The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-12-13
The Presidents Message.

The Presidents annual message was deliv-
cred to both branches of Congress on Monday
last 1t is lengthy document. and would
take up about eight columnssof the VIRGINIAN
brief synopsis will give general idea of Its
tenor. The spirit running through it is cap
tious and the policy sustained in accordance
with his message year ago. In substance it
is a revenue reform argument to which is adj
ded the customary review of the reports of the
heads of the various departments and of the
affairs ofthe District of Columbia. Noting that
with the expiration of the present Congress
the first century of our constitutional exist
ence as nation will be comple ted. the Presi-
dent draws gloomy contrast between the cou
dition of the ciJizen in the early days of the
public and at present. Now "a crowded and
constantly increasing urban population sug-
gests the impvoerishment of rural sections and
discomfort with agricultural pursuits.
The gulf between employers and the employed
is constantly widening and classes are rapidly
forming, one comprising the very rich and
powerful, while in another are found the toll
ing poor. AS we view the achievements of ag-
gregated capital, we. discoverzthe existence of
trusts combinations and monorolies while
the citizen. is struggling far in the:.rear or is
trampled to death beneath an iron heel.' The
source of these woes is found by the President
In the fact that "instead of limiting the tribute
drawn from our ctiZenssto the necessities of
Its economical administration the government
persists in exacting from the substance of the
people millions which unappled and useless
lie dormant in it's treasury" and in The further
fact that under The operation of the tariff laws
1.-The government under pretext of an exel else
of its taxing power, ters gratuitously into
partnership with favortes ito their advantage
and to the injury of a vast maj rity of our PEG
pie " The remedy is discovere in "a ust and
sensible revision of our tariff laws for
the relief OF those of our countrymen who snf-
| fer under presenL conditions" Reduction of
the surplus by extravagant appropriations OF
| pub ic moneyis condemned. and the people s
cause. never to be compromised, is announced
| TO be the perfection of q planss"fair and con-
sentative toward existing industries, bnt
which will reduce the cost to consumers of the
| necessaries of life, while 1t provides for our
manu- acturers the advantage of freer raw ma
/ terials and permits no injury to the interests
of American labor" so far, then. as President
| Cleveland represents the Democratic party.
| that organization is committed to the struggle
| for revenue reform ON the lines laid down in
| last years message; and reversal of this
years verdict is suggested when once the
| farmers and workingmen are brought TO view
| The matter In the proper light.
| Outside of the revenue reform argument the
most striking portion of the message is that
which sharply criticises Congress for permit
ting the consideration of private interests and
claims to subordinate. and postpone action
| upon subjects of great public Importance, but
involving no special, private or partisan inter
est The numerous illustrations specified sus-
tain the charge in most cases, and reforma-
ton in this respect isimuch to he desired. But
Congress will not relish SO palpable lecture
from the retiring executive. and the clrcum-
stances of it's delivery will probably rob 1t of
most of It's effect as Recommendation to that
body whatever influence upon public opinion
may be accomplished,