When we compare the paying capacity of the country now, with the ten States in poverty from the effects of war, but soon to emerge, I trust, into greater prosperity than ever before, with its paying capacity twenty-five years ago, and calculate 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 luxuries?  Why, it looks as though Providence had bestowed upon us a strong box in the precious metals locked up in the sterile mountains of the far West, and which we are now forging the key to unlock, to meet the very contingency that is now upon us.

Ultimately it may be necessary to insure the facilities to reach these riches and it may be necessary also that the General Government should give its aid to secure this access; but that should only be when a dollar of obligation to pay secures precisely the same sort of dollar to use now, and not before.  Whilst the question of specie payments is in abeyance the prudent business man is careful about contracting debts payable in the distant future.  The nation should follow the same rule.  A prostrate commerce is to be rebuilt and all industries encouraged.

The young men of the country—­those who from their age must be its rulers twenty-five years hence—­have a peculiar interest in maintaining the national honor.  A moment’s reflection as to what will be our commanding influence among the nations of the earth in their day, if they are only true to themselves, should inspire them with national pride.  All divisions—­geographical, political, and religious—­can join in this common sentiment.  How the public debt is to be paid or specie payments resumed is not so important as that a plan should be adopted and acquiesced in.  A united determination to do is worth more than divided counsels upon the method of doing.  Legislation upon this subject may not be necessary now, or even advisable, but it will be when the civil law is more fully restored in all parts of the country and trade resumes its wonted channels.

It will be my endeavor to execute all laws in good faith, to collect all revenues assessed, and to have them properly accounted for and economically disbursed.  I will to the best of my ability appoint to office those only who will carry out this design.

In regard to foreign policy, I would deal with nations as equitable law requires individuals to deal with each other, and I would protect the law-abiding citizen, whether of native or foreign birth, wherever his rights are jeopardized or the flag 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.