Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-03-06
WHAT THE INAUGURAL DEVELOPS.
Deliberate reading of the Presidents
inaugural commands for the author of that


Deliberate reading of the Presidents
inaugural commands for the author of that
paper profound respect, and inspires an ad-
miration paid only to craftsmanship of a
high order. The inaugural IS at once a
state paper AMI an admonition to the
people of the nation by one who is unques-
tionably patriot in the highest ana best
sense of that term. 1t is q chapter of pro-
verbal political philosophy, so phrssed, 50
forcibly yet kindly presented. so adorned
by the finish of clean and simple style, so
persuasively convincing, that it will 20
down in the history of state papers as one
of the most effective, patriotic and clear
seeing of national documents. 1t has the
loving gentleness of Lincoln, the firmness
and simplicity of Grant with all his d.
rectness, and is distinguished by much of
the grace of diction that characterized the
writing of Garfield, and is marked by polit-
icai wisdom and profundity such as be-
longed to Seward. We are convinced that
the inaugural will grow upon the people
with increasing force, and inspire con-
stantly more of respect for its patriotic
author 1t is not possible that enc can
speak as has President Harrison in that
paper, and with such evident depth of
feeling, and not find in the hearts of the
people an earnest and sincere response.
The President meets the expectation OF
the country fully in the matter of affirming
the $ protection policy of his party Yet
he is very far from ignoring the problem
involved in the disposition of the sur
plus" He is clear in his declaration of
what the international policy of the Gov
eminent should be, and bis views in that
direction are in consonance with the most
enlightened sentiment and with the natu-
raj pride of the American people. In no
part OF the inaugural, however, is he more
forcible than in the treatment of the ques-
ton of the ballot at the South, and the
rights of citizens in the exercise of the
suffrage. In almost so many words the
President warns us that the curse of slavery
Was abolished TO small purpose, if the
prejudices and paralysis OF the system are
TO remain. 1t IS OF no profit to civilization
that the shackles of involuntary servitude
have been stricken off, if we are to 1etain
the " inoapacities that crippled every
community where slavery Obtained 1 foot.
hold. We cannot deny 10 any of the peo-
pie of the nation the protection of the free
ballot, and yet claim it for ourselves, and
still plead that we are just or American
He treats of kindred topic with equal
strength in his appeal to the people for re-
form in our election laws generally
throughout the country, and for the greater
security of free ballot. This appeal will
not remain unheeded. 1t meets not only
the sentiment of the people, but their
activity, fer in most of the leading States
OF the Union to day the chief subject of
the thoughts of the people is made mani
fest in measures proposed for the reform of
the election laws, and the insistance of the
country on free ballot and fair count of
votes.
The President has no hesitation in De-
claring against unrestricted immigration,
and would have the people choose the
membership of the national household in
a manner that will insure the rejection of
the classes that are likely TO become public
burdens, and the classes also whose dispo-
si,ion toward our system is not one of sim
cere amity and acceptance 1t is true that
the laws now so declare, but as the Presi-
dent remarks, they are unimpressiye-they
aeed vitalizing. He gives it to be clearly
understood that there is 10 be no ineffici-
ency in the civil service. There must be
not only competency, but the disposition
AID the capacity to oblige, to serve the peo-
pie patiently, respectfully, and with regard
TO their rights as sovereigns: very evidently
President Harrison does not mean to put
40 with sny snobbery or self-sufficiency in
office. While he proposes to recognize the
claims that are based upon honorable
party service, that which must outweigh
them is competency and efficiency. The
civil service law is to be enforced fully and
without evasion" and more than that, the
President promises us some advanced
views upon that subject that he hopes NAV
eventually be adopted into our system.
The inaugural is at times loftily eloquent.
and throughout is pervaded by patriotic
spirit that finds quick response in the
hearts Of the people, and kindits new pride
in, and hope for the American nation and
free government.