The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-05

their presence at the seat OF govern
menf In the execution OF the sovereign
will should not operate as an INJURY Out
a benefit. There could be no better time
TO put the Government upon scund
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 nc
ton.
IL has always seemed to me that the
postponement CT the meeting Of Con-
gress until more than n year after II
has been chosen deprived Congress too
often Of the inspiration OF the popular
will and the country OF the correspond
ing benefits. II Is evident, therefore.
that 10 postpone action In the presence OF
so great necessity would be unw1se on
the part of the Executive because unjust
10 the interests OF the people. Our ac-
lions new will be freer from mere parti-
san considerat lions than IL the question
OF tariff revision was postponed until
the regular session Of Congress
We are nearly two years from con-
gressional election, and politics cannot
80 greatly distract us as II such contest
was Immediately pending. We can APP
preach the problem calmly ana patilouc-
ally. without fearing its effect upon an
early election. our fellow-citizens who
may disagree with us upon the character
Ct this legislation prefer TO have the
question settled now, even against heir
preconceived views-and perhaps seaied
so reasonably. as / trust and believe II
will. as to insure great permanence-tnah
to have further uncertainty nenacmg the
vast and varied business interests OF the
United States. Again, whatever action
Congress may take will be given a TAR
opportunity for trial before the people are
called TO pass judgment upon IL, ana 'Ilis
| consider a great essential 10 the rigEt-
full and lasting settlement of the dues-
ton.
In view Of these considerations, j shall
deer. Il my duty as President 10 convene
Congress I'm extraordinary session on
Monday, the 18th day of March, 1871
NO SECTIONALlSM.
In conclusion, ! congratulate the coun-
try upon the fraternal spirit ana the
manifestations Of goodwill everywhere
50 apparent. The recent election not only
most fortunately demonstrated the OBJ
liberation OF sectional or geographical
lines. but to some extent. also, the pre-
iudices which for years Rave distracted
/ our councils and marred our true great
ness as a nation. The triumph Oh the
peoplc. whose verdict is carried into ell
| feet to-day, IS not the triumph OF one
section. nor wholly OF one party but
Of all sections and all people. The
North and South no longer divide on the
old lines. but upon principles and poll
cies: and in this fact surely every lover
OF the country can find cause for true
felicitation. Let us rejoice in and cul-
tiyate this spirit. II is ennobling and
will be both gain and blessing to our
beloved country. 1t will be my con-
slant aim 10 do nothing. and permit Moth
ing 20 be done that will arrest or dis
turb this growing sentiment OF unity
and CO. operation. this revival OF esteem
and ahiliation which now animates so
many thousands in both the old antago-
nisaic sections. but I shall chderfully
do everything possible TO promote and IN
crease it. Let me again repeat the words
Of the oath administered by the Chief
Jugtice which. i'm their respective
sphercs. so far as applicable I would
have all my countrymen observe
II will faithfully execute the ofilce or
President of the United States and viii.
to tie best OF my ability, preserve pro-
| ,ect ard defend he Constitution OF the
United States"
This is the obligation / have reverently
| taken before tho Lord Nest High. To
| keen ii will be my single purpose; my
constant prayer, and I shall confidently
rely upon the forbearance and assls-
! .ance OF al the people i'm the discharge
Of my solemn responsibilities.