Rock Island Argus., 1913-03-04
PRESIDENT WOODROW WILL
SONS INAUGURAL.

Sun - IN L u L Raj.
Not since Abraham Lincoln has an
inaugural message been delivered by
an incoming president which for beau
u OF sentiment and diction and patri-
otic inspiration has approached that
which was read today by President
Woodrow Wilson in Washington. The
Wilson address Is not only a gem Of
rarest thought in logic and expression,
but there is another side to its merit
Its brevity. It will be read. It will
occasion thought. II is not so volumi-
nous that time and space need be con-
sumed in comprehending it II is
thoughtful and concise. There is no
waste Of words. The new president, a
scholar as we'll as a statesman, with
wonderful command of language,
has handed down a document that
will be passed on because OF It's style
as well as because OF its purity Of
thought and expression.
the president opens with a state
ment Of fact. as to the change of gov
ernment tells why such a change has
taken place. and briefly sums up the
causes and, briefly too, lays down the
obligation that is imposed upon those
who have been intrusted with power.
Briefly furthermore, he recites rene
dies that must be applied:
I'VE have itemized with some de-
gree Of particularly" he says, the
things that ought to be altered and
/ here are some OF the chief items: A
tariff which cuts us off from our prop
or part in the commerce OF the world,
violates the just principles OF taxa
/ tiOn, and makes the government IA
/ cile instrument in the hands Of pri-
vate interests; a banking and curren-
cy system based upon the necessity Of
the government TO sell its bonds 80
/ years ago and perfectly adapted 10
? concentrating cash and restricting
credits; an industrial system which,
take il on all its sides, financial as
well as administrative, holds capital
i'm leading strings, restricts the HhsT'
ties and limits the opportunities OF
labor. and exploits without renewing
the country; body OF agricultural ac-
tivities never vet given the efficiency
Of great business undertakings or serv-
cd a. il should be through the iEstru-
mentality Of science taken directly to
the farm, or afforded the facilities OF
credit best suited TO lis practical
needs; watercOurses undeveloped
tended fast disappearing without plan
or prospect OF renewal. unregarded
waste heaps az every mine. We have
studied as perhaps no other nation has
;he most effective means Of produc
tlCu. bl, We nryD r. ..d.ni cost o.
economy as we should, either as organ
izers of industry, as statesmen, or a'
individuals
Nor have we studied and perfected
the means by which government ma!
be put AZ the service Cf humanity, j:
safeguarding the health Of the nation
the health Of its men and IT'S womel
and its children. as well as their rights
iu the struggle for existence"
In conclusion he says: The feeling
VI NC ID h h" lc.f III ll41 new " VI Z u
and opportunity sweep across GU
heart strings like some cir out 0
Gods presence. where justice and mel
e. cy are reconciIed and the judge an,
the brother are one. We know ou
task 70 be- no mere task Of politics. bu
b. q task which shall search US througl
, and through. whether we be abe {
b understand our time and the need o
5 our people. whether we be indeed thei
Z . spokesmeu and interpreters, whethe
We have the pure heart to cOmpre
hend and the recuted VIII to chOos
3 our high course Of action.
This is not a day of triumph it
a day Of dedication Here muster, no
o the forces Of party, but the forces G
> humanity Mems hearts wait upon us
. mems lives hang in the balance; men
horos call upon us 10 say what We vii
1 do. Who shall live up TO the grea
trusto Who dares fail 10 try I sun
mon all honest men. ali patriotic. a
forward looking men to my side Go
y helping me. will not fail them, II the
< but counsel and sustain me"
' II the day is one Of dedication TO
. cause as President Wilson sees j
j. then surely his message must be tai
u on as a consecration OF himself 70 tha
" cause.