Middletown transcript., 1901-03-09
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Second inaugural Address Of President Nc
Kinlau

KinIey was inaugurated President OF tn
United States for the second time TO-DAY
In his inaugural address President Nc
Kinley said;
My fellow citizens: When We assemDie'
here on the 4th of March, 1897, ther
was great anxiety with regard to our cui
rency and credit. None exists now. Inel
our treasury receipts were inadequate Z
meet the current obligations OF the gov
ernment. Now they are sufficient for al
public needs, and we have a surplus IN
stead of deficit. Then l felt constrained
to convene the Congress in extraordinar.
session to devise revenues to pay sh'
ordinary expenses Of the government
Now have the satisfaction to announc'
that the Congress just closed has reduced
taxation in the sum of $41 900, COO. Ther
there was deep solicitude because OF the
loan depression in our manufacturing
mining, agricultural, and mercantile In
dustries and the consequent distress o.
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 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 national verdict of 1896 has for the
most part been executed. Whatever
remains unfulflled is a continuing obliga-
ton resting with undiminished force
upon the executive and the Congress.
But fortunate as our condition is, its per-
can only be assured by sound
business methods and strict economy in
national administration and legislation.
We should not permit our great pros
oerity to lead us to reckless venture in |
business or profigacy in public expendi- |
ures. While the Congress determines
he objects and the sum of appropriations,
he officials of the executive departments
ire responsible for honest and faithful
disbursement, and it should be their
constant care to avoid waste and extrava-
,ance.
Honesty, capacity and industry are no.
where more indispensable than in public
These should be funda-
mental requisites to original appointment
nd the surest guarantees against removal.
Four years ago we stood on the brink
# war without the people knowing it
md without any preparation or effort at
for the impending peril.
lid all that in honor could be done to
vert the war, but without avail. 1t
'ecame inevitable; and tine Congress at
is first regular session, without party
Iivision provided money in anticipation
II the crisis and in preparation to meet
t. 1t came. The result was signally
avorable to American arms and in the
highest degree honorable to the govern
nent. 1t imposed upon us obligations
rom which we cannot escape and from
which it would be dishonorable to seek
0 escape. We are now at peace with
he world, and it is my fervent prayer
hat if differences arise between us and
ther powers they may be settled by
eaceful arbitration and that hereafter
re may be spared the horrors of war.
Entrusted by the people for second
me with the office of President, enter
pom its administration appreciating the !;
reat responsibilities which attach to this
enewed honor and commission, promis-
lg unreserved devotion on my part to
heir faithful discharge and reverently
lvoking for my guidance the direction .
nd favor of Almighty God. l should ;,
rink from the duties this day assumed
l did not feel that in their performance
should have the cooperation OF the =;
Use and patriotic men of all parties. 1t n
lcourages me for the great task which 4
now undertake to believe that those q
no voluntarily committed to me the o.
ust imposed upon the chief executive o
the republic will give to me generous &,
pport in my duties to preserve, pro- ii
ct and defend the Constitution OF the
nited States" and to "care that the Of
WIS be faithfully executed" (" The ma tc
onal purpose is indicated through a ia
tional election. 1t is the constitutional m
ethod of ascertaining the public will. in
hen once it is registered it is law to al
all, and faithful observance should W
low its deerees. 81
Strong hearts and helpful hands are SC
eded, and, fortunately, we have them lii
eyery part of our beloved country. sp
g are reunited. Sectionalism has dis- w
peared. Division on public questions m
! no longer be traced by the war maps
1851. These old differences less and pc
3 disturb the judgment. Existing La
,blems demand the thought and W
icken the conscience of the country, M
the responsibility for their presence tn
we'll as for their righteous settlement re-
is upon us all-no more upon me than 60
IN YOU. There are some national ISL
,stions in the solution of which patriot tiy
should exclude partisanship. Mag ass
wing their difficulties will not take ste
m off our hands nor facilitate their fire
,stment Distrust of the capacity, pa
,gritv and high purposes of the Amer tho
people will not be an inspiring theme res
future political contests. Dark tire
ures and gloomy forebodings are by
Sc than useless. These only becloud' apl
v do not help to point the way of Fh
tv and honor "Hope maketh not ne'
,med." The prophets of evil were anc
the builders of the republic, nor in fro
rises since have they saved or served pea
The faith of the fathers was mighty the
q in its creation, and the faith of VIII