Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-03-04

only safe foundation for a monetary
system. Confusion has recently beer
created by variations in the relative value
of the two metals, but confidently be.
lieve that arrangements can be made be-
tween the leading commercial nations.
which will secure the general use of both
metals. Congress should provide that the
compulsory coinage OF silver now
required by law may not disturb our
monetary system by driving either meta!
out Of circulation. If possible, such all
adjustment should be made that the pnr-
chasing power Of every coined dollar
will be exactly equal to It's debt
paying power in all the markets OF
the world. The chief dnty Of the
| government in connection with the
currency of the country is to coin money
and declare its value. Grave doubts have
been entertained whether or not Congress
is authorized by the constitution 10
make any form of paper money legal
tender. The present issue Of the
| United States notes has been sus-
tanned by the necessities of war, but
such paper should delend for its value
and currency upon its convenience in use
and its prompt redemption in coin at the
will of the holder and upon it's compul-
sorry circulation. These notes are not
money. but PROMISES to pay money. II
the holders demand it the promises should
national debt at lower rate
of interest should be accomplished,
without compelling the withdrawal of the
national hrnk nntaS ,nA th,,s al ,,,1;,
the business of the country. l venture to
refer to the position Il have occupied on
financial questions during long service
in Congress and to say that time and ex-
perience have strengthened the opinions
have SO often expressed OH these subjects.
The finances of the government shall suffer
10 detriment which it may be possible ior
my administration to prevent.
The interests Of agriculture deserve
more attention from the government than
they have yet received. The farms of
the United States afford homes and
employment for more than One-haif Of
our people and furnish much the largest
part of all our exports. As the govern
mcnt lights our coasts for the protection
of mariners and the benefit OF commerce.
50 it should give to the tillers Of the sail
lights of practical science and experience.
Our manufactures arc rapidly maxim.
us inslustrially independent AID are open
ing to capital and labor new and profitable
fields OF employment. Their steady and
healthy growth should still be maintained.
Our facilities for transportation should &c
promoted by the continued Improvement
Of our harbors and great interior water
ways and the increase of our tonnage
on the ocean. The development of
the worlds commerce has led to an urgent
demand for shortening the great sea vOy-
age around Cape Horn by constructing
ship canals or railways across the is: hmus
which unites the two continents. Various
plans to this end have been suggested aud
will need consideration, but none of
them have been sufficiently matured
to warrant the United States in extending
pecu"iary aid. The subject, however, is one
which will Immediately engage the atten
tion of the government, with view to- a
thorough protection to American interests.
We will urge no narrow policy nor seek
peculiar or exclusive privileges in any
commercial route, but in the language of
my predecessor, Il believe it to be the
ris hit and duty of the United States to as
Sert and maintain such supervision and
authority over any in er- oceanic canal
and South America, as will protect our
national interests
The constitution guarantees absolute Ic-
li.ious freedom. Congress is prohibited
from making any law respecting an cs-
tablisliment Of religion or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof. The territories oc
the United States are subject to Legislative ;
authority of Congress, and hence the gen,
eral government is responsible for al:
violation of the constitution i'll ANY n.
them. 1t is, therefore, 4 repr0ach 20 the
government that in the most pOpulOus of
the territories the constitutional 9ulran-
tee IS not enjoyed by the people and the
authority Of Congress is set at i,auSht.
The Mormon church not only Otfends tine
moral sense OF mankind. by sanctiOning
polygamy but prevents the administration
of justice throughout the ordinary
instrumcntalities of law. In MY |
Judgment it is the duty Of Congres,
while respecting to the uttcrmOst the !
convictions and religious |
scrup'es of every citizen, to prohibit with !,
in its jurisdiction ali criminal pract ces. |
and picty of that class which destroys the !
family relations and endangers sociaI order !
Nor can amy ecclesiastical organization ,
be safely permitted to usurp in |
the smallest degree the functions and
powers of the national government.
The civil service can never be placed .
on a satisfactory basis until it is regulated |
by law. For the good OF the service it
self, for the protection Of those who are
entrusted with the appoiEtin. power
against the waste OF the time and
to the public bust
ness caused by inorlinate pressure
for place, and for the protection Ot incum.
bents against intrigue and wrong, shai! !
at tho proper time ask Congress to fix the
enure Of the minor Offices of the several |
departments and prescribe the
grounds upon which removals shall be
made during terms for which iEcumbents |
have been appointed.
Finally, acting always within tic Hu.
thorty and limitation of the constitution, |
invading neither the rights Of the states
nor tho reserved rights Of the pe"p'e,
it will be the purpose of my admials-
tration to maintain the authority OF the
nation, and in all places within its juris'i;,-
ton to enforce obedience to al! the laws !
OF the UEion. in the interests Of the pno-
pie; to demand rigid economy in all the ex-
penditures of the government, and 20 re !
quire the honest and faithful service OF al !!
,ypcltvn r,ffi hor;r that fi,.. |