ag of our country floats. I would
respect the rights of all nations, demanding equal respect for our own.
If others depart from this rule in their dealings with us, we may be
compelled to follow their precedent.

The proper treatment of the original occupants of this land--the Indians
one deserving of careful study. I will favor any course toward them
which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship.

The question of suffrage is one which is likely to agitate the public so
long as a portion of the citizens of the nation are excluded from its
privileges in any State. It seems to me very desirable that this
question should be settled now, and I entertain the hope and express the
desire that it may be by the ratification of the fifteenth article of
amendment to the Constitution.

In conclusion I ask patient forbearance one toward another throughout
the land, and a determined effort on the part of every citizen to do his
share toward cementing a happy union; and I ask the prayers of the
nation to Almighty God in behalf of this consummation.

* * * * *

ULYSSES S. GRANT, SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1873

[Transcriber's note: Frigid temperatures caused many of the events
planned for the second inauguration to be abandoned. The thermometer did
not rise much above zero all day, persuading many to avoid the ceremony
on the East Portico of the Capitol. The oath of office was administered
by Chief Justice Salmon Chase. A parade and a display of fireworks were
featured later that day, as well as a ball in a temporary wooden
structure on Judiciary Square. The wind blew continuously through the
ballroom and many of the guests at the ball never removed their coats.]

Fellow-Citizens:

Under Providence I have been called a second time to act as Executive
over this great nation. It has been my endeavor in the past to maintain
all the laws, and, so far as lay in my power, to act for the best
interests of the whole people. My best efforts will be given in the same
direction in the future, aided, I trust, by my four years' experience in
the office.

When my first term of the office of Chief Executive began, the country
had not recovered from the effects of a great internal revolution, and
three of the former States of the Union had not been restored to their
Federal relations.

It seemed to me wise that no new questions should be raised so long as
that condition of affairs existed. T