The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-03-10
GaRYIELp,s INAUGURAL.

constitution OF tue v nlteQ StaIes. ue
new republic had then won no place
in the family of nations. The colo
nists were struggling not only again at
Great Britain, but agains. the opinion
of mankind. Our fathers made ,he
experiment of self-goyernmen They
found that confederacy of States was
too weak to meet the necessities OF a
growing republic. They boldly set
-confederacy aside, and founded a un-
ion directly upon the will of the peo.
pie, endowed with future powers of
self preservation, and with ample au
thority for the accomplishment of its
great object.
Under the constitution the bounda-
ries of freedom have been enlarged,
and the foundations of order and
peace strengthened. Under this con-
stitution our people long ago made
themselves safe against danger from
without, and secured for their marines
and flag equality of rights on the seas.
Under this consultation twenty five
tates have been added to the Union.
The jurisdiction of this constitution
now covers an area fifty times greater
than the thirteen original States, and
a population twenty times greater than
that of 80.
The supreme trial of the constitu-
ton came under the tremendous pres
sure of civil war. We ourselves are
witnesses that the Union emerged
from that conflict purified and made
stronger for all the beneficent purpes-
ss of good government.
Our people have lately reviewed the
condition of the nation, and have reg
istered their will concerning the fu>
ture administration of the govern
ment. To interpret and execute that
will in accordance with the cOnstitu-
ton is the paramount duty of the Ex-
ecutive.
Oar people are determined to leave
behind them all those bitter controver-
sizes concerning things which have
been irrevocably settled, The suprem-
acy of the nation and it's laws are no
longer subject of debate. The ques-
ton of secession was settled i'll the
high court of war, from which there
is no appeal. The decree Of this court
does not interfere with any Of the
States rules of self-government.
The elevation of the negro from
slavery to full citizenship is the most
important political change since 1871.
1t has freed US from perpetual danger
of war. 1t has added to oar moral
and industrial forces. 1t has liberated
the master as well as slave from a
wicked and enfeebling relationship.
1t has helped both races, making labor
more honorable 10 the one and more
rendered 10 their own guardianship
.l~4 4c 900
people. Its effects will be felt more
and more each year.
The liberation of the negroes has
caused disturbance to the South. This
is to be deplored, but it was unavoid-
able, and those who resisted should
remember that there was no middle
ground for the negro between slavery
and citizenship.
With patience, gentleness and devo-
ton to the Union, the progress of the
race has been remarka-
BILE. They are laying the foundation
of self-support. increasing their intel
ligence, and earning the rewards OF
the industrious poor. They deserve
the encouragement of all good men.
So far as my authority can lawfully
they shall enjoy full and equal
protection of the constitution and
laws. Equal suffrage is still in issue.
1t is alleged that in many places good
is impossible if the mass
Of uneducated negroes are allowed to
vote. Bad local government is an evil.
but to violate tho law of free su1frage
is greater evil. Itis no greater crime
TO compass the death of the king than
10 stif1e the voice of the suffrage. This
question of suffrage will never allow
repose or safety to the States or to the
Nation, until each State shall make
he ballot free by tho strong sanctions
of law. But the danger arising from
ignorance in the voter cannot be. de-
1ied. 1t covers a field wider than ne
gro suffrage and the condition of that
ace. The danger turks in every State.
[f the next generation be blinded by
ignorance and corrupted by vice, the
all of the republic will be certain and
'emediless. The census shows how
many of our voters aud their children
re illiterate. The question is su
,remely important to the South, but
he responsibility for slavery did not
est upon the South alone. The nation
tselt is responsible for the suffrage,
nd is under special obligations to re
move illiteracy. For North and South
like there is but one remedy-the
aving influence of universal educa
ion. In this work sections and races
hOuld be forgotten, and pariisanship
Unknown. The children will soon
control tho Republic.
We are not divided about the con-
of the past; our children
will not be divided about our contro-
'ersies. They will bless their fathers
nd their fathers God that the Union
vas preserved and slavery overthrown |
We may hasten or retard, but cannot |
'revent the reconciliation. Let all the |
'eople, leaving dead issues behindthcm |
move forward in the strength of lib |
rty TO the victories of peace. Our
is unequaled. Fruitful
easons have done much to secure il,
mt they have not done all. The pre-
ervation of the public credit, and tie
of specie payment, SO sue
sssfully obtained under the admins
ration of my predecessor. have ena-
led our people to secure the blessings
? bich the seasons brought.
By the experience of all commercial
ations in all ages, gold and silver al
ord the only safe foundation for
system. Confusion has been
ecenuy created by variations in the
elative value Of the two metals, but
believe that arrangements can be
lade between the leading commercial
atiOns Of the world which will secure
he general uso OF both metals. Com
ress should provide that the compul-
Dry coinage of silver may not disturb
ur monetary system by driving either
fetal out OF circulation, and that the
archasing power of every Gained
ollar Will be exactly equal TO its debt
aging power everywhere. The chief
uty OF the government, as regards
lrrency, is 10 coiu and declare its
alue. Doubts have been entertained (
hether Congress can make any form
f paper money legal tender. The
resent Issue Os U. S. notes should