The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-08-27
SPHINXOFCANTON BREAKS SILENCE
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ARRANGEMENTS that were made under au-
thority OF the tariff law of 1890 are
striking and suggestive. The brief pc
ROD they were in force, in most cases
only three years. was not long enough
to thoroughly test their great value,
out Suiiic1ent was shown by the trial to
conclusively demonstrate the import
ance and the wisdom of their adoption.
In 1897 the export trade of the United
states attained the highest point in our
history. The aggregate OF our exports
that year reached the immense sum of
si.o30. 21S.l4S, sum greater by 500, 000,-
uoo tnan the exports of any previous
wear. In 1893. owing to the threat of un-
friendly tariff legislation, the total
dropped to SS47 .665,194. Our exports of
domestic merchandise decreased $685.
100000. but reciprocity still secured us
large trade in Central and South
America. and larger trade with the
West Indies than we had ever before
entoved. The increase of trade with the
countries With which we had reciprocity
agreements was s3.560,515 over our trade
In 1892. and s16.440721 over our trade in
1891.
Orr Soldiers and Sailors.
The soldiers and sailors of the Union
should neither be neglected nor for
gotten. The Government which they
saved so we'll must not make their lives
or condition harder by treating them as
suppliants for relief in old age or dis
tress. nor regard with disdain or con-
tempt the earnest interest one COM
rade manifests in the welfare of an
other. Doubtless there have been PEN
sion abuses and frauds in the numerous
claims allowed by the Government, but
the policy governing the administration
of the Pension Bureau must always be
fair and liberal. No deserving appli-
cant should ever suffer because OF a
wrong perpetrated by or for another.
Our soldiers and sailors gave the Gov
eminent the best they had. They freely
offered health. strength, limb and life
to save the country in the time of Its
greatest peril and the Government must
honor them In their needs for their SER
vice.
Many examples might be given Of our
increased trade under reciprocity with
other countries, but enough has been
shown of the efficacy of the legislation
of 1890 to justify the speedy restoration
of Its reciprocity provisions. In my
judgment, Congress should Immediately
restore the reciprocity sections of the
old law with such amendments, If any,
as time and experience sanction as wise
aud proper. The underlying principle
of ahs legislation must, however, be
strictly observed. 1t is to afford new
markets for our surplus agricultural
and manufactured products without
loss to the American laborer of single
days work that he might otherwise
procure.
Foreign Immigration.
The declaration of the pla form touch
ing foreign immigration is one OF pecu
liar Importance at this time when our
own laboring people are in such great
distress. l am in hearty sympathy with
| the present legislation restricting foreign
H.. - H.,
| of the laws as will secure the United
| States from invasion by the debased and
| criminal classes of the old world. While
we adhere to the public policy under
| which our country has received greni
bodies of industrious citizens, Tho
have added IL the wealth, progress and
power of the country, and while we well
| come to our shores tie well disposed and
| industrious Immigrant who contributes
| ny his energy and intelligence to the
/ cause of free government, we want no
Immigrants who do not seek our shores
| to become citizens. We should permit
| none TO participate in the advantages
| of our civilization who do not sympa-
| thize with our aims and form OF govern
ment. We should receive none who
| come to make war upon our institutions
and profit by public disquiet and tur-
| MOL. Against all such our gates must
| be tightly closed.
Our Merchant Marine and Navy.
The declaration of the Republican
| platform in favor of the upbuilding of
| our merchant marine, has met my hear
! ~ approval. The policy of discrimina-
| ting duties in favor of our shipping
which prevailed in the early years of our
history. should be again promptly adop-
| ted by Congress and vigorously support
| ed until our prestige and supremacy
on the seas is fully attained. We should
| no longer contribute directly or indirect
| ly to the maintenance of the coloss al
marine of foreign countries, but pro-
| vide an efficient and complete marine of
our orA Now that the American
navy is assuming n position commen-
surate with our Importance as a nation
"a policy l am glad to observe the
Republican platform strongly-en-
dorse. we must supplement 1t with
a merchant marine that will give us
| the advantages In both our coastwise
and foreign trade that we ought natu-
| rally and properly enjoy. 1t should be
| at once matter of public policy and
national pride to re-possess this i'm
mense and prosperous trade.
Civil Service Reform.
The pledge of the Republican Ma
tional Convention that our civil service
laws shall be sustained and thorough
ly and honestly enforced, and extended
wherever practica ble." is in keeping
with the position of the party for the
| past twenty-four years and will be
Faithfully observed Our onpOpontc do