The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-04
A RED LETTER DAY.


Never since the day on which the inds-
pendence OF the United States was conceded
by Great Britain has there been another so
Astounding in hope and promise as this It'll
day OF March OF the year of our Lord 1885.
The calendar emphasizes many days cele-
brating events pregnant with importance to
the Nation. That on which emancipation OF
African slavery In America was proclaimed
was a momentous one, bat IL was in the
midst OF heartrending war. That which
announced the termination OF the war be-
tween the States sent a thrill OF rejoicing
throughout the Union into every home with
In L.; but the land wore a badge of mourn
ing as wide as between the oceans, there were
so many vacant chairs about the iresides OF
the country, and so many newly made
graves and 80 many broad bands OF charcoal
and ashes that hope was in pail. There
was turmoil and chaos In politics. confusion
and uncertainty in the commercial world.
But this is our Nations perfect day. Her
dogs of war though long sleeping in their
kennels show no signs OF waking. Upon
the neighboring seas no falcons are flying,
but only whitewinged carrier doves OF
peaceful commerce. Military baIIaok, arse
nal aud rendezvous are offered tor sale for
the uses OF peaceful industry or education.
The fortress OF twenty years ago has been
q led, the trench filed. the stockade
thrown down and the soldiery on either side
in that strife have long been gathering at the
same board. quailing good cheer to one
another-their fortunes been blended, their
children Intern arried.
Our Nations perfect day The cloud of
human slavery which made imperfect nearly
all the DAYS OF the first century, has been
rolled back from our horizon. This descend
ants OF naked savages OF African wilds are
being led by the handmsidens of liberty
and learning up to intelligent citizenship.
REGARDLESS of race, color previous condi-
ton, all the States OF the South have en-
acted, what all the States OF the North will
soon enact, equal civil rights to their citl-
zens.
This, our Nations perfect day, evidences
by its notable occurrences that political in
tolerance, sectional nate and narrow browed
prejudice have been triumphed over by a
National desire for peace prosperity and
fraternity. Patriotism rather than partisan
ship wove the 6gurative wreath which to-
day will be placed upon the brow OF the new
Chief Magistrate. Two citizens were set up
for the sufrages of the people-one an adept
In political legerdemain, the other a non.
professional. The first constructed porta-
BILE stage with shifting scenes, calcium lights
aud tinsel trappirgs, with which he sought
to dazzle and capture the judgment OF the
people as he fitted the country over. The
other preserved the modesty OF department
and dignity OF word and action character
ling the man and patriot The voting ele-
ment OF the 50, 0000 600 people Of the Republic
looked on. The voters said: one man will
be President for party, the other President
OF the people. The voters selected the lat
ter, and he II is who will to day be inaugu-
ratsd President OF the United States.
Our Nations perfect day We are At
peace within our borders aud with every
Nation Of the earth. Our population was
never so great, our civilization never 80 ad.
vanced, inter Communication never so con-
venient, education never so universal lib
erty protected by law never so complete,
commerce, manufactures ard agriculture
never so extensive human charity never 80
abouadirg. There Is not an inter State
issue to brew internal disoord Ia the Re-
public. There is not a threatening cloud,
even the size OF a mans hand, over our
political sky. We See statesmen OF the
North and the South once more called to-
gether around the Cabinet table, token
that the aSperities OF war are removed.
II there is legislation needing amending
In the interest OF the masses the setlnment
of the country is demanding the reform, and
our incoming administration will see that
the demand is granted. The depression
which for some time has been upon our In
dustries is already lifting, commercial con.
fGence Is gaining strength. oar National
star Is again In the ascendant. aud from To-
day We expect TO date healthful growth oil
prosperity and acknowledgements glery