New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-02
PRESIDENT HARRISON'S MESSAGE


strangely influence public opinion. 1t Is as
ouiet and confident as if there had been 10
election since that in which the President ana
his marty were deliberately intmsted by the
naonlo with the charge of the Government.
Without any reference TO the recent elections
the President makes it clear that he does not
regard the neglect or absence of a fifth OF the
Republican voters any reason for supposlng
that the people have abandoned the convlc-
tons which we're registered in the full vote OF
1SHS Nor is there manifested, as Democrats
have hoped. any disposition TO cast blame on
Congress it, great measures arc warmly com
mcnded. with confidence that they will WIN
full approbation from the people. 1t is Justly
urged that the workings of the silver ana
Tariff acts have net yet enabled the people to
nudge them i'll the light OF experience, and as
+, both the President holds that 1t would be
unjust and unwise to undertake radical changes
until the recent legislation has been larry
tested. Ii is a Message eminently fitted 10 re-
call the Republican voters OF 1888 TO Sei'o
OF their responsibility, and to REMIND lheih
that the National policies for which they thch
declared deserve their unwavenng support.
The President reviews at length the rela-
lions of the United States with foreign Powers,
and finds much cause for congatulation III the
accomplishments of the last two years. No
sIjyhting reference Ia the conditions created
by the previous Administration appears ana
only those who remember how badly entan3Ied
were the relations OF the Republic with Ter
MANY with treat Britain and with Othcl
Powers when President Cleveland went out OF
office will fully appreciate the quiet reference
of President Harrison to the samoan Treaty,
10 the new Extradition Treaty with Great
Britain TO the fishery and other disputes. The
great success of the United states in brnglng
together for harmonious cooperation repre-
Sertatiycs of other American Powers Is men
toned with Unsuitable satisfaction and with
confidence that results of lasting value 10 the
country will be attained.
The rapid rise in the price of silver last
summer is not by the President enormously
taken rs a measure OF the effects of the new
Silver Act. He properly aScrbcs that rise and
the subsequent decline in part to speculative
operations, and while the beneficial influence
of the advance is noticed with satisfaction
President Harrison evidently does not believe
that the best results Of the new measure nave
vet been realized II is therefore urged that
the act should be much more thoroughly test
ed before any effort is made 10 adopt diier-
ent policy. and this pregnant remark Is added
" Our very large supply of gold, If not lost by
impulsve legislation u the supposed advantage
Of silver. Will give Us position OF advantage
in promoting permanent and safe internanon-
al agreement for the free use OF silver 1t
may easily be inferred that the Presidents
judgment with regard to free coinage in this
country alone has not been modified. But he
believes that the increased circulation for which
the existing act provides has cXerted, and
will continue 10 exert, most Denchcal lnliu-
ence upon business and upon general values
1t cannot he said, even by the most prcjudccd
opponent, that this is the language OF one VINO
desires 10 deprive silver OF any reasonable or
| safe use in our monetary system.
| President Harrison expresses without hcsta-
! ton or reserve the belief that the new farm
| Act is wise and bcnchcent measure, III har-
m0ny with the declared will of the people, and
! with the pledges given by himself and his
supporters in 1888. lie shows that some OF
! lis most important provisions have not Yet
| gone into effect. that none Of It's provisions
| have been in operation long enough Tor the
| people - Judge Of their results, and that the
! intent and influence of the act have been greatly
misrcprcScn,cd. But every week and month
add and will add TO the convincing proof that
! this measure does not impose increased bur
dcns upon the people or enhance the cost Of
neccS,alicS of life, a. has been pretended, and
the President shows that returns Of foreign
commerce already prove that the act does not
prohibit or materially diminish imports, while
the exports of domestic products during the
first month of its operation were in value larger
than those of any other month in the history
| of the country. IT i, most gratifying 10 find
the President strongly urging that " there l.
neither wisdom nor Justice in the suggestion
| that the subject Of tariff revision shall be again
opened before the law has had fair trial"
1t would be bat childish frivolity for "A great
Nation, having adopted such measure as the
legitimate fruit Of Yeas OF debate and de
libcraje vote of the people, TO alter II i'll as
scntih parts before the people have had any
experience whatever Of it, full effects.
The President earnestly urges the develop
| mcnt Of American steamship lines, aS step
| upon which the effects OF the Ianil and OF
Reciprocity measures Will largely depend His
approval of the Reciprocity clause OF the Tariff
bill is not only cordial, but more explicit than
was anticipated for he urges that the precise
form adopted by Congress was decidedly
preferable to a retention of sugar upon the
dutiabe list. H. adds "IhS RECIPROCITY
provision is more than an offer; our part Of
the bargain is complete and when the countries
from which we receive sugar, coffee. tea and
hides have placed on their free lists such ot
our products as shall be agreed upon, proca-
nation of the fact completes the Transaction"
strong confidence is expressed that results of
value TO the people will be speedily attained.
In regard to the Election bill the President
also speaks with unwaverns courage and iidel-
ity to his convictions of duty lie believes that
| such u measure Is necessary that every loyal
and intelligent Citizen, if not blinded by par