Photo of the Day

A new president’s promise to a divided nation.

It is March 4, 1869.

The new president, Ulysses S. Grant, has taken the oath of office on the north steps of the Capitol.

Grant will preside over a nation recently at war with itself, still riven by economic, racial and gender inequalities.

These are the promises he made to Americans.

All laws will be faithfully executed, whether they meet my approval or not. 

I shall on all subjects have a policy to recommend,

…but none to enforce against the will of the people.

Laws are to govern all alike. 

6th Maine Volunteer Infantry Company, Fredericksburg, Virginia, May 1863.

The country having just emerged from a great rebellion,

…many questions will come before it for settlement in the next four years.

Gettysburg after the battle, July 1863.

In meeting these, it is desirable that they should be approached calmly,

…without prejudice, hate, or sectional pride,

The Union flag flies over the Vicksburg courthouse, an event which some cheered but many despised, 1865.

…remembering that the greatest good to the greatest number

…is the object to be attained. 

This requires security of person, property,

…and free religious and political opinion. 

c. 1880.

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.

US Weather Bureau, c. 1890.

It will be my endeavor to execute all laws in good faith

…and appoint to office those only who will carry out this design. 

The question of suffrage is one which is likely to agitate the public

…so long as a portion of the citizens of the nation

School for Black children, late 1800s.

…are excluded from its privileges in any State.

Black students on the lawn of Howard University, 1867.

I therefore desire the ratification of the 15th amendment to the Constitution. 

Baltimore residents gather in Monument Square to celebrate the passage of the 15th Amendment, which granted Black men the right to vote. May 19, 1870.

[Ed.: The 15th Amendment prohibits the federal government and states from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was ratified on February 3, 1870.]

Cudjoe Lewis, a man formerly enslaved in Alabama, with great-granddaughters, c.1927.

In conclusion, I ask patient forbearance one toward another throughout the land,

Cartoon depicts the intimidation tactics used in the South to deter Black voting.

…and a determined effort on the part of every citizen

George Washington Custis Lee, oldest son of Robert E. Lee, on horseback, with staff reviewing Confederate Reunion Parade in Richmond, Va., June 3, 1907, in front of monument to Jefferson Davis.

to do his share toward cementing a happy union. 

*****

These are timeless promises which every president owes to his country.

A candidate unwilling to dedicate himself to fulfilling them is unfit for office.

******************************

I’ll see you tomorrow.

— Brenda