Wichita eagle., 1889-05-01

BILE the tremendous pace Of the settlement
of our national domain. the building OF
our great cities and the opening of tho
lines of communication which have
unified our country and created
our resources, have come national
and state legislation and supervision.
Twenty millions, vast majority of our
people of intelligent age, acknowledging
the authority of their several churches,
twelve millions of children IN the CON-
mon schools three hundred and forty-fve
universities and colleges for the higher
education of men and two hundred for
women. four hundred and fifty institutions
of learning for science law. medicine and
theology, are the despair of the scoffer and
the demagogue and the firm support OK
civilization and liberty.
Steam and electricity have changed the
commerce not only. they have revolution
led also the governments or the world
/ They have given TO the press its power.
ana brought all races and nationalities
into touch and sympathy. They have
tested and are trying the strength or all
systems TO stand the strain and conform
10 the conditions which follow the germir-
ating Influences Of American democracy.
At the time of the Inauguration of WASH
ington, seven royal families ruled as many
kingdoms IN Italy, but six of them have
seen their thrones overturned and their
countries disappear from the map Of
Europe Most Of the kings, princes, dukes
ana margrayes OF Germany who reigned
deSpotlcaily and sold their soldiers. for
foreign service, have passed into history.
and their heirs have neither prerogativeS
nor domain. Spain has gone through
many violent changes and the permanency
OF her present government seems 20 de
pend upon the feeble life OF an infant
prince France. our ancient friend with
repeated and bloody revolutions. has tried
the government of bourbon and conven-
ton OF directory and consulate, OF empire
and citizen king, of hereditary sovereign
and republic, of empire, and again repub-
lie. The Hapsb1rgh and the Hohenzol-
lern, after commissions which have rocked
the foundations of their thrones. have
been compelled to concede constitutions to
their people and TO divide with them the
arbitrary power welded so automatically
aud brilliantly by Maria Theresa and
Frederick the Great. The royal will OF
George the Third could crowd the
American colonies into rebellion, and wage
war upon them until they were lost To his
kingdom, but the authority Of the
crown has deyolved upon ministers who
hold office subject to the approval of repre-
sentatiyes of the people, snd the equal
powers of the house of lords have become
vested in the commons, leaving TO the
peers only the shadow of their ancient
privilege. But today the American peo-
pie. after the dazzling developments of the
century, are still happily living under the
& byernment of Washington. The consti-
tuition during all that period has been
amended only upon the lines laid down in
the original Instrument. and in conformity
with the recorded opinions of the fathers.
The first great addition was the incorpora-
ton OF bill of rights, and the last en-
bedding into the constitution the immortal
principle of the Declaration of Iude-
pendence-of the equality OF all men be-
L..
Gus for its powers no evolution too rapid
for its adaptation. and no expansion be-
yond its easy grasp and administration.
1t has assimiiated diverse nationalities
with warning traditions, customs, condi-
ti0ns and languages, imbued them with
its spirit, and won their passionate loyalty
and love.
The flower of the youth OF the nations of
Continental Europe are conscripted from
productive Industries and drilling In
camps Vast armies stand in battle array
and along the frontiers, aud "A kaiser's
within or IA minister's mistake may precip-
itate the most destructive war OF modern
times Both monarchial and republican
governments are seeking safety in the re-
preston and suppression OF opposition and
criticism The volcanic forces Of the dem
ocratic aspiration and socialistic revolt
are rapidly de reasing and threaten peace
and security. We turn from these gather
ing storms 10 the British Isles and find
their people in the throes Of political
crisis involving the form and substance of
their govern neDt, ana their statesmen lar
from confident that the eufranchissd and
uuprepared masses will wisely Use their
power.
But for us no army exhausts our re-
sources nor consumes our youth. Our
navy needs Increase in order that the pro-
tecting flag may follow the expanding
4. Ft,1f
pete in all the markets of the world. The
sun Of our destiny is rising, and It's RAYS
illume vast territories as yet gnOccupied
and undeveloped, and which are 20 be the
happy homes Of millions of people. The
questions which affect the powers Of gov
eminent and the expansion or Limitation
of the authority OF the federal constitu-
ton are so completely settled and so uDan-
iinously approved that our political divis-
ions produce only the healthy ant agonism
of parties which il necessary
for the preservation of liberty Our instf-
tutions furnish the full Equipment of shield
and spear for tn battles Of freedom, and
absolute protection against every danger
which threatens the welfare Of the people,
will always he found ia the Intelligence
which appreciates their value. anu the
courage and morality with which their
powers are exercised. The spirit Of Wash
ington fills the executive Office. Presi-
dents may not rise 20 the iull measure OF
his greatness but they must not tail below
his standard of public duty and obligation
His life and character, conscientiousIy
studied and thoroughly understood by
coming generations, will be for them
a liberal education for private life and
public station, for citizenship and patriot
ism, for love and devotion to union and
liberty With their inspiring past and
splendid present. the people Of these
United States, heirs Of hundred years
maryeiously rich In ali which adds 20 the
glory and greatness Of nation. with an
abiding trust ia the ability aud elasticity
OF their constitution, and an Astounding
faith In themselves. hail the coming cen
fury with hope and Joy.
His e1eallency Abe president q TIE United States
Mr.. CHAIRMAN ASD GEsTLEhEs: The
Inauguration Of George Washington as