Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-03-11

the very contingency that is now upon u.s.
Ultimately il may be necessary 10 increase the
facilities - reach these riches, and il may be
necessary also that the General Government
should give its aid % secure this access but
that should only be wheD 4 dollar Of obligation
% pay secures precisely the same sort Of dollar
% use ROW, and not before. Whilst the ques-
bon II specie payments Is in abeyance the
prudent business man IS careful about con-
acting debts payable in the distant future
Tho nation shoall follow the same rule.
A PROSTATE commerce is 70 be rebuilt ana
an ministries encouraged The young men OF
ths .rorr-rv those who from their age must be
n, rnler, tweoty-6ve wears hence, have pecu-
lar interest Ia maintaining the national honor.
a r,or,ert's reflection as . what Will DO our
,,,,roan. inns, influence among the nations Of
49, aartb in their day, II they are only true TO
themselves should inspire them with national
pride. All divisions, geographical, political
aud religious, can join in this common seuti-
meut. How the public debt is 10 be paid or
specie payments resumed is not 50 important
As that plan should be adopted aud acqui-
esced in. A united determination to do is
worth more than divided cOunsels upon the
method Of doing. Legislation upon this sub
ect may not be necessary now, nor even adyI-
sable, but il viii be when the civil law Is more
fully restored in all parts Of the country and
trade resumes its woutel channels. 1t viii be
nv endeayor % execute al laws in good faith,
% collect all revenues assessed, and to have
them properly accounted for and economically
disbursed I viii 10 the best Of my ability APP
p0ipt 20 Office those who viii carry out that
design. In regard to foreign policy / would
deal with nations as equitable law requires in
dividuals % deal with each other, and would
protect the law abiding citizen, whether Of ma
tive OF foreign birth, wherever bis rights are
isopardized or the flag Of our country fOats.-
I would respect the rights Of all nations, de-
handing equal respect for our own. II others
depart from this rule in their dealings with US
VIC may be compelled 70 follow their precedent.
The proper treatment Of the original occu-
pants Of this laud-tAv Indians-is one deser-
wing Of careful study. will favor any course
towards them which tends 10 their civilization,
Christianization and ultimate citizenship. The
question Of suffrage is one which IS likely 70
agitate the public 50 long as a portion Of the
citizens of the nation arc excluded from its
privileges in any State. Il seems 10 me very
desirable that this question should be settled
now, and entertain the hope, and express the
desire that il may be, By the ratification Of the
fifteenth article Of amendment 10 the Coustitu-
ton. In conclusion, ask patient To- bearance,
one towards enother throughout the land, and
a determined effort on the part Of every citizen
10 do bis share towards cementing happy
union and ask the prayers Of the nation to
Almighty God in behalfof this contamination.
After congratulations from those around
him, the procession was reformed; and the
President, with Vice President Colfax, on his
len rode to the Presidential Mansion amidst
cheers and other indications Of respect
The Inauguration ball in the evening was
densely crowded. and, like all other overpacked
assemblases, aforde far less pleasure than bad
been anticipated.
President Grant. Vice President Colfax, Mrs.
Grant and Mrs C5lfsx, and members Of their
families. entered at half past ten, and received
the usual courtesies. They were spared, how
ever, the aborious task Of hand-shakiug.