Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-12-06
BURLINGTON, FRIDAY, DEc.c.


President Harrson's first annual message
to Congress is an able and comprehensive
paper. He places before the people a re-
markably clear and concise statement of
the present condition of the affairs of the
nation, reviews its progress during the
year past states our relations with other
nations. and gives his own views regarding
the future policy that should be adopted ON
questions of public importance in n manner
that leaves no opportunity for doubt as to
his position.
Passing for the time illusions TO general
matters and coming directly TO questions
regarding which the presidents views were
especially desired, we lind all the cloarness
and positiveness of expression aud state
ment that could be desired,
In regard to the surplus. he holds thatthe
matter should have the immediate attention
pf Congress. with q view to reducing the
receipts of the treasury to the needs OF the
government as closely as may bo-sound
doctrine that must be approved by men Of
all parties.
A revision OF the tariff law is earnestly
and positively urged botn in its admins
trative features aud i'll the schedules, the
president expressing the belief, in which all
business men must concur, that the dis
turbance resulting from any temporary ill
effect that might follow a wise reduction of
the present tariff rates, will be reduced to
the minimum by prompt ssuran-
ces that the changes so made will not
impair the just and reasonable protection of
our home industries. While the protective
principle should be maintained, the prcsi-
dent thinks that the free list can very safely
be extended by placing thereon articles that
do not offer injurious competition to such
domestic products us our home labor can
supply.
OF special interest is the presidents atti-
tude in regard TO civil service reform.
Those who have anticipated that the mes
sage would give evidence OF uncertain sup
port will be disappon ed, for the law is
strongly and heartily sustained. ut will be
my pleasure, as it is my duty, to see that
the law is executed with firmness and inn
partiality,'' says Mr.. Harrison. That civil
service reform has no warmer or truer
friend than President Harrison is sufficient
ly evident to satisfy any fairminded man.
The message very properly considers al
some length the educational interests of the
colored race. The president thinks the time
has come for the general government tc
lend its aid in this direction, and he favor,
Il national grant judiciously controlled. The
attention OF Congress is also earnestly in
voked to the consideration Of such measure,
as will secure to all our people, black a,
we'll as white, free exercise Of the right Of
suffrage.
Referring to pensions the message recon-
mends such extension of relief as to include
all 'such honorably -dischargel [Unionl sol
diers and sailors OF the civil war as having
rendered substantial service during the war
are now dependent upon their own labor for
maintenance, and by disease or casualty
are incapacitated from earning it.
The message touches many other points
of national interest. As IA whole it vii
commend itself to the people of the nation
as a strong and candid document
The substance of the message viii b.
found on the first page.