Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-03-09

| II the promise should be kept Refunding the ma
tional debt at lower rate OF interest should be
accomplished without compelling the withdrawal
OF national bank notes and thus disturbing the
business Of the country venture 10 refer TO the
| position have occupied on the financial cues
ton during long service In congress and TO say
that time and experience have strengthened the
opinions | have 40 often expressed on these sub
iects The finances Of the government shall suf-
fer no detriment which II may be possible 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 half OF our people, and furnish much the
largest part Of all our exports. As the govern
ment lights our coast for the protection OF mar
liners and the benefit Of commerce, 10 It should
give TO the tilers Of the soil the lights OF practical
convenience and experience.
MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE.
Our manufactures are rapidly making us In
dustrially independent, and are opening to cap
ital and labor new and profitable fields OF en-
ployment This steady and healthy growth
should still be maintained. Our facilities for
transportation should be promoted by the con-
tinued improvement OF our harbors and great In
terror waterways and by the increase OF tonnage
on the ocean.
IsTBMIAS CANALS.
Development OF the worlds commerce has led
to an urgent demand for shortening the great sea
NOyhBt hfOunu cape Horn Dy constructing Hn1p
canals railways across the isthmus which
unites two continents. Various plans to this end
have been suggested, and will need considera-
ton, but none OF them have been sufficiently ma
tured to warrant the United States In extending
pecunlary aid. The subject, however, is one
which will Immediately engage the attention OF
the government with view to thorough protec-
ton Of American interests We will urge no mar
row policy nor seek peculiar or exclusive privi-
leges in any commercial route, but, in the Ian
guage OF my predecessor, believe 1t 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-
meet North and South America as will protect our
national interests
THE MORMON QUESTION
The constitution guarantees absolute religious
freedom Congress is prohibited from making
any law respecting an establishment Of religion
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The ter
rtories OF the United States are subject to the di
rect legislative authority OF congress- and hence
the general government Is responsible for any
violation OF the constitution in any Of them. It
Is therefore reproach to the government that
In the most populous OF the territories the consti-
tutonal guarantee is not enjoyed by the people
and the authority Of congress Is set at naught
The Mormon church not only offends the moral
sense OF mankind by Its sanction Of poygamy,
but prevents the administration OF Justice through
the ordinary instrumentalites Of the law. In my
judgment 1t Is the duty OF congress- while respect
ing to the uttermost the concientious convictions
and religious scrupes Of every Citizen to prohibit
within its jurisdiction all criminal practices, es-
pecially OF that class which destroy the family
relations and endaDger social order. Nor can any
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 satisfactory basis until
regulated by law for the good OF the service itself
for the protection OF those who are entrusted with
the appointing power against waste OF time and
obstruction to public business caused by the inor-
dinate pressure for place, and for the protection
OF incumbents against intrigue and wrong. |
shall at the proper time ask congress to fix the
| tenure of the minor offices OF the several execu-
tive departments and prescribe grounds upon
which removals shall be made during the terms
for which the incumbents have been appointed.
Finally, acting always within the authority and
the limitations of the constitution, invading
neither the rights of the states nor the reserved
rights OF the people, 1t will be the purpose OF my
| administration to maintain the authority and in
all places within its jurisdiction TO enforce obed-
ence to all the laws OF the Union in the interests
| OF the people; to demand rigid economy In all ex =
penditures Of the government and to require
honest and faithful service Of all executive Off
GERS, remembering that the offices were created
not for the benefit Of the incumbents their sup
| porters, but for the service of the government.
CONCLUSION.
| And now, fellow-citzens, am about to assume
| the great trust which you have committed to my
hands appeal to you for that earnest, thought
full support which makes this government In fact,
as IL is in law, q government OF the people. |
shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and patriotism
| OF congress and OF those who may share with me
the responsibilities and duties Of the adminisra-
| ton; and above all, upon our efforts TO promote
the welfare OF this great people and their govern
ment, reverently invoke the support and bless
ings Of Almighty God.