The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-08
CLEVBLANL'S MESSAGE.

GLhV 6LAND IS MHSSAGE.
The last message to Congress of Presi-
dent Cleveland is as was expected long
and elaborate review of all political issues
before the country. 1t is in many pas
sages wordy to the extent of being tedious
1t will, therefore, not receive the wide
spread reading which would otherwise be
given it, and this is to some extent to be
regretted, since it deserves the careful
study OF the people.
On our foreign relations Mr.. Cleveland
is as usual anything rather than vigorous.
He writes as one whose mind wanders
and who is incapable of decided action.
All that he can say is that the time will
probably come ere long when some action
concerning them will be necessary.
In regard to the Armenian troubles he
says: 81 do not believe that the present
somber prospect OF Turkey will be long
permitted 10 offend the sight of Christen-
DOM" Nevertheless, he adds that any
action at this time on our part would be
unadvisable, because it would be resented
by the Ottoman Government and be re-
garde0 as an interruption of their plans by
the great nations who assert their exclu-
sive right to intervene in their own time
and method for the security OF life and
property in that country.
OF Cuban affairs he writes at great
length, but after all reaches the conclu-
sion that the time has not come for
American intervention. He suggests that
Spain should offer to Cuba a measure of
genuine home rule, and proposes that the
United States should act as mediator to
that end. He finally concludes that 1t will
not be amiss to remind Congress that cir
cum stances may arise when a correct
policy and care for our interests will con-
strain our Government to such action as
will subserve the interests thus involved
and secure to the people of Cuba an
opportunity to enjoy the blessings of
peace.
The President then enters upon a re-
view OF the consular service, the sealing
question, condition of the treasury, ma
tional banks, immigration, life-saving SER
vice, military affairs, coast defenses, post
office public lands, pensions, and arrives
at last to what may be regarded as the
more important passages of the message
The first of these passages in point of
to the Pacific Coast is that relat-
ing to the debts of the Pacific railroads.
The President points out that these roads
are already~in default to the Govern ment.
and are likely to be more so when the pay
ments come due on the 1st of January.
1897. He thereupon suggests foreclosure
by the Government.
The next passage in the message of note
is that making the expected defense of the |
Wilson tariff law. This is perhaps the
weakest portion of the message. His only
for the law is that during the last |
fiscal year it has yielded nearly SIS, O00, 600
more revenue than was received from the |
tariff duties of the preceding year. He |
admits there has been a deficit of about |
S25, 100000, but nevertheless declares be- |
lief that if the present law be allowed a |
fair opportunity it will in the near future |
yield a revenue which with reasonable |
expenditures will overcome all |
deficiencies.
Passing from this subject to consider
alton of the gold reserve, the President
declares that no deficit which has oc.
CURED or may occur need excite or disturb
u.s. He maintains that the only evil in
our monetary policy is the greenbacks.
and says: u am more convinced than
ever that we can have no assured financial
peace and safety until the Government
currency obligations upon which gold
may be demanded from the treasury are
withdrawn from circulation and can
celed."
The closing passage of the message deals
with the subject of trusts and monopolies.
and on this issue the President deals with
! directness and force which is in striking
contrast with the weakness he shows in
lealing with foreign affairs. de declares
hat the failure of the administration to
enforce the antitrust laws enacted by
Congress- has been due not 10 any lack of
"but simply because the laws
themselves as interpreted by the courts do
1ot reach the difficulty" He adds that if
he insufficiencies of existing laws can be
'emedied by further legislation it should
De done, and moreover he suggests that
he several States should act in coniunc.
ion with the Federal authorities to sun-
press such organizations.
With final plea for economy, Mr..
Cleveland closes his last message to Con.
,ress. 1t will be, as whole, disapnoint.
nent, not only to his friends, but TO the
PEOPLE at large, who expected from him
omething more DECIDED than he has writ
en-.
Almost anything goes as novelty at