Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/259

 CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR 213 fathers, the foreseeing even the most dire possibil ities, made sure that the government should never be imperilled because of the uncertainty of human life. Men may die, but the fabrics of our free in stitutions remain unshaken. No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the strength and per manence of popular government than the fact that, though the chosen of the people be struck down, his constitutional successor is peacefully installed without shock or strain, except the sorrow which mourns the bereavement. &quot;All the noble aspirations of my lamented prede cessor which found expression in his life, the meas ures devised and suggested during his brief admin istration to correct abuses and enforce economy, to advance prosperity and promote the general welfare, to insure domestic security and maintain friendly and honorable relations with the nations of the earth, will be garnered in the hearts of the people, and it will be my earnest endeavor to profit and to see that the nation shall profit by his ex ample and experience. Prosperity blesses our country, our fiscal policy is fixed by law, is well grounded and generally approved. No threaten ing issue mars our foreign intercourse, and the wis dom, integrity, and thrift of our people may be trusted to continue undisturbed the present assured career of peace, tranquillity, and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded the