The record-union., 1897-03-05
INAUGURATION OF
WILLIAM M'KINLEY
Continued from Fourth Page.)


duty 1 do not sympathize with the
sentiment that Congress in session is
dangerous to our general business in
terests. Its members are the agents OF
the people, and their presence at the
seat of Governmnt in the execution of
sovereign will should not operate
as an injury, but a benefit.
There could be no better time to put
the Government on a sound financial
and economic basis than now. The
people have only recently voted that
this should be done, and nothing is
more binding upon the agents of their
viii than the obligation of immediate
action. 1t has always seemed to me
that the postponement of the meeting
of Congress until more than a year af-
ter it has been chosen deprives Congress
tco often of the inspiration of the pop
nlar viii and the country of the cor
responding benefits. 1t is evident,
therefore that to postpone action in
the presence of SO great necessity
would be unwise on the part of the EX-
ecutive, because unjust to the interests
OF the people.
Our action now will be freer from
n ere partisan consideration than If the
question of tariff revision was proposed
on the regular session of Congress. We
are nearly two years from Congress
sional election, and politics cannot so
greatly distract us as if such contest
was Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and patriot
icaly without fear of its effect upon
an early election. Our fellow citizens
who may disagree with us upon the
character of this legislation prefer to
have the question settled now, even
against their preconceived vieWs-and
perhaps settled so reasonably, as l
trust and believe it will be, as to in
sure great Recommendation to have
the further uncertainty menacing the
vast and varied business interests OF
the United States.
Again, whatever action Congress
may take will be given a fair opportu-
nifty for trial when the people are called
to pass judgment upon it, and this L
consider a great essential to the right
ful and lasting settlement Of the ques-
ton. In view of these considerations, [
shall deem it my duty as President to
convene Congress in extraordinary ses-
sion on Monday, March -, -S91
UNITY AND 1O-O6 Era LIN
In conclusion, l congratulate the
country upon the fraternal spirit of the
PEOPLE and the manifestation of good
will everywhere 50 apparent. The re
cent election not only most fortunately
demonstrated the obliteration of sec
tional or geographical lines, but to
some extent also the prejudices which
for years have distracted our councils
and marred our true greatness as
nation. The triumph of the people,
whose verdict is carried into effect TO-
day. is not the triumph Of one section,
nor wholly of one party, but Of all sec
tions and all the people. The North
and the South no longer divide in the
cid lines, but upon principles and pol
icies. and in this fact surely every
lover of the country can find cause for
true felicitation. Let Us rejoice IN ana
cultivate this spirit; it is ennobhng,
and will be both a gain and blessing
to our beloved country. 1t viii be my
constant aim to do nothing and permit
bothing to be done that will arrest or
disturb this growing sentiment of unity
and cooperation this revival of es-
TEEN and affiliation, which now ami
mates so many thousands in both the
old and antagonistic sections, but shall
cheerfully do everything possible to
promote and increase it.
Let me again repeat the words of the
oath administered by the Chief Justice,
which in their respective spheres so
far as applicable, I would have all
my countrymen observe: l will faith
fully execute the office of President of
the United States and will to the best
Of my ability preserve, protect and de-
fend the Constitution of the United
States. This is the obligation l have
reverentIy taken before the Lord Most
High. To keep it will be my single
purpose, my constant prayer, and l
shall confidently rely upon the forbear-
ance and assistance of all the people
in the discharge of my solemn response
bilities."