The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1877-03-08
HAYEs's INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Which ne would have Delivered if he
had told the Truth.

FELLOW CITIZENS: The first duty of
man who has been elevated to q high
Office is to return thanks to those by whom
he has been made successful Accord.
ingiy, begin with expressing my pro-
foundest sense Of gratitude to Mr.. j. Mad
ison Wells, and his three associates, who,
by such a rare exercise of ingenuity, au
dacity, and fidelity, were enabled to turn a
majority OF 5000 against me in Louisiana,
into a majority of 1000 in my favor. The
feat Is altogether unparalleled in political
history, and shall receive, as it deserves,
high reward.
| must also remember the services of
the illustrious High Low Commission,
which, sworn 10 ascertain what electors
were duly appointed in each State, stuck
so mantul y together in the noble resolve
that no evidence should be taken to prove
that anybody was elected anywhere except
the persons who cast their votes for me.
Where the merit was 80 lmpartially dis
trlbuted it might be invidiOus to single
out particular individuals of honorable
mention; but / cannot refrain from extol-
ling the names of o. Z. Morton (Only for
Party Morton,) who two years ago, intro
tuced a bill authorizing either House of
Congress TO reiect the electoral vote of a
State, but as q commissioner steadily in
sisted that neither House could 20 behind
the returns, where they were in my favor;
also u. f. Edmunds (Great Fraud Ed
munds,l who two years ago denounced the
ever blessed Returning Board OF Louis.
lana as "a continuance Of thieves" and not
fit to be regarded as seating Senat IT, but
who asserts that it is to be sacredly re-
garded in seating President; and finally,
the immortal Jack Bunsby, l mean Joe
Bradley, who, chosen US umpire in board
equally divided, always voted on my side
His fidelity can never be forgotten.
Let me, besides, compliment the per-
spicacity and consistency Of the Senate,
which having twice voted for Morton's bill,
allowing either House to throw out an
electoral vote, at length discovered, when
1t became necessary to elect me, that it
was highly improper aud unconstitutional
tor either House even to think of tramp.
ling upon the rights of State, especially
when 1t was represented by a board of
knaves and perjurers. 1t is no easy matter
tor grave body of Senators to overcome
their ottenexpressed convictions. but In
my case it was done with the utmost facil-
lty and without hesitation. As some of
these Senators are soon to retire from their
office they may count upon me, as they
have already counted for me.
Can forget an enlightened press, in
this moment of high felicitation2 Can ]
forget the NY. Times which for SIX months
poured out a steady stream of scorchipg
abuse of my opponent, whom only little
while before it had praised as an honest
and honorable man? Can 1 forget the
eminent field marshal, who invented the
dodge about $2,000,000,000 of southern
claims whicd had so much effect in the
canvass? Can forget the EUening Post
OF New York. which for fifty years having
steadily battled for certain principles,
winch my opponent represents better than
any other man in the Union, and which /
ulu not represent, suddenly deserted them
70 take up my cause2 What renders this