Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1877-03-07

,ry, which began in Sept. 1873, still
1t is very gratifying,
however, to be able to say that there
ire indications all around us, of a
coming change to prosperous times.
Upon the currency question, init
mately connected, as ii is, with this
topic, I may be permitted to repeat
The statement in my letter of accep-
lance. In my judgement the feeling
Of uncertainty, inseparable from an
irredeemable paper currency, with
its fluctuations of values, is one of
The greatest obstacles to a return to
prosperous times. The only safe pa
per currency, is one which rests upon
4 coin basis and is at all times prompt
ly convertible into coin. / adhere to
views heretofore expressed by me,
in favor of congressional legislation
in behalf of an early resumption of
specie payment and am satisfied not
only that this is wise but that the in
terests, as we'll as the public senti-
ment Of the country imperatively de-
mand it.
Passing from these remarks upon
the condition of our own country to
our relations with other
lands, we are reminded, by other
national complications abroad, threat
ening the peace of Europe, that our
traditional rule of non-interference
in the affairs of foreign nations, has
proved of great value in past times,
and ought to be strictly observed.
The policy inaugurated by my hon
ored predecessor. President Grant, of
submitting to arbitration grave ques-
tions in dispute between ourselves
and foreign powers, points to a new
and incomparably the best instrument
tality for the preservation of peace,
and will, as l believe, become beneti-
cent example to be pursued in similar
emergencies by other nations. If
unhappily questions of difference
should at any time during the period
of my administration arise between
the United States and any foreign
government, it will certainly be my
disposition and my hope to aid in
their settlement in the same peaceful
and honorable way, thus securing to
our country the great blessings of
peace and mutual good feeling with
all nations of the world. Fellow
citizens, we have reached the close
of a political contest, marked with
the excitement which usually attends
the contest between great political
parties whose members espouse and
advocate with earnest faith their re-
spective creeds. The circumstances
were perhaps in no respects extra
ordinary, save in the closeness and
the consequent uncertainty of the
result.
For the first time in the history OF
the country it has been deemed best
in viewof the peculiar circumstances
of the case, that the objections and
questions in dispute with reference
to the counting of the electoral votes
should be referred to the decision OF
a tribunal appointed for the purpose
That tribunal established by law fol
this sole purpose-its members all OIL
them of long established reputation
and intelligcncc-with the exception
of those who are also members
of the Supreme Judiciary were chosen
equally from both political parties
Its deliberations were enlightened
by the research and arguments o.
able counsel and was entitled to The
fullest confidence of the American
people. Its decisions have been pa
ticntly waited for and accepted as lie
gally conclusive, by the general judg
ment of the public, for the presen
opinion will widely vary as to thu
wisdom of the several conclusions an
nounced by that tribunal. This is tt
be anticipated in every instance
where matters of dispute are mad,
the subject of arbitration under tn
forms of law. Human Judgment i
never unerring and is rarely regard
ed as otherwise than wrong by tn
unsuccessful party in the contest
The fact that two great political par
ties have in this way settled DISPUTE
in regard to which good men difle
as to the law, no less than as to til
proper course to be pursued in solv
: ing the question in controversy, is al
: occasion for general rejoicing. Upo
one point there is entire unanimit
, in public sentiment, and that conflict
J ing claims to the presidency shout
be amicably and peaceably adjusted
and that when so adjusted, the gen
eral acquiescence of the nation ough
surely to follow.
1t has been reserved for govern
ment of the people, where the righ
of suffrage is universal, to give to tn
} world, the first example in history Q
great nation in the midst of strue
gle of opposing parties for power
J hushing its party tumults, to yiel
, the issue of the contest to an adjust
, ment according to the forms Of Law
looking for the guidance of that d
vine hand, by which the destinies G
nations and individuals are shaped
l call upon you senators, and repre-
sentatives. judges and fellow citizens
here and everywhere, to unite wit
me in an earnest effort to secure t
our country the blessin
. not only of material prosperity bu
. of justice, peace and union--a unio
| depending not upon the constraint
, of force, but upon the loving devo
, ton of free people, that all thing
, may be so ordered and settled upo
, the best and surest foundations-tha
! peace and happiness, truth and justice
! religion and piety. may be establishe
among us for all generations.