Evening star., 1937-01-20
Text Of Inaugural Address

city and on farm continue under
conditions labeled indecent by So
called polite society half century
ago.
I see millions denied education.
recreation and the opportunity to
better their lot and the lot Of their
children.
I see millions lacking the means
to buy the products of farm and
factory and by their poverty deny
ing work and productiveness to
many other millions.
I see one-third of a Nation Ill
housed, ill-clad. ill-nourished.
1t is not in despair that I paint
you that picture. I paint it for
you in hope-because the Nation,
seeing and understanding the in
justice in it, proposes to paint it
out. We are determined to make
every American citizen the sub
ject Of his country's interest and
concern; and We will never regard
any faithful. law-abiding group
within our borders as superfluous.
The test of our progress is not
whether we add more to the abun-
dance Of those who have much: 1t
is whether we provide enough for
those who have too little.
Will Not Listen
To Comfort and Timidity.
II I know aught of the spirit and
purpose Of our Nation, we will not
listen to comfort, opportunism and
timidity. We will carry on.
Overwhelmingly, we of the Re-
public are men and women of good
will-men and women who have
more than warm hearts of dedica-
tion-men and women who have
cool heads and willing hands of
practical purpose as well. They
will insist that every agency Of
popular government use effective
instruments to carry out their will.
Government Is competent when
all who compose 1t work as trus-
tees for the whole people. 1t can
make constant progress when it
keeps abreast of all the facts. 1t
can obtain justified support and
legitimate criticism when the peo-
pie receive true information of all
that Government does.
II I know aught OF the will Of
our people they will demand that
these conditions of effective gov
ernment shall be created and main
tanned. They will demand a Ma
tion uncorrupted by cancers of in
justice and, therefore. strong
among the nations in its example
Of the will to peace.
Reconsecrate Country to
Long Cherished Ideals.
Today We reconSecrate our coun-
try to long-cherished ideals in a
suddenly changed civilization. In
every land there are always at work
forces that drive men apart and
forces that draw men together. In
our personal ambitions We are indi-
vidualists. But in our seeking for
economic and political progress as
a Nation. We all go up-or else we
all 60 down-as one people.
To maintain a democracy of ef-
fort requires vast amount of
patience in dealing with differing
methods, a vast amount of humility.
But out Of the confusion Of many
voices rises an understanding of
dominant public need. Then po-
litical leadership can voice COM
mon ideals and aid in their realiza-
ton. e.
In taking again the oath Of Office
as President of the United States. 7
assume the solemn obligation of
leading the American people for
ward along the road over which
they have chosen to advance. 8
While this duty rests upon me
shall do my utmost to speak their
purpose and to do their will, seek
ing Divine Guidance to help us.
each and every one, to give light to
them that sit in darkness and to
guide our feet into the way of
Deace