The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-08
INAUGURAL
HE RETTERATEs HIS LETTER OF AZ
CEPTANCE.
FORESHADOWINGS OF HIS ADMINS.
TRATION.
HIS SOUTHERN POLICY.

HIS SOUTHERN POLICY.
The Inauguration Of President Hayes at
the Capita, on Monday, was ate nded by
ceremonies Of the most imposing character
and an enthusiasm which was shared gener-
ally by the vast concourse gathered there, as
we'll as by the people OF the whole nation.- -
The assemblagc in the Senate chamber was
OF the most brilliant nature, and the inaugl-
raj address was delivered in the presence OF
a concourse which, in point of numbers, has
rarely ever been equaled on any similar oc-
casion.
Independent OF the enthusiasm shown, the
whole proceedings were most orderly and
decorous. Even those vino were iondcst in
their opposition to the decision OF the Electo-
| raj Tribunal accepted the situation graceful
ly, and joined in at least an outward tribute
OF respect to the man who has assumed the
reins Of the National Government. Although
the military display was hot ON the extend
ed scale witnessed in past years, the organ
| izatons present. assisted by civic srcieties,
made up pageant which attracted admira-
| ton, and was an earnest of the unity and
fraternal spirit now characterizing ali sec
tons of the country. It must have been SUI
premcly gratifying both to President Hayes
and the many friends by whom he is sur
rounded to have bee.. the recipient OF such
general expressions OF esteem. II che sum
shine OF Monday is an omen of good, our
country has, we doubt nor, entered on new
era Of prosperity, which will silence captious
criticism. restore public confidence and assist
in bringing about Il scheme of paciHcation
which will harmonize conflicting Interests
and crown the nation with peace and plenty.
The following is the address:
FELLoW-CITIZENS: We have assembled
to repeat the public ceremonial begun by
Washington, observed by all my prcdcces-
sors. acd now tlme-honOred custom, which
marks the commencement OF new term of
Presidential Office. Called to the duties of
this great trust. proceed, In compliance
with usage. to announce some OF the leading
principles. on the subjects that now chiefly
my desire to be guided ia the discharge of
those duties. shall not undertake to Law
down irrevocably principles or measures OF
administration, but rather to speak of the
motives which should animate us, and to stlo-
gest certain important ends to be attained,
in accordance with our institutions and essen
tial to the welfare of our country At the
outset OF the discussions which preceded. the
recent Presidential election, it seemed to me
fitting that fully make known nv scnti-
ments in regard to several of the important
questions which then appeared to demand
the consideration of the country Following
the example, and in part adopting the Ian
gusge, Of one of my predecessors, wish now
when every motive for misrepresentation
has passed away. to repeat what was said be-
fore the election, trusting that my country
men will candidly weigh and understand it,
and they will feel assured that the senti-
ments declared in accepting the nomination
for the Presidency will be the standard of
my conduct in the path before me, charged
as now am with the grave and difficult task
OF carrying them out in the practical admin
istration OF the Government so far as de-
Ponds, under the Constitution and laws, on
the chief Executive of the nation. The per-
manent pacification OF the country upon such
principles and BY such measures as will se-
cure the complete protection OF all Its citi-
zens in the free enjoyment OF all their con-
stitutional rights is now the one subject in !
our public affairs which all thoughtful and
patriotic citizens regard as OF supreme i'm
portance. Many OF the calamitous effects of |
the tremendous revolution which has passed |
over the Southern States still remain. The |
immcasrirab!e benefits which will surely fol- /
low sooner or later, the hearty and generous |
acceptance of the legitimate results of that |
revolution, have not yet been realized. Diff |
iicult and embarrassing questions meet us at i
the threshold OF this subject. The people of |
those States are still IMPOVERISHED, and the |
nestimable blessing of wise, honest and /
peaceful local self-gOvernmcnt Is not fully
enjoyed. Whatever difference OF opinion
may exist as to the cause of this condition, of |
this state Of things, the fact is clear that in
the progress of events the time has come when
such government is the imperative necessity
required by all the varied interests, public
and private, of those States; but it must not
be forgotten that only local government
which recognizes and maintains inviolate
the rights of all is a true self-government.-
With respect to the two distinct races whose
peculiar relations to each other have brought
upon US the deplorable complications and
must1be a government which guards the in
terests of both races carefully and equally.
1t must be a government which submits 10y
ally and heartily to the Constitution and the
laws-the laws Of the nation and the laws of
the States misunderstanding ana obey
ing faithfully the whole Constitution as it is
Resting upon this sure and substantial
the superstructure OF beceficent
local governments can be built up, and not
stferwise. In furtherance Of such obe(li-
ance to the letter and the spirit Of the Const-
-, zl,14 - a.
implies, AL so-called party interests lose their
apparent Importance, and party lines may
we'll be permitted to fade into insignificance.
The question we have to consider for the inn
mediate welfare OF those States Of the Union {
8 the question of government OF social
order and all the peaceful industries and the
happiness that belong to it, or return to
)arbarism. it is question i'll which every i
citizen Of the nation is deeply Interested, and a;
With respect to which we ought not to be, in
partizan sense, either Republicans or DEM $
,crats, bnt fellow-citizens and felow-meA,
o whom the interests of common country
md a common humanity are dear. The /,
weeping revolution OF the entire labor-sys- !;
EN- OF large portion Of our country and =
he advance Of four millions OF people from !.
condition of servtude to that Of citizenship | :.
ipcn an equal footing with their former mas .
ers, could not occur without presenting f.
Problems OF the gravest moment to be dealt !
with by the emancipated race, by their for :
ncr masters, and by the General Govern !.
nent, the author of the act OF emancipation. I
That it WAS wise, justand providentia act, :
raught with good for all concerned, is now . .
generally conceded throughout the country. q
hat moral obligation rests upon the Ma
ional Government to employ its constitution
power and Influence to establish the rights
t the people it has emancipatcd, aud to pro-
ect them in the enjoyment Of those rights