Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1891-03-19
LEADING TOPICS.
They Are Discussed by the Presi.
dent in an Interview.
Pleased with the Work of the Last
Congress = Need of a Strong
Navy Tariff and Reciprocity.
ArALK w1rn MR. HARR1soN

bHi0c-Coiulilu interview WIN IEtSl-
dent Harrison, in which the work of
the administration and congress is re-
viewed and the principal politi-
cal topics uppeImost IN the pub
lie mind are discussed. 1t says that
President Harrison enters on the last
half of his term with great confidence
in the success of the republican party.
He is regarded in republican circles at
Washington as the chief of the party, to
whom will be offered without serious
contest the nomination for second
term.
The president was first asked what
he thought of the work'of the Fifty
first congress. He said:
an many ways IL has been most remark
able congress Its work has been OF the most
important character. The result is one that
will stand well in history, and one which the
country will approve. The principle of major
ity rule has also been asserted in q marked de-
gree, and adherence TO that rule is in my judg
ment the one principle which viii preserve the
institutions Of our country
The president was asked If he thought
the republicans would make the issue
involved in the election bill prominent
in future campaigns The president said:
you will find therein the same principle-a
guarantee OF the rule OF the majority. II will
not do for the people of any section to say that
they must be let alone, that IL is a 10
cal question 10 be settled by the states
whether we shall have honest cleo
lions or not This might be said
II it were not for the fact that the principle is
at issue in national elections and that the in.
equality upon the floor Of the house OF repre-
sentatiyes is so great that il cannot be ig-
nored- Whether II shall become domi.
nant issue in the immediate campaign
or In the near future is Ques-
tlon for the public 10 determine. II
depends upon how much the public con.
science is quickeuded regarding the prin-
ciple Of right in question Of whether the
northern part OF the country will consent 10
such inequality Of representation in the ad-
ministration OF national affairs. II isn't
question OF sectionaiism. II is a question OF
principle and of business honesty"
The president was asked If he was
pleased with the aid given by congress
to the shipping interests of the country
with view to the carrying out the
reciprocity policy of the administration.
He said:
Yes, ! arr much pleased. What was passed
by congress about all / thought
practical and all that could be safely accom-
anything new it is important to be con.
sentative and to avoid extremes / have
always thought il best to begin with the steam
ship lines. They afford swift and rapid transit
They have the carrying OF the government
mails and are important elements in bringing
us in touch with countries with which we are
seeking To improve our trade relations. The
Importance OF this is shown in the enlarged
commerce which always follows the es-
tablishment OF new steamer connec-
tion between different countries Whether
II viii be practical 10 go beyond the
steamer lines and give aid to the sailing
vessels will be for the future to determine !
am not prepared to sas whether this will be
wise. The step thus far taken is quite within
the limits OF our present resources. Senator
Frye noted the other day the fact taat our
revenue from foreign mails provides TO day a
surplus Of over Sl,504O0O. We do not care
90 make money out OF our postal service,
and this is a sum that can properly be used for
the encouragement OF quick means OF eommu-
nicatlon with the south. The theory of the
postal service is not money making one. II
is this principle OF extension Of the service
which iustites the government in making ex-
pendtrres in the direction that no private en-
terprise could afford togo
The president was asked about the
new navy and the criticisms which had
been directed against the sums e
money expended upon il. The presi-
dent said in reply to this:
Il am perfectly willing to concede that the
navies of to-day may be useless fifty years
from now. That has nothing to do with the
case. / do not think that even the humblest
owner OF the smallest house would
hesitate to close his door against intruders
rather than to wait for the possible develop
ment of some future style of hinge which
would enable him 10 close his door with more
economy and dispatch. The truth OF it is that
the establishment OF a navy puts a nation upon
respectable footing and is the best guarantee
against the possibility Of any war In other
words, 1t is insurance and should be so re-
garded."
The president was asked if he didn't
think that the tariff issue for the pres
ent was ended so far as the republican
party was concerned. The president
said:
Most decidedly; think there should be no
more agitation upon this subject until the Nc
Kinley bill has been fairly tried There !
is no reason why It's workings should |
be prejudiced by maleyolent predic |
tons. The bill has been already long
enough in operation TO indicate that
much that was charged against IL Is untrue A |
period should be permitted 10 pass long enough |
to test fairly the character Of the measure.
Then II 1t can be shown by fair and i'm
partial trial that + has faults let them be
eliminated"
The president was asked if he did
not hold to much the same opinion con-
corning financial legislation. He said:
u do not think that We need any more imam
cial legislation for the present. What We have, /
too, should have It's period Of trial. do not see
any present or near future necessity OF further
financial legislation. ! have favored silver coin
age up 10 point where I thought It could be
safely used 1t is not always easy TO de.
termine exactly the danger point. 1t Is best, |
however, TO be conservative. and l think we
have gone about as far for the present in the /
direction OF free coinage Of silver as can be
done for the best interests Of silver To 60 |
further might result in depreciatlng IT,"
The president was asked about the
reciprocity policy of the administration.