The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1873-02-13
The Inaugural Address.
The following is the Prsident's inau

The following is the Prsident's inau-
gural address.
FELtow;cITIzENs: Under Providence have |
been called asecond time to act as Executive over
maintain all the laws and, so far as lay in my |
power TO act for the best interests of the whole
people. My best efforts will be given to this
subject in the future, and trust, successfully
by reason of four years experience in the office.
When my first term of the Office of Chief EXecu-
from the effects of great internal revolution, and
three or four States of the Union had not been re-
stored to their federal relations. 1t seemed to
me wise that no new question should be raised so
long as that condition ofafairs existed therefore,
the past four years, so far as ! could control
events, have been consumed in efforts TO restore
harmony, public credit, commerce, and all the
arts ofpeace and progress.
1t is my firm conviction that the civilized world
is tending towards Republcanism or government
by the people, and that our great Republic is de
stlned to be the guiding star TO all others Under
our Republic we support less of an army than
navy less than that of at least five of them There
could be no extension OF territory on this conti-
nent which would call for an increase of this
force, but rather might such extension enable us
to diminish it.
The theory OF government changes with gen.
eral progress 5 Now that the telegraph is male
with the rapid transit of steam, all parts of the
continent are made continuous for all purposes
OF government, and communication between
the extreme limits of the country is made
easier than it was throughout the old thirteen
states mt the beginning of our national eX-
istence. The effects of the late civil war, have
been to free the slave, and make him citizen,
yet he is not possessed of the civil rights which
citizenship should carry, with it.. This is wrong,
and should he corrected. To this correction |
stand committed so far as the Executive influence
is concerned Social equality is not subject to
be legislated upon, nor shall | ask that anything
be done to advance the social status of the color
ed man, except TO give him chance to develop
what Is in him. Give him access to the schools,
and when he travels let him feel assured that his
will receive.
The States lately at war with the General Gov
ernment are now happily rehabilitaed and no
Executive control is exercised in any one ofthem
that would not be exercised in any other State
under like circumstances. In the first year Of
the past Administration the proposition came up
for the admission of san Domingo as territory
ofthe Union. 1t was not question of my seek
ing, but was proposition from the people of
San Domingo, which entertained, and believe
now, as did then, that it was for the best inter-
ess of the country and for the people of San Do
mngo and all concerned, that the proposition
should be received favorably. 1t was, however,
rejected, consttutionally, and therefore the sub
ject was never brought up again by me.
In future, while hold my present office, the
subject of acquisition of territory must have the
support of the people before | will recommend
any proposition looking to such acquisitions.
However, do not share the apprehension held by
many us to the danger of governments becoming
weakened and destroyed by reason of acquisition
OF territory, Commerce, education and rapid
transit of thought and matter by telegraph and
steam have changed al ths rather believe that
our great Maker is preparing the world in His
| own good time to become one nation, speaking
one language, and when armies and navies will
no longer be required.
- My efforts in the future will be directed to the
restoration of good feeling between the different
sections of our common country; to the rcstnra-
I.ton of our currency to fixed value as compared
to the worlds standard-gold-and if possible to
par; 10 the construction of cheap routes OF transit
throughout the land to the end that the products
OF all section may find market, and leave liv-
| ing remuneration to the producer to the main
| tenance of friendly relations with our neghbors
and with distant nations; to the establishment of
our commerce and carrying trade upon the ocean (;
| to the encouragement of such manufacturing in
dustrics aS can be economically pursued in this
country, to the end that the exports of home pro-
ducts and industries may pay for our imports
the only sure method of returning to and perma-
nently maintaining a specie basis; to the eleva-
tlon of labor, and by humane course to bring
the aborignes OF the country under the benign
| influence of education and civilization-it is
either this or war of determination. Wars of
nF eng"ESS" aHS ali in by gs9Pe
suits, are expensive even against the
weakest people, and are demoralizing
and our advantages of civilization should make
us lenient toward the Indian. The wrong already
inflicted upon him should be taken into account,
| and balance placed to his credit. The moral
view olthe position should be considered, and
| the question asked cannot the Indian be made Il
useful and productive member of society by prop
er teaching and treatment? If the effort is made
in good faith, we will stand better before the
civilized nations of the earth and in our con-
sciences Tor having made II. All these things IRE
not to be accomplished by one individual, but
they will receive my support and rccommenda.
ton to Congress as will il my judgment best
serve to carry them into effect, and to this end
beg your support and encouragement.
1t has been and is my earnest desire to secure
the reiormatory rule regulating the methods of
appointment and promotion. Those that We're
established have been tried. My efforts for such
reformation shall be continued, and to the best of
my judgment the spirit of the rules adopted will
be maintained, acknowledge before this assem-
DlaGc, representing as il does every section OF
country, the,Obligation am under to my fellow
men for he,grcat honor they,haye conferred on me-
by returning me to the highest Office within their
gift, and the further obligation resting on me to
render the best services within my power. This
promise, looking forward with the greatest anN
ietj TO the day when shall be released from the
responsibilities that at times are almost over
whelming, and from which have scarcely had
rest since the eventiul firing on Sumter in 1861 to
the present day. My services We're then rendered
and accepted under the first call for troops grow
ing out oil that event. ! did not ask for place or
position, ana was entirely without influence or
acquain tance of persons of influence, but was
resolved TO perform my part in the struggle
threatening the very existence of the nation. |
performed conscientiously my duty without ask
ing promotion or command and without re-
vengeiul feeling towards any section or individ-
ual.s Notwithstanding this, throughout the war
and from my candidacy for my present Office in
lSGS, to the closing of the last Presidential cam
paign, have been the subject of abuse and SLAM
der scarcely ever equaled in political history,
which, to-day, feel can afford to disregard in
view of your verdict, which | gratefully accept
my yindication.