Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1877-03-08

serves his party best who serves his
country best. In furtherance of the re-
form we seek and other important re-
spects, change of great Importance L
recommend Is an amendment to the |
Constitution prescribing term of SIX |
years for the Presidential office and |
reelection.
FINANCIAL CONDITION.
In respect to the financial condition |
of the country, shall not attempt an |
history of the embarrassment |
which we have suffered during the |
past three years. The depression IN ali
of our varied commercial and manu-
interests throughout the
which began in September,
1873, still continues. 1t is very gratify-
ing, however, to be able to say there
are indications assured us of coming
change TO prosperous times.
UPON THE CURRENCY QUESTION
intimately connected as it is with this
topic may be permitted repetition
of the statement made in my letter of
acceptance, that in my judgment the
feeling of uncertainty inseparable from
an irredeemaDle paper currency, with
its fluctuations of value, is one of the
greatest oil stacles to a return to pros
porous times. The only safe paper
currency is one which rests upon a coin
basis and is at all times promptly Con-
vertable into coin. | adhere to the
views heretofore expressed by me in
favor OF congressional legislation in be-
half of early resumption of specie pay
ment, and l am satisfied not only that
-, hnf h.at no inf -
we'll as public sentiment of the country
imperatively demand it.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Passing from the remarks upon the
condition Of our own country to consid-
er our relations with other lands, we
are untrammeled by the international
uplications abroad, threatening the
peace of Europe. Our traditional rule
of noninterfereDce in the affairs of for
eign nations has proved of great value
in the past and ought to be strictly OBJ
served. The policy insugurated by my
predecessor, General Grant, of submit
ting to arbitration grave questions in
dispute between ourselves and foreign
powers, points to the safest and incom-
parably the best instrumentality for
the preservation of the peace, and will,
rs | believe, become beneficent eX-
ample 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 govern
ment, it will certainly be my dispose
ton and my hope 10 all in their settle
ment in the same peaceful and honor
able way, thus securing 10 our country
the great blessing of peace and mutual
good offices with all nations of the
world.
The LATE CAMPAIGN.
-Fellow-citizens, we have reached the
close of political contest marked by
the eXcitinent " hich usually attends
tie contest between great political
parties, whose members est ouse and
advocate with an earnest faith their re-
spective creeds. The circumstances
were, perhaps, in no respect extrsordi-
nary, save in the elOseness and the con-
sequent uncertainty oi 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 objections and ques-
tions in dispute with reference to the
counting of the electoral votes should
be referred tU the decision of a tribunal
appointed for this purpose. That tri-
bunal was established by law for this
sole purpose. Its members, all OF them
men Oflong established regulations for
integrity and intelligence, and, with
the exception of those VINO are also
members Of the supreme judiciary were
chosen equally from both parties. Its
deliberatlon, enlightened by the re-
search and the arguments of able cOun-
/ sci, was entitled TO the fullest conf
dence of the American people; its de-
cisiOns have been patiently waited for
aud accepted as legally conclusive by
The general judgment OF the public.
For the present, opinion will widely
vary as to.the wisdom of the several
conclusions announced by that tribunal.
| rhis is to be anticipated in every in
stance where matters OF dispute are
| made the subject of arbitration under
the forms of law, because judgment is
| never unerring and is rarely regarded
as otherwise than wrong by the unsuc-
cesSlul party in the contest. The fact
| that The Two great political parties have
| in this way settled the disputes in re-
gard to which good men differ as to the
law no less than as TO the proper course
to be pursued in solving the question
IN controversy, Is an occasion Tor gen.
eral rejoicing. Upon one point there
is entire unanimity i'm public senti'
ment, that the conflicting claims to the
Presidency must be aLnicably and
peaceably adjusted and that when so
aHi or hn al % of IN q
nation ought truly to follow.
1t mas been reserved for govern
nent of the people, where the right Of
suffrage is universal, 10 give To the
world The first example in history of
great nation in the midst of a struggle
Of opposing parties hushing its party
tumuits to yield the issue OF the con-
test to adjustment according to the
forms of law.
CONCLUSION.
Looking for the guidance Of that Di'
vine hand by which the destinies of ma
tionS and individuals are shaped, L call
upon you, Senators, Representatives,
Judges and fellow citizens here and
everyW re- tn unite with me in an
earnest effort to secure TO our country
the blessings not only of national pros
perity, but OF justice, peace and union,
not relying alone upon the loving de-
votion of a free people, but trusting
that all things may be 50 ordered and
settled upon the best and surest foun'
dation, so that peace and happiness,
truth and Justice, religion and piety
may be established among US for all
generations.