The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-04-25
Mayor Winners Inaugural.

We publish below portion of the inangu-
raj Of the recently elected Mayor of st. LOU
is. 1t will be found interesting and will
strike the reader as something new under
the sun in a slaveholding city:
MI. President and Geatieaaen Of the City
Cornell; My grateful Acknowledgements are
due not only to those of my fellow-citzens
whose Partially has elevated me to the po-
sition Of chief magistrate Of this city, but
also to those who, although preferrng an
other for this place, have extended to me a
torbearance and courtesy which does not
usually characterize political discussions.
should i'll deserve such tokens Of the parti-
atty Of my friends or the generosity Of my
opponents if l did not feel profoundly sesi
BILE of their kindness.
There is, however, another aspect in which
this event is to be viewed, far more crafty
ing to me than considerations of personal
elevation, because, in my opinion, it trans
ccnds in its importance 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 honorcd by being chosen to repre-
sent. =
1t is an universally admitted truth that
labor is the only creator of wealth and ma
terial prosperity. 1t is equally true that
skilled and intelligent labor of free white
men is more productive than the compelled
labor of slaves.
Civilized society owes everything to labor,
upon which it is founded and upheld, and
for this reason all should unite in guarding
the right of labor, and upholding its dignity,
because in the same degree that its rights
and dignity are maintained the prosperity
Of all is enhanced.
sThere are those, however, so welded to the
pride of dominion that they prefer to see tho
interest Of free white labor degraded by an
injurious competition, which, whilst it min
listers to the pride of individuals, initiates
against the prosperity of the State.
The resolutions recently introduced into
the Missouri Legislature were intended to
bind our State and city in all future time to
a system of labor unsuited to our condition,
lowering by its competition the labor of free
men of our own race, and tending to drive
from us the emigration from Europe and the
older States.
The people Of st. Louis have by their late
action rebuked the authors Of those resolves
They have calmly and fearlessly taken their
stand. They have decided in favor of tie
many against the few. This declaration,
am satisfied, will never be reversed. There
are none now who openly assail it. 1t is
believed that no man or combination of men
can prevent its becoming the policy of our
people. 1t is best for the State, that il
should be peorled by white men. When
this shall have been accOmplisbed-w when
the tOiling masses who create all wealth and
! uphold the very frame work of society shall
thus assert the dignity and nobility of Ia
bor-then shall our State assume the proud
position which belongs to her, as the center
of the continent, the focus of 10000 miles
of river navigation, and the possessor of a
climate and soil not surpassed by any portion
of our country. This gentleman, is an au-
spiciOus time in the affairs of St. Louis, and
to us is entrusted the high and responsible
duty of so directing its affairs that the vast
interests involved shall not suffer, and that
the prosperity of the city shall not be re-
tarded by time-serving and timid policy
| Commerce, manufactures and the mechanic
arts should therefore be invited to our CITY
by wise and consistent system of legisla.
ton, with an insurance that capital will find
a sure and safe investment, and labor a lib
eral compensation.
The projected railroads terminating at our
city, are rapidly progressing to completion
with sufficient means already provided fol
that purpose, afford an evidence that our cit.
| liens are in earnest, and are determined thai
in this age of progress they will keep pace
with the enterprise of our States.