The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1881-12-08
The Presidents Message.

President Arthur's message sent
in Tuesday is one of most elabo-
rate documents of its kind on re-
cord. He discusses ably our inter
nal affairs and gives promise OF
thorough reforms. The heft of his
paper is its broad utterances on
foreign politics, the first real effort
of any American president to claim
first rank for the United States
among the great powers that con-
troll in international affairs. IL Is
we'll written, broad. dignified and
able and does credit to our govern
ment. A synopsis here would be
Injustice and those who are inter
ested could not rest without peru
sal in full. The American thus
treats it:
The message of the president is
long, and betokens thorough study
and acquaintance with the round
of public duty. It is in all parts
thorough business paper, dealing
but little in platitudes or sentl-
ment, driving in a straightforward,
clear manner at the point. Much
Of 1t is devoted to foreign relations,
such as have little interest TO the
general public. Upon these points
he is direct snd positive and leaves
no installing his. meaning. The
Chilli Peruvian war and subsequent
complications are treated in a man
ner which indicate a determination
to firmly insist upon just dealing
with a conquered foe, so far as that
is in his power. As to the Isthmus
canal he shows thorough appre-
cation OF the dagger to be feared
from the proposed European ALI
ance with the United States of Co
lum bia. This be intimates deter
mination to do, if necessary, ali in
his power TO thwart. Upon the
kindred subject of the old Clayton
Bulwer treaty, stupid blunder of
the Taylor administration, he is
equally clear and positive, having
already taken steps to abrogate
such parts as conflict with the prin-
ciples of the treaty of 1916 between
the United States and Columb ia.
For the first time since democracy
went out of power, decent foreign
policy is promised in such way
as to ;look like business. After
twenty years spent on domestic
questions, at last a president has
uttered words which indicate that
he knows the United States are a
part Of a great world. There are
other matters Of Importance TO gen
eral commerce, but not of the OBJ
sorbing interest of those referred to.
The Indian policy is sensibly
treated, and with such practical
and sensible suggestions as can
hardly fail to secure recognition
from congress.
The civil service is treated for
the first time with boldness and
directness which do credit to the
business common sense and states
manlike capacity of the president.
He learned the necessities OF the
service in the custom-house, in a
school where its worst evils were
practiced. These Mr.. Sherman
says he would not reform. 1t mat
tiers not that he would not allow
Mr.. Sherman to replace his official
army with his own. He admins
tered the system as it was to suit
himself, and none has ever criticised
his personal honor. This Is impor
tant, because is shows that Mr.. Ar
thur understands the question and
is able to deal with it. But he is
chiefly to be commended for per-
with a foresight none of his
predecessors have exhibited, that
this is the question of the hour.
He is in a position to aId in the
and to compel his ad
herents to support 1t. We hope to
see no waverlng on the democratic
side because Mr.. Arthur has made
the suggestion or because of
desire to have a deal at it them
selves, some day.