Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-04-25
The Emancipation Question at St. Louis.


Justice of the Peace
The Emancipation Question at st. Louis.
INAUGURATION OF MAYOR wIMER.
The Inauguration of Mayor Winner of ST.
Louis took place on the 18th inst. when he de-
lvered the following address
Mr.. President and Gentlemen ofhe CITY Council
My grateful Acknowledgements are due not
only 10 those Of my fellow citizens whose par
TALLY has elevated me TO the position of Chief
Magistrate of this city, but also to those who,
although prelerring another for this place, have
extended 10 me a forbearance and courtesy which
does not usually characterize political discus
sions. ] shall ll-deserve such tokens of the
Partially of my friends or the generosity ofmy
opponents if did not feel profoundly sensible
of their kindness.
There is, however, another aspect in which
this event is TO be viewed, far more gratifying
to me than considerations of personal elevation,
because, in my opinion, it transcends in its i'm
portance TO the public welfare the elevation or
defeat of any man, great or small. allude,
of course, to the emphatic Endorsement of the
great principles which have been honored by
being chosen TO represent.
1t is universally admitted truth tina, labor is
the only creator of wealth and material pros
perity. 1t is equally true that skilled and in
ielligent labor of free white men is more pro-
ductive than the compelled labor of slaves.
Civilized society owes everything to labor,
upon which 1t is founded and upheld, and for
this reason all should unite in guarding the
rights of labor, and uPholdng lis dignity, be-
cause in the same degree that its rights and
dignity maintained, the prosperity of all is en-
There are those, however, so welded TO the
pride OF dominion, that they prefer 10 see the
interest of free white labor degraded by an in.
furious competition, which, while it ministers
to the pride of individuals, initiates agains, the
prosperity of the Stale.
The resolutions recently introduced into the
Missouri Legislature, were intended TO bind our
State and city in all future time 10 system of
labor unsuited 10 our condition, lowering by lis
competition the labor of freemcn of our own
race aud tending TO drive from US the immiera-
ton from Europe and the older States.
The people of ST. Louis have, by their late
action, rebuked the authors of their resolves -
They have calmly and fearlessly taken their
stand. They have decided in favor of the many
against the few. This declaration, ! am salts
fed, will never be reversed
There are none now who openly assail il. 1t
is believed that no man or combination of men
can prevent its becoming the policy of our peo-
pie. 1t is best for the State tina, il should he
Peoped by white men. When this shall have
been accompllshed--when the toiling masses
who create all wealth and uphold the very frame
work OF society shall thus assert the dignity
and nobility of labor, then shall our State as.
sumo the proud position which belongs TO her
as the center of the continent, the focus of TO-.
ooo miles OF river navigation, and the possessor
OF climate and soil not surpassed BY any DOR
iion of the country.
lhis, gentlemen, is an suspicious lime ia the
affairs of ST. Louis, and to us is in,rus,ed the
high and responsible duty of so directing its af
ialrs that the vast interests involved shall not
suher' ana mat The prosperity of the city shall
mol be retarded by tiIne-serving and timid pol
ICY. Commerce, manufactures and the me-
cbanlc arts should therefore be invited TO our
city, by wise and consistent system of lepis-
la'ioh' win an assurance that capital will find
sure and safe investment, and labor liberal
compensation.
The projected railroads terminating at our city
are rapidly progressing TO completion, with SUI
hcient means already provided for that purpose
afford an evidence that our citizens are in earn.
est and are determined that in this age of Do
gress they Will keep pace with the enterprise of
other States.
The maintenance Of the credit of the city is
matter OF great importance, and should be
carefully guarded by keeping the expenditures
within the receipts. The wise provision of
The charter restricting The expenditures of any
one year 10 The revenues of The preceding year,
regard as imperative and binding on US, and
appropriations exceeding the receipts will no,
meet with favor at my hands.
In making selections for the various offices
necessary TO carry on the city government, il
shall be my aim TO call to the service of the
city good and competent men, and no one will
receive an appointment from my hands without
regard TO personal fitness. Life and proner,v
must be preserved from personal violence.
The crowded state of the landing admonisb-
es us that The public interest requires extended
wharyes, and much greater facilities for the
management of the increasing commerce press.
ing TO our shores.
l unaware of The great responsibility have
this day assumed, and can but regret that il is
not committed TO ADLER hands. Disirustful of
my abilities, fear that shall not be equal TO
the discharge of the duties of that trust with
advantage to the city; but, having accepted
the place, will exert myself to fulfill its re.
quiiements
l am persuaded that may confidently rely
upon your cooperation in whatever measures