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"May the God who guides the migratory birds in their flight, and who holds within the hollow of his hand the destinies of men, guide and guard you, and keep all Texas aright."
Next Mrs. Ferguson came forward. Her inaugural speech was less than seven minutes in length. Quoth she:
"By the decree of our Supreme Court we women have been recognized and admitted into all the rights and privileges of citizenship.** Many women will be invited to take an active part in this Administration. Let us give to Texas the best there is in us. Let us render full service, not so much because we are women, but because we are citizens, who are now equal to stand side by side with men for equal rights and equal justice to all.
"With love for all, with malice toward none, trusting in God, I consecrate my life to Texas."
A guardsman in a window signalled to the artillery without. Within there were shouts, applause. Mrs. Ferguson began to smile. People rushed up to shake hands with the Governess. Flowers were piled upon her. She was inaugurated. That night, there were three great balls and a reception to amuse the thousands who congested the city. Mrs. Ferguson was kept up late. Mrs. Ferguson and her consort with their grandson led three grand marches. Next morning, the Governess and her husband arrived at the Executive Office together. Mrs. Ferguson took the Governor's chair, her husband took a small desk at her right.
"Governor," declared Mr. Ferguson, "I think you first should consider the matter of extending the parole of the penitentiary convict, Sylvester Montalbano."
"You look over the papers in the case and tell me what you think about it."
Mrs. Ferguson made answer. The parole was extended.
Mrs. Ferguson spent only the morning at her office and then went home to superintend the moving of her things into the Executive Mansion. Mr. Ferguson stayed behind to take care of things at the office, moving over to sit in his wife's chair.
*It was suggested that this was a reference to Mr. Ferguson, said to be the only Governor of Texas ever impeached.
†The Fergusons opposed Woodrow Wilson's policies.
**When Texas rejected the 19th Amendment, the Fergusons joined in the opposition. Mr. Ferguson, in his forceful vernacular, told just what he thought of women who wanted to vote.