New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-27
PROGRESS ALREADY.

President Harrison has not been IN ONCE
full quarter as yet, and he found good many
things in bad shape. Already much has been
done to improve the situation, and distinctly
different tone IS now apparent in commefcih
and industrial circles, 1t is felt that the In
terests of this country are not TO be negiecteu
for the sake OF pleasing rulers oil other hauo"S'
or swelling the profits OF foreign importers
Differences with foreign Powers when IN oho
later months of Mr.. ClJveands AdmniStra-
ton. seemed TO all sufficiently serious 70 Justify
long discussions about our naval resources,
day after day, are evidently to be settled
oncI,Iv on terms creditabe and practically
hapodcia, 70 the United States. Representa-
tiyes of American industry are taking the place
of Free Trade emissarieS in the Consular SER
vice The conference of American nations
which Is about to be held, though differing in
form from that which Mr.. Blaine suggested in
1881, nav be utilized to promote similar re-
suits to those then desired. Relations with
Hayti are about to be treated by competent
men. and the interference Of Canadian railroads
with the United States system Of transportation
is under official investigation. No one now
supposes that injustice will be sustained by
American fishermen this year without genuine
effort TO defend them,
In domestic affairs, the change more needed
than any other was in the Interpretation and
enforcement of laws for the protection OF home
industry. Already several decisions have al
tered the conditions Of business, and given new
confidence to producers. decision first by an
Appraiser then by the Board of Appraisers, and
then by the recently appointed Collector mere
is expected soon to be followed by Treasury
ruling on the woollen- worstad question. New
confidence is seen in many branches OF industry.
because il appears already that the power of
the Government will be used, not for the benefit
of foreign traders and lawbreakers against
American producers, but for the defence OF
home interests. Respecting the finances, 1t is
seen that judicious and conservative course Is
pursued which will enable tho Government to
shield business as far rs possible from the evil
influences of the refusal Of a Democratic Con
gress to perform its duty.
Another change greatly needed was a reform
of the depIorably demoralized railway mail ser
vice, and, indeed, of the postal service gen
orally. The restoration OF host OF trained and
experienced men has already accomplished
much, and there is growing belief that this
branch OF tie service will soon be not only re-
stored to It's former efficiency. but rendered more
useful than ever before and moro Trustworthy.
In the Navy Department new Secretary has
not tried to distinguish himself at the outset by
prosecuting into bankruptcy and the grave any
shipbuilder who had served the country with
fidelity, but care has been taken TO retain all
that was good in the work Of the Department
hitherto In the pension service, the change in
spirit and purpose is felt already by every
veteran N the land, and there is no longer ex'
hibited a disposition 70 insult and punish those
who risked their lives for the country. The
honest settlers in the Territories are not now
denounced as public enemies or hunted down
as rascals as they were from the day Mr.. Cleve-
lands choice for Land Commissioner took
charge. Officials under the Department OF
Justice who have laborcd TO enforce the election
laws are no longer robbed Of their lawful com
pensation and expenses.
There has been time as yet for very rev
changes, but those already made have given
new confidence to the people and great help 70
| industries The business Of the Government
is better performed already, and there is ap-
parent belief that the work Of the Admins
tration will insure still better government.