New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-06
THE ADDRESS.

ho,ored custom which marks the commencement OF
new term of the Presidential office. Called to the
duties Of this great trust, proceed iii compliance
I'll usoge TO announce some of the leading plin-
einles on the subjects that now chiefly engage the
nnblic attention by which it is my desire to be
ended in the discharge of those duties shall not
1ude,take TO Law down irrevocably principles or
measures of administration. but rather to speak OF
the motives which should animate us, and to sug-
oest certain important ends TO be attained IN ac-
sorlancc with our institutions and essential to the
welfare of OuT country.
Al the outset of the discussions which preceded
be recent Presidential election 1t seemed to me fit
ting that should fully make known my sentiments
in regard to several of the important questions which
then appearcd to demand the consideration of the
eountrv Following the example and in part adopt
ING the language of one of my predecessors, l wish
now when every motive for misrepresentation has
rassed away, to repeat what was said before the
election trusting that my countrymen will candidly
weigh and understand it, and that they will feel
assured that the sentiments declared in accepting
the nomination for the Presidency will be the stand
ard of my conduct IN the path before me, charged,
as now am with the grave aud difficult task OF
carrying them out in the practical administration
fthe Government, SO far depends under the Con-
stitution aud laws on the Chief Executive OF the
cation. o
RESTORATION OF The SOUTH
The permanent pacifcat0n of the country upon
such principles and by such measures as VIII secure
the complete protection of all its citizens III the Tree
endowment of all their constitutional rights Is the
one subject in our public affairs which all Thought
full and patriotic citizens regard as of supreme im-
portancc. Many Of the calamOus effects OF the ire
mcndous revolution which has passed over the
Southern States still remain. The hmmeasurable
benefits which will surely follow sooner or later the
hearty and generous acceptance OF the legitimate re-
suits of that revolution have not yet been realized
Difficult and embarrassing questions meet us at the
threshold Of this subject. The people OF those
states are still impoverished, and the lnestmabIe
blessing of wise, honest, and peaceful local sel-goV-
ernucpt is not fully enjoyed. Whatever differ
cucc Of opinion NAV exist as to the cause
of this condition of things, the fact is
clear that, in the progress of events, the time has
come when such government is the imperative ne
ccssy required by all the varied interests, public
and private, of those States But il must not be for
gotten that only local government which recOg
nizes and maintains inviolatc tlo rights of all IS
true sc,f-Eovernment. With respect to the two dis
tnct races whose peculiar relations TO each other
have brought upon us the depl0Iablc complications
and pcrplcXcs which exist in those States. II must
be government which guards the interests Of both
races car.f fully and equally. 1t must be govern
mcnt which .omits Loyalty and heartily TO the Con-
sttuton and the laws-the laws of the nation and
the laws Of the States MISUNDERSTANDING and
obeylug faithfully the whole Constitution as ii is.
Resting upon .his sure and substantial foundation
the super>tructurc of bgnefccnt local governments
can De built up, and not otherwise.
In furthcraucc OF such obedience tn the letter and
The spirit 81 the Constitution, and i'll behalf OF all that
It's attainment implies, all so-calicd party interests
lose their apparent importance, and party lines may
well be permitted to fade INTO iHsigHiGcance. The
question We have to consider for the immediate wei
fare OF those States of the Union is the question of
government or no government, of social order and
all the peaceful industries and the happiness that
belongs 10 IT, or return to barbarism. 1t is qucs-
ton in which every citizen of the nation IL deeply
interested ana with respect to which We ought not
tObe ina partisan sense, either Republicans or Demo-
Gratis but fcllOw-ctizeus and fcl'ow-Inen, TO whom
the interests of a common country and common
humanity are dear. The sweeping revolution OF The
entire labor system of large portion OF our
country aud the advance Of 100000 of people
from condition of scrvtulc to that of citizenship,
upon an equal footing with their former masters,
could not occur without presenting problems of the
grayest moment To be dealt with by the cmanci-
pated by their former masters, and by the Gen
era Government the author OF the act OF emanclpa-
Ton. That 1t a wise, just, and pToVldential act
fiaught with good for all concerned is now gen
orally conceded throughout the country. That
moral obligation rests upon the National Govern
ment 10 employ its constitutional power aud nfin-
ence TO establish the rights of the people 1t has
emancipated, and to protect them in the enjoy
ment Of those rights when they are in
hnged or assailed is also generally admitted.
The evils which alict the Southern States can only
De removed or rcmedied by the united and harmO-
Nous efforts Of both races actuated by motives OF
mutual sympathy and regard; and while in duty
pound and fully determined 10 protect the rights Ol
al by every constitutional means at the disposal OF
my Administration, am sincerely anxious to use
every legitimate influence in favor Of honest and
ehceut local self-g0yernment as the true resource
q those States for the promotion OF the content
ment and prosperity of their citizens. In the effort
shall make to accomplish this purpose ask the
cordial cooperation of all who cherish interest in
The welfare of the country trusting that party
ues and the prejudice of will be freely surren-
uefed IN behalf of the great purpose to be accom-
plished
IN the important work of restoration of the South,
us not the political situation alone that merits at
eh'ion. The material development of that section
o. the country has been arrested by the social and
political revolution through which il has passed, and
now needs and deserves the cOnsiderate of the
national Government within the just limits pre-
senbed by the Constitution and wise public econ
omy. But at the basis of all prosperity for that as
"ei as for every other part Of the country lies the
improvement Os the intellectual and moral cOndi-
uon OF the people. Universal suffrage should rest
upon universal education. TO this end liberal and
permanent provision should be made for the support
" Zee schools by the State Governments. and If
Deed be. supplemented by legitimate aid from Ma