Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-03-09
Our FOREIGN RELATIONS

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| Passing from these remarks upon the
condition OF our own country, to consider
our relations with other lands, We are re-
minced by International complications
about threatening the peace of Europe that
our traditional rule of non-interierence in
affairs of foreign nations has proved of
great value In past times. and ought to be
strictly observed. The policy inaugurated
by my hOnOred predecessor, President Grant,
OF submitting to arbitration grave questions
in dispute between ourselves and foreign
powers, points to Il new and ineOmparably
the best instrumentality for the preserva-
ton OF peace, and will, as believe, become
benofcent example of the course to be
pursued in similar emergencies by other
nations. II unhappily questions OF differ
ence should at any time during my ad-
miniStration arise between the United States
and any foreign governments, it will GER
talnly be nay disposition and my hope to aid
in their settlement in the same peaceful
and honorable way, thus securing to our
country the great blessings of peace and
mutual good Offices with all the nations of
the world.
1uE ELECTORAL COMMISSION.
Fellow citizens, We have reached the close
OF n political contest marked by excitement
Which usually dlltUus CONTESTS between great
political parties, whose mem bers espouse
and advocate with earnest faith their re-
spective cretds. The circumstances were
perhaps in no respect extraordinary, save
IN the cl0>eness and consequent uncer-
tainty of the results. For the first time in
the history of the country. 1t has been |
deemed best. in view oi the peculiar eircum-
stances Ut the ease, that the objections and |
questions in dispute, with reference to the |
counting of the electoral votes, DO referred |
To the decision OF tribunal appointed for
this purpose. That tribunal, Established
by law tor this sole purpose, its members,
all of them, men of long established repu-
taIion for integrity and intelligence, and
with the exception OF those who are also
members of the Supreme Judiciary, chosen
equally from both political parties. Its de-
liberation enlightened D. research and argu-
meniS Of able counsel was entitled TO the
fullest confidence of the American people.
Its decisions have been patiently waited
Tor, and accepted as legally conclusive by
the general Judgment OF the public. For
the present, opinion " i'll widely vary as to
the wisdom OF several conclusions annOunc-
ed by that tribunal This is to be antici-
pated in every instance. where matters
of dispute are made subject OF arbi-
tratiUn under forms of law. Human
judgment il never unerrng, and is rare
ly regarded As otherwise than wrong
by the successful party in contest. The
tact that two great political parties have in
tins way settled a dispute in regard to
" hIeh good men differ as 10 facts and law,
no less than a. to the proper course to be
pursued III solving the question in cOntrO-
yersy, is an occasion for general rejoicing.
Upon one point there is entire unanimity
ia public sentiment. that the conflicting
claims to the presidency must be amicshly
and peaceably adjusted. and that when so
adjusted the general acquiescence of the
nation ought surely to follow. Ii has been
reserved Tor the government of the people,
where the right of suffrage is universal, to
1--WE To the world the first example in his
ury Of great nation, in the midst OF a
,truggleut opposing.parties for power hush
NJ ITS party tumults to yield to the issue
II the contest To the adjustment according
a. tue forms of the law. looking for the guid-
NEE OF that divine hand by which the dss
inies OF nations and individuals are shaped.
call uTHp yOa, renatOrs. Representatives,
Judges, fellow citizens, here and eyery-
\ here To unite with me in an earnest effort
u Securo to our country the blessings not
My OF material prosperity but of Justice,
eace and union,-a union depending not