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.