The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-03-11

when he gives free rein TO his impetuous ora
tory. t- 80
Following is Gen. 0arneld's inaugural ad-
dress in full
FELLow-CrrrzxSs We stand to-day upon an
eminence which overlooks hundred years Of
national hfe--a century crowded with periis,
but crowned with the triumphs OF liberty and
love. Before continuing our onward march.
let us pause on this height for moment, to
strengthen our faith and renew our hope by a
glance at the pathway along which our people
have Travelled. 1t is now three days more than
100 years since the adoption OF the first written
constitution of the United States, the articles
of confederation and Of perpetual union. The
new republic was then beset with danger on
every hand II had not conquered place In
the family OF nations. The decisive battle OF
tho war for independence whose centennial
anniversary will soon be gratefully celebrated
at Yorktown, had not yet been fought. The
colonists were struggling not only against the
armies of Great Britain but against the settled
opinions OF mankind, for the world did not
believe that the supreme authority OF gov
eminent could DO safely intrusted to
the guardianship of the people themselve'
We cannot overestimate the fervent love Of
liberty, the intelligent courage and saving
common sense with which our fathers made
the great experiment of self-goyernment.
When they found after short time that the
confoderacy OF States was too weak to meet
the necessities OF n vigorous and expanding
republic they boldly set 1T aside, and In Its
stead established q national Union, founded
directly upon the will of the people, and en-
dowed it With future powers OF self-preserya-
ton and with ample authority for tho accom-
plishment of its great objects. Under this
constitution the boundaries OF freedom have
been enlarged, the foundations of order
and peace have been strengthened,
and the growth in all the bet.
indicated the wisdom of the founders and
given new hope to their descendants. Under
this constitution, our people long ago made
themselves safe against danger from without
and secured for their marines and flag an
equality of rights on all the seas. Under this
constitution twenty-five States have been added
to the Union, with constitutions and laws
framed and enforced by their own citizens, to
secure the manifold blessings of local and
self government. The jurisdiction OF. this
constitution now covers an area fifty times
greater than that OF the original thirteen
States, and a population twenty times greater
than that Of 1859. Tho supreme trial of the
constitution came at last under the tremendous
pressure OF civil war. We ourselves are wit
nesses that the Union emerged from the blood
and fire OF that conflict, purified and made
stronger for oil the benefcent purposes of good
government, and now, at the close Of this first
century Of growth, with inspirations Of its his
viewed the condition Of the nation, passed
judgment upon the conduct and opinions of
the political parties, and have registered their
will concerning the future administration of
Government. To interpret and execute that
will, in accordance Will: The constitution, is the
paramount duty OF the Executive.
Even from this brief review, it is manifest
that the nation is resolutely facing to the
front, resolved to employ its best energies in
developing the great possibilities Of the future.
Sacredly preserving whatever has been gained
to liberty and good government during the
century, our people are determined to leave be-
hind them all those bitter controversies con-
corning things which have been irrevocably
sctted, and the further discussion of which can
only stir up strife and delay the onward march.
The supremacy Of the nation and its laws
should be- no longer subject Of debate. That
discussion, which for half century threat
ened the existence Of the Union, was closed Mt
last in the high court Of war, by decree from
which there is no appeal, that the constitution
and laws made III pursuance thereof shall con-
time to be the supreme law of the land, bind
ing alike upon the States and upon the people.
THIS decree does not disturb the autonomy OF
the States nor interfere with any of their neces-
sary rules OF local seif-government, but it does
iix and establish the permanent supremacy of
the Union. The will Of the nation, speaking
with the voice of battle, and through the
amended constitution, has fulfilled the great
promise of 1776, by proclaimlng Liberty
throughout the land to all the inhabitants
thereof"
The elevation OF the negro race from slavery
to the full rights Of citizenship is the most inn
portant political change we have known since
the adoI ton Of the constitution of 1887. No
thoughtful man can fail to appreciate its benefi-
cent effect upon our institutions and people,
Ii has freed us from the perpetual danger of
war and dissolution. 1t has added immensely
to the moral and industrial forces Of our peo-
pie. 1t has liberated the master as well as the
slave from the relation which wronged and
enfeebled both. 1t has surrendered to their
own guardianship the manhood Of more
than 5,000,000 people, and has opened
to each one OF them career of free
dom and usefulness it has given new
inspiration to the power Of self-hep in both
races by making labor more honorable to one
and more necessary to the other. The influence
OF this force will grow greater and bear richer
fruit with coming years. No doubt the great
change has caused serious disturbance to our
Southern community. This il to be deplored
though IT was unavoidable but those who re-
sisted the change should remember that under
our institutions there was no middle ground for
the negro race between slavery and equal citi-
zenship. There can be no permanent disfran-
chised peasantry in the United States.
Freedom can never yield its full1ess Of
blessings as long rs law or its administration
places the smallest obstacle in the pathway Of
any virtuous citizen. The emancipated race
has already made remarkable progress. With
unquestioning devotion to the Union, with q
patience and gentleness not born of fear, they
have followed the light as God gave them to
see the light" They are rapidly laying tho
material foundations Of self-support, widening
the circle of intelligence, and beginning to en-
Joy the blessings that gather around the homes
of the industrious poor. They deserve the gen.
erous encouragement Of all good men. SO far
as my authority can lawfully extend. they shall
enjoy the full and equal protection of the con-
stitution and laws.
The free enjoyment Of equal suffrage IL still
in question, and frank statement Of the issue
may aid its solution. II is alleged that in many
communities negro citizens are practically de-
MED the freedom of the ballot. In 30 far as
the truth of this allegation Is admitted, 1t is
answered that in many places honest local gov
ernment is impossible il the mass Of unedu.
Gated negroes are allowed to vote. These are
grave allegations. So far as the latter Is true
It is the only palliation that can be offered for
opposing the freedom Of the ballot. A bad
local government is certainly great
evil which ought to be prevented, but
to violate the freedom and sanctity of
suffrage is more than an evil; it IL crime
which, il persisted in, will destroy tho Govern
- L. l.. In.