The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1893-03-15

| ity in their personal affairs depiorably
saps the strength and sturdiness of our
national character.
1t is a plain dictate of honest and
good government that public expendi-
lures should be limited by public
necessity, and that this should be
measured by rules of strict economy !;
and it is equally clear that frugality
among the people is the best guaranty
of contented and strong support of free
| institutions. One mode OF misappro-
priation of public funds is avoided
when appointments to office, instead Of
being rewards OF partisan activity, are
awarded to those whose efficiency
promises a fair return Of wo orE for COM
pensation paid to them. To secure fit
ness and competency of appointees of
Office, and to remove from political ac-
ton the demoralizing madness for
spoils, civil service reform has found a
place in our public policy and laws.
The benefits already gained through
this instrumentality and the further
usefulness it promises, entitle it to the
hearty support and encouragement OF
all who desire to see cur public services
we'll performed or who hope for the
elevation of political sentiment and
publication of political methods.
The existence of immense aggrega-
tions of kindred enterprises and COM
hinations of business interests, formed
for the purpose of limiting the produc-
tiou and fixing prices, is inconsistent
with fair field, which ought to be
open to every independent activity.
Legitimate strife in business should not
be superseded by enforced concession to
the demands of combinations that have
power to destroy, nor should people to
be served lose the benefit of cheapness
which usually results from wholesome
competition. These aggregations and
combinations frequently constitute con-
spiracies against the interests of the
people and in all their phases they are
unnatural and opposed to our Aneri-
can sense of fairness. To the extent
that they can be reached and restrained
by Federal power, the general govern
ment should relieve our citizens from
their interference and exactions.
The loyalty to principles upon which
our government rests positively de-
mands that equality before the law
which it guarantees to every citizen
should be justly and in good faith con-
ceded 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
appeals for recognition to American
manliness and firmness. Our relations
with the Indians located within our
borders impose upon US responsibilities
we cannot escape. Humanity and
consistency require US to treat them
with forbearance, and in our dealing
with them to honestly and considerate-
ly regard their rights and interests.
Every effort should be made to lead
them through the paths of civilization
and education to selfsupporting and in
dependent citizenship. In the meantime
as the nations wards, they should be
properly defended against The cupidity
of designing men and shielded from
every influence or temptation that
retards their advancement.
The people of the United States have
decreed that on this day the control Of
their government in its legislative and
executive branches shall be given to
political party pledged in most positive
terms to the accomplishment of tariff
reform. They have thus determined in
favor of more just and equitaple sys-
tenn of Federal taxation. The agents
they have chosen 70 carry out their
purposes are bound by their promises,
not less than by command Of their
masters, to devote themselves unre-
mittingly to this service.
While there should be no surrender
of fprinciple, our task must be under
taken wisely and without vindictive-
ness. Our mission is not punishment,
but the rectif1cation of wrongs. If in a
life time 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 rightand justice. If we exact
from unwilling minds acquiescence in
the theory of honest distribution Of the
fund of governmental bene6cence Of
our task, we shall hardly be excused;
and if failure can he traced to our fault
or neglect, we may be sure the people
will hold US to a swift and exacting
accountability.
The oath I pow take, to preserve,
protect and defend the Constitution of
the United States, not only impressive
ly defines the great responsibility I
assume, but suggests obedience to Con-
stitutional demands as the rule by
which my official conduct must be
guided. l shall, to the best of my
ability and within my sphere of duty,
preserve the Constitution by Loyalty
protecting every grant of Federal power
in it contained, by defending all its
restraints when attacked by impatience
and restlessness, and by enforcing its
Limitations aod 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, I should eappalled
ifit were my lot to bear unaided the re-
sponsibilities which await ne. I am,
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