Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1893-03-08
THF TieciUiA FREE PREss--rHE OLD FAMILY JOURNAL.

tnelr inference anu cAhOAVNS'
the principles upon which our government
rests positively demands that the equaiity
before the law which it guarantees 10 every
citizen should be Justly and fairly conceded
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 Amer
lean manliness aud fairness.
"Our relations with the Indians located
within our borders impose upon us respon
sibilities we cannot escape. Humanity ana
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
civilization 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 re-
tards their advancement.
"The people of the United States have de-
creed that on this day the control of their
government in its legislative and executive
branches shall be given to political party
pledged in the most positive terms to the
accomplishment of tariff reform. They
have thus determined in favor of more
lust and equitable system of federal taxa
ton. The agents they have chosen to car
nv out their purposes are bound by their
promises, not less than by the commands of
their masters, to devote themselves unre-
mittingly to this service.
"While there should be no surrender Of
principle, our task must be undertaken
wisely and without vindictiveness. Our
mission is not punishment, but the rectifica-
ton of wrongs. II, in lifting burdens from
the daily life of our people, we reduce the
inordinate and unequaled advantages too
long enjoyed, this is but necessary incident
of our return to right aud justice. If we
exact from unwilling minds acquiescence in
the theory of an honest distribution of the
fund of governmental beneficence treasur-
ed up for all, we but insist upon principle
which underlies our free institutions
When we tear aside the decisions and mis-
conceptions which have blinded our coun-
trymen to their condition under vicious
tariff laws, we but show them how far they
have been led away from the paths of con-
tentment and prosperity.
"When we proclaim that the necessity
for revenue to support the government fur
nishes the only justification for taxing the
people, we announce trnth so plain that
its denial would seem to indicate the ex-
tent to which judgment may be influenced
by familiarity with the perversion of the
taxing power, and when we seek to rein
state the self-confidence and business en-
terprise of our citizens by discrediting an
abject dependence upon governmental
favor we strive to stimulate those elements
of American character which support the
hope of American achievement
"My anxiety for the redemption of the
pledges which my party has made and so.
licitude Tor the complete justification of
the trust the people have reposed in us con-
strain me to remind those with whom | am
to co operate that we can succeed in doing
the work which has been especially set be-
fore us only by the most sincere, harmoni-
Gus and disinterested effort. Even if in
superable obstacles aud opposition prevent
the consummation of our task we shall hard
ly be excused, and if failure can be traced
to our fault or neglect we may be sure the
people will hold rs to a swift and exacting
accountability.
THE oath | now take to preserve, protect
and defend the constitution of the United
States not n,,ly i'm nrnesiv e,- defines fhe great
responsibility Iassume, but suggests obedi
ence to constitutional commands as the rule
bv which my official conduct must be guild
ed. shall, to the best of my ability, and
within my sphere Of duty, preserve the con-
stitution by Loyalty protecting every grant
of federal power it contains, by defending
all its restraints when attacked by impa.
thence and restlessness, 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. aud mindful of ny weakness, 7 should
be appalled, if it were my lot to bear unaid-
ed the responsibilities which await me-
II am, however saved from discourage
ment when remember that shall have
the support and the counsel and The co OPP
Grafton of wise and patriotic men who will
stand ut my side in cabinet places or will
represent the people in their legislative
halls. find also much comfort in remem-
bering that my countrymen are just and
generous, and in the assurance that they
will not condemn those who by sincere de-
votion to their service deserve their for
bearance and approval. Above all know
there is a Supreme Being who rules the af-
fairs of men, and whose goodness and mer-
cy have always followed the American peo-
pie, and know He will not turn from us
now, if we humbly and reverently seek His
powerful aid"