The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1893-03-10
The Inaugural Address.


fcate myself TO their service under the sanction
OF a solemn oath Deeply moved by the eX-
preston OF Confidence and personal attach
meut which has called me to this service, 1 am
sure my gratitude can make no better return
than the pledge now give before God and the
witnesses Of unreserved and complete devotion
to the interests and welfare Of those who have
honorod me
deem il fitting on this occasion. while iadi-
eating the opinions l hold concerning public
questions of present importance, TO also briefly
refer 10 the existence OF certain conditions and
tendencies among our people which seem 10
menace the integrity and usefulness OF their
government
While every American citizen must contem-
plate with the utmost pride and enthusiasm
the growth and expansion Of our country, the
sufnciency OF our institutions 10 stand against
the ruGest shocks OF violence. the wonderful
thrift and enterprise Of our people, and the
demonstrated superiority Of our free govern
ment, il behooves Us 10 constantly watch
Tor every symptom of insidious
inhrmity that threatens our national
viyor- The strong an who. in the
confidence OF sturdy health. courts the
siernest activities Of life aud reioices in the
hardihood OF constant labor may still have
lurking near his vitals the UNDECIDED disease
that dooms him TO sudden collapse II cannot
be doubted that our stupendous achievements
a ;
have given rise to heedlessness Of those laws
governing our national health which We can no
more evsde than human life car escape the
laws of God and nature.
Marifesuy nothing is more vital 10 our su-
premacy Us a nation and to the beneiceut pur-
poses Of our government than a sound and
stable currency. Its exposure TO degradation
should at once arouse to ACTIVITY the most en-
nghteded craftsmanship; and the danger OF de-
hsa has Of he
paid to toll should furnish the strongest in
centive 10 prompt and conservative pTecau-
ton In dealing with our present embarrassing
situation as related to this subject We " II be
wise il We temper our cOntfden &C and faith in
our national strength and resources with the
frank concession that even these viii not per-
nit u to deny with impunity the memorable
avs OF finance and trade At the same time
in our efforts ~ adjust differences 81 opinion
we should be free from intolerance or passion
and our judgments should be unmoved hy allur-
ing phrases ami unvsxed by selfish interests 1
am confident that such an approach 10 the sub
jet viii result in prudent and effective rene
dial legislation In the meantime, 50 far
as the ex cutive branch of the govern
ment can intervene. none OF the powers with
which Il Is invested vii be withheld VIXEN their
exercise viii lie deemed necessary 20 maintain
our national credit or avert financial disaster
Closely related 20 the exaggerated confidence
in our couniry's greatness. whi-h tends 10 q
disregard OF The rules OF national ssfets, an
other danger cOnfronts Us not less serious l
refer to the prevalence Of popular disposition
To expect from tho operation Of the COVE ument
especial and direct Individual advantages The
verdict OF our voters which condemned tn" in
iQuitv Of maintaining protection Tor projections
sake eni1ins upo- tho peoples s'ryIu;s :he
duty Of exposing and destroying the brood OF
kindred evils which are the unwho!esome prog
Nh
lican institutions and the constant peril OF our
government by the people. Il dcEsades 10 the
purposes Of wily craft the plan OF rule our
fathers established and bequeathed 10 Us as
an object OF our love and veneraiiOn l.
perverIs the patriotic sentiment OF cur
and tempts them 20 ptitul calcu
lation Of the sorlid gain TO be derived from
their governments maintenance II under
mines the self-reliance Of our people and sub
stitutes in its place dependence upon govern
ment favoritism. Il stiles the spirit Of true
Americanis-n and stupefes every ennobling trait
OF American citizenship The lessons o! pater-
nalism ought TO be learned, and the better les
son taught that while The people should patri-
otically and cheerfully support their govern
ment, It's functions do not include the support
OF the people. The acceptance OF this principle
leads TO q refusal Of bounties and subsidies
which burden the labor and thrift of portion
Of our citizens To aid il.-advised OF lanSuishing
in which they have no concern 1t
leads also 10 Il challenge Of wild and reckless
pension expenditure, which overlelps the
bounds o: grateful recognition OF patriotic ser
vice and prostitutes to vicious uses the peoples
prompt and generous impulse 10 aid those dis
abled in their coun;ry's defense.
Ever thoughtful American must realize the
importance OF checking at its beginning any
tendency in public or private station TO regard
frugality and economy as virtues which We may
safely outgrow. The liberation OF this idea re-
suits in the waste Of TIE peoples money by
their chosen servants, encourages prodigllity
and extravaganza in the home life OF our coun-
trymen. Under our scheme % government
waste of public money is a crime against the
citizen AMI the contempt Of our people for
and frugality in taeir personal af-
airs, deplOrably saps the strength and siurdi-
cess Of our national character.
Il Is plain dictate Of honest: sua good gov
erlment that public expenditures sAon,d %
limited BY public necessity, and that this
should be measured BY the rules Of strict econ
omy and ii is equally clear that frugality
among the people is the best guarantee Of a
conten;ed ana strong support o: free institu-
tons
One mode Of the Interpretations OF pubic
funds is avoided when appointments 10 Office,
instead OF being the rewards Of partisan aciiY-
ity, are awarded TO those whose efficiency
promises 4 fair return Of work for the coTnpea-
sation paid 10 them. To secure the fitness and
Of appOintees 10 office, and 10 re-
move from political action the demoralizing
madness for spells, civil service reform has
found place in our public policy and laws
The benefits already gained through this In
strumen,aliiy and the further usefulness 1t
promises, entitle IT TO the hearty support and
OF all who desire u see our pub
IL service well performed, or who hope for the
elevation OF political sentiment and the purih-
catio- Of political methods.
The existence OF immense aggregations OF
kindred enterprises and combinations Of busi-
ness interests formed for the purpose OF limit
ing production AID hiking prices. is inconsistent
with the fair field which ought TO be open 20
every Independent activity. Legitimate strife
in business should lot be superseded by an en-
forced concession 10 the demands Of combina-
tons that have the power 10 destroy; nor
should the people 10 be served lose the benefit
Of cheapIess which usually result from whole
sons competition. These aCCregations and
frequently constitute consPiracles
against the interests Of The people and IN all
their phases they are unnatural and opposed 20
our American sense OF fairness. To the extent
that they can re reached and restrained oy
federal power the general government should
relieve our citizens from their interference and
exac;ions.
Loyalty 20 the principles upon which our gov
eminent rests positively demands that the
equality before the law which it guarantees TO
every citizen should be justly and N good faith
conceded in all parts Of the land The enjoy
ment Of this right follows The badge OF citizen
ship wherever found, and, u1impdred b. race
or color, appeals for recognition 70 American
and fairness.
Our relation with the Indians located within
orr borders impose upon US responsibilities We
cannot escape Humanity and consistency re-
quire Us 10 treat them with forbearance,
add in our dealings with them