Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

nothing startling in the document, but
it is clear and well-written statement
of government affairs Considerable
interest was manifested as to what the
President would have to say in regard
to Cuba and Spain. He takes a con-
sentative, sensible view of this matter,
and is uninfuenced by the jingoists
who desire the United States to rush
headlong into the squabble. He points
out that in the struggle Spain has
not vet re-established her authority,
neither have the insurgents yet made
good their title to be regarded as an
independent State" He thinks that
Spain ought to grant home-rule meas
ures that would be satisfactory to the
Cubans, and offers the friendly Offices
of the United States to settle the diff
fculty if desired. The President in
dicates that the United States is not
unmindful of its obligations to deal
courteously and fairly with Spain, but
he also hints that conditions may arise
which may call for interference by our
government. He says at cannot be
reasonably assumed that the hitherto
expectant attitude of the United States
will always be maintained. " "By the
course of events we may be drawn in
to such an unusual and unprecedent-
ed condition as will fix a limit to our
patient waiting for Spain to end the
contest, either alone and in her own
way or with our friendly co-opera-
ton" A situation may finally be pre-
sented in which tour obligations to
the sovereignty of Spain will be super
seeded by higher obligations"
The President discusses the evils
arising from the formation of trusts
Their tendency is to crush out indi-
vidual independence and to hinder or
prevent the free use OF human facul-
ties and the free development of hu-
man character. Through them the
farmer, the artisan and the small
trader is in danger of dislodgment
from the proud position of being his
own master to be the relegated to the
level of a mere appurtenance to a
great machine, with little free will,
no duty but that of passive obedience,
and with little hope or opportunity
of rising in the scale of responsibility
and helpful citizenship. The Presi-
dent says the antitrust laws, as
interpreted by the courts, do not
reach the difficulty, and that if the in
sufhciencies of existing laws can berem-
edied by further legislation it should
be done. He is doubtful, however,
in view of the decisions of the highest
court, whether the evils Of trusts and
monopolies can be adequately treated
through federal action. But there can
be no doubt of the power Of the sever
al States to act effectively"
The President does not have much
to say on the financial question. He
recommends the retirement Of the
greenback. He does not believe that
we can have any assured fnancia.
peace and safety until the government
currency obligations upon which golc
may be demanded from the treasury
are withdrawn from circulation anC
Cancelled. The plan Of issuing long
term bonds for redemption, bearing
low rate of interest, he declares the
most effective and direct path to the
needed reform. In default of this, i
would be a step in the right direction
if currency obligations redeemable il
gold should be Cancelled instead Of re
issued.
The President thinks that our pres
ent tariff laws will yield sufficient rev
enue for government needs if given 6
fair opportunity. He says there is ;
surplus of $l2S,0OO,OOO, in addition
to the gold reserve of $lOO,OO0,OOO
He still advocates civil service reform
and believes the system should be still
further extended. He recommend
rigid economy in government expen
ditures and closes with these words
when our differences are forgotten
and our contests of political opinion
are no longer remembered, nothing il
the retrospect of our public servic
will be as fortunate and comforting a
the recollection of official duty vel
performed, and the memory Of a con
slant devotion TO the interests of on
confding fellow.countrymen."
How's This!