The Republican journal., 1877-03-08

tons with other lands VIC arc reminded by the
International complications abb DAD, threatening
the peace of Europe, that our traditional rule
OF nOninterference in the affairs of foreign ma
tons, has proved of great value in past-times
and ought to be strictly observed. The policy
inaugurated by my honored predecessor, Presi.
dent Grant, of submitting to arbitration grave
questions in dispute between ourselves and for
egn powers points to Il new and lncomparably
the best instrumentality for the preservation of
peace, and will, as | believe, become Il bene-
ficent example of the course to be pursued in
similar emergencies by other nations. If I'M
happily questions of difference should at any
time during the period of my administration
arise between the United States and any for
egn government it will certainly be my dispo-
stion and my hope to aid in their settlement in
the same peaceful and honorable way; thus Sc
curing to our country the great blessings Of
peace and mutual good offices with all the nj
tons of the world.
FELLOW CITIZENS We have reached the
close of political contest marked by the eX-
element which usually attends the contests be-
tween great political parties whose members
espouse and advocate with earnest faith their
respective creeds. The circumstances were
perhaps in no respect extraordinary 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 view of the
peculiar circumstances of the case, that the OBJ
jections and questions in dispute with reference
to the counting Of the electoral votes should be
referred to the decision of 4 tribunal appointed
for this purpose. That tribunal established by
law for this sole purpose; it members all OF
them men of long established reputation for in
tegrity and intelligence and. with the exception
of those who are also members OF the Supreme
Judiciary, chosen equally from both political
parties; its deliberations enlightened by the re-
search and the arguments OF able counsel, was
entitled TO the fullest confidence of the Ameri-
can people. Its decisions have been patiently
waited for and accepted as legally conclusive by
the general Judgment OF the public.
For the present, opinion will widely vary a.,
to the wisdom of the several conclusions an
nounced by that tribunal. This is to be antici.
pated in every instance where matters of dis
pute are made the subject OF arbitration under
the forms of law. Human judgment is never
unerrng and is rarely regarded az otherwise
than wrong by the unsuccessful party in the
contest. The fact that two great political par
ties have iii This way settled dispute in re
gard to which good men differ as to the facts
| and the law, no less than rs to the proper
| course 10 be pursued in solving the question in
| controversy. is an occasion for general rejoic-
ing. Upon one point there il entire unanmity
in public sentiment. that conflicting claims to
the Presidency must he amicably and peace;,-
bly, adjusted, and that when so adjusted the
general acluleSrenre of the Nation ought sure
II to follow.
1T has been reserved Tor 4 government of the
people where the right of suffrage is universal
to give TO the world the first example in history
of great nation in the midst of a struggle of
opposing parties for power, hushing its party
tumult to yield the issue OF the contest to al
juStment according to the forms Of law.
Looking for the guidance of that Divine Hand
by which the deStinieS Of nations and individ-
uals are shaped. | call upon you, Senators.
Representatives, Judges, fellow-citizens, here
| and everywhere, to unite with me in TN earn
est effort to secure to orr country the blessings
not only of material prosperity. but Of justice,
peace and union-a union depending not upon
the constrant of force but upon the loving de-
Votion of a free people; that all things may be
so ordered and settled upon the best and surest
foundation; that peace and happiness, truth
and justice, religion and piety, may be estab-
lished among lis for all generations.