Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-03-14
zHs PREsrDBrTs EN.sUGURaL.

my endeavor In the past to 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 in
the same direction in the future, aided, /
trust, by my four years experience in the
Office. When my first term of Office of
chief executive began, the country had
not recovered from the effects of
great internal revolution, and three of
the former states of the Union Lad not
been restored TO their federal relations. II
seemed to me wise that no new questions
should be raised so long as that condition
of affairs existed. Therefore, the past four
years, so far as could control events, have
been consumed in the effort to restore har-
mony, public credit, commerce and all the
arts of peace and progress.
1t Is my firm conviction that the civiliz-
ed world is tending toward republcanism,
or government by the people through their
chosen representatives, and that our own
great republic is destined to be the guild
ing star to all others. Under our republic
we support an army less than that of any
European power of any standing, and ma
w less than that of either of at least five of
them. There could be no extension of ter
ritory on this continent which would call
for an increase of this force, but rather
might such extension enable us to dimin-
ish it. The theory of government changes
with the general progress. Now that the
telegraph is made available for communi
eating thought, together with rapid transit
by steam, all parts of continent are made
contiguous for all purposes of government,
and communication between the extreme
limits OF the country made easier 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 cit
izen, yet he is not possessed of the civil
rights which citizenship should carry with
it. This is wrong, and should be corrected.
To this conviction l stand committed, so
far as executive influence can avail. So
cial equality is not subject TO be legslat-
ed upon, nor shall ask that anything be
done to advance the social status of the col
ored man, except to give him fair chance
to develop what there is good 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 re-
ceive.
The states lately at war with the general
government are now happily rehabilitated,
and no executive control Is exercised in
any one of them that would not be exercis-
ed in any other state, under like crcum-
stances.
In the first year of the past administra-
ton the proposition came up for the ad-
mission of Santo Domingo as territory of
the Union. 1t was not a question of my
seeking but was a proposition from the
people of Santo Domingo, and which I en-
tertained. / believe now, as 1 did then,
that 1t was for the best interests of this
country. for the people of Santo Domingo
and all concerned, that the proposition
| should be received favorably. 1t was, how
ever, rejected constitutionally, and there
fore the subject was never brought up again
| by me. In future while / hold my pres
ent office, the subject of the acquisition OF
| territory must have the support of the peo-
pie before l will recommend any PROPOSE
ton looking to such acquisition. 1 say
| here, however, that l do not share in the
| apprehension held by many as to the dan
| ger of governments becoming weakened
and destroyed by reason of their extension
| of territory. Commerce, education and the
rapid transit of thought and matter by tel
egraph and steam, have changed all this.
Rather do 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
be no longer required.
| My efforts in the future will be directed
to the restoration of good feeling between
the different sections of our common coun-
| try to the restoration of our currency to a
fixed value, as compared with the worlds
standard of values-gold,- and, II possible
to par with it 10 the construction oi
cheap routes oftransit throughout the land
to the end that the products of all sections
may find a market, and leave a living re-
muneration to the producer TO the main.
tenance of friendly relations with all our
neighbors, and with distant nations; to the
re-establishment of our commerce and our
share in the carrying trade upon the oceans
| to the encouragement of such manufactur.
ing industries as can be economically pur.
sued in this country, to the end that the
exports of home products and Industries
may pay for our imports-the only sure
method of returning to and permanently
maintaining a specie basis to the eleva
ton of labor, and by humane course, tc
| hi, sL1 Oh .fws,. Nf al
the benign influences OF education and civ.
| ilization. 1t is either this or war o.
determination. Wars of determination
engaged in by people pursuing com.
merce and all the industrial pursuits
are expensive, even against the weak
est people, and are dem oralizing and wick.
ed. Our superiority of strength and ad.
vantages of civilization should make us
lenient towards the Indian. The wrong.
already inflicted upon him should be tax,
en- into account, and the balance placed tc
his credit. The moral vicw of the aues
tion should he considered, and the ques
tion asked, "Cannot the Indian be made {
useful and productive member of society
by proper teaching and treatment?" If th,
effort is made in good faith, we will stanc
better before the civilized nations of tn,
earth and in our own consciences for hav
ing made 1t.
Al! these things are not to be accomplish
ed by one individual, but they will re civ,
my support, and such recommendation I,
Congress as will, in my judgment, bes
serve to carry them into effect l beg you
support and encouragement.
1t has been, aud is my earnest desire I,
correct the abuses that have grown up il
the civil service of the country. To secur
this reformation, rules regulating the meth
ods of appointment and promotion wer,
established and have heen triad NV of