Jester Inaugural  Program
Page 3

Historical

The City of Austin has seen the inauguration of every Gov-
ernor of Texas, and one president of the Republic of Texas,
as well.  The latter was the inaugural ceremonies for Sam
Houston, when he began his second term on December 13, 1841.

During the hundred and one years from the first gubernatorial
inauguration to the eve of Texas's 50th, ceremonies have ranged
from severe austerity to lavish splendor.

The inauguration of James Stephen Hogg January 20, 1891,
was a highlight of social affairs in Texas.  Dan Moody's on
January 18, 1927, drew the largest crowd up to that time in Texas
history, despite a bothersome drizzle during the day.  So many
people flocked to Austin to witness the inauguration of W. Lee
O'Daniel that the ceremonies were moved to massive Memorial
Stadium.  This was the only time a Governor was inaugurated
anywhere except in the Capitol.

On the other extreme, the wartime inaugurations of Coke
Stevenson are unsurpassed for their simplicity and lack of show
and fanfare.

But of all the 51 such ceremonies held in Austin, none has ever
been more dramatic and epic than that of J. Pinckney Hender-
son, the first governor of Texas.

Henderson's inauguration followed immediately after the
pronouncement of the death of the Republic of Texas.

On February 19, 1846, President Anson Jones stood on the
porch of the one-story, pine-timberd capitol building where
the Municipal Building now stands and spoke the immortal
words:
"The Republic of Texas is no more"

Texas had joined the United States of America.

Texans stood with mixed feelings as the Lone Star Flag was
slowly lowered.  The moment was one of intense emotion, for
the occasion was unprecedented in the history of the world.
Of its own free will a sovereign nation had chosen to give up
its sovereignty - had chosen to join forces with a group of
united states, under one government.

At that moment Gov. Henderson stepped before the crowd
and delivered his inaugural address, one of the shortest in
inaugural history.  He concluded with these words:

"We have this day fully entered the Union of the North
American States - let us give our friends who so boldly and
nobly advocated our cause, and the friends of American Liberty,
no reason to regret their efforts in our behalf.

"Henceforth the prosperity of our sister states will be our
[ CONTINUED ON PG 5 ]

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