The Colfax chronicle. (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1876-1877, 1877-03-17

wears Tor the TTcsluciitiai "ihco anu
forbidding reelection. With respect to
the financial condition of the country, l
shall not attempt an extended history
of the embarrassments and prostration
we have suffer. d during the past thee
years. The depression in all our varied
commercial and man ifacturing interests
throughout the country, which began
in September, 1873, still continues. IL
is very gratifying, however, to be able
tu say there are indications all around
us of coming change to prosperous
times Upon the currency question,
Intimately connected as il is with this
topic, 1 may he permitted to repeat my
statement i'll my letter of acceptance,
that, in my Judgment, the feeling of
uncertainty inseparable from an ir-
edcemable paper currency with its huc
tuatiOlis of values is one of the greatest
obstacles To return to prosperous times.
The only safe paper currencT is one
resting on.a coin basis, and at all times
convertible into coin. l adhere to the
views heretofore expressed by me in
favor Of Congressional legislation in be-
half of an early resumption of specie
payment, and am satisfied not only that
this is wise, but that the interests as
well as public sentiment of the country
imperatively demand it. Passing from
these remarks upon our own country
to our relations with foreign powers,
we are reminded by the international
complications abroad threatening 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 inaugur-
ated by my honored predecessor. Presi-
dent Grant, cf submitting to arbitration
grave questions in dispute between our
selves and foreign powers points to
new and, incomparaoly the best, means
for the preservation of peace and good
will, aud, believe, will become a bene-
ficent example to other nations. If,
unliappily, Questions of difference
should arise during my administration
between the United States and any
foreign government, it will be my dis
position and hope to aid in their settle
ment in the same peaceful and honora-
BILE way, thus securing to our country
the great blessing of peace and mutual
good Offices with all the nations of the
world.
Fellow-citizens, We have reached the
close of political contest marked by
the excitement which usually attends
the contests between great political
parties, whose members advocate with
earnest faith their respective creed..
The circumstances were, perhaps. in DO
respect extraordinary, save in the close
ness and consequent uncertainty of the
result. For tue first time III the history
of the country it has been deemed best.
in view OF the peculiar circumstances
of the case that objections and ques-
tions III dispute with reference to the
counting of the Electoral votes should
be referred to the decision of tribunal
appoin ed for this purpose-its members
all menof long established reputation
for integrity, intelligence, and, except
those, also members of the Supreme
Court chosen equally from both poll
teal parties. Its deliberations, assisted
by able counsel, were entitled to the
fullest confidence of the American peo-
pie; its decisions have been patiently
awaited and accepted as legally con-
elusive by the general Judgment of the
public. For the present opinions will
vary as to the wisdom of the several
of the tribunal. This is to
De expected where matters of dispute
ire made the subject of arbitration I'M
Ter forms of law. Human Judgment is
never unerriDg and is rarely regarded |
Is otherwise than wrong. by the unsuc-
'essiul party. The fact that two great |
political parties have in this way settled !
dispute in regard to which good men
litter as to the facts and the law, no less
han as to the proper course to be pur-
'ued i'll solving the questions in contro-
Tersy, is an occasion for general reioic-
ng. Upon one point there is entire /
Inanimity in public sentiment, that
claims to the Presidency
must be amiacably and peacefully adj
listed, and that, when adjusted, the
General acq uicsence of the nation ought
urely to follow. 1t has been resorted
tor government of the people where
he riuht of SUFFRAGE, ~ univ.rsaI 81 |