the serenaders marched into the White House grounds cheering “Rutherford Hayes, President of the United States,” until he appeared on the portico to greet them. Waving torches and exploding fireworks on the lawn made a brilliant scene. The reception at Willard Hotel drew a large throng who had hoped for a ball and furnished a delightful climax to the day over which there had been so many dire prophecies. The announcement of the new Cabinet brought forth the sneers of the Hayes opponents and the commendation of friends and supporters. The intellectual William M. Evarts of New York was selected as premier of the State Department. John Sherman’s (Ohio) known financial acumen was sought for the Treasury portfolio. To Carl Schurz of Missouri were confided the Interior Department problems. Richard W. Thompson, of Indiana, more of a campaigner and stump spellbinder than a naval expert, was slated to preside over the Navy. G. W. McCrary, of Iowa, a country lawyer, was first selected for Attorney General, but was finally given the post of Secretary of War, although totally unfamiliar with military affairs. General Charles Devens of Massachusetts, a gallant soldier, received the appointment as Attorney General. David M. Key, of Tennessee, as Postmaster General, represented the South. This group was dubbed the “Tea Table Cabinet” by the Tilden adherents.