Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-03-04

My fellow citizens: When we as
sembled here on the 4th OF March, 1897,
there was great anxiety with regard TO
our currency aud credit. None exists
now. Then our Treasury receipts were
inadequate to meet the current obliga-
tions of the government. Now they
are sufficient for all public needs. and
We have surplus instead OF deficit.
Then / felt constrained to convene the
Congress 10 extraordinary session to de-
wise revenues to pay the ordinary ex.
penses Of the government. Now L
have the satisfaction to announce that
the Congress JUS; closed has reduced
taxation 10 the sum OF forty-one mil
lions OF dollars. Then there was deep
solicitude because OF the long depres-
sion in our manufacturing, mining. az.
ricultural and mercantile industries and
the consequent distress Of our laboring
population, Now every avenue OF pro-
duction is crowded with activity, labor
Is well employed, and American pro.
ducts find coed markets at home and
abroad. Our diversified productions,
however, are increasing in such IN
precedented volume as to admonish Us
OF the necessity OF still further enlarg-
ing our foreign markets by broader
commercial relations. For this purpose
reciprocal trade arrangements with
| other nations should 10 liberal spirit be
carefully cultivated and promoted. The
national verdict of 1896 has for the
most part been executed. Whatever
remains uufulfilled is continuing obi
CATION resting with undiminished force
upon the executive and the Congress.
II 4 Four years ago We stood
on the brink OF war with
out the people knowing it and with
out auy preparation or effort at prep.
aration for the impending peril. did
all that in honor could be done to avert
the war, but without avail. II became
inevitable; and the Congress at its first
regular session, without party division,
provided money In anticipation OF the
crisis and 10 preparation to meet 1t. L.
came. The result was signally favorable
to American arms and In the highest
degree honorable TO the government. 1t
imposed upon US obligations from which
we can not escape and from which 1t
would be dishonorable to seek to escape.
1--WE are now at peace with the world,
and 1t Ia my fervent prayer that II dif'
ferences arise between Us and other
powers they may be settled by peace
ful arbitration and that hereafter we
NAV spared be the horrors of war. En-
trusted By the people for second time
with the Office of President, l enter
|, upon its administration appreolatipP
. the greatest responsibilities which at
tach to this renewed honor and com
mission promising unreserved devotion
on my part to their fsithful discharge
and reverently invoking for my guild
, ance the direction aud favor OF Al
mighty God. I should shrink from
the duties this day assumed il did moi
feel that in their performance / should
I have the cooperation OF the wise and
, patriotic men OF all parties. It en-
, courages me for the grent task which
now undertake to believe that those
who voluntarily committed to roe the
, trust imposed upon the Chief Execu'
tive Of the republic will give to me gen
erous support in my duties to pre-
( serve, protect, and defend the Constitu
. ton of the United States" and to "cart
that that the laws be faithfully exc
cuted." The national purpose Is indi
{ Gated through a national election, i
} Is the constitutional method OF ascer
tanning the public will. When once il
, Ia registered 1t is a law to IA all, ant
faithful observance should follow.
Srongs hearts and helpful hands arr
, needed, and, fortunately We have then
in every part of our beloved country
We are reunited. Sectionalism has dis
, appeared. Division on public ques
, tions can no longer be traced by tbs
war maps of 1861.
Nv fellow-citiz ,ns, the public events o.
the past four years have gone int
history. They are too near to justify
, recital. Some OF them we're unforeseen
many OF them momentous and far
/ reaching 10 their consequences to our
selves and our relations with the rest o
the world. The part which the Unitet
States bore 30 honorably in the thrill
, | ing scenes in China, while new tt
American life, has been 10 harmony
with its true spirit and best traditions
and in dealing with the results it
policy will he that OF moderation anC
fairness. We face at this moment {
+ most important question-that OF The
} future relations OF the United States
and Cuba. With our near neighbour
( we must remain close friends. The
) declaration OF the purposes of this Gov
eminent in the resolution of April 20
4. 1898. must be made good. Ever since
> the evacuation OF the Island by thu
army OF Spain the Executive with al
practicable speed has been assisting 1t
t people 10 the successive steps necessar,
D | to the establishment OF free and In
, dependent government prepared to as
sumo and perform che obligations o
: international law which now rest upol
b. the United States under the Treaty o
} Paris. The convention elected by tn
= people to frame o constitution Is ap
! preaching the completion OF its labors
3 The transfer of American control t,
the new government Is OF such grea
! importance, involving an obligation
e resulting from our intervention ant
] the treaty OF peace, that / am glad t
!. bs advised by the recent act Of Congress
Q OF the policy which the Legislative
branch of the government deems es
! sential to the best interest OF Cuba ant
D the United States. The principle
I which led to our Intervention requir
3 that the fundamental law upon wniol
Q the new government rests shoul'
be adapted to secure a government
b capable OF performing the duties and dis
g charging the functions of separate pa
e ton, of Observing its international oh
9 legations CT protecting life and property