section, nor wholly of one party, but of all sections and all the
people. The North and the South no longer divide on the old lines, but
upon principles and policies; and in this fact surely every lover of
the country can find cause for true felicitation. Let us rejoice in and
cultivate this spirit; it is ennobling and will be both a gain and a
blessing to our beloved country. It will be my constant aim to do
nothing, and permit nothing to be done, that will arrest or disturb
this growing sentiment of unity and cooperation, this revival of esteem
and affiliation which now animates so many thousands in both the old
antagonistic sections, but I shall cheerfully do everything possible to
promote and increase it.

Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief
Justice which, in their respective spheres, so far as applicable, I
would have all my countrymen observe: "I will faithfully execute the
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my
ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United
States." This is the obligation I have reverently taken before the Lord
Most High. To keep it will be my single purpose, my constant prayer;
and I shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance of all
the people in the discharge of my solemn responsibilities.


***

William McKinley
Second Inaugural Address
Monday, March 4, 1901

My Fellow-Citizens: