The national leader., 1889-03-09

treasury, with sufficient margin for
those extraordinary, but scarcely less
imperative, demands which arise now
and then. Expenditure should always
be made with economy, and only upon
public necessity. Wastefulness, prohl-
gacy or favoritism in public expendi-
ture is criminal. But there is nothing
in the condition of our country or of
our people to suggest that anything
presently necessary to the public pros
perlty. security or honor, should be un-
duly postponed. 1t will be the duty of
Congress wisely to forecast
mate these extraordinary demands, and,
having added them to our ordinary ex
penditures. to so adjust our revenue
laws that no considerable annual
surplus will remain. We will FORUM
ately be able to apply to the redemp-
tion Of the debt any small and unfore-
seen excess of revenue. This is better
than to reduce our income below our
necessary expenditures, with the result
ing choice between another change of
our revenue laws and an increase of the
public debt. 1t is quite possible, am
sure, to effect the necessary reduction
in our revenues without breaking down
our protective tariff or seriously injur-
ing any domestic Industry. The con-
struction of sufficient number of
modern war ships and of their Heces-
sary armament should progress as
rapidly as is consistent with care and
perfection in plans and workmanship.
The. spirit. courage and skill of our
naval officers and seamen have many
times IN our history given to weak
ships and inefficient guns q rat
ing greatly beyond that of the naval
list. That they will again do so upon
occasion I do not doubt. But they
ought not, by premeditation or neglect,
to be left to the risks and exigencieS of
an unequal combat. We should en-
courage the establishment of American
steamship lines. The exchanges of COM
merce demand stated, reliable and
rapid means of communication, and,
until these are provided. the develop
ment of our trade with the States lying
south of us is impt SIS BILE.
Our Pension laws should give more
adequate and discriminating relief to
the Union soldiers and sailors, anu to
their widows and orpans. Such occa-
sions as this should remind us that we
owe everything to their valOr an sacri-
fee.
ELECTION REFORMS.
1t is very gratifying to observe the
general interest now being manifested
in the reform of our election laws.
Those who have been for years calling
attention to the pressing necessity Of
the throwing about the ballot box and
about the elector further safeguards in
order that our election might not only
be free and pure, but might clearly ap-
pear to be so, Will welcome the acces-
sion of any one who did not so soon
discover the need of reform. The
National Congress has not as yet taken
control Of elections in that case
Jurisdiction, but has accepted and
adopted the election laws of the several
States, provided penalties for their
violation, and method of supervision.
Only the inefficlency of the State laws.
or an unfair or partisan administration
Of them, could suggest departure
from this policy. 1t was clearly, how
ever, in the contemplation Of the franz
ers OF the Constitution that such an
exigency might arise, and provision
was wisely made for it.
Let us exalt patriotism and moderate
our party contentious. Let those who
would die for the flag on the field of
battle give a better proof Of their
patriotism and higher glory to their
country by promoting fraternity and
,r%T nrHx hot
achieved by unfair methods or by prac-
| tices that partake of revolution is hurt
full and evanescent, even from a party
standpoint. We should hold our diff
fering opinions In mutual respect, and,
having submitted than to the arbltra-
ment Of the ballot, should accept an
f., adverse Judgment with the same res
pect that we should have demanded Of
our opponents If the decision had been
! in our favor.
No other people has a government
more worthy of their respect and love,
or a land so magnificent in extent, so
pleasant to look upon and SO full Of
generous suggestion to enterprise and
labor. God has placed upon our head
a diadem and has laid at our feet
power and wealth beyond definition and
calculation. But we must not forget
that we take these gifts upon the con-
dition that justice and mercy shall hold
the reins of power and that the up
ward avenues OF hope shall be free to
! all the people
THE FUTURE.
I do not mistrust the future. Dan
gers have been in frequent ambush
along our path, but we have uncovered
and vanQuished them all. Passion has
swept some OF Our communities, but
only to give us a new demonstration
that the great body of our people are
stable, patriotic and law-abiding. No
political party can long pursue ad"
vance at the expense of public honor or
by rude and indecent methods, without
protest and fatal disafection in its
own body. The peaceful agencies Of
commerce are more more fully reveal.
ing the necessary unity Of all our COM
munities, and the increasing intercourse
of our people Is promoting mutual re-
spect. We shall find unalloyed pleasure
In the revelation which our next
census will make of the swift de-
velopment Of the great resources
of some of the States. Each