The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-03-05
THE INAUGU-
RAJ ADDRESS.
Opinions Of the Press and North
American on President Nc
Kinley's FirstOfficial Ut
terances.
terances.

an ambiguous sentence. IL Is clear,
straightforward, systematic and forcible.
There Ia nothing merely perfurctory
about 1t. He recognizes the difficulties
that have been heaped up durin g the long
depression, and frankly says that recovery
will require time, even with wise legisla-
ton.
He first Of all discusses the financial
situation, because that is uppernost In
public consciousness. And he favors the
creation of an expert commission to con-
slider the revision Of the coinage, currency
and banking laws, the object being to re-
move those related subjects beyond mere
partisan contention. He regards 1t I'M
portant that our currency shall continue
under the supervision of the general gov
ernment yet regards the various forms OF
currency we have as a constant embarrass-
ment of the Treasury and hostile to the
maintenance of safe balance.
That better system was not devised
in the days ofour prosperity is deemed q
matter of regret but as most OF our fnan-
eiol laws are the result Of experience, he
thinks they should be carefully inyesti-
gated, and amended only after the wisdom
Lf the changes shall have been demon
strated.
The President is not loss pronounced in
his views Of our foreign policy which has
prevailed from the beginning Of our gov
ernment-to cultivate relations Of peace
and amity with all nations, non-interfer-
ence with their domestic affairs and The
avoidance Of entanglements, whether as
allies or as foes, but ever watchfui OF
national honor and insistent upon the
lawful rights of American citizens every
where.
The President urges the strictest econ.
omy in every branch of the service as al
ways in order, but PARTICULARLY in times OF
stress such as now rule. II the revenus
are to remain at at present, the seyerest
measures of economy must BIO enforced,
because the only remedy will. BIO in do,
creased expenditures. The government
must pay as it goes If it would keep its
credit unimpaired.
He regards an increase OF revenues as
the first duty of Congress, md enforces
the statement by the fact that 1t has been
the uniform policy of the government to
raise the bulk of its revenues from taxes
levied on foreign products. We have
reached the limit Of direct taxation In
times of peace, and the President declares
for such a conservative revision or the
tariff as SHALL while raising needed reye-
nue., be signally beneficial and helpful to
every section and encouraging to every
enterprise of the people. which Is what he
deems the expressed will of the people,
North American.
His inaugural is sedate, conservative
earnest and patriotic 1t breatbes the
lofty spirit and stamps the elevation OF
purpose which have marked all his de-
liverances since he became associated with
the Presidency. Inaugurals have differed
in character and scope. Some have had a
single. high and solemn note, like Lin
coins second conservation in the great
crisis. Some have been more elaborate
definite reviews of pending issues, ana
have had something Of the nature OF
Presidential message.
President Mckinlcy's inaugural belongs
to the latter class. 1t is clear, cogent
and impressive discussion of the condi-
tions surrounding the country and the
obligations growing out of them. There
is nothing of narrow partisanship in its
tono or its aims. 1t IS broadly patriotic
in its conception and treatment. Preemi-
neItly American in fits inspiration, it adj
dresses itself whollyato American inter
ests from an American standpoint.
1t reveals throughout the profoundest
solicitude for the renewed prosperity and
contentment of the people, and plainly tho
one overmastering aspiration OF the author
is to lead the way In the contamination of
that supreme object A business admin
istration, devoted to business ends, quick
ening and expanding all business life
this is the keynote of the new Adminlstra-
ton.
But before and above all other measures
of fiscal reform must come tho restoration
Of ample revenue. Tho President rightly
enforCes this as tho first and paramount
necessity; and he makes this demand tie
chief burden of his Inaugural. He seeks
revenue for the Government and prOtec-
ton for the people He speaks distinctly
for Il protective tarlf-not extreme or I'M
reasonable, but both defensive and defer
sble. With the establishment of pro
lection he expressly urges the restoration
Of reciprocity.
The development of home industry and
the extension Of foreign commerce are the
twin factors of his policy, With suoh
measures the return Of full prosperity may
not be as rapid us we could wish, but it is
sure. From these economic subjects Pres
idcnt Mckinley advances to other topics
of high interest. In an elevated strain Of
digniilcd Cloquence he pOrtrays the fulfill
ment of our destiny, uphUlds the strength
Of our free institutions, and enforces the
majesty of the law and the courts.
He pledges himself to the laws against
trusts and combinations adverse to the
peoples interests He urges tho defense
Of our citizenship against illiterate and
dangerous invasion, advocates the up
building Of our merchant marine and su5-
tainS civil service reform in its true and
Just spirit.-phila Press.