The Colfax chronicle. (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1876-1877, 1877-03-17
President Hayes Inaugural
Address.

FELLOW CITIZENs-We have assembled
to repeat the public ceremonial begun by
Washington, observed by all my preGe-
cessors and now time-t onored custom
which makes the commencement of a
new term of the Presidential Office
Called to the duties of this great trust, 1
proceed, i'll compliance with usage, to
announce some OF the leading principles
on the subjects that now chiefly engage
the public attention, by which it is my
desire to be guided in the discharge of
these duties. 1 shall not undertake to
lay down irrevocably prime pies or mea-
sures OF administration, bat rather speak
of the motives VIII ca should animate us
and to suggest certain important ends
TO be attained in accordance with our
institutions, and essential to the welfare
OF our country. At tie outset Of the
discussions which preceded the recent
PRESIDENTIAL e.ection, it seems to be lit
tInS that l should fully make known my
sentiments in regard to several OF the
Important questions which then appear
ed to demand the consideration vi tie
country. Following the example aud
in part, adopting the language Of one OF
my predecessors, wish now, when every
motive for misrepresen tation has passed
away, To repeat wha. was said before the
eicctlon. Trusting my countrynen viii
cordially weigh and understand it. and
that they VIII feel assured that the seu.i
ments declared n accepting the nomina-
ton Tor the Presidency viii be the stand
ard of nay conduct in the path before
me. charged. rs | am, with the grave and
difficult task OF carr. ing them out in the
practical administration of the Govern
ment SO far us depends. under the Con-
siituiion and laws, on the Chief Execu-
tive OF the nation. Tne permanent paci-
hcatloh Of the country, upon such prin-
cipies and 10y sGch measures as will Sc
cure complete protection Of all it's citi-
zens and free enjoyment of all their con-
stItutlonal rlghts.'is now one subject in
our public affairs which all thoughtful
and patriotic citizens regard as of su-
preme Importance. ..lany OF the calami
tous effects OF the tremendous revolution
Which have passed over the Southern
States stll remain. The unreasonable
benefits which wiii surely follow, sooner
OF later, the party and generous accept
ance of The legitimate results OF that rev.
oiution have not yet been realized
Difficult and embarrassing questions
meet US at the threshold OF this subject.
The people of those Sta,es a'e still i'm
poverished aud the inestinable blessings
1f whose honest and peaceful local self
government are not fully enjoyed. -
" hatever difference of opinion may exist
Is to the cause of this condition of
hlnSs tine fact is clear that, in the pro-
5ress OF events, the time has come when
sound government is the imperative me-
'essiiy required by all the varied inter
ISIS. pubic and private, OF these States
'ut 1t must not be forgotten that only a
oeal government which recognizes and
maintains inviolate the rights of all is a
rue seii-government. With respect to
he two distinct races whose peculiar re-
atoms to each other have brought UPON
Is the deplorable complications and per-
'lexities which exist III those States. il
Oust be government which guards the
interests OF both races carefully and
4Galiy 1t must be a government which.
ubmits loyalty and heartily to the Con
htution aid the iaws-the laws OF the
alton and the laws OF the States them
elves-acceptins and obeying faithful,
ne whole Constitution as it is. Resin,
pom tins sure and substantial founda |
on the superstructure of beneicen;
zeal government can be built up, az,
ot otherwise. In Intolerance OF sue.
oedience to the letter and the spirit
le Constitution and in behalf of all tia.
5 attainment implies, al so-cailed part,
'ereslS lose their apparent importanc
id party lines may we'll DC permitted T.
dc into insigniiicance. lie questiui
at We have 10 consider ior the in,rIt
ate welfare of those States of III
mon, is the question of cove. nmept o.