The Savannah morning news., 1901-03-05
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
The inauguration Ceremony in
Front of the Capitol.


President Mckinley said: My fel-
low citizens, when we assembled
here on the fourth of March, 1897,
there was great anxiety with regard to
our currency and credit. None exists
now. Then our treasury receipts were in
adequate 10 meet the current obligations
of the government. Now they are suffi-
cient for all public needs. and we have
surplus instead of a deficit. Then 1 felt
constrained to convene the Congress in
extraordinary session to devise revenues
to pay the ordinary expenses of the gov
ernment. Now l have the satisfaction to
announce that the Congress Just closed
has reduced taxation in the sum of $41-
OOJ,O00. Then there was deep soiicitude
because of the long depression in
our manufacturing, mining, agricultural
and mercantile industries and the con-
sequent distress of our laboring popula-
ton. Now every avenue of production
is crowded with activity, labor is well
employed and American products find
good markets at home and abroad.
Our diversified productions, however,
are increasing in such unprecedented vol
ume as to admonish US of the necessity
of still further enlarging our foreign mar
kets by broader commercial relations. For
this purpose reciprocal trade arrange
ments with other nations should in liberal
spirit be carefully cultivated and pro-
noted
The Verdict of 1896 Executed.
The national verdict of 1896 has for the
most part been executed. Whatever re-
mains unfulflled is a continuing obliga-
tion resting with undiminished force
upon the executive and the Congress. But
fortunate as our condition is, it's perma-
nence can only be assured by sound busi-
ness methods and strict economy in ma
tional administration and legislation. We
should not permit our great prosperity
to lead us to reckless ventures in bust
ness or profligacy in public expenditures.
While the Congress determines the OBJ
jects and the sum of appropriations, the
officials of the executive departments are
responsible for honest and faithful dis
bursement and it should be their constant
care to avoid waste and extravaganza.
Honesty, capacity and industry are no
where more5 indispensable than fn public
employment These should be funda-
mental requisites to original appoint
ment and the surest guarantees against
removal.
Four Years Ago and Now.
Four years ago we stood on the brink
and without any preparation or effort at
preparation for the impending peril.
did all that in honor could be done to
avert the war, but without avail. 1t
became inevitable, and the Congress, at
its first regular session, without party
division, provided money in anticipation
of the crisis, and in preparation to meet
it, 1t came. The result was signally
favorable to American arms, and in the
,l,1
ment. 1t imposed upon us obligations
from which we cannot escape. and from
which it would be dishonorable to seek
TO escape We are now at peace with the
world, and it is my fervent prayer that
II differences arise between us and other
Powers, they may be settled by peaceful
arbitration and that hereafter we may be
spared the horrors of war.
Entrusted by the people for a second
time with the office of President, | enter
upon its administration appreciating the
great responsibilities which attach to this
renewed honor and commission, promising
unreserved devotion on my part to their
faithful discharge and reVerently invoR-
ing for my guidance the direction and
favor of Almighty Cod l should shrink
from tho duties this day assumed if 1
did not feel that in their performance
I should have the cooperation of the wise
and patriotic men or all parties. IL en-
courages me for the great task which l
now undertake to believe that those. who
Voluntarily committed to me the trust Inn
nosed upon the chief executive of the re-
nublic will give to me generous support
In my duties to preserve, protect and
defend the constitution OF the United
States' and TO care tnat the laws be
faithfully executed" The national pur-
nose Is indicated through a national elec-
ton. 1t is the constitutional method Of
ascortaining the public will. When once
n IS registered IL Is law 10 us all. and
faithful observance should follow its de-
crceg.
scctionnIism Has Disappeared.
strong hearts and helpful hands are
needed and fortunately we have them IN
every part OF our beloved country. We
arc reunited. Sectionalism has disap-
noared. Division on public questions can
M longer be traced by the war maps OF
isn These Old difference less and less
disturb the judgment. Existing problems
--- lcontlnued on Fifth Pagel 80