The Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers of
the Presidents, by Grover Cleveland

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Title: Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents
Volume 8, Section 2 (of 2): Grover Cleveland

Author: Grover Cleveland

Release Date: November 24, 2004 [EBook #14137]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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GROVER CLEVELAND

March 4, 1893, to March 4, 1897

Grover Cleveland

[For portrait and biographical sketch see Vol. VIII, pp. 296-299.]

INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

MY FELLOW-CITIZENS: In obedience to the mandate of my countrymen
I am about to dedicate myself to their service under the sanction of
a solemn oath. Deeply moved by the expression of confidence and personal
attachment which has called me to this service, I am sure my gratitude
can make no better return than the pledge I now give before God and
these witnesses of unreserved and complete devotion to the interests
and welfare of those who have honored me.

I deem it fitting on this occasion, while indicating the opinions I hold
concerning public questions of present importance, to also briefly refer
to the existence of certain conditions and tendencies among our people
which seem to menace the integrity and usefulness of their Government.

While every American citizen must contemplate with the utmost pride and
enthusiasm the growth and expansion of our country, the sufficiency of
our institutions to stand against the rudest shocks of violence, the
wonderful thrift and enterprise of our people, and the demonstrated
superiority of our free government, it behooves us to constantly watch
for every symptom of insidious infirmity that threatens our national
vigor.

The strong man who in the confidence of sturdy health courts the
sternest activities of life and rejoices in the hardihood of constant
labor may still have lurking near his vitals the unheeded disease that
dooms him to sudden collapse.

It can not be doubted that our stupendous achievements as a people and
our country's