Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-03-09

and free religious aud political opinion in every
part Of our common country, without regard
; to local prejudice. All laws to secure these
ends will receive my best efforts for their en-
forcement.
Asgreat debt has been contracted in secur-
ing to US aud our posterity the Union. The
payment of this, principal and interest, as
well as the return to a specie basis as soon as
il eau be accomplished, without material detrl'
meut to-the debt or class, OF to the country as
large, must he provided for. To protect the
national honor every dollar of government
! Indebtedness should be paid in gold, unless
otherwise expressly stipulated.in the contract:
Let it be understood that no repudlator OF
one fartliug OF our public debt will be trusted
in public place, and it will go far towards
strengthening credit which ought to De tIe
best IN the world, and will ultimately enable
US to replace the debt with bonds bearing less
interest than we now pay. :. r
To this should be added faithful eoiiec-
ton OF the revenue, strict accountability 70
the treasury Tor every dollar collected, and Inc
greatest practicable retreuchmcnt III expen'
dlture in every department Ut government .
When We compare the paying, capacity o.
the country now, with ten States still in pow
erty from tile effects Of war but soon to emerge,
fore, with ITS paying capacity twenty i've
years ago. aud calculate what 1t probably wall
he twenty five ysars hence who can doubt tile
feasibility OF paying every dollar then with
more than we now pay fUr useless lux
uries z
Why,it looks as though Providence had be-
slowed upon US strong box. The precious
metals locked up in the sterile mountains of
the far West, which we are new forging the
key to unlock, Is TO meet the very contin-
gcbcy that Is now upon u.s. III
Ultimately it may be necessary to increase
facilities to reach these riches, aud 1t may be
necessary also that the general government
should give lite aid to secure this access, but
That should only be when a dollar OF oblisa-
tim to pay secures precisely the same sort of
dollar to use now, aud not before.
Whilst the question OF specie payments IS
in allegiance, the prudent bushes man is care-
full abJut contracting debts payable in the
distant future. The nation should follow the
same rule. a PROSTATE commerce is to be
rebuilt and all industries encouraged.
The young men of the country, those who,
from their age, must be its rulers twenty five
years hence, have peculiar interest in main
tainng the national honor. A moments
reflection as to what will be our commandingt
influence among the nations of the earth i'll
their day, if they are only true to themselves,
should INSPIRE them with national pride.
All divisions, geographical, POLITICAL and
religious, can join in this common sentiment.
How the public debt is to be paid or specie
payments resumed is not so important as a
plan should be adopted and acquesced in
A united determination to do is worth more
than divided councils upon the method Of
doing. Legislation upon this subject may
not be necessary now, nor even advisable, but
it will be when the civil law is more fully
restored in all parts of the country, and trade
resumes its wontcd channels.
1t will be my endeavor to execute all laws
in good faith to collect all revenues assessed.
and to have them properly accounted for aud
economically disbursed. Twill, to the best of
my ability, appoint to Office those who will
carry out that design.
In regard to foreign policy I would deal
with nations equitable law requires indi-
viduals to deal with each other, and l would
protect the law abiding citizen, whether Of
native foreign birth, whenever his rights
are jcopardized or the flag of our country
fonts.
would respect the rights of all nations.
demanding equal respect for our own. If
others depart from this rule in their dealings
with us, We may be compelled to follow their
precedent.
The proper treatment of the original occu
pants OF this land (the 1udians) is one de-
serving of careful study. 1 will favor any
course towards them which tends to their civ
ilization, chrisriauization aud ultimate citizan>
ship.
The question of suffrage is one which is
likely to agitnte the public so long as a por.
ton of the citizens of tie nation are excluded
from its privileges in any State. 1t seems to
me very desirable that this question should
be settled now. aud entertain the hope and
express the desire that it may be by the rati
fication of the fifteenth article of amendment
to tho constitution.
In conclusion. ask patient 1rhearance.
one towards another. throughout the land.
and determined effort OH the part of every
citizen to do his share towards cementing
happy Union. and ask The prayers of the
nation to Almighty God in behalf Of this
consummatIOn.