Year: 1869

for.


To protect the national honor, every dollar OF
government indebtedness should be paid in gold
unless Otherwise expressly stipulated in the con-
tract. Let it be understood that no repudistor of
one farthing of our public debt will be trusted 10
public place, and II will 60 far towards strengthen
ing a credit which ought 70 be the best 10 the
world, and will ultimately enable rs to replace
the debt with bonds bearing less interest than We
now pey. To this should be added faithful col
lection OF the revenue, 9 strict accountability 70
the treasurer for every dollar collected, and the
greatest practicable retrenchmert in expenditure
in every department of the government.


When We compare the paying capacity Of the
country now with ten States still in poverty from
the effects Of the war, but soon to emerge trust.
into greater prosperity than ever before, with its
paying capacity twenty.fye years ago, and calcu.
late what it probably will be twenty-five years
hence, who can doubt the feasibility of paying
every dollar then with more ease than we now
pay for useless Injuries! Why, ii looks as though
Providence had bestowed upon us strong box,
the precious metals locked up 10 the sterile noun
tsins Of the far West, which we are forging the
key TO unlock to meet the very contingency that
s now upon Us. Ultimately, il may be necessary
TO increase the facilities to reach these rches and
il may be necessary, also, that the general govern
ment should give its aid TO secure this access.
But that should only be when dollar Of obliga.
ton 10 pay secures precisely the same sort of
dollar TO use now and not before. Whilst the
question Of specie payments is In allegiance the





debts payable in the distant future. The nation
should follow the same rule. A PROSTATE COM
merce is to be rebuilt and all industries encour
eyed.


The young men of the country, those who from
their age must be its rulers twenty-five years
hence, have peculiar interest in maintaining the
national homer. moments reflection as to what
will be our commanding influence among the ma.
tions Of the earth In their day. il they are only
true to themselves, should inspire them with ma.
al
and religious, can join in the common sentiment.
How the public debt is to be paid or specie pay
ments resumed Is not 80 important, as that plan
should be adopted and acquiesced in. A united
determination TO do is worth more than divided
councils upon the method OF doing. Legislation
upon that subject may not be necessary now nor
ever advisable but II will be when the civil law is
more fully restored In all parts of the country,
and trade resumes its wonted channels. 1t will
be my endeavor TO execute all laws in good faith,
to collect ell revenues assessed and to have them
properly accounted for and economically disburs.
ed. i will, to the best Of my ability, appoint to
Office those who will carry out this design. In
regard TO foreign policy | would deal with nations
ss equitable law requires individuals to deal with
each other, and / would protect the lawabiding
citizen whether of native or OF foreign birth,
wherever his rights are jeopsrdzed, or the flag of
our country floats. / would respect the rights of
ali nations, demanding equal respect for our OVID.
II others depart from this rule in their dealings
with us, we may be compelled to follow their pre-
cedent. The proper treatment of the original oc-
cupants of this land, the Indians is one deserving
Of careful study. will favor any course towards
them which tends to their civilization, christani
Zation, and ultimate citizenship. The question of
suffrage is one which is likely to sgitate the pub
c so long as portion of the citizens Of the nation
are excluded from the privileges in any State.


1t seems TO me very desirable that this question
should be settled now, and / entertain the hope
end express the desire that ii may be, by the rati
ficatiOn of the fifteenth article Of amendment to
the Constitution.


In conclusion, ask patient forbearance. one
toward another, throughout the land and deter.
mined effort on the part of every citizen to do his
share toward cementing a happy Union; aud
ark the prayer of the nation to Almighty God in
behalf Of this consummatioD.


At III O'Clock the rain ceased, and the process
sion was a grand success.


President Johnson did not occupy the place re-
served for him for the inauguration ceremonies,
b Ut remained at the White House signing bills.


The utmost good humor prevailed during the
day.