Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-12-12

ored population is large the people " mar Ynce
are. by various devices deprived Of any effective
exercise OF their political rights and of many Of
their civil rights. The wrong does not expend
itself upon those whose votes are suppressed.
Every constituency ia the Union is wr0nged.
1t has been the hope OF cyeSy patriot that q
sense OF justice and Of respect for the law would
work gradual cure of the fragrant evils. Sure
ly no one supposes that the present can be ac-
cepted as permanent condition. If il is said
that these communications must work
out this problem for themselves we
have n right "a ask whether they
are at work upon II. DO they suggest
any solution When dunder what conditions
is the black man TO have free ballotg When
is he In fact 10 have those full civil rights
which haze so long been his IN law When is
that equality OF influence which our form Of
Government has intended 10 secure TO the cleo
tors To be restOTedy This generation shall
courageOusly face these grave questions,
and not leave them as a heritage OF woe TO the
next. The consultation should proceed with
candor calmness and great patience; upon the
lines OF justice and humanity, not Of prejudice
and cruelty. No question In our country can be
at rest except upon the firm basis Of justice and
of the law.
earnestly invoke Sle attention OF Congress
TO the consideration Of such measures within
It's well defined constitutional powers as will
secure To all our people free exercise OF the
right of suffrage and every other civil right
under our constitution and laws
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
There is nothing more justly humiliating TO
the National pride and nothing more hurtful to
the National prosperity that the inferiOrity OF
our merchant marine as compared with those
of other nations where general resources,
wealth and sea coast lines do not suggest any
reason for their supremacy on The sea.
IL is not possible in this communication to dis.
cuss the causes ofthe decay OF our shipping in
terests or the different methods by which il is
proposed TO restore them. The great steam.
ship lines sailing under the flags OF En-
gland France Germany, Spain and Italy
and engaged ia foreign commerce were
promoted and have since been and
now are literally aided by grants Of public mon
ey in one form or another American lines of
steamships have been abandoned by us TO an
unequal contest with the aided lines of other
nations until they have been withdrawn, or, In
the few cases where they are stil maintained,
are subject to serious disadvantages.
! recommend that such appropriations be
made for ocean mail service in American steam
ships between our ports and those Of Central
portant islands in both Of the great
oceans, as win be literally remunera-
as will encourage the establishment
and in some fair degree eQualize the chances
of American steamship lines IN the competi.
tons which they must meet. We should also
make provision for a naval reserve, to consist
of such merchant ships OF American con-
stTuction and of a specified tonnage and speed
as the owners will consent to place at the use
Of the Government In case Of need, as armed
cruisers
am an advocate of economy in our National
expenditures but il Is misuse of terms to
q
an expenditure for the purpose Of extending our
foreign commerce. The enlargement and i'm
provement OF our merchant marine, the
development Of sufficient body OF
trained American seamen, the promotion of
rapid and regular mail communication between
the ports of other countries and our own and
the adaptation OF large and swift American mer-
chant steamships TO naval uses, In time Of war
are public purposes Of the highest con
Germ. The enlarged participation OF our
people in the carrying trade, the new and in-
creased markets that Will be opened for the
products of our farms and factories and the
fuller and better employment Of our mechanics
which will result from liberal promotion OF
our foreign commerce, insure the widest posi-
nle diffusion OF benefit TO all the States and TO
all our people. Eyeis thing is most propitious
for the present Inauguration Of a liberal and
progressive policy upon this subject and We
should enter upon II with promptness and de-
cision
The legislation which have suggested. it is
sincerely believed, will promote the peace and
honor of our country and the prosperity ana Sc
curity of the people. | invoke the dilgent and
serious attention OF Congress TO the considera.
tion of these and such other measures as may
be presented having the same great end In
view. BENJAMIN HARRISON.
Executive Mansion, Washington, d. c., De
CemDer g. 1889