Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1891-12-16
The Presidents Message.

In the Presidents message, which was
sent to Congress last Wednesday, the foreign
relations of the United States are diseased
at length. Among the diplomatic achieve
ments of the administration il mentioned
the negotiation of reciprocity treaties with
Brazil, the Spanish West Indies and San
Domingo; and like negotiations with other
countries are in progress. The destruction
of seal has been greatly decreased in conse-
ouence Of the satisfactory termination oil the
Behring Sea dispute-it having been agreed
TO submit the question to arbitration. The
admission Of American inspected pork pro-
ducts to European markets is due to the act
of the last Congress providing for inspection
of exported meat by the Department OF Ag-
riculture and to the power given the presi-
don't to exclude products of countries I'M
Justly discriminating against the L. $
The President condemns the New Orleans
lynching. bus regrets Italy's attitude IN the
matter. and SAYS the absence from Washing
ton Of an Italian minister has delayed set
Element; and suggests in this connection the
propriety of making offenses against treaty
rights cognizable in Federal courts. Chill
ian affairs land our relation thereto) are dis
cussed-tho recent revolution-the ltats al
fair-the attack in Valparaiso upon the
sailors of the Baltimore, which he attributes
TO hostility to the L. s If the just expec-
tation for PREPARATION for the Valparaiso ont.
rage is disappointed, or there is needless de-
Law. a special message will be sent to Con-
gress. The President says American citi'
zens in China must be protected. Arespect-
ful protest has been made to Russia against
its cruel treatment of the Jews. This coun
try is threatened with a vast immigration OF
these people. The ratification Of the arbi-
tration treaty formulated by the Iuterna-
tional Americas Conference, and aid to the
Nicaragua Canal by the Endorsement OF It's
bonds. are recommended.
Il is asserted that the expectations of the
friends of the Mckinley bill have been real
lied in an increase OF trade, cheapness Of all
necessary articles, general prosperity Of the
country The total value of foreign COM
merce tor the year ouded September 30 was
81. 747 500 .4O6, the largest in the country's
history; imports of merchandise show an
increase of Sll 100000 over the previous
year, aud exp irts an increase Of SOP, Sl4,O2l
Further agitation of the tariff question is
deprecated As detrimental to the country
The receipts of the government for the fiscal
year we're $3.50 93S O3 and disbursements
S42I. 304. 47046. The disappearance of the
surplus is accounted for by the payment
since March l, 1889, Of S259,O79,S5O of the
bonded debt. The present coinage law is
considered salutary and any change srrosgly
opposed
The President regrets the retirement OF
Secretary of War Proctor, commcnds the
operations Of his department, aud approves
bis recommendations for the adoption OF
smokeless powder and further improvement
in harbor and coast deleuses and the en-
listmeut of Indians is pronounced success
The extension of free postal delivery to
towns of 900 inhabitants is recommended
Gratifying progress is reported in naval con
s,ruction, aud the prompt completion urged
of navy adequate To- protect the citizens
and commerce Of the L. :. in all parts Of the
world Indian affairs arc treated at length
and methods OF civilization and education
suggested: and the work of the Agricultural
Department commended. The work Of the
civil service commission is approved and in
creased appropriations recommended. The
message further recommends protection tC
railroad employees by requireing air-brake
and automatic coupers in interstate trade
appropriations for the completion of the
census; measures % collect the debt of ll2l
millions from the subsidized railroads, anc
for the further suppression OF polygamy
The Presideu. deprecates the change in
the method Of choosing Presidential elector;
enacted by the Michigan legislature and
recommends constitutional amendment tc
secure uniformity in this respect among the
States, and Congressional action against
"rerrvmandering." lie continues tC
hope for calm, patriotic consideration
of the question of regulating Federal cleo
tions by Congressional enactment and sug
gests non PARTISAN commission, whici nigh
be appointed by the supreme Court, to con
slider the whole subject Qualification i
expressed at the material progress aud mora
strength of the country, the increased unfit
cation Of the people and a revived nationa
spirit
A sad Awakening!
When I'm the dark on thy soft hand l hung
And heard the tempting Syren of thy tongue
What dames-what darts-what anguish | en-
dured