The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-03-12


metals, but | confidently believe that mr.
rangments can be made between the lead
ing 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 metal nut OF circulation. II possible,
such an adjustment should be made that
the purchasing power Of every coined dollar
will DO exactly equal TO its debt paying
power in all the markets Of the world.
The chief duty Of the National Govern
ment in connection with the currency ofthe
country is TO coin money and declare its
value. Grayo doubts have been entertained
whether or not Congress is authorized by the
Constitution to make any form Of paper
money legal tender. The present issue Of
United States notes has been sustained by
the necessities of war, but such paper should
depend for its value and currency upon its
convenience in use and its prompt redemp
tion in coin at the will OF the holder, and
upon its compulsory circulation. These
notes are not money, but promises 10 pay
money. II the holders demand il the prom
Use should be kept. ..-
The refundng Of the National debt ut
lower rate ofinterest should be accomplished
without compelling the withdrawal Of the
National hank noles, and thus disturbing
the business of the country.
venture 10 refer to the position | have
occupied on financial questions during a
long service in Congress, and to say that
time and experience have strengthened the
opinions have SO often expressed on these
subjects.
The finances Of the Government shall suf-
fer no detrinent which IL may be p0ssibl ,
for my administration 10 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-hnlf our people, and furnish
much the largest part of all our exports,
AS the Government lights our coasts for the
protection Of mariners aud the benefit Of
commerce, so it should give TO the tillers OF
the soil lights of practical science and ex-
perience.
Our manufacturers are rnpidly making us
industrially independent, and are opening
to capital and labor new and profitable
fields Of employment. Their steady and
healthy growth should still be maintained.
Our facilities for transportation should be
promoted by the continued improvement Of
our harbors and great interior waterways,
and the increase of our tonnage on the
ocean.
The development of the worlds commerce
has led to an urgent demand for shortening
great sea voyages around Cape Horn, by
constructing ship canals or railways across
the lsthmus, which unites the two CONT
nents. Various plans to this end have been
suggested, and will need consideration, but
none Of them have been sufficiently matured
- h. T...N t..,s.
pecuIiary aid.
The subject, however, is one which will
Immediately engage the attention of the
Government, with view To thorough pro.
lection to American interests. We will urge
no narrow policy nor seek peculiar or ex-
elusive privileges in any commercial route,
but, in the language OF my predecessor,
believe it to be "the right and duty Of the
United States to assert and maintain such
supervision and authority over any inter-
oceanic canal across the Isthmus that con-
meets North aud South America as will pro.
tect.our national interests"
The Constitution guarantees absolute reli
gious freedom. Congress is prohibited from
making any law respecting the establishment
OF religion or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof. Tho Territories of the United States
are subject TO legislative authority Of Con-
gress, and hence the General Government is
responsible foi any violation Of the Consti-
tuition in any of them. 1t is, therefore, a
reproach 10 tho Government that in the
most populous Of the Territories the COnsti-
tu;ional guarantee is not enjoyed by the
people, and the authority OF Congress 10 set
at naught.
The Mormon Church not only offends the
moral sense of mankind by sanctioning
polygamy, but prevents the administration
uf Justice through the ordinary instru-
mentalities of law. ln my Judgment it is
the duty OF Congress, while respecting To the
utteimost the conscientious convictions and
religious scruples Of every citizen, IN pro-
hibit within its jurisdiction ali criminal
practices and piety of that class which de-
s,roy the family relations and endanger
social order. Nor can any ecclesiastical or
ganzatlon be safely prenitted to usurp IN
the smallest degree the functions and powers
OF he National Government.
The civil service can never be placed on a
satisfactory basis until il is regulated by law.
For the good of the service itself, for the
protection OF those who are entrusted with
the appointing power, against the waste of
time aud obstruction 10 the public business
caused by the nordinate pressure for place,
and for the protection Of ineumbents against
intrigue and wrong, shall at the proper
time ask Congress To fix the tenure of the
minor offices of the several executive de-
partments, and prescribe the grounds upon
which removals shall be made during terms
for which incumbents have been appointed.
Finally, acting always within the autho-
rity and Limitation ofthe Constitution, ,invad-
ing neither the rights of the States nor the
reserved rights Of the people, it will DO the
purpose Of my administrations to maintain
the authority of the nation and in all places
within its Jurisdiction to enforce obedienre
u all the laws Of the Union in the interests
of the people; to demand rigid economy in
all the expenditures OF the Government, and
TO require the honest and faithful services oi
all executive officers, remembering that the
offices were created, not for the benefit OF
incumbents or their supporters, but for the
service Of the Government.
And, now, fellow citizens, | am about To
assume the great trust which YOU have eom-
mltted to my hands. | appeal for that
earnestand thoughtful support which makes
this Government in fact, as il is in law, a
Government, Of the people.
shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and
patriotism OF Congress aud Of those who may
share with me the responsibilities and duties
OF administration. And ab,ve all upon our
efforts TO promote the welfare Of this great
people and their Government, / reveTential-
ly invoke the support and blessing of Al
mighty God.
MEAI NnnH