In his inaugural address, Wilson made clear his vision of the United States and its people as an exemplary moral force: "Nowhere else in the world have noble men and women exhibited in more striking forms the beauty and the energy of sympathy and helpfulness and counsel in their efforts to rectify wrong, alleviate suffering, and set the weak in the way of strength and hope".[1] No inaugural balls were held to celebrate, as Wilson found them inappropriate for the occasion.[2]
The day before his inauguration, Wilson expected crowds to meet him at the train station when he arrived in Washington.[3] However, more people were watching the Woman Suffrage Procession organized by Alice Paul.[3]
