American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1881-03-12
1ISS.. SATURDAY., MARCH II, 1881.

pie to secure the blessings which the Seasons
| brought: BY the experience of commercial
nations in all ages it has been found that gold
and silver afforded the only safe foundation
for monetary system. Confusion has recent.
! ly been created by variations in the relative
value of the two metals, but confidently be
lieve that arrangements can be made between
| secure the general use of both metals Con-
gress should provide that the compulsory
coinage of silver now requiredbyla law may not
disturb our monetary system by driving either
| metal out of civilization. If possible such an
hu1ustment should be made ina, the ;I purchas
actly equal to its debt paying power in all
markets of the world. The chief duty of the
National Government in connection with the
currency of the country is to coin and
declare its value. Grave doubts have been
entertained whether Congress is authorized
by the Constitution to make any form of pa
per M ney 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 it, prompt redemp-
upon its compulsory circulation. These notes
If the holders demand it the promises should
be kept The refunding of the national debt
at lower rate of interest should be accom-.
the national bank note, and thus disturbing
the business of the country. venture to re-
financial question during long service in Con-
gress. and to say that time and experience has
pressed on these subjects The finances of
the Government shall suffer no detriment
whlcnl IL may De possible Tor my aufninlstra-
tiOn to 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 EN-:
ployment for more than one-half
our people and furnish much the largest part
OF all our exports. As the Government lights
our coasts for the protec' ion of mariners and
the benefit of commerce, soft should give to the
tilers of the soil the lights of practical science
and experience. Our manufacturers are rap
idly making us industriously independent and
!.
table fields of employment. This steady and
6eaty fr soad s be sna be-
promoted by the continued improvement of
our harbors and great interior water ways,
on the ocean. The development CT the
worlds commerce has led to urgent de-
around Cape Horn by constructing ship
canals or railways across the isthmus which
bis me swo nd Vii ID
consideration, but none of them have been
sufficiently matnred to warrant us in extend
ing pecuniary aid. he subject is one which
will Immediately engage the attention of the
Government with view to thorough protec-
ton to American interests We will urge no
narrow policy, nor seek peculiar or exclusive
privileges in any commercial route, but in the
language of nv predecessor, 81 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 isthInus that connects North and South
America as will protect our national inter
ests."
igious freedom. Congress is prohibited from
making any laws respecting the establishment
thereof The Territories Of the United states
are subject to the direct Legislative authority
ment is responsible for any violation of the
Constitution in any of them. 1t is, therefore,
most populous of the Territories constitu-
tional guarantee is not enjoyed by the people
and the authority of Congress is set at naught.
The Mormon Church not only Ohends the
moral sense of mankind by sanctioning
polygamy. but prevents the administration of
justice. In my Judgment Congress, while re-
speeding to the uttermost the conscientious
convictions and religious scruples of every
citizen, ought to prohibit within its jurisdic-
ton ali criminal practice s especially of that
class which destroys family relations and en-
dangers the social order Nor can any &C.
clesiastical organization be safely permitted
to usurp in the smallest degree the functions
and movers of the National Government
The civil service can never be placed on a
satisfactory basis until it is regulated by law
for the good of the service ITSELF for the pro
lection of those who are entrusted with the
apposating power, against tue waste OF time
and the obstruction of public business caused
the protection of ncumbents against intrigue
and wrong. / shall at the proper time ask
the several Executive departments and pre-
scribe the grounds upon which removals shall
be made during the terms for which the in
cumbents have been appointed finally, acting
always within the authority and the lnita
tons OF the Constitution, invading neitherthe
rights of the State nor the reserved rights OF
the people.
1t will be the purpos Sc of my administration
to maintain authority in all places within its
Jurisdiction. and to enforce obed ence to the
laws of the Union. The interests of the peo
pie demand economy in all the expenditures
OF the Government, and require honest and
faithful service of all executive officers, re-
membering that offices were ciCated. not for
the benefit of hcumbeuts or their supporters,
but for the service of the Government.
And now. fellow citizens, am about to as
sumo the great trust which you have commit |
ted to my hands. l appeal 10 You for that |
earnest and thoughtful support which makes
this Government in fact, as it is in law, aGov-
eminent of the people. shall greatly rely |
upon the wisdom and patriotism of Cou- |
gross and of those who may share |
with me the the responsibilities and duties of |
the Administration. And upon our efforts |
to promote the welfare of this great people |
and the Government, reverently invoke the |
support and blessing of the Almighty God.
L s>.. G.<...x. IL.