And now, at the close of this first century of growth, with the
inspirations of its history in their hearts, our people have lately
reviewed the condition of the nation, passed judgment upon the conduct
and opinions of political parties, and have registered their will
concerning the future administration of the Government. To interpret
and to execute that will in accordance with the Constitution is the
paramount duty of the Executive.

Even from this brief review it is manifest that the nation is
resolutely facing to the front, resolved to employ its best energies in
developing the great possibilities of the future. Sacredly preserving
whatever has been gained to liberty and good government during the
century, our people are determined to leave behind them all those
bitter controversies concerning things which have been irrevocably
settled, and the further discussion of which can only stir up strife
and delay the onward march.

The supremacy of the nation and its laws should be no longer a subject
of debate. That discussion, which for half a century threatened the
existence of the Union, was closed at last in the high court of war by
a decree from which there is no appeal - that the Constitution and the
laws made in pursuance thereof are and shall continue to be the supreme
law of the land, binding alike upon the States and the people. This
decree does not disturb the autonomy of the States nor interfere with
any of their necessary rights of local self-government, but it does fix
and establish the permanent supremacy of the Union.

The will of the nation, speaking with the voice of battle and through
the amended Constitution, has fulfilled the great promise of 1776 by