Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-07
PITTsBURG. WEDNESDAY. DEC. :. 1892.
TWELVE PAGES
HAREIsoN,s CLOSING MESSAGE.

President Harrison'S closing message
devotes a large share of its space to a
showing of the growth and prosperity of
the country under the protective policy.
The President recognizes that this is treat
ing of an issue which, for the present at
least is adjudicated against his party. He
even directly specifies Interpretation that
the incoming party in power will radically
change that policy. But he appropriately
takes his closing message TO mark the close
of the protective era, and therefore I'M
proves the opportunity to sum up the re-
suits of that era. His showing is forcible,
and as valedictory for the protective
theory in government it is dignifed and
impressive document
In discussing the policy which is ex-
pected to prevail beyond the term of his
administration, Mr.. Harrison is disposed
to take the extreme view that the Democ-
racy is pledged to revise the tariff on the
radical lines of a tariff for revenue only
That is accompanied by strong intimation
that the Democratic pledges require such
prompt action as to demand an extra
session. The views of President with
regard to the policy of the party which
succeeds him can be no more than per-
sonal opinion, and on this point he is in
error. While the Democratic position
may be in dispute, it is pertinent that the
Democratic pronouncementfo for an extreme
revenue tariff was practically revoked by
the Democratic candidate during the late
campaign. The pledge of Mr.. Cleveland
before his election was clearly,for conser-
vative and deliberate revision of the tariff
schedules There will be nothing incon-
Bistent with that pledge either in shaping
tariff changes so as to create as little in
dustrial disturbance as follows, or in de-
voting the next year to careful and dis
passionate study of the question how that
shall be done Such a course will COM
mand public support. The thinking peo-
pie, whether Democrats or Republicans,
are not in favor of hasty legislation on the
tariff. y
The President naturally presents with
some pride the showing of the reduction
of debt during his term. He makes good
the claim that the disappearance of the
surplus is more than balanced by pay
ments on the debt of more than three
times the amount In addition he shows
better balance of receipts and expendi-
lures for the last fiscal year than was ex-
pected; but omits to state that the chief
credit for this is due to the administra-
tion's very proper course in keeping the
expenditures largely within the heavy
appropriations of the last Congress.
Future action as to revenue and monetary
policy is calmly and philosophically re-
ferred to the next Congress.
The review of our foreign relations, the
figures as to the growth of our foreign
commerce, and the settlement of the uues-
tons at issue with other powers are all
set forth in strong light Upon the
question of ship canals, both to the South
and to the North, the message opens up
some interesting points. His commenda-
ton Of the Nicaragua Canal scheme may
be accepted except as it implies the
passage of the pending bill for the loan of
the Government. The opposition of indie
pendent people is not to the canal itself,
but to the proposition introduced at the
last session. That virtually made the
United States pay for it without owning
it, and in addition permitted for the ex-
penditure a margin of S35, 0OO, 900 of the
money of the United States on it above
the engineers estimates. There is also
the vital objection that internal canals,
such as that between Lake Erie and Pitts
burg, should be built first or at least CO.
temporaDeously with any Government
undertaking of the Nicaragua project
The recommendation as to the bearing
on our relations with Canada of a ship
canal from the lakes to the Hudson river is
one that is TO be indorSed. 1t is by such
projects as that that the advantages which
Canada now holds in her ship canals are
to be equalized. Such canal would be
direct aid to the Ohio river and Lake Erie
project, as both would be essential links
in national system of internal water
wavs. .-.
Taken as a whole, the message is philo-
Bophical and well-put 1t possesses the
characteristics which have marked Presi-
dent Harrison's state papers, of positive
views presented in the strongest and vet
most dignifed tone. Its possession of
those qualities is especially interesting in
the document that sets forth the record of
an administration which, while not posi-
lively successful at its close, has been
notably accompanied by the prosperity
and success of the nation under its care.
CARELESS AS TO DATES.