New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

mo passion of the hour often gives higher place
70 promise. Never before it is safe TO say
has an outgoing and defeated President been
able to show a. grand a record of achievements,
by wise legislation of The party he represents
and by efficient and pure administration, as
that which President Harrison submits to the
sober judgment of the people and the passion
less verdict OF history.
The Presidents array of facts is strangely
impressive. Under the party which now goes
ont of power the wealth of the country has
increased from $3.50 ,Oo0,o to $62,610,-
0O0, 1000. In ten years the manufacturing prod
not in seventy-fve cities has increased from
S2.711,OoO,O0O to 81, $50 100000, the num-
Der of employees from 1,301,3S to 2,251,-
1884, and the yearly wages per hand All
per cent. from $3.50 to S547. During two
years under the last tariff 345 new manu-
featuring plants and l Os extensions have given
employment TO 372S5 more hands In six
months of this year 1875 new factories have
been built. Cotton spindles have increased
As per cent and consumption of cotton rs
per cent in one year. In tinplate manufacture
iron manufacture, wages of labor In New
York savings-banls deposits, bank clcarinss
exports Of food products, the increase iustliies
| the claim that such progress has never been
seen in any other country.
With dignity the President afirms that the
Protective policy has been mighty instru-
ment in securing this progress. He had hoped
it would be sustained, "to preserve to cur
working people rates OF wages that would not
only give daily bread, but supply a comfortable
margin for those home attractions and family
comforts and enjoymentS without which
life is neither hopeful nor sweet"
and ito preserve that loyalty and sense
of interest in the Government which are
essential to good citizenship in peace, and which
! will bring the stalwart throng, as in 1861, TO
the defence of the flag when it is assailed."
But this policy is to be set aside "no duty
is 10 be higher because the increase will keep
open an American mill or keep up the wages
of on American workman" for it would be
"offcnsive to suggest that the prevailing party
will not carry into legislation the principles
advocated by it and the pledges given to the
people" The President calmly urges that ad
vocates of Protection can well afford to have
their fears disappointed. eff a system Of
customs duties can be framed that will set
the idle wheels and looms of Europe in mo-
ton and crowd our warehouses with foreign
made goods, and at the same time keep our
own mills busy, the authors and promoters Of
it will be entitled to the highest praise But
this pregnant remark follows: The society
Of the unemployed, now holding its frequent
and threatening paradcs in the streets Of for
eign cities, should not be allowed to acquire
an American domicile"
The Presidents review of achievements in
the different departments shows a service
worthy Of high praise. Foreign disputes about
Samoa, the Behring Sea and Chill have been
honorably settled. Reciprocity treaties have
been made with eleven countries, and such
progress already attained that if continued
and supported by proper steamship facilities,
it will secure TO this Nation fully third Of
the commerce of Central and south America
now worth 5000, O00000 yearly. OF the sill
yer question the President says little, as the
international conference is yet in session. but
reitelatcs his belief that " free coinage OF sill
yer upon an agreed international ratio would
greatly promote the interests of our people and
equally those of other nations" In treating
Of National finances he properly calls attention
to three great facts often overlooked that
the public debt has been reduced since March
4, 1889, by $3.50 07420O, that pensions pay
nue. from sugar amounting TO S92, 900, 600 has
boon returned to the people. 1t is urged that
estimates for the future are difficult because
new legislation or the expectation of it may
seriously reduce the revenue. But he recon-
mcnds a repeal of the sinking fund law, the
fund being already overpaid by S99O,51O, GS1
The progress of the postal service never
approached under any previous Administration,
illustrates the public prosperity For the year
the increase in postal revenue has been 81 900,
600, and the estimated deficit is reduced to
Sl,552423. Eleven mail routes have been
subsidized by this Admin, tIation, the amount
Of cost being S96i,123 yearly while Great
Britain pays $500, goo yearly TO one line OF
Pacific steamships from Canada. Under our
new law sixteen steamers have been built or
aIe under contract, costing S7400, 900, and
the postal service to all countries has been
greatly improved During the last year ten
war-yessels and three naval tugs have been
| launched, and while the contracts under this
| Administration have reached S3J 900 900,
| there has been no scandal or charge Of par
| TALLY The Land Office was hopelessly in
areas when the present Administration began,
but is now engaged on current business. The
Pension Office points to the greatest years
work in its history, and it is estimated that
the maximum payment will be S1ss, 600, 900
in 1894. The President cannot believe that
cooling gratitude has yet reached IA point
which would sustain a policy renting the
care of disabled veterans to the inadequate
agencies of local laws" The Agricultural
| Department has broken down restrictions
against trade in Europe, so that exports of hog
products have nearly doubled and of live stock
greatly increased The extirpaton Of pleuro-