Smyrna times., 1886-12-08

THE PRESIDENTS MEssAGE.--The an
nual message of President Cleveland was
submitted to Congress- which assembled at
Washington on Monday. 1t is variously
commented upon, but we think tits generally
set down as both comprehensive and vigOr-
Gus. The New York Star says;
1T omits nothing important touches
upon nothing trivial, and is clear and de-
csive in its recommendations. The main
body Of the paper is founded upon the spec
ial inquiries and suggestions of the heads
of the various departments who compose
Mr.. Clevelands Cabinet, showing his close
supervision Of the general functions of an
economical and efficient government, and
an entire harmony of administrative pol
icies His apparent leaning toward free
trade the Star halls with delight"
The New York Tribune says:
1T cannot be said that the President S
Message is as strong as it is long. The
Messages which have thrilled through the
land. and kindled the hearts of millions,
and changed the history Of the nation, have
not always been models of literary style,
and President Cleveland's is not such a
model But it does not resemble those
memorable Messages in other and more i'm
pOrtant respects. In truth, it is not pre-
cisely n great Message, nor does it shed
much light on events. But in the main il
fatally sets forth the opinions and illustrate:
the qualifications of the party which select
ed Mr.. Cleveland for President"
The Morning Ne'os says:
"Iti is clearly written, and for the mos
part displays the hard-headed persistenc,
for which Mr. Cleveland is well known.
is weak upon the New England fisherie
1trifb fapdonaey fAvvu rf
ferceness upon the Mexican question, righ
and manly upon the Chinese question, in
telligent and generally sound upon the In
dian question, firm and sound upon the sill
yer question, benevolent but futile on tn
labor question, interested and eager for re
ducton upon the taritfquestiOn, and smOotl
and ambiguous on the civil service reform
question. Mr.. Cleveland evidently want
the tariff changed so as to reduce the sur
plus revenue. 1t is conceded in both par
ties, we believe, that something will hav
to be done about the surplus revenues yer
soon, the main question being as to ho'
this something shall be DONE"
Mr. Cleveland reafirms his position i
favor of Civil Service Reform, but is har
dicapped largely by those who are oppose
to its enforcement.
The Presidents treatment Of the silvC
question is but a repetition Of the mai
points in the Treasury report. He do,
state, however. that every fair and leg
effort" has been made "to distribute tn
currency"-silver and silver certificates
''among the people," by withdrawal
small legal-tenders and the issuing Of sma
silver certificates, in obedience to the vi
ouA oar,Ae ,ff fl,o Eot ,,e4 =
people in Congress" Nor will his remar
on the tariff question thrill free-traders vii
enthusiasm. He has an idea that a gre
surplus Of our revenues indicates abnc
NAL and exceptional business profits" co
sders a tariff enacted in 1861 "leadi
strings useful to a nation in its infancy
thinks the present rate is in some respet
actually more than was imposed by t
grievOus burden willingly borne" in til
of war, and recommends that "the incre
ing and unnecessary surplus of national
come annually accumulating be released
the people by an amendment to our r,
enue laws which shall cheaper the price
the necessarics Of life and give freer
trance o. such imported materials as
American labor may be manufactured ir
marketable commodities" Apparently
means free sugar and free wool
The President thinks a better fore
mail service desirable, and with CONNER
able gravity suggests, as distinguish
from a grant or subsidy FOR the mere ben
of any line of trade or travel" that WI
ever outlay may be required sho
be regarded as within the limit of legitinl
compensation for such service"
No brief reference however will Civ
satisfactory idea Of the full text of the n
sage and even that cannot treat each p,
...' with the clearness necessary for the earl
inquirer