People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1893-03-10

their rights and interests Every effort should
be made 10 lead them through the paths OF siv>
ilizai.on and education TO self supporting and
independent citizenship In the meantime. as
the nations wards. they should be promptly
defended against the cupidty OF designing men
and shielded from every influence or tempta-
ton that retards their advancement.
The people Of the United States have dc
creed that on this day the control OF their
government In its legislative aad executive
branches shall be given 10 political party
pledged in the most positive terms TO the ac-
complshment OF tarig reform Thev have
thus determined in favor Of a more just and
equitable system Of federal taxation. The
agents they have chosen 10 carry out their pur.
poses are bound by their promises, not less
than by the command Of their masters 10 de.
vote themselves unremittingly 10 this service
While there should be no surrender Of principle
our task must be undertaken wisely and with
out vindictlyeness Our mission is not punish
menl, but the rectihcaiion Of wrongs IT, in
lifting burdens from the daily life OF our people
we reduce inordinate and unequal advantages
long enjoyed, this is but a necessary incident OF
our return TO right and justice. II we exact
from unwilling minds acQuiescenee in the
theory OF an honest distribution Of the fund OF
governmental benefcence treasured up for all,
we insist upon principle which underlieS our
free institutions. When We tear aside the de-
lusions and misconceptions which have blinded
our cOuntrymen 10 their condition under vicious
tariff laws, we but show them how far they
have been led away from the paths OF content
ment and prosperity. When we proclaim that
the necessity for revenue TO support the gov
eminent furnishes the only justification for
taxing the people we announce truth so plain
that its denial would seem TO Indicate the ex.
tent to which judgment may be Influenced by
familiarity with perversions Of the taxing
power; and wnen we seek 10 reinstate the self
confidence and business enterprise OF our ci
zens, by discrediting an AFFECT dependence up
on governmental favor we strive 10 stimulate
those elements Of American character which
support the hope Of American achievement
Anxiety for the 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 10 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 sin.
cere, harmonious and disinterested effort.
Even II insuperable obstacles and opposition
prevent the consummation Of our task, we shall
hardly be excused and II failure can be traced
to our fault or neglect, We may be sure the peo-
pie will hold US TO q swift and exacting account
ability.
The oath l now take TO preserve, protect and
defend the constitution Of the United States
not only impressively defines the great respon-
sibility assume but suggests obedience to con-
stituuonal commands as the rule by which my
official conduc must be guided l shall, TO the
best Of my ability and within my sphere Of
duty, preserve the constitution by Loyalty pro-
tecting every grant OF federal power 1t contains
by defending all its restraints when attacked
by impotence and resllessness and by enforc-
ing its limitations and reservations in favor Of
the state and the people.
Fully impressed with the gravity Of the du-
ties that confront me and mindful Of my weak
ness, should be appalled, il it we're my lot to
bear unaided the responsibilities which await
me. l am, however saved from discourage
ment when remember that shall have the
support and counsel and cooperation OF wise
and patriotic men who will stand at my side in
cabinet places or will represent the people in
their legislative halls find also much COM
fort in remembering that my countrymen
are just and generous and in the assurance
that they will not condemn those who by sin.
cere devotion to their service deserve their for
bearance and approval
Above all, know there is a supreme being
who rules the affairs OF men and whose good.
ness and mercy have always followed the
American people; and know He will not turn
from us now II we humbly and reverently
seek His powerful aid
The oath of Office was then admin
istered by Chief Justice Fuller.