Show INAUGURATION HAD TO WAIT Why George Washington Washington Was Not ot Formally Made President Until I April 30 In 1789 Although March l 4 is the date set bylaw by bylaw law for the ceremony of the Inauguration tion of our presidents there was one Qc occasion aslon when the r rule le was was wasn n not f observed observed ob ob- served for George Georgo Washington was was inaugurated Inaugurated inaugurated In in- on April 30 1789 instead Instead 0 of March 4 4 v When the Constitution hod h had d' d been been ratified by the requisite number of 01 states the Continental congress congress' ss' ss by resolution of of Sept September niber 13 1788 set et ethe the he first Wednesday sd ly of the following March March 4 1789 as t the e time for fOJ commencing proceedings under th the new form form of g government Owing to delays of various kinds such as as d difficulties es of travel etc members mem members bers of the first congress were very veri slow to assemble in New York and a n quorum of both houses was not obtained obtained obtained ob ob- until April 6 The counting of the electoral vote the tion of Washington of his election t to his high office and his journey from Mount Vernon to New York took until April 23 and his inauguration was set for tor April 30 His term of office was however construed construed construed con con- as having commenced on March 4 the date set by the Continental con con- congress congress Cori gress for the inauguration ot the v ne new government and so it came to an end end endon on March 4 17 3 although it lacked nearly early two twp months of the four years provided for by the Constitution New York Times |