Gilpin observer., 1901-03-07
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY'S
INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Washington, March president Nc
Kinley at 1:17 p. m. was sworn in to
succeed himself as chief magistrate,
on a handsomely decorated stand at
the east front of the capitol in the
presence Of surging multitude. 1t
was sudden transformation from the
impressive solemnity of the Senate
proceedings to the brilliancy and clam
or of an outdoor spectacle of mammoth
proportions. From early in the day
the whole city had emptied its throngs
into this vast central plaza until by
noon it was billowing eXpanse of hu-
manity, cut here and there by narrow
defiles for the uniformed marchers.
Massed half way back were the mount
ed officers of the military escort and
the staff, in their brilliant uniforms, of
the cavalry, artillery and infantry.
Off to the left, fronting the Senate,
Troop A, the Presidents crack organ
tzation. sat motionless on their black
chargers. Fronting the House wing
was the silk-hatted and besashed citi-
zens' committee, their horses champing
and restless amid the pushing thou
sands. Each of the glittering front of
marshals, generals, aides, with their
waving plumes and banners surged
the countless multitude. Quite as
hiaAy WOluel were III lle luEOuS uS
men. Far over to the left stretched
the military escort-horse, foot and ar
tillery-and off to the right the state
troops, awaiting the signal to move.
Above all arose the confused sound of
a mighty multitude with the tramping
of many feet, the galloping of horses,
the orders of chiefs and marShalS, the
clank Of SaberS and spurs, the sound
of an occasional bugle, and the hum of
many voices. 1t is estimated that 49,
600 people were packed in this assem-
blage.
The Presidents Address.
Mr.. McKinley's address was as fol-
lows:
My Fellow Citizens: When we as
SMILED here ON the 4th of March, 1897,
there was great anxiety with regard to
our currency and our credit. None eX-
lists now. Then our treasury receipts
were inadequate to meet the current
obligations of the government. Now
they are sufficient for all public needs,
and we have a surplus instead of de-
felt. Then l felt constrained to con-
vene the Congress in extraordinary
session to devise revenues to pay the
ordinary expenses of the government.
Now l have the satisfaction to an
nounce that the Congress just closed
has reduced taxation in the sum of
forty-one millions of dollars. Then
there was deep solicitude because of
the long depression in our manufac-
turing, mining, agricultural and mer-
camille industries and the consequent
distress Of our laboring population.
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
volume as to admonish us of the ne
cessity of still further enlarging our
foreign markets by broader commercial
relations. For this purpose reciprocal
trade arrangements with other nations
should in liberal spirit be carefully cul-
tivated and promoted.
The national verdict of 1896 has for
the most part been executed. Whatever
remains unfultilled is continuing OBJ
legation resting with undiminished
force upon the executive and the Con-
gress. But fortunate as our condition
is, its permanence can only be assured
by sound business methods and strict
economy in national administration
and legislation. We should not permit
our great prosperity to lead us to reck
less ventures in business or profligacy
in public expenditures. While the Con-
gress determines the objects and the
sum of appropriations, the officials of
the executive departments are RESPONSE
bic for honest and faithful disburse-
ment and it should be their constant
care to avoid waste and extravaganza.
Fundamental Requisites.
Honesty, capacity and industry are
nowhere more Indispensable than In
public employment. These should be
fundamental requisites to original ap-
pointment and the surest guarantee
against removal.
Four years ago we stood on the brink
of war without the people knowing it
and without any preparation or effort
ut preparation for the impending peril.
1 did all that could in honor 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 anticipa-
ton of the crisis and In preparation TO
meet 1t. 1t came. The result was sig
nally favorable to American arms and
In the highest degree honorable to the
government. 1t imposed upon us obll-
cations from which we cannot escape
and from. which 1t would De dlshonor-
able to seek 10 escape. We are now Mt
peace with the world and 1t is my fer
vent prayer that If differences arise be-
tween us and other powers they may
be settled by peaceful arbitration and
that hereafter we may be spared the
horrors of war.
Second Administration.
Entrusted by the people FOR n second
time with the Office of president, | en-
ter upon its administration appreclat-
ing the great responsibilities which at
attach to this renewed honor and COM
mission. promising unreserved devotion