Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1873-03-13
THE INAUGURAL
Second Inaugural Address of
President Ulysses 8. Grant.

nave been called second time 20 &C
as the Executive over this great nation
1t has been my endeavor in the past tC
maintain all the laws, and, so far as lay
in my power, to act for the best inter.
ests of the whole people. My best eff.
forts will be given in the same direction
the future, aided, L trust, by my foul
years Of experience in the office.
When my first term of the office OF
Chief Executive began, the country had
not recovered from the effects of 4 great
internal revolution, and three OF the
former States of the Union had no.
been restored to their federal relations.
1t seemed to me wise that no new aues-
ton should be raised, so long as that
condition Of affairs existed. Therefore,
the past four years, so far as could con-
troll events, have been consumed in the
effort to restore harmony, public cred
it, commerce, and all the. arts of peace
and progress.
1t is my firm conviction that the civ
ilized world is tening towards Republi-
canism of government by the people
through their chosen representatives,
and that our own great Republic is des-
tined to be the guiding star of all 9TH
ers.
Under our republic We support an
army less than that of any European
power of any standing, and navy less
than that of either at least five of them.
There could be an extension of terri
tory on this continent which would call
for an increase of this force, but rather
might such extension enable lis to di-
minish it.
The theory of government changes
with general progress. Now that tele-
graph is made available for communi-
eating thought, together with rapid
transit-by steam, all parts of the conti-
nent are made contiguous for all pur-
poses of government, and communiea-
tion between the. extreme limits of the
country is made closer than it was
throughout the old thirteen States, at
the beginning of our national existence.
The effects of the late civil strife have
been to free the slave and make him
citizen, yet he is not possessed of the
civil rights which citizenship should car
ry with it. This is wrong, and should
be corrected. To this correction stand
so far as executive influence
can avail. Social equality is not SUBJ
ject to be legislated upon, nor shall
ask that anything be done to advance
the social status of the colored man, cx-
cept to give him fair chance to devel-
op what good there is in him. Give
him access to schools, and when he
travels let him feel assured that his
conduct will regulate the treatment and
fare he will receive.
States latelyat war with the general
government are now happily reinhabi-
ted, and no executive control is exercis-
ed in any other State under like cireum-
stances.
In the first year of the past admins
tration the proposition came up for the
of Santo Domingo as terri |
'ory of the Union. 1t was rot a ques- !
ion of my seeking, but was petition
rom the people of Santo Domingo, and
which 1 entertained. l believe now, as
did then, that it was for the best in
erests of this country, for the people of
'anto Domingo, and all concerned, that
he proposition should be received ia
Torably. 1t was, however, not so re-
,arded, and therefore the subject was
lever brought up again by me.
In the future, while 1 hold my pres
mt office, the subject of acquisition of
erritory must have the support of the
'eOple before / will recommend any
proposition looking to such acquisition.
say here, however, that do not share
n the apprehension held by many as
o the dangerof governments becoming
weakened and destroyed by reason of
heir extension Of territory. Com
neree, education and rapid transit of
hought and matters by telegraph and
team, have changed all this. Rather
elieve that our great Maker is prepar-
ng the world, in His own good time, to
ecome one nation, speaking one lang
age, and when armies and navies will
e no longer required.
My efforts in the future will be direc-
ed to the restoration of good feeling
etween the different sections of our
ommon country: to the restoration of
ur currency to a fixed value rs COM
ared with the worlds standard of val
es-gold-and, if possible, to par with
+; to the construction of cheap routes
f transit throughout the land, to the
nd that products of all sections may
ind a market and leave living remu-
eration TO the producer; to the MAIN
nnance of friendly relations with all
ur neighbors, and with distant nations;
o the establishment of our commerce
nd share in the carrying trade upon
he ocean; to the encouragement Of
nch manufacturing industries as can ,
C economically pursued in this coun-
ry, to the end that the exports of home
roducts and industries may pay for
ur imports, the only sure method of
eturning to and permanently MAIN
inning specie basis; to the elevation
{ labor; and by a humane course to
ring the Aborigines of the country
nder the benign influences of educa.
ion and civilization.
1t is either this or war of extermin-
on. Wars of extermination engaged
n by people pursuing commerce and
II the industrial pursuits, are expensive
ven against the weakest people, and
re demoralizing and wicked. Our su-
eriority of strength and advantages of
utilization should make us lenient to-
'ards the Indians. The wrong already
lflicted upon him should be taken into
eeount, and the balance placed to his
redit. The moral view of the question
lould be considered, and the question
sked, Cannot the Indian be made a
seful and productive member of socie-
', by. proper teaching and treatments" 5
Then the effort is made in good faith, i
'e will stand before the civilized ma e
ons of the earth, approved in our own
for having made 1t. All {
,ese things are not to be accomplished L
v one individual, but they will receive e