The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-12-12

| emit State. Because both parties to the
struggle have adopted the plan of de-
stroying property and as some $50 000.-
900 of American capital is invested in
the island, there is note of impotence
at the apparent endlessness of the war.
But all plans for American intervention
are disregarded, it not discouraged.
True, some time ago this government
intimated to Spain that if satisfactory
measure of home rule were rendered the
insurgents and accepted by them on
their guaranty of it's execution, this
government would find the guaranty.
But no response has been received from
Spain.
ut shouldsbe added" says President
Cleveland, shat it cannot be reasonably
assumed the hitherto expectant attitude
OF the United States will be indefinitely
maintained"
There is plain intimation in conclu-
sion that American interference may be
expected when the time shall arrive that
makes or obligations to Spain super
seeded byShigher obligations which we
can hardly hesitate to recognize and
discharge"
Happy Ending of Venezuelan Affair.
There is brief reference to the happy
termination of the Venezuelan question
and the progress toward treaty of gen.
eral arbitration with England. The re
port of the Secretary of the Treasury
of the Secretary of War, of the Attorney
General and the Postmaster General are
all submitted, the two former without
comment or recommendation. As to
postal affairs, publishers of serial libra.
ries will find something to their interest,
though not to their benefit. in the mes
sage. The President believes the deficit
in postal revenues is chiefly due to hand
ling so many of these publications as
second class matter. And it is hoped
Congress will make an appropriation
ample for the entertainment of the In
ternational Postal Union soon to be held
in Washington.
Pensions.
As to pension affairs. there is a recur-
renee of his familiar expression. He be-
lieves the abuses of the pension system
have demoralized our people and done
them incalculable harm.
Pacific Railroads.
Unless Congress shall take some active
steps for the protection of the Govern.
ment's interests in the Union Pacific
Railroads, the President states plainly
the Executive will have no excuse for
delaying such steps as will secure the
nation from further loss or the continu.
ance of its equities in an imperiled con-
dition. The free distribution of seeds
by the agricultural department is con-
demned. An amendment to the inter
state commerce act is urged. The pro-
gress of civil service reform gives great
cause for congratulation.
Tariff
President Cleveland feels more kindly
to the present tariff law than he did
when it went into effect. He holds it
has opened way for freer and great.
or exchange of commodities with other
countries, thus giving Americans wider
market. And he believes, if left alone,
the present tariff will in time not only
provide for the entire revenue, but will
wipe out the deficiency that has followed
its enactment. And in reference to the
gold reserve necessarily in the treasury
reference is made to the presence there
of S12S. 100000. which may be drawn up
on in satisfaction of the deficit.
Greenbacks.
The retirement of the greenbacks is
again urged upon Congress and the is
suance of long-term bond with a low
rate of interest is suggested. And in
default of that action is suggested law
providing for the cancellation instead of
the reissuing of currency obligations re-
deemable in gold.
Trusts.
Trusts receive the expected blow from
the President. He holds they should
be dealt with wisely and effectively,
since the people demand relief and pro
lection from them. Present laws are
ineffective. New ones that will remove
the evil and will stand the inspection of
courfs ara insietad upon