The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-05
PRESIDENT GRANTS INAUGURAL.

xn1NlO4N1 uuAN4 xHAOuOAA0h
WASHINGTON, March 4, 1873.
The following is President Grants inaugural adj
dress
FELLOW CITIzENs-Under Providence have
been called second time to act as Executive over
this great nation. 1t has been my endeavor in the
past to maintain all the laws and, SO far As lay in
my power to act for the best interest of the whole
people. My best efforts viii be given in the same
direction in the future, aided, trust, by my four
years. experience in the office. When my first
term Of the office of Chief Executive began, the
country had not recovered from the effects OF a
great internal revolution, and three of the former
States of the Union had not been restored to their
federal relations.
1t seemed to me wise that no questions
should be raised long that condition OF affairs
existed; therefore, the past four years, so far as
could control events, have been consumed In the
effort to restore harmony public credit, commerce
and all the arts Of peace and progress 1t Is my
f;rm conviction that the civilized world Is
TENDING TOWARD REPUBLICANIsM,
or government by the people through their chosen
representatives, and that our own great Republic
Is destined to be the guiding star OF all others.
Under our Republic we support an army less than
that Of any European Power of any standing and
navy less than that of either Of at least hve OF
them. There could be no extension Of territory on
this Continent which would call for an increase Of
this f0rce but rather might snch extension enable
us to diminish il.
The theory OF government changes with general
progress. Now that the telegraph is made avail
able for communicating thought together with
rapid transit by steam, all parts OF continent are
n ade betRee ss Extreme limits
of the country made easier than it was through
out the old thirteen States at the beginning OF eur
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 carry
this ic correctiop comnted SO far as
Executive influence can avail. Social equality Is
not subject to be legislated upon, nor shall ask
that anything be done to advance the social status
Of the coored man, except to give him fair
chance to develop what there is good in him.
let him feel assured that his conduct Will regulate
the treataen and fare he will receive
The States lately AZ war with the general gov
eminent are now happily
REHABILITATED.
and no Executive control is exercised in any one
of them that would not be exercised In any other
State under like circumstances.
In the first year of the present administration
the proposition came up for the admission OF
ST. DOMINGO
rs territory Of the Union. 1t was not question
OF my seeking, but was .proposftion from the
people of st. Domingo, aud which entertained
believe now, as did then, that 1t was for the best
OF this Tor the sn people OF S
should be received iavorabiy. it 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 10 such acqui-
BitiOn. say here, however, that do not share In
sover nrn becoming weakened and destroyed
by reason OF their extension Of territory Com
mcrce, education and the rapid transit OF Thought
ana matter by telegraph and steam have
changed all this. Rather do believe that our
d. Great Maker is preparing the world, in His own
good time, to become one nation, speaking one
language, and then armies aud navies Will be no
longer required. My
EFFORTS IN FUTURE
will be directed to the restoration OF good feeling
between the different sections Of cur common
country; to the restoration OF our currency to a
fixed value as compared with the woras standard
Of values tgod) and If possible TO par with 1t TO
the construction Of cheaproutes OF transit through.
out the land, to the end that the products OF
all sections may find market, and leave
a living remuneration to the producer; to the
mais tenancs Of friendly relations with all our
neighbors and with distant nations; to the re-
establishment OF our commerce and our snare In
the carrying trade upon the ocean; TO the en-
courageinent OF such manufacturing industries as
can be economically pursued in this country, to
the end that the exports OF home products ana in
dustries may pay Tor our imports, the only sure
method OF returning to and permanently main
tanning specie basis; TO the elevation OF labor.
tue abcrigines OF the country under the
benign influences OF education and civilization.
II Is either this, or a war OF eXtermination. Wars
OF determination. engaged in by people pursuing
commerce ana all Industrial pursuits are ex,
pensive even against the weakest people, and are
demoraliZng and wicked. Our superiority OF
strength and advantages OF civilization should
make US lcnient toward
THE INDIAN.
The wrong already inflicted upon him should be
taken into account and the balance placed TO his
credit. The moral view OF the question should be
considered, and the question asked, ''Cannot the
Indian be made useful and productive member OF
society by proper teaching and treatmentr Ii the
EFFORT is made in good faith we will stand well be-
fore the civilized nations OF the earth and IN our
own conscience for having made ~. All these
viauaI, but they will receive my support ana such
Recommendation to Congress as VIII, IN my yudg
rnent best serve to carry them into effect. beg
your support and encouragement.
IL has been and is my earnest desire to correct
abuses that have grown up IN
THE CIVIL SERVICE
of the country. TO secure this reformation, rules
regulating methods OF appointment ana promo
ton were established and have been tried. MY
Efforts for such reformation shall te continued 10
the best OF my Judgment. me spirit OF the rules
adopted will re maintained.
Iacknowicdge before this assemhlage, represent
Ing il docs every section OF our country, tue ob
CATION am under to my countryinen Tor the great
honor they have conferred upon me by returning
me to the highest once within their gut, ana the
turtner obAgston resting on me 70 render theni
the best services within my power. This promise,
looking forward with the greatest anxiety to the
day wnen snail be released from the responsible
aIes tnat az tunes arc almost overwhelming, ana
from which | have scarcely had respite since
the eyentiui firing upon Fort sumter in
April, 1851, to the present day MY services
were then rendered ana accepted under the FIRST
call for troops growing out OF that event.
entirely without influence or the acquaintance OF
persons OF influence, but resolved 10 perform
my part in a struggle threatening the very exist
ercc OF the nation. 1 performed CONGREGATIONS
duty without asking promotion command and
without rcyengelul feeling toward any section or
aDv individual. Notwithstanding this, throughout
the var and from my candidacy Tor my present
once in 1865 TO the close OF the last Presidential
cam,ai0n 4 have been the subject OF abuse ana
SANDER scarcely ever equaled IN political history
which to-day feel that can disregard, IN view OF
your verdict, which GSteiuiIy accept as my "ndi-
kcaloa,