New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-03-18
THE PRESIDENTS SOUND SENSE.

THE PRESIDENTS SOUND SENSE.
The statements by President Harrison, III the
interview which was published yesterday by
THE TRIBUNE, will attract attention through
out the country. not only because they come
from the responsible head OF the government
but because of their intrinsic interest ana the
powerful appeal which they make TO the patriot
ism and the practical sense OF the people. Dur
ing the Presidential campaign there were not a
few who at first wished the President to refrain
from the speeches which he was frequently max
ing. because they feared that something might
be said to harm him in public estimation But
it was presently seen that his straightforward
appeal to the good sense OF American citizens
day after day was doing great service to the
cause of his party. His statements an THIS IN
terview are of the same character. lie speaks
of public questions without reserve or equyoca-
ton. hut with unusual franlneSS, dlrectneSs and
simplicity. and gives as to each point touched
reasons for the views expressed which are GER
tain to have a powerful influence upon public
opinion.
Thus in regard to the work of the late Con-
greSs the Presidents hearty and unreserved APP
prevail is based primarily upon a reason which
appeals TO the fairness and the honesty OF all
citizens. The President holds that il must he
ever dominant issue in public affairs whether
the majority shall rule. so long as there is an
effort within Congress itself TO uphold the
tyranny OF minority by any form, and in the
election of Congressman to secure Tor minority
of citizens in any State power to elect ma
iority OF the members The President refers
with much earnestneSS and force 10 the case
of Indiana, where even Republican majority
of 10, 600 could not secure more than two or
possibly three Representatives in Congress the
minority retaining control OF the majority III the
Congressional delegation and also in the Legls-
lature Rightly the President says: " 1t is not
a question of sectiOnalism; it is question of
principle and Of business honesty
The public will be especially interested to
find that the President expresses himself un-
reservedly against renewal Of agitation on the
tariff or on the silver question This Is lmpor-
tant, not only because the reasons which he
civeS are most convincing. but on account OF
the political division in Congress 1t is prac-
,icay certain that on these questions the Prcsl-
| dents veto will not be oyerrued during the
next two years, and all attempts to change the
existing laws will be futile, il OF such character
as to meet his executive opposition. The ffeSi-
dent says of the Tariff bill that I" it has been
already long enough Ia operation TO indicate
| that much which was charged against it is I'M
tue" and sufficient, period should he per
mittn1 70 bass before attempting other action, to
test fairly the character of that measure His
expression is so nnequlvocal that # may well
be quoted as guarantee To the business inter
eSts of the country against disturbing agitation
of that question during the remainder OF the
| Presidents term "Most decidedly, | think
there should be no more agitation upon this
subject until the Mckinley bill has been fairly
tried
| His position on the silver question is expressed
with equal clearness. lie urges that he has
favored silver coinage 50 far a, appeared to him
safe but says: 81 think we have gone about
as far for the present in the direction OF Tree
coinage of silver as can be done for the best
interests of silver. 70 90 further might result
in depreciating it," This is a line of reasoning
which may not at first be appreciated by those
who have lost their senses in silver campaign
but there are certainly multtudcS OF sober and
reasoning men in the slyer-produclng States
who will admit its force.
On other questions the President speaks with
equal freedom, and sIStains the course OF Con
greSs and Of the Administration with strong
rea sOning. Thus he urges that the establish
tment OF a navy is the best guarantee against
the possibility of any war: in other words, il is
Insurance. and should be 50 regardless Con
corning the Shipping bill, he urges that the
revenue from foreign mails provides to-day "A
surplus OF over s 800 600, and "aS We do not
care TO make money out Of our postal service
this IS a sum which can properly be used for the
encouragement Of quick means of commnnica-
ton with the South" lie approves the meas
ure passed because, "in attempting anything
new it is important TO be conservative and TO
avoid extremes When the public contrasts
the deliberate and prudent statements OF the
president with the wild and reckless demands
for change which are heard every day from
leaders Of the party which will control the next
House of Representatives ii is not difficult to
see that deep impression must be produced,
and one by no means favorable TO the Demo
cratic party.