Year: 1869

CITIZENS OF THE U. S.s Your suf- frage having elected me to the office of President of the United States, have in conformity with the constitution of our country taken the oath of office presented therein. I have taken the oath without mental reservation, and a determination to do to the best of my ability, all it requires of me. The re- sponsibility of the position I feel, but accept them without fear. The office has come to me unsought. I com mence it's duties untrammeled. l bring to it conscientious desire and determination to fill it to the best of my ability, and to the satisfaction of the people. On all leading questions agitating the public, I will always ex- press my views to Congress, and urge them according to my judgement ; and when 1 think it advisable will ex- ercise the constitutional privilege of veto to defeat measures which I oppose. But all the laws will be faithfully executed whether they get my approval or not. shall on all subjects pursue policy, and havo none to enforce against the will ofthe people.

 Laws are co govern all alike, those opposed co as well as those who favor them and l know of no method to se- cure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent ex- ecution.

 The country having just emerged from a great rebellion, many ques- tions will come up for settlement in the next four years, which the preced- ing administration have never had 10 deal with, and in meeting these it is desirable that they should be approach sd calmly and without prejudice--hate pr sectional pride. Remember that the greatest good to thegreatest number

 IS the object sought to be obtained .his requires security of person, prop prty, and for religious and political freedom of opinion in every part of our common country without regard 10 local prejudice, and laws to secure these will receive my best efforts for .heir enforcement.

 A great debt has been contracted in securing us and our posterity the Union and the payment of this prin- ,ipal and interest, as we'll as the return 0 specie basis as soon as it can be ac- without material dctri- nent to the debtor class or the country tt large, must be provided for, in or Ter to protect the national honor.

 Every dollar of the government in- lebtedness shall be paid in gold, un- ess otherwise expressly stipulated in he contract.

 Let it be understood that no repudi-

 tor of one farthing of our public debt will be trusted in public place, and will go far toward strengthening

 redit which ought to be the best in he world, and will ultimately enable IS to replace the debt with bonds bear ng less interest than we now pay. To this should be added faithful collection of the revenue, strict &C., to the Treasurer for every dollar collected, and the greatest prac- icable retrenchmcnt in the expendi-

 ures in every department of the gov 'rnmcnt.

 When we compare the paying ca ,acity of the government of the coun- ry with the ten States still iii poverty rom the effects of the late war, but oon to emerge 1 trust, into greater than ever before, with the 'aying capacity of 25 years ago and alculate what it will be probably 9 ears hence, who can doubt the feaSi- 'ility of our paying every dellar then, nore easily than we now pay for use- ess luxuries

 Why it looks as if Providence had bestowed upon me strong box, while precious medals locked up in the ster- le mountains of the far West is the .ay to unlock it with, to get the very ontingency that is now upon us.

 Ultimately it may be necessary to in-

 rcase the facilities to reach these ends,

 nd it may be necessary also, that the general government shall give its aid: ,ut that should only be when q dollar If the obligation to pay, secures wise y the same sort of dollar to use now $ before. Whilst the question of spe-

 lie payment is in abeyance the business nan is careful about contracting debts 'ayable in the distant future, and the lation should follow similar rule.

 A prostrated commerce to rebuild nd with all the industries encouraged, he young men of the country, those cho from their age must be our rulers 3 years hence, have peculiar interest Il maintaining the natioal honor. :. moments reflection as to what win be 'ur commanding influence among the lations of the day, 1T they are only true o themse.ves, should inspire them With a national pride. All divisions, politically and relig- ously, should be set aside; the con- non sentiment should be "how the lebt is to be pad, or specie payment 

 This is not so important as that 'lan should be adopted, and acquiesced Il. A united determination to do is worth more than divided council. \ method of doing this by legislation nay not be necessary now, or even ad- but it will be when the civil