The inauguration speech given to both Houses in Congress by George Washington on 30 April 1789

On the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City on 30 April 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States.

Congress had voted to pay Washington $25,000 a year to be the president, but he initially declined a salary as he believed in the idea of selfless public servants.

However, he did eventually accept the wage, as Congress did not wish to create the idea that only wealthy people could become predient.

To mark this historic day, here is the speech that Washington made to the Senate and the House of Representatives on 30 April 1789.

Chester Chronicle – Friday 26 June 1789

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