INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR GEORGE STONEMAN. Mr. President, Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly, and Fellow-citizens: It is a matter of congratulation that we meet under such favorable circumstances. Our people are, in the main, happy, contented, and prosperous. The seasons have, in their turn, bestowed upon us their blessings. The products of the soil have been abundant, and, despite the unreasonable charges for transportation to market from some sections, have yielded a fair return to the producer. The political situation indicates an awakening in the public mind, and, in my opinion, gives assurance of continued prosperity. Some problems have been solved by the political contests just ended. Among other things, it has been demonstrated that combinations of men, organized for the purpose of advancing the political interests of particular persons and factions, cannot override the will of the people; that the interference of Federal authority in the local affairs of the States will not be tolerated; that the assessment of Federal officeholders and employés, for the purpose of raising large sums of money to corrupt. the electors of the States, in order to secure the election and return of particular candidates, cannot avail against the united and determined voice of the people; and that the wasteful and extravagant expenditure of the public moneys meets with disfavor and condemnation by all. The results of the late political contests have given renewed confidence to the advocates of popular elections, and have strengthened the faith of believers in the incorruptibility of the people. Let us, however, in the hour of our success, not forget that the people have bestowed upon us a great and responsible public trust, and that if we do not fill the measure of their expectations they may as readily transfer their confidence to another party, as they have in this instance given it to the party now dominant. Let us never forget that, under our form of government, the people are the sovereigns and we are the servants; that we are but instruments to effect their purposes; that we are placed temporarily in power to carry out their will. Let us then go forward, without fa'tering, to the accomplishment of our duty; always acting for the est interests of those whose servants we are, and carefully, religiously, endeavoring to fulfill to the letter the pledges and obligations of our platforms, and the principles of our parties. |