Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1888-12-13
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

President Cleveland has sent his last
annual message to Congress. He dis
cusses, from democratic standpoint,
questions OF national import. He re-
views in rapid manner, the changes
that have taken place in our history,
and sees some dangers ahead. The in
crease in wealth on the part of some,
and the growth of the number of those
who are poor, the drift of the popula-
ton towards the cities he regards as
ominous of evil. Glasses are forming
and the gulf between employers and
employees is widening. While millions
of dollars are living dormant the people
are taxed for the support Of the gov
ernment under the operation of tariff
laws. If things keep on as they are
tending he sees not far off the develop
ment OF communism, aud this Of two
kinds, one of wealth and the other OF
poverty. lie thinks he sees in reyis-
ion of the tariff remedy for these ey-
lis. He believes in meeting existing
evils fairly and squarely, making no
compromises. He deplores the tenden-
cy to regard the government a. pater-
nal and to seek through il the further
ance OF SO many private interests. Too
much loose legislation has encouraged
the violation of contracts and the grant
Ing of claims upon insufficient proof on
the part OF the applicant. This appears
in thepushing for pensions where claims
are not sustained by valid reasons. He
considers the subject Of neglected legis-
lation and refers to some of the evils
flowing thereirom. One Of these is the
crowded condition OF the supreme court
calendar and the consequent delay that
is caused to suitors for justice. 4 sul-
fcient remedy has not yet been proyid-
ed. Another evil relates to the public
lands. These are not protected with
sufficient care TO prevent their diversion
to other uses than as homes for honest
citizens. Again. there is not yet COM
pleted plan for the most effective man
agement of the Indian although legisla-
tion in this direction has been COM
menced. The propriety Of erecting one
or more prisons for United States con-
yicts is apparent aud also post-oilice
building at the national capital. A re-
vision of the pension laws is demanded
which shall rest upon principles so just
that every worthy applicant may be
provided for. Bills making appropria-
tions for the support of government
are defaced by items and provisions to
meet private ends. He speaks against
centralization and places emphasis up
on the Importance of following closely
the constitution. He comments upon
our foreign relations and thinks that
during the year these have been strength
ened and improved. He sees no exist
ing questions between US and other ma
tions that cannot be amicably settled
He regrets that the fishery business has
not been adjusted and again recon-
mends the acceptance of the treaty that
the Senate rejected. lie refers to the
Sackyille affair aud regrets that he was
compelled to pursue the course that he I
did in the matter. He has attended to /
some matters Of public interest such as
endeavoring to protect fur seals in Beh-
ring sea. and the rights Of our citizens
of French descent as against claims
for military service, and hopes for an
of treaty relations with .Ia-
pan and the payment of such claims as
the citizens of that country may have
against us for injuries received. lie
las sent war vessel to Hayti to pro-
ect American citizens from dangers
hat may arise on account of local diff :
iculties. He calls tor a revision of our
laws and for the preven- ,
ion Of fraudulent citizenship and for I
he reorganization Of the consular ser a
ice. lie then takes survey Of the
arious departments Of the government. !
lie looks over our finances aud reaches !
he conclusion that silver coinage had O
etter be stopped. He sees excessive |