Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1877-03-09

! upon TINS SUBJECT, ana Doth polltlcal parties
are virtually pledged to give it their unreserv-
cd support. The President Of the United
States of necessity owes his election to office
to the suffrage and jealous labors of politi-
cal party, the members of which cherish with
ardor and regard as of essential Importance
the principles of their party organization -
| But he should strive to be always mindful OF
the fact that he serves his party best who
serves the country best. In furtherance of
the reform we seek and in other important re-
spects change Of great importance, ! recon-
mend an amendment to the constitution pre-
scribing a term of six years for the presiden-
ta Office and forbidding reelection.
With respect to the financial condition of
the country shall not attempt an extended
history of the embarrassment and prostration
which we have suffered during the past three
years The depression in all our varied COM
mercial and manufacturing interests through
out the country, which began in September,
1873, still continues. 1t is very gratifying,
however, to be able to say that there are indi-
cations all around US of coming change to
prosperous times. Upon the currency ques-
ton, intimately connected as it is with this
topic, may be permitted to repeat here the
statement made in my letter of acceptance
that in my judgment The feeling of uncertainty
inseparable from an irredeemable paper cur
of the greatest obstacles 10 a return of pros
porous times. The only safe paper currency
is one which rests upon coin basis, and is
at all times promptly convertible into coin
! adhere to the views heretofore expressed by
me in favor of congressional Legislation in be-
hall OF an early resumption OF specie pay
meat, and ] am satisfied not only that this is
wise, but that the interests as well as the pub
lie sentiment of the country imperatively de-
mand it.
Passing from these remarks upon the con-
dition of our own country to consider our re-
lations with other lands, we are reminded by
the International complications abroad threat
enng the peace of Europe, that our tradition
al 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 honored pre-
decessor, President Grant, of submitting to
arbitration grave questions in dispute between
| ourselves and foreign powers points to a new
and incomparably the best instrumentality
for the preservation Of peace and will, as |
| believe, become benefcent example of the
course 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 coun-
| try the great blessings of peace and mutual
good Offices with all the nations of the world.
Fellow-ctizens, we have reached the close
Of political contest marked by the excitement
| which usually attends the contest between
| great political parties whose members spouse
and advocate with earnest faith their respec-
| tive creeds. The circumstances were perhaps,
in no respect extraordinary, save in the close
ness and the consequent uncertainty of the
result. For the first time tn the history of
the country it has been deemed best in view
| OF the peculiar circumstances Of the case that
the objections and questions in dispute with
reference TO counting the electoral votes should
be referred to the decision of tribunal APP
pointed for this purpose, That tribunal, es-
tablished by law for this sole purpose, its
members all of them men Of long established
reputation for integrity and intelligence, and,
with the exception of those who are also mem
bers OF the supreme judiciary, chosen equally
| from both political parties, its deliberations
enlightened by the research and the argu-
ments OF able counsel, was entitled to the
fullest confidence of the American people.
| Its decisions have been patiently waited for
and accepted as legally conclusive by the
general judgment of the public. For the pre-
sent opinion will widely way as to the wisdom
Of the several conclusions announced by that
| tribunal. This is to be anticipated in every
instance where matters of dispute are made
subject Of arbitration under the ferns of law
Human judgment is never unerring and is
rarely regarded as otherwise than wrong by
the unsuccessful party in the contest. The
fact that two great political parties have in
| this way settled a dispute in regard to which
good men differ as TO the facts and the law,
no less than as the proper course to be pursued
in solving the question in controversy, is an
occasion for general rejoicing Upon one
point there is entire Unanimity in public SEN
timent: that conflicting claims to the presi-
dency must be amicably and peaceably ad-
justed, and that when SO adjusted the general
acquescence Of the nation ought surely to fol-
low. II has been reserved for government
of the people, where the right of suffrage is
universal, to give to the world the first exam
Pile in history of great nation, in the midst
Of struggle of opposing parties for power,
hushing its party tumults to yield the issue
of the contest to adjustment according to the
! form Of law.
Looking for the guidance of that Divine
hand by which the destinies of nations and
individuals are shaped, call upon you, Sena-
| tors, Representatives, judges, fellow-citzens,
here and everywhere, TO unite with me in an
| earnest effort to secure TO our country the
blessings, not only of material prosperity, but
of justice, peace and union, a unonsdepend-
ing not upon the cohstraint of force, but upon
/ the loving devotion of free people, and that
| all things may be so ordered and settled upon
the best aud surest foundation, that Ieace and
happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety
may be established among us for all gener-
ations