New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-04
TIE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

or rhetorical flourish, and there is no attempt
TO enlarge upon especial topics for the sake oil
catching temporary popular applause or Pa,
tism advantage II has the tone throughout
of conscious strength and sincerity, and Of pro-
found conviction that thepeople will unwavef-
ingIy sustain the National policies to which tneS
gave approval by their votes one year ago
The President happily observes that the con-
vocation of representatives of thlrty-three
American Powers. with intent to devise surer
means of preserving peace and mutually heip-
full relations, fifty opens our second century u
constitutional existence He speaks WIN sa',
isfaction of the Samoan Treaty, announces tnaO
new Exhadition treaty with Great Britain
will shortly be submitted, and recommends
legislation to secure humane and Just treatment
of Chinese strangers already here, while near'-
ily approving the exclusion OF chinese laOor
The establishment of Republic in Brazil Is
suitably commemorated, with the statement tnat
official recognition will be given whenever
majority Of the people of Brazil have sgnlfled
their appreciation of the new Government.
The President treats the tariff question
briefly, and without extended argument, but Is
most uncompromsing in upholding the Ma
tional policy upon which depend work, wages
home production, and commercial independence.
A revision both of administrative features ana
of the schedules, is recommended, but no de-
tails are suggested, and it may with some rea-
son be inferred that the bill passed by the Sen
ate is regarded by the President as at least
fair approach to the measure deemed advisable
1t is strongly urged, however, that the surplus
revenue should be reduced, that deposits of
.,44A
authorized and dangerous, and that repeal
of the tobacco tax would be expedient, with
repeal of the tax on spirits used in the arts.
President Harrison treats the silver question
without evasion or reserve. Earnestly favor
ing the increased use of silver as money, he
hits the nail squaIely on the head in observ-
| ing: IF we should make the coinage of silver
at the present ratio free, it must be expected
that the difference in the bullion value of gold
and silver will be taken into account in COM
mercial transactions, and | fear the same re-
suit would follow any considerable increase of
the present rate of coinage" He therefore
commends to the serious attention Of Congress
the plan which has been formulated by the
Secretary of the Treasury, leaving its details
to be set forth in the Treasury report.
The President strongly urges coast defence
| according to modern standards, and ample ap-
| preparations for such river and harbor improve
ments as are really of National utility, adding
the eminenty practical suggestion that better
results would be attained if fewer works were
undertaken at the same time and sufficient pro-
vision made for them. He speaks earnestly of
the necessity Of protecting Judges and witnesses
in Federal courts, and of relief from the over
crOwding by which justice is so long delayed
A particularly significant sentence declares that
trusts, when organized to crush out cOmpeti-
ton, are " dangerous conspracies against the
public gOodu Revision of laws is also urged
to secure more careful naturalizations, with
representation of the Government in every in
stance and the exclusion of enemies of social
order.
The message devoteS much attention to In
dian affairs noting progress in education and
in allotment of lands to individuals, and the
completion Of agreements by which the mis-
chievous system of reservations and annutieS
has by some tribes been removed. The defeat
of settlement regarding the Cherokee lands
is frankly ascribed to the influence Of a syndi
cate by which the lands are used for grazing
cattle. and Territorial Government is urged
those guilty of fraud in locating claims will be
punished Liberal appropriations for educa-
ton in Alaska are urged, and proper land
laws. Respecting the land laws in general, it
is Justly observed that they should not be 50
enforced as to work needless hardship TO
multitudes of innocent settlers. Less sweep
ing legislation regarding pensions is recon-
mended than many will favor, but with earnest
words in behalf of liberal policy, it is urged
that pensions should be granted to all veterans
who are incapacitated or DEPENDENT and that
existing inequalities of the law should be cor
fected 1t is perhaps significant that while
favoiing legislation for the protection Of rail-
read hands from injury, the President does not
mention modification of the Interstate Com
merce Act among the important matters need
ing Congressional action.
There is no room to doubt the earnest desire
OF the President to make Civil Service reform
more complete and satisfactory, and he notes
as long step forward that the book of eIigibes
mas at last been opened to public inspection.
mat confidence in the working of the system
was shaken under the late Administration is
admitted, and it is urged that the Commission
mould be fully sustained by appropriations and
increased force. Liberal appropriations in aid
Ol puDic education are recommended and alec
IN subsidies to secure better foreign mail SER
vice. Finally the President urges with dozen
feeling and kindly, but strong, words. the ne.
ceSsiy OF protecting the Negro in his noli,ic,I
rights and securing freedom of the suffrooo
But he does not as yet Judge CongressionoI
regulation of all Federal elections expslent
The Message will be received with conor.,
and hearty approval by candid opponents as
well as by political friends. 1t is in no respect
| a partisan paper. Sincere desire to do the best
thing possible for the good of the whole people
appears In all its recommendations. And while
ha diHaroncaa of n,,it,ior,