The Washington critic., 1888-08-25
WASHINGTON, AUGUST s5, 1888.

Ir WAS URGED and insisted upon by
several members of the Senate in yester-
days debate that the President, under
the act of March, 1887, had ample pow
ers of retaliation as to the grievances of
which he complains, and that there is
neither occasion nor necessity for ask
ing any enlargement of his present au-
thority. Yet there seems to be some
doubt in the public mindi as to the real
scope and Interpretation of the law.
The act applies mainly to fishing YES
sells and their cargoes, and provides that
the President may, by proclamation,
and at his discretion, deny to "vessels.
their masters and crews, Of the British
dominions of North America, any en-
trance into the waters, ports, or places
of or within the United States" This
is all plain enough.
The act further says that the Presi-
dent may also deny entry into
any port or place of the United
States of fresh fish or salt fish,
or any OTHER product of said domin-
ions" Does this cover merchandise
by rail and enable the President to cut
of the continuous movement of railway
trains. The Senate conferrees on the
bill strenuously opposed the granting to
the President of any such enormous
power" as this. Does the ''power" exist
in the bill? None Of the Senators make
it entirely clear.
Mr.. Edmunds said that at the time of
the passage of the act it was considered
entirely adequate to the protection of
American rights and interests in the re-
spect in which they had been intruded
upon and assailed." And, he asks:
Does the President of the United States really
mean to say to Congress that he cannot take
any step provided In the act of 1887 until Con
gress shall give him further powers, and particu-
lary and chiefly the very powers that on full dis
cusslon eighteen months ago the Senate thought
1t was unfit to give hlmS
Mr.. Hoar view is "that the statute
gives to the President of the United
States or to the Secretary of the Treas
ury, who is under his authority and con-
troll, absolute power to do everything
that he chooses in this matter" Yet
at the conclusion of his remarks he said
he should be in favor of giving to the
President any authority in the premises
which on examination should be found
in any respect to be needed.
Mr.. Hale had no doubt an act could
be made that would give the President
more power, but under the existing
statute che has such plenaly power as
if exercised in his discretion would at
once bring this matter straight to a head. y
Mr.. Sherman stated emphatically that
the President now has the power to pro
hibit any goods from coming into the
United States. and through our ports, as
well as fish; ''it is not confined to fish. J"
This would make the treaty apply to
goods in bond shipped by rail. He said
further:
hope the Senators on this side of the Cham
ber are willing to make proclamation according
to the ideas now advanced by the President.
Let 10 be understood that the American Senate
Is united upon that proposition; that we will IN
sist either upon the enforcement of the treaty
or the law; that we will have equal rights OF
that we will deny them the rights that they deny
to us. IL you are willing to stand upon that
position, we will all act together. II the Presi
dent needs more authority TO carry out that doc
Urine we will give It to him without stint o.
limit. do not soc myself that he needs It, be
cause either the law stands or the treaty stands
and tho nullification stands according TO tn,
statement of the President. What more do yo,
wish to do than simply TO deny to them thu
same privileges and rights which they deny Il
uss