3. Presidency (1789–1797)

Presidency (1789–1797)
Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, taking the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City.^[251][o] His coach was led by militia and a marching band and followed by statesmen and foreign dignitaries in an inaugural parade, with a crowd of 10,000.^[253] Chancellor Robert R. Livingston administered the oath, using a Bible provided by the Masons, after which the militia fired a 13-gun salute.^[254] Washington read a speech in the Senate Chamber, asking "that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations—and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, consecrate the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States".^[255] Though he wished to serve without a salary, Congress insisted adamantly that he accept it, later providing Washington $25,000 per year to defray costs of the presidency.^[256]
Washington wrote to James Madison: "As the first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents be fixed on true principles."^[257] To that end, he preferred the title "Mr. President" over more majestic names proposed by the Senate, including "His Excellency" and "His Highness the President".^[258] His executive precedents included the inaugural address, messages to Congress, and the cabinet form of the executive branch.^[259]
Washington had planned to resign after his first term, but the political strife in the nation convinced him he should remain in office.^[260] He was an able administrator and a judge of talent and character, and he regularly talked with department heads to get their advice.^[261] He tolerated opposing views, despite fears that a democratic system would lead to political violence, and he conducted a smooth transition of power to his successor.^[262] He remained non-partisan throughout his presidency and opposed the divisiveness of political parties, but he favored a strong central government, was sympathetic to a Federalist form of government, and leery of the Republican opposition.^[263]
Washington dealt with major problems. The old Confederation lacked the powers to handle its workload and had weak leadership, no executive, a small bureaucracy of clerks, a large debt, worthless paper money, and no power to establish taxes.^[264] He had the task of assembling an executive department and relied on Tobias Lear for advice selecting its officers.^[265] Great Britain refused to relinquish its forts in the American West,^[264] and Barbary pirates preyed on American merchant ships in the Mediterranean at a time when the United States did not even have a navy.^[266]