Year: 1869




The inaugural address of President Grant
bears upon its face the impress OF caaoor anu
decision, and is eminsntly characterize o1 tue
man. Self-reHant in tone, and explicit in terms'
it is perfectly consistent with Grants an'ece-
dents, leaving NO one in doubt OF his views upon
all the leading questions now before the A"efi-
can people. His first utterances man'ies'
sense of the responsibilities of his position, anu
express determination to be guided Soieis
by the requirements of his official oath. Claim
ing nothing on the score Of services renaerea III
the past, he makes no unnecessary declaration
of self-distrust, and without fear Of being mis-
judged or misunderstood, unequivocaiiy. an-
nounces to politicians in advance that be holds
himself bound to perform the bidding OF no
party. Next we are informed that in his advi-
sorry relations with Congress he intends to lay
before that body bis views upon all matters OF
general interest recommending at all times
policy of his own, and at the same Ilme' "niie
stating in positive terms that all improper regis
lation will be opposed with the veto power, ne
recognizes the will of the people to be the ia"
of the land, and promises to faithfully execute
all laws, whether approved by his judgment OF


not. President Grant thinks that the condition


of things consequent upon the great rebellion


should be adjusted without prejudice or sectional


feeling, with an eye to the welfare OF the greatest


number that to this end security OF person and
property, freedom of religious and political opin-
ion should be guaranteed to all, and inferenti-
ally expressing an opinion that further legsla-
ton is necessary, favors the adoption of the if
teenth amendment regulating the right of suf-
frage in the States. Speaking of the public
debt, Grant advocates the payment of every dol
provided, and a return to specie payment as
soon as practicable. He believes any one of the
plans proposed for this purpose to be better than
none, and urges the people to dscountenance
reputation in any form as essentially subver-
sive of the national credit. He argues that by
comparing the pecuniary resources of the country
twenty-five years ago with its present condition,
and calculating the probable increase of wealth
twenty-five years hence, it will be seen that the
liquidation of our Indebtedness at that time will
require less effort than is now necessary to meet
expenses attendant on luxurious habits. Refer
ring to the deposits Of precious metals in our
he represents them as strong-box
of treasure providentially bestowed upon us to
meet our wants at this juncture, ani suggests
iS sfa aha a
specie basis it may be found expedient for the
general government to aid in forging the key
to unlock it," We are advised to live within
our income as a nation, exercising great caution
men are reminded that as it will in time devolve
upon them to sit in the councils of powerful
people, they should guard with a jealous care
the national honor. The President briefly re-
to give his best efforts to strict and economi-
cal collection and disbursement of the public
and gives an assurance that all his ap-
pointments will be made with view to secure
ers Grant would regulate according to the equit-
able principles which the law enforces between
and he declares in favor of protect
ng with strong arm every unoffending citizen,
whether native or foreign-born, whenever and
wherever his rights may be outraged, signif-
,autly adding, that should others fall short of the
,olden rule in dealing with US we may see fit to
make profit by their example. The proper treat
nent of our Indian population is commended as
/ subject worthy of consideration and he is de-
'irous to promote their elevation in the scale of
humanity. Finally, he calls upon the entire peo-
pie to deal indulgently one with the other and
chershing fervent desire for unity, to lift their
prayers to heaven in this behalf