The National tribune., 1890-12-04

except that We pay our workmen and work
women better wages than arc paid elsewhere
better abS;ractly, better relatively 10 the cost
OF the neceSsaries Of life" In many things We
have advantages that only need better facilities
of intercourse and transportation TO secure for
them largo foreign markets The reciprocity
clause in the tariff act wisely and effectively
opens the way 10 secure O large reciprocal trade
in exchange for the free admission 10 our ports
OF certain products
Subsidies 10 American steamship lines are
strongly urged, aud a more liberal payment to
those plying to Australian ports, which have
brought rs a vast amount Of trade.
The chaTtering OF sn International American
Bank is recommended.
The enactment Of National bankrupt law
is regarded as very desirable Also, law pro-
viding an International copyright, and one
looking 10 uniformity and increased safety In
the use OF cOuplers and brakes upon freight
trains engaged in Interstate commerce.
The question of irrigation of the arid lands
OF tho West is something that Congress should
consider carefully and regulate by legislation.
The Presidents idea is that the United States
should not build dams or reservoirs but care
fully survey the region, determine the water
supply ana make grants to the State or Terri
tory 10 promote the end in view.
The President does not think the Govern
ment should own or operate the railroads or
telegraphs, but IL seems TO him that it is quite
practicable for II TO make contracts with the
latter for the POstotice Department, by which
the public can have the use Of the wires for the
transmission OF dispatches, Just rs the Govern
ment contracts with the railroads for the carry
ing of letters.
The President makes q strong argument in
favor OF developing the present law providing
for Federal supervision Of Congressional cleo
tions. lie points out that this does not intro
duce any principle.
=" 1t is not, therefore, q question whether We
shall have Federal election law, for We now
have one. and have had for nearly 20 years,
but whether we shall have an effective law.
The present law stops Just short OF effective
ness Tor 1t surrendoT5 to the local authorities
all control over the certifCatiOn which estab-
fishes the prima facie right 10 q seat in the
House Of Representatives This defect should
be cured. Equality Of representation and the
parity Of the electors must be maintained, or
everything that is valuable i'm our system Of
Government Is lost. The qualifications Of an
eIector must be sought ia the law, not in the
opinions, preiudices, or fears of any class, how
ever powerful. The path Of the electOr 70 the
balOt-b0x must be free from the ambush Of
Tear and the entccments of fraud; the count
so true and open that none shall gainsay 1t.
Such a law should be absolutely non-parIisan
aud impartial. IL should give the advantage
TO honesty aud the control 10 majOrities.
Surely there Is nothing sectional about this
creed, aud if it shall happen that the penalties
OF law intended TO enforce these rights fall
here and not there, IL is not because the law is
sectional, but because, happily, crime is local
and not UNIVERSAL Nor should il be forgotten
that every law, whether relating 20 elections
or TO any other subject, whether enacted by the
State or by the Nation, has force behind it: the
courts the marshal or constable, the posse
comltatns the prison, are all and always behind
tine laWn