Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-03-04


well performed or who hope Tor the
elevation of political sentiment and the
publication Of political methods.
The existence of immense aggrega-
lions of kindred enterprises and combi-
nations of business interests, formed for
the purpose of limiting production and
fixing prices. is inconsistent with the
fair field which ought to be open to
every Independent activity. Legitimate
strife in business should not be super
seeded by an enforced concession to the
demands of combinations that have the
power to destroy nor should the peo-
pie to be served lose the benefit of
cncapness, which usually results from
wholesome competition. These aggre
CATIONS and combinations frequently
constitute conspiracies against the in
terests of the people, and in all their
phases they are unnatural and opposed
to our American sense of fairness. To
the extent that they can be reached
ard restrained by Federal power, the
general government should relieve our
citizens from their interference and ex-
actions.
Loyalty to the principles upon which
our government rests, positively de-
mands that the equality before the law
which it guarantees to every citizen
should be Justly and in good faith con-
coded in all parts of the land. The
enjoyment of this right follows the
badge of citizenship wherever found
and, unimpaired by race or color, it ap-
peals for recognition to American man
illness and fairness.
Our relations with the Indians locat-
ed within our borders impose upon US
responsibilities we can not escape.
Humanity and consistency require us
to treat them with forbearance, and in
our dealings with them to honestly and
considerably regard their rights and
interests. Every effort should be made
to lead them, through the paths of civ
ilization and education, to self-suppOrt-
ing and independent citizenship. In
the meantime. as the nations wards,
they should be promptly defended
against the cupidity of designing men
and shielded from every influence or
temptation that retards their advance
ment.
The people of the United States have
decrccd that on this day the control of
their government in its Legislative and
executive branches shall be given to n
political party pledged in the most
positive terms TO the accomplishment
oftarin' reform. They have thus de-
tcrmined in favor of Il more just and
equitable system Of federal taxation.
The agents they have chosen to carry
out their purposes are bound by their
promises, not less than by the command
of their masters, to devote themselves
unremittingly TO this service.
While there should be no surrender
of principle, our task must be under
taken wisely and without vindictive-
ness. Our mission is not punishment,
but the rectiication of wrongs. II, III
lifting burdens from the daily life of
our people, we reduce inordinate and
unequal advantages too long enjoyed
this is but necessary incident of our
return to right and justice. If we ex-
act from unwilling minds acquiescence
in the theory of an honest distribution
of the fund of governmental beneficence
treasured up for all, we but insist upon
Il principle which underlies our free in
stitutions. When we tear aside the de-
lu;ions and misconceptions which have
blinae our countrymen Ito their condi-
ton under vicious tariff laws, we but
show them how far they have been led
away from the paths of contcntment
and prosperity When we proclaim
that the necessity for revenue TO sup
port the Government furnishes the only
justification for taxing the people, we
announce a truth plain that its denial
would seem to Indicate the extent to
which judgment may be influenced by
familiarity with perversons of the tax
ing power: and when we seek TO rein
state the self-confidence and business
enterprise of our citizens, by discrediting
an abject dependence upon govern
mental favor, we strive to Stimulate
those elements Of American character
which support the hope of American
achievement.
Anxiety for ire redemption of the
pledges which my party has made, and
solicitude for the complete justification
of the trust the people have reposed in
us, constrain me TO remind those with
whom am to cooperate that we can
succeed in doing the work which has
been especially set before us only by
the most sincere, harmonious, and dis
interested effort. Even if insuperable
obstacles and opposition prevent the
consummation of our task, we shall
hardly be excused; and if failure can
be traced 10 our fault or neglect, we
may be sure the people will hold us TO
swift and exacting accountability.
The oath l now take to preserve, pro-
tect. and defend the Constitution of the
United States, not only impressively
defines the great responsibility | q
sumo. but suggests obedience to con-
stitutional commands as the lule by
which my official conduct must G
guided. | shall to the best ofmy abb
ity. and within my sphere of duty, pre-
serve the Constitution by Loyalty pro-
tecting every grant of Federal power it
contains, by defending all its restraints
when attack d by impotence and rest
lessness and by enforcing its limitations
and reservations in favor of the States
and the people.
Fully impressed with the gravity of
the duties that confront me and mind
full of my weakness, | should be APP
palled if it were my lot to bear unaid-
ed the responsibilities which await me.
am, however, saved from discourage
Al. II