The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1881-03-11

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for transportation should be promoted
~ the continued improvement Of on
harbors and the great interior waite
ways and by the increase Of our ton
mage On the ocean.
The development Of the world
commerce has led 10 an urgent deman,
for a shortening Of the great sea voy
age around Cape Horn by construct
log ship canals or railways across tn,
Isthmus which unites the two cont
nents. Various plans to this ent
have been suggested, and will neef
consideration, but none Of them have
been sufficiently maiured to warrant
the United States in extending
pecuniary aid.
The subject is one which will imme
diately engage the attention Of the
Government with a view 10 a thor
ough protection 10 American interests.
We will urge no narrow policy, moi
seek peculiar or exclusive privilege.
in any commercial route, but, in thu
language Of my predecessors, | 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 18th
mus that connects North and South
America as will protect our National
interests.
The Constitution guarantees abso
Lutte religious freedom. Congress ID
prohibited from making any laws
respecting the establishment Of
religion or prohibiting free exercises
thereof.
The Territories OF the United States
arc subject to the direct legislative
authority Of Congress, and hence the
General Government is responsible
for any violation OF the Constitution
in any Of them. 1t is, therefore, a
reproach TO the Government that in
the most populous Of the Territories
this constitutional guarantee is moi
enjoyed by the people, and the au'
thority Of Congress is set at naught.
The Mormon Church not only Oilends
the moral sense Of mankind by sane
tioning pOlygamy, but prevents the
administration of justice through the
ordinary instrumentalities Of the law.
In my judgement it is the duty Of
Congress, while respecting to the utter
most the conscientious convictions and
religious scruples Of every citizen, to
prohibit within its Jurisdiction all
criminal practices, especially Of that
class which destroy family relations
and endanger social order. Nor can
any ecclesiastical organization be safely
permitted to usurp in the smallest de
gree the functions and powers Of the
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 protec
ton Of those who are intrusted with
the appointing power against a waste
Of time and obstruction Of public
business. caused by the inordinate
pressure for place, and for the pro
lection of incumbents against intrigue
and wrong, shall, at the proper time,
ask Congress to fix the tenure Of
minor offices of the several Executive
Departments, and prescribe TN
grounds upon which removals shall
be made during the terms for which
the incumbents have been appointed.
Finally, acting always Within the
authority and limitations Of the Con
stitution, invading neither the right
of States nor the reserved rights o
the people, it viii be the purpose o
my administration TO maintain tn,
authority, and in all places within III
jurisdiction to enforce obedience 10 al
laws of the Union, and in einter
ests OF the people TO demand rigis
economy in all expenditures Of tn
Government, and to require homes
and faithful service of alfexecutivl
officers, remembering that Offices wer
created not for the benefit of the in
cumbents or their supporters, but 70
the service Of the Government.
Aud now, iellow-citizens, | an
about to assume the great trust whic
you have committed to my hands
| appeal TO you for that earnest an
thoughtful support which makes thi
Government in fact, as it is in law
government; of the people. | shal
greatly rely upon the wisdom and pa
triotism OF Congress and Of those VIII
may share with me the responsibilities
and duties of the administration, an
upon our efforts to promote the we
fare of this great people and thel
, Government ! reverently invoke III
support and blessings OF Almight
God.
The address was delivered with "a
covered head in a voice, clear, di
it .uI .alu. anl ...aa ,.latu