Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-03-07
MARCHES
ONW ARD
Says President Mckinley
Speaking of the
Nation.
Promise to Cuba Must
Be Faithfully
Kept.
Notable Declarations at
the Second In
augural.

Washington, March 5.-In his sec
ond inaugural address yesterday,
President Mckinley, having been duly
sworn in with a vast cOncourse all
about, spoke of the momentous
events Of the past four years, of the
war fought without preparation but
wondrously on our part, OF party
promises kept, of our obligations to
the people of our insular possessions,
of the situation in China and of how
Cuba must be wholly free. He said:
Text of His Address.
my fellow Citizens.-When we as
sembled here on the 4th of March,
1897, there was great anxiety with re-
gard to our currency and credit. None
exists now Then our treasury re-
ceipts 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 a deficit Then | felt constrained
to convene the congress in eXtraOrdi-
nary session to devise revenues to pay
the ordinary expenses of the govern
ment. Now | have the satisfaction to
announce that the congress just closed
has reduced taxation in the sum Of
SAL coo 600. Then there was deep So
icitude because of the long depression
in our manufacturing, mining, agricul-
tural and mercantile industries and
the consequent distress of Our labor
ing population. Now every avenue
of production is crowded with activ.
can products find good markets at
home and abroad.
Our diversified productions, how
ever, are increasing in such unprece-
denied volume as to admonish us Of
the necessity of still further charging
our foreign markets by broader com
mercial 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 unfulfilIed is a continu-
ing obligation resting with undimin-
ished force upon the executive and the
congress. But fortunate as our cou-
dition is, it's permanenece 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
protiigacy in public expenditures.
While the congress determines the
objects and the sum of appropriations,
the officials Of the executive depart
ents ar responsible for honest and
faithful disbursements and it would
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-
tiles 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-
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. Ii inn
posed upon the obligations from which
we cannot escape. and from which it
would be diShonOrable to seek to es-
cape. We are now at peace with the
world and it is my feTvent prayer that
if differences arise between us ami
other powers they may be spared the
horrors of war
Entrusted by the people for a sec
ond time with the office of president
enter upon it's administration appre-
ciating the great responsibilities
which attach to this renewed honor
and commission, promising unre-
served devotion on my part to their
faithful discharge, and reverently in
voking for my guidance the direction
and favor of Almighty God. l should
shrink from the duties this day as
sumed if l did not feel that in theiI
performance l should have the coop.
GRAFTON of the wise and patriotic men
of all parties. 1t encourages me for
the great task which | now undertake
to believe that those who voluntarily
cOmitted to me the trust imposed Up
on the chief executive Of the republic
will give to me generous support in
my duties to preserve, protect, and
defend the constitution of the United
States" and to care that the laws be
faithfully executed The national
purpose is indicated through a nation.
al election. 1t is the constitutional
method of ascertaining the public will
When once it is registered it is a law
to US all, and faithful observance
should follow its decree
Strong hearts and helpful hands are
needed, and fortunately we have them
in every party of our beloved country
We are reunited Sectionalism has
disappeared. Division on public Ques
tions can no longer be traced by the
war maps of 1861. These old differ
ences less and less disturb the judg
ment. Existing problems demand the