Omaha daily bee., 1910-02-22

A few excerpts follow:
OF all the dispositions and habits which
lead to political prosperity. religion and
morality are Indispensable supports. In vain
would that man claim the tribute of patrl-
otism who should labor to subvert these
great pillars Of human happiness-these
firmest props Of the duties OF men and
citizens. The mere politician, equally with
the pious man, ought to respect and to
cherish them.
1t is of infinite moment that you should
properly estimate the immense value of
your national union to your collective and
Individual happiness; that you should cher
ish cordial, habitual and immovable attach
mem to 1t; accustoming yourselves to think
and speak Of It as the palladium of your
political safety and prosperity; watching
for its preservation with Jealous anxiety;
misunderstanding whatever may suggest
even a suspicion that it can in any event
be abandoned; and Indignantly frowning
upon the first drawing of every attempt
to ALLEVIATE any portion of our country from
the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties
which now link together the various parts.
Citizens by birth or choice, Of a common
country, that country has a right to con-
~centrate your affections. The name Of
American" which belongs to you in your
national capacity, must always exact the
just pride of patriotism, more than any
appellations derived from local discrimina-
tons. With slight shades of difference you
have the same religion, n habits
and political principles. You have in q
common cause, triumphed together.
There is an opinion in free countries that
parties are useful checks upon the admins
tration of the government and serve to keep
alive the spirit of liberty. This, within GER
tain bounds, probably is true, and in gov
ernments of a monarchial cast patriotism
may look with indulgence, If not with favor,
upon the spirit Of party. But in those Of
popular characterize governments purely
elective-it is a spirit not to be encouraged.
From their natural tendency II is certain
there will always be enough of this spirit
for every s~nlutary purpose. And there be-
ing consistent danger OF excess the effort
ought to be by force of public opinion to
mitigate and assuage 1t.
Europe has a set of primary interests
which to us have none or a remote relation.
Hence she must be engaged in frequent con-
troversies, the causes of which are essen
TALLY foreign to our concerns. Hence, there
fore, 1t must be unwise in-us to implicate
ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary
vicissitudes Of her politics, or the ordinary
combinations and collisions of her friend
ships or enmities.
The great rule Of conduct for us in regard
to foreign nations is, in extending our COM
mercial relations, to have with them as
little political connection as possible. So far
as we have already formed engagements,
let them be fulfilled with perfect good
faith. Here let us stop.
Observe good faith and justice toward all
nations; cultivate peace and harmony with
all. Religion and morality enjoin this con-
duct; and can II be that good policy does
not equally enjoin it? 1t will be worthy of
a free, enlightened, and at no distant period
a great nation to give mankind the mag
unanimous and too novel example of a
people always guided by an exalted JUS
tice and benevolence.
As an important source Of strength and
security, cherish public credit. One method
Of preserving It is to use 1t as sparingly
as possible. avoiding expense by cultiva-
ting peace, but remembering also that
timely disbursements to prepare for dam
ger frequently prevent much greater dis
bursements to repel It; avoiding likewise
the accumulations OF debt, not only by
| stunning occasions of expense. but by
vigorous exertions in times of peace to
discharge the debts which unavoidable wars
may have occasioned; not ungenerously
throwing upon posterity the burden which
we ourselves ought to bear.
It is important, likewise. that the habits
OF thinking in a free country should inspire
caution in those intrusted with It's admins
~tration. to confine themselves within their
respective constitutional spheres, avoiding
in the exercise OF the powers Of one de-
partment to encroach upon another. The
spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate
in one and thus create, whatever the form
Of government, a real despotism.
Although, in reviewing the Incidents or
my administration, I am unconscious OF
intentional error, I am nevertheless too
sensible Of my defects not to think II prob
able that / may have committed many
errors. Whatever they may be I fervently
beseech the Almighty 10 avert or mitigate
the evils to which they may tend. I shall
carry with me the hope that my country
will never cease to view them with indul-
gence, and that after forty-five years OF
my life dedicated to its service, with an
upright zeal, the faults OF incompetent
abilities will be consigned to oblivion. as
myself must soon be to the mansions Of
rest.
The basis OF our political system is the
right Of the people to make and altar their
constitutions OF government. But the
constitution which at any time exists till
changed by an explicit and authentic act Of
the whole people is saoredly obligatory
upon all. The idea Of the power and the
right Of the people TO establish government
presupposes the duty OF every citizen to
obey the established government.
And remember especially that for the ef-
ficient management OF your common inter-
ests. In a country so extensive as ours. a
government OF as much vigor as Is con-
sistent with the perfect security OF lib
erty is indispensable. Liberty itself will
find in such a government, with powers
properly distributed and adjusted, Its surest
guardian.