The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-03-08
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS,


We are greatly mistaken OF the sound
and sensible, though lofty and patriotic
views given by President Harrison IN
his inaugural address do not at once
give him firm hold upon the affections
of the people. There could not be
greater contrast than is given by COM
parison of the address of the new presi-
dent with that made by his predecessor
four years ago. The latter abounded
with superfluous information and high
sounding professions and promises.
Mr.. Harrison makes no promises except
that he will be faithful to his trust so
far as in him lies the ability; he forciblv
hints his realization that the world will
not stop moving when he speaks, but he
endeavors TO persuade the people to as
sist him in taking higher, more patri
otto stand on public questions. He is
modest where that virtue is appropri-
ate, but takes no uncertain position on
all those and principles which have
aided the Republican party to bring the
country to its present greatness. With
a master hand he traces the progress of
the Nation from its small beginning
century ago, showing what principles
have been most helpful in the develop
ment that has been made, and argues
that as the second century of the Re-
public opens the disposition to allow
partisanship rather than patriotism to
dominate be throttled and a return be
made to that devotion which 80 aided
the founders of the government in their
great undertaking.
The arguments in favor OF the protec-
tive system are simply unanswerable,
and his appeal to the South to throw of
all the evil influences of slavery as their
only path to industrial independence
and perfect unity and freedom is the ad-
vice of statesman.
The Monroe doctrine he upholds
strongly. and expresses his hope to up
hold American rights and honor in all
parts of the world. To this end recon-
mendations for the advancement of the
country's naval facilities are made.
In taking stand for ballot reform the
new President realizes that he Is only
yoicing a sentiment which has of late
rapidly crystallized into public de-
mand that greater safeguards be thrown
about that great institution which is the
foundation of free government.
On the subject of civil service the
greatest contrast to the extravagant
promises of MIR. Cleveland Is found. But
though the expressions on this subject
~ testify spoken they are yet among
portions of the address. An
idea OF the appreciation and sincerity
the new President puts into this matter
is best realized by perusai of the sem
fences entire, as follows:
The duty devolved by law upon the
president 10 nominate, and by and with
the advice of the senate, appoint all
public officers, whose appointment is
not otherwise provided for in the con-
stitution, or by act of congress, has be-
come very burdensome. and its wise and
efficient discharge full of difficulty. The
evil list is so large that personal know
ledge of any large number of the appll-
cants is impossible. The president must
relv upon the representations of others,
and these are often made inconsiderate-
ly and without any just sense of respon-
sibilitv. l have right, / think, 10 in
sist that those who volunteer or are in
vited to give advice as to appointments
shall exercise consideration and fidelity.
A high sense of duty and an ambition
to improve the service should character
ize all public officers. There are many
ways in which the convenience and
comfort ofthose who have business with
our public officers may be promoted by
a thoughtful and obliging officer, and l
shall expect those whom / may appoint
to Justify their selection by CONSPICUOUS
efficiency in the discharge of their dut-
les. Honorable party service will GER
family not be esteemed by me a disqnal-
ification for public offices, bat it will in
no case be allowed to serve as shield
of official negligence, incompetency or
delinquency. Ii is entirely creditabie
eek public office by proper methods
with proper motives and all appli-
..--..s will be treated with consideration.
But l shall need, and the heads of de-
partments will need, time for inquiry
ana deliberatlon. Persistent Emporium
ity will, therefore, not be the best support
of an application for Office. Heads of
departments, bureaus and all other pub
lie officers having any duty connected
Herewith, will be expected to enforce
the civil service law fully and without
evasion. Beyond this obvious duty I
hope to do something more to advance
the reform of the civil service. The
ideal, or even my own ideal, shall pro-
badly not attain. Retrospect will be q
safer basis of judgment than promises
We shall not, however, / am sure, be
able to put our civil service upon a nom
partisan basis until we have secured an
incumbency that fair-minded men of
the opposition will approve for partiali-
ty and integrity. As the number of such
in the civil list is increased, removals
from Office will diminish.
Never were words more plainly OF I'M
evasively spoken. None would have
inspired so much confidence. The peo-
pie will gladly rest their faith in one
who makes this honest and sensible
declaration. Other subjects touched up
on are the naturalization laws and the
reduction of the treasury surplus. The
address throughout commends itself and
its speaker to the respect and good opin-
ion of the public.