Video: 'James A. Garfield's Final Address (Full Audiobook)'

(Friday, March 4, 1881, approximately noon local time) — Former U.S. Representative James A. Garfield, 49, of Ohio was inaugurated today as the 20th president of the United States at the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., with Chief Justice Morrison Waite administering the oath of office.

Chairman of the New York Republican Party Chester A. Arthur, 51, was inaugurated as the 20th vice president of the United States.

In his inaugural address, Garfield denounced attempts to impede African-American suffrage, expressed his confidence in the gold standard, warned against the dangers of high rates of illiteracy, and admonished the practice of polygamy by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Outgoing President Rutherford B. Hayes and outgoing Vice President William A. Wheeler, both Republicans, did not seek re-election to second terms of office.

Garfield and Arthur, both Republicans, had defeated the Democratic ticket of Major general
of the U.S. Army Winfield Scott Hancock and former U.S. Representative William H. English of Indiana in the 1880 presidential election.