Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-12-05

of all profits of investment that engage
labor. This process of diminishing the
earnings of capital and increasing to labor
the share of the result of the use of money,
has been going on steadily, and is still pre-
crossing towards greater reduction on the
one hand and larger division on the other.
That poverty exists in large communities,
is undeniable and lamentable That il will
continue so long as men are improvideht
and contribute so largely to the gratifca-
tion of their appetites for intoxicants, is
not questioned by any intelligent observer
If the President had sought for the reason
for poverty, more than sixty per cent.
would have revealed itself to him
as due wholly to the causes named
Poverty is condition of civilization
inseparable from it, and will forever exist.
If the attainment of tariff reform as de-
sired by Mr.. Cleveland were already
reached, and it resulted as he maintains it
would, and all unjust combinations of capi-
tai were eliminated, poverty and human
distress would still continue, and improvi-
dence. intemperance and cruelty remain.
Instead of Mr.. Cleveland's message be-
ing philosophic document of stateman-
like views, suggesting specifics for the ills
he deals with relative to Taxation" its
tone is all defensive of the Presidents
tariff ideas, attuned to the discontents of
the day, as if the one complete and only
remedy is the adoption of the scheme out
lined in his message of last December
A broader view of the economies of the
age would have suggested other remedial
measures, and have proved that no sin
gle one will bring about condition of per-
feet harmony between all interests or
eliminate all causes for grievance, much
less satisfy to the extent of hushing all
complaint against our governmental sys-
TEN or the conditions of society. The fs-
cal policy of the country, the adjustment
of its income, the barriers of tariff and |
the economics of government generally, |
have been wrestled, with by Congress and |
the statesmen of the nation since its
foundations were laid. The solution of all |
questions involved will be worked out or
derly and in the light of experience, the
infallable guide to the best ends.
The paragraphs of the message devoted |
to the question of the use of the surplus
for the redemption of the debt of the ma
tion, are illogical. 1t will not demand
trained financial ability to understand that |
as the bonds are taken up in advance of
maturity, and saving of millions thus
made to the Government, the money paid
olt of the surplus for the purpose goes i'm
mediately into circulation among the peo- |
pie; its retention in the Treasury, it is |
admitted, would not have benefited busi-.
ness. But the President holds that had it |
not been through a tariff revenue placed |
In the Treasury in the first instance, it |
would have remained in business and have |
been worth to the people fully six per
cent. Without discussing anew the tariff |
question as 10 whether the non-collection |
would have left the money at home or
have sent it abroad, it is apparent that !
since the bonds must be taken up, the cost
of redemption met by Government rev.
enues of some kind, to call them in now
at a saving, as in the last seven months of !
more than S27, 900, 600, is an economic and
wise policy.
There is with much error and illogical |
expression but much of sound sense in
the message. Thus the Chief Magistrate
does we'll to draw attention to the vice of
riding" necessary appropriation bills with
claims of localities for Government pat
ronage and expenditure. That wise meas
ures should be unable to reach adoption
without purchasing support by acceding to
the demands of "riders," is shameful. The
references to polygamy; to the need for
legislative readiustment of our postal ma
chinery; to the centennial celebration of
April next, are timely and wise. The
reference to the abuses of naturalization
privileges should command attention, but
the evils are not fully disclosed by the
President nor q policy indicated which
might well have been suggested by him,
that would extend the probationary period
and limit the privileges secured in some
cases by mere declaration of inten- |
tion. The defense of the policy |
adopted toward the Apache Indians
is Invulnerable; the suggestion to re-
duce the Consular posts is sound. as also |
is the advice THAI in settling the question
of railroad financial relations with the /
Government, business sense should prevail
and prejudice be eliminated. The mes
sage wisely commeads the educational I
methods of controlling the Indian tribes. /
and properly enough cautions the country
against the danger TO the system of cur
Government in yielding too much to the
tendency to extend the scope of Federal
legislation.
The President adheres to his views con-
eerning TIE fisheries dispute and silver
coinage, matters unnecessary 70 again go
over at this time The pro-fsrma state
ments of our relations with other Govern
ments are made. and the usual reference
TO the great events of the times in which
we have a national interest are followed by !
approval of the reports Of the Cabast
S scretaries and invitation to consider the
documents in full. As g whole the mes
;ge is distinguished from usual Presidens
!ial reviews Of the condition Of the eo'lEa- .