"We want our currency gradually to appreciate,
until, without financial shock, or any sudden shrinkage



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EXTRACTS FROM GEN. HAYES'S SPEECHES. 273

of values, but in the natural course of trade, it shall
reach the uniform and permanent, value of gold. With
lasting peace assured, and a sound financial condition
established, the United States and all her citizens may
reasonably expect to enjoy a measure of prosperity
without a parallel in the world's history.
'' When the debates of the last presidential election
were in progress, four years ago, there were troubles
with other nations threatening the public peace ; and,
in particular, there was a most difficult, irritating, and
dangerous controversy with Great Britain, Avhich it
seemed almost impossible peaceably to settle. Now
we are at peace with all the nations ; the American
Government is everywhere abroad held in the highest
honor ; and the example of submitting national disputes
to the decision of a court of arbitration has been set,
which is of incalculable value to the world.
^' Four years ago, frequent outbreaks of savage
hostilities along a frontier of more than two thousand
miles disturbed the country with the apprehension of
another long, expensive, and fruitless war against the
Indians. During the last three j^ears and a half, eighty
thousand Indians have been gathered upon reserva-
tions, where, by their own labor, they are self-support-
ing. About one hundred and tliirteen thousand others
have been collected at the agencies, where, — under
instruction by, perhaps, Mty agents, selected by the
religious denominations of the country, aided by black-
smiths, carpenters, and farmers hired by government,



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274 LIFE OF RUTHEKFOED B. HAYES.
— they are prepared to live peaceably on reservations.
