The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-03-09
The Presidents Inaugural.

This document is published in full in this
issue. 1t has been received by the country at
large and commented on by its citizens ac-
eording to the political proclivities of each in
dividual. Some have bestowed iulsomc praise,
while others have gone to the opposite ex-
IRENE and decried it beyond its dement's.
Neither can be regarded as fair and intelli-
gent criticism of the address. Public judg-
ment viii accept it as plain unassuming
composition, couehed, as far as practicable,
il such general terms as will not return TO
plague the President or commit him to any
particular course of policy which he may see
proper to depart from in the progress OF his
administration. Some portions of 1t employ
a purer diction than others, and some SEN
fences are less involved and clearer in their
meaning than others, bat the document no
where rises above respectable mediocrity, or
impresses us with the idea that it is anything
more than commonplace. As a measure of
President Harrison's ability as writer it does
not place him above the level of our ordinary
public men.
u
commended, neither is it free from objection
able features. The position of the President
on protection, aceords with that of his party,
and his utteranees on that subject contain
nothing new. The President goes over the
same ground so thoroughly travelled over in
the late canvass. 1t is evident that there IS
to be no change in the tariff and no ree2etipa
of the surplus in the treasury, except by in
creased expenditure. If bonds got. Jet due
are to be purchased in order 10 reduce the
public debt, they can oEiy be had at most
extravagant premiqm of S2s. to $50. These
things must be done, or the surplus will con
tinue to increase, rendering imminent imam
cial crisis and erippling the business energies
Of the WHOLE country. Such financial policy
could not he received. as wise o. prudent.
Yet such policy ia before us, aaless the Re-
nublicans. make a departure from the policy
outlined by the President and previously
adopted by them ia Congress.
Another point of objection to the inaugural
is its evident sympathy and agreement with
the proposed action Of Senator Hoar, of Mass
achasetts, which looks to placing elections in
the South under Federal control, and the res
toration of negro and carpetbag domination in
that section Of the country. Mr.. Harrison
plainly says, in so many words, that he has
no special policy for one section more than
an other, OF language of that import. But, if
his illusions to the ballot do not mean that,
they are de7oid of intelligent Interpretation.
Such a policy win be likely to involve this
country again in the gravest trouble. Elec-
ton laws, however stringent they may be,
viii be cheerfnlly enforced, il they bear upon
ali sections alike But any attempt at sec
tioual legislation, or any attempt to interfere
with the sovereignty Of any particular State,
will be the sure precursor Of the sternesl re-
s;stance which viii shake the country from
centre to circumference. The Republican
party, with Mr. Harrison at its head, will
probably pause before iuaugarating such a
policy as Senator Hoar has indicated, but 1t
cannot be disputed that it IS the logical Sc
auence Of that portion Of President Harrison a
inaugural.
The Presidents position on lmmigTaaoa -
one that will receive hearty commeRdatioa.
There may be other points Of general seree-
ment but they must be deferred for future
consideration.