Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1881-03-12
THE PRESIDENTS INAUGURAL.

. e q
AT the usual stage IN the inaugural
ceremony, Gen. Garfield having taken
the oath of Office, administered by
Chief Justice. Waite, said =
Fellow-C Citizens: We stand to-day
upon an eminence which overlooks a
hundred years OF national. liie-a centu-
ry crowded with perlls, but crowned
with triumphs Of liberty and OF love.
Before continuing the onward march,
let US pause on this height for mo-
ment to strengthen our faith and renew
our hope by glance at the pathway
along which our people have travelled.
1t Is now three days more than hum
dred years since the adoption OF the
first written constitution OF the United
States, the articles OF confederation and
perpetual union. The new republic
was then beset with danger on every
hand. 1t had not conquered q place in
the family of nations. The decisive bat
tie Vt the war for Independence, whose
centennial anniversary will soon be
gratefully celebrated at Yorktown, had
not yet been fought. The colonies
were struggling not only against the
armies OF Great Britain, but against
the settled opinions OF mankind, Tor the
| world did not believe that the supreme
authority of the government could be
safely entrusted to the guardianship Of
the people themselves. We can not
overestfmate the 7fervent love-, intelll.
gent courage and common sense with
which our fathers made the great ex-
pertinent OF selfgovernment. When
they found, alter a short time, that the
confederacy Of the states was too weak
Ito meet the necessities of. q glorious
and expanding republic, they boldly
set it aside and in its stead re.estab.
lished the national union,n founded d.
rectly upon the will OF the people, en-.
dowed with further powers Of self-pres-
srvation and with ample authority for
the Accomplishment Of its great objects.
Under this constitution the boundaries
of, freedom were enlarged, the founda-
i tions OF order and peace have been
strengthened, and the growth in all
the q better elements Of national
lite has vindicatsd 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 mariners
and flag 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 SELF
government. ''--s hI,: pa- i, u
THE LESSON OF THE WAR.
The jurisdiction OF this constitution
now covers an area fifty times greater
than that OF the original thirteen states,
and population twenty times greater
than that of 1880. The trial OF the con-
stitution came at last under the tre-
menduous pressure OF civil war. We
ourselves are witnesses that the union
emerged from the blood and fire of that
conflict purified and made stronger Tor
all beneficent purposes OF good govern.
ment, and now, al the close OF this first
century Of growth, with the inspirations
OF its history in their hearts, cur people
have lately reviewed the condition OF
the nation. PASSED Judgment upon
the conduct and opinions of po-
litical parties, and have registered
their will concerning the future
administration Of the government.
To interpret and to execute that will in
accordance with 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 with the resolution to employ
its best energies in developing the
great possibilities OF the future, sacred,
ly reserving whatever has been gained
to liberty and government during the
century. Our people are determined to
leave behind them all these bitter con-
troversiss concerning things which
have been irrevocably settled, the fur
ther discussion of which can only stir
up strife aud delay the onward march.
The supremacy of the nation and its
laws should no longer be the subject OF
debate. That discussion which tor
halt century threatened the existence
OF the union was closed at last In the
high court OF war by decree, from
which there is no appeal. that the con-
stltutlon and laws made IN pursuance
thereof shall continue to be the supreme
law OF the land, binding alike on all
the states and the people. This decree
does not disturb the autonomy OF states
nor Interfere with any OF their necessary
rules Of local self government; but it
does fix and establish the permanent
supremacy OF the union. The will of
the nation, speaking with the voice OF
battle and through the amended cousti.
tuition. has fulfilled the great promise
OF l776 by proclaminR liberty through.