Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-03-04


ing population. Now every avenue
of production is crowded with activ-
ity, labor is well employed, and Ameri-
can products find good markets at
home and abroad.
Our diversified productions, how
ever. are increasing i'll such unprece-
dented volume as to adInonish us of
the necessity of still further enlarging
our foreign markets by broader COM
mereial relations. For this purpose
reciprocal trade arrangements with
other nations should in liberal spirit
be carefully cultivated and promoted.
The national verdict of 1896 has for
the most part been executed. What
ever remains unfuifilled is a continu-
ing obligation resting with undimin-
ished force upon the executive and the
congress. But fortunate as our con-
diItion is. its permanence can only be
assured by sound business methods
and strict economy in national admin
istration and legislation. We should
not permit our great prosperity to LEAD
us to reckless ventures in business or
profigacy in public expenditures.
While the congress determines the
objects and the sum of appropriations,
the officials of the executive depart
mentS are responsible for honest and
be their constant care to avoid waste
and extravaganza Honesty. capacity
and industry are nowhere more indis-
pensable than in public employment
These should be fundamental requis-
ties TO original appointment and the
guarantees against removal.
Four years ago We stood on the
brink of war WITHOUT the people know
ing it and without any preparation or
effort at preparation for the impend-
ing peril. l 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 mon
ey in anticipation of the crisis and in
preparation to meet it. 1t came. The
result was signally favorable to Amer
lean arms and in the highest degree
honorable to the government. 1t i'm
posed upon us obligations from which
we cannot escape, and from which it
would he dishonorable to seek to es-
cape. We are now at peace with the
world. and 1t is my fervent prayer that
if differences arise between us and
other powers they may be spared the
horrors of war.
Entrusted by the people for second
time with the office of president en-
ter upon its administration appreciat-
ing the great responsibilities which at
tach to this renewed honor and COM
mission, promising unreserved devotion
on my part to their faithful discharge.
and reverently invoking for my guild
ance the direction and favor of Al
mighty God. l should shrink from
the duties this day assumed if / did
not feel that in their performance l
should have the cooperation of the
wise and patriotic men of all parties.
1t encourages me for the great task
which l now undertake to believe that
those who voluntarily committed to
me the trust imposed upon the chief
executive of the republic will give to
me generous support in my duties to
preserve. protect, and defend the con-
stitution of the United States" and to
''care that the laws be faithfully ex-
ecuted- The national purpose is indi-
Gated through a national election. 1t
is the constitutional method of ascer-
tanning the public will. When once it
is registered it is a law to us all, and
faithful observance should follow its
DEGREES.
SectiOnalism Disappears.
Strong hearts and helpful hands are
needed. and fortunately we have them
in every part of our beloved country.
We are reunited. Sectionalism has dis
can no longer be traced by the war
maps of 1861. These old differences
less and less disturb the Judgment |
Existing problems demand the thought |
and quicken the conscience of the coun- |
try. and the responsibility for their
presence as we'll as for their righteous
settlement rests upon us all-no more |
upon me than upon YOU There are |
some national questions in the soiu- |
ton of which patriotism should eX-
clude partisanship. MagnifyinS their |
difficulties will not take them off our
hands nor facilitate their adjustment. |
Distrust of the capacity, integrity, |
and high purposes of the American |
people will not be an inspiring theme |
for future political contests. Dark /
pictures and gloomy forebodings are /
worse than useless. These only becloud, |
they do not help to point, the way of /
safety and honor. Hope maketh not /
ashamed" The prophets of evil were |
not the builders of the republics. nor |
in its crisis since have they saved or
served it, The faith of the fathers
was a mighty force in its creation. |
and the faith of their descendants has
wrought its progress and furnished its |
defenders. They are obstructionists |
who despair and who would destroy |
confidence in the ability of our people |
to solve wisely and for civilization the
mighty problems resting upon them.
The American people, intrenched IN
freedom at home, take their love Tor
It with them wherever they go. and
they reject as mistaken and unworthy
the doctrine that we lost our own lib
rites by securing the enduring founda-
lions of liberty to others. Our instl-
buttons will not deteriorate by extern
sion. and our sense of justice will not
lbate under tropic suns in distant
seas. As heretofore so hereafter VIII
the nation demonstrate its fitness 10
any new estate (which
events devolve upon it. and In the fear
IF God will take occasion by the hand
ind make the bounds of freedom wider
ret" If there are those among US
v no would make our way more diff1-
:ult we must not be disheartened. but
he more earnestly dedicate ourselves
% the task which we have rightly en-
cred. The path of progress is sell
In, fhfnOc aFp often