St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1889-12-12
Gbe Californian.
bloomsbury, Thursday, Dec. ne, 1889.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

Rutland Herald, are sufficiently va
ried to suit every possible taste
As rule. republican newspapers
speak well of it, though frequently
not with superlative adjectives; and
it is notable that the Boston Journal
the New York World and several
others refrain from comment upon
its general character, but simply re-
view and endorse or criticise its re
concentrations.
The most highly commendatory
comments are those of newspapers
whose editors have been appointed
to office.
If an average be struck from these
widely VARYING expressions of opin-
ion, it would seem to be that the
message was not great, but was con-
servative, patriotic and prudent in
tone and generally judiciOus and lib
eral in its recommendations.
Following are quotations from the
comments of many newspapers of all
political faiths, showing fairly well
the general sentiment of the press:
Reminds One of the Grandfather.
There are no Roman proconsuls in
Grandson Harrison's message; but
the style possesses the same lively in
terest and animation as that of the
grandfather Providence Journal,
ind
In Line With the Platform.
President Harrison 5 message is a
plain, business document, well writ
ten and making recommendations
strictly in the line of the republican
platform-i New York Herald, ind
Progressive and Patriotic
The Presidents recommendations
are progressive and patriotic, and
Congress should promptly adopt
and resOlutely pursue the policy
which he outlines III this very impOr-
tant matter Boston Journal, rep.
VIII Enhance Regard for Harrison.
The message will enhance the popu-
lar regard for the President and the
critical estimate of the grasp and
range of his craftsmanship. 1t will
be regarded abroad as q state paper
worthy of the executive of $780,
900 of people, who are solving more
great lJIOi)ICIHS IMAM Stl OlHCl pCO-
pie on Garth New York Mail and
Express, rep.
Fairly Intelligent.
The message is n fairly intelligent
party document, whose weaknesses
are doubtless largely due to the un-
dermined and changing attitude of
the party on many essential details
of policy, and which would have been
stronger had the various interests of
the party been less antagOnistic
MIR. Harrison has not assumed to di-
rect his party in Congress, but
awaits its direction Boston Post,
dem.
Without Blaine What?
From this time on, the Hon Ben
jamIn treads Il narrowing, not
widening path Whittier shall the
party look for leadership? There
was man of magnetic personality,
commanding will, and apparently
political resources to
whom millions of republicans once
looked for inspira ton and guidance.
He has disappeared from view.
When last heard of he was entering
the door of the state department.
New York Sun, dem.
Able and Comprehensive.
President Harrison's message is an
able and comprehensive paper. He
places before the people Il remarkably
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 poll
cy that should be adopted on ques-
tons of Importance in manner that
leaves no opportunity for doubt as
to his position Burlington Free
Press, rep
Ringing Ufterance Missed.
The message is a regulation review
Of the state of the Union, at no point
rising above the commonplace of
routine statement, and in no particu-
ar taking a commanding position
or the guidance of reformatory leg
station. Whether it be the
of the executive to lead along
his party in the legislative depart
nent, we are not prepared to assert;
Dut where president is nominated
and elected upon a predominant and
Ill-absorbing issue, and when this is
sue commands the chief attention of
The party platform, the succeeding
canvass and nearly one-half of the
letter of acceptance,
should we not expect a pronounced
and ringing utterance in his first
to Congress on that subject
But we look III vain for anything
lefInite or worthy of note on the
prime question of the tariff and the
-evenue.- Springfield Republican,
nd
Plain and UnprefenfiOuS.
President Harrison's first message
: a plain, candid and entirely UMPIRE
entious review of public affairs. Its
most striking characteristic is an alb
'ence OF pretence, eXaggeratIOn or
rhetorical flourish and there is no at
empt to enlarge upon especial top
cs for the sake of catching temporary
popular applause or partisan adj
-antage. 1t has the tone through !
tut of conscious strength and SINGER
ty, and of profound conviction that |
he people will unwaveringly sustain
he national politics to which they |
gave approval by their votes one
'ear ago Sincere desire to do |
he best thing possible for the good |
If the whole people appears in all its
recommendations; and, while there
Will be differences of opinion regard
ng some of them among patriotic |
men, the message deserves from Con
sresS more serious and thoughtful |
than such documents |
Usually receive.-[New York Tribune,
-ep-