The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-03-05

erosion. @ 20
Warishould neHer be entered upor,
until every agency OF peace has failed:
peace is preferable to war in almost
every contingency. Arbitration Is the
true method of settlement of in,erna-
tlonai as well as local or individual dlf-l
feTences. 1t was recognized as the best
means of adjustment of differences be-
tween employers and employees by the
f,orty-ninth Congress In 1856. ana It's APP
pllcntiOn was extended to our diplomat tic
relations by the unanimous concurrence
OF the Senate and House OF the Fifty
first Congress in 1890. The latter reso,u-
ton was accepted as the basis Of neEo-
tiations with us by the British House
or commons In 1888 and upon our in
Nitatlon treaty of arbitration between
the United States and Great Britain was
signed at Washington, and transmitted
10, the Senate for It's ratification in
January last Since the treaty is clearly
the result OF our initiative; since II has
been recognized as the leading eat,,re
or our foreign policy throughout our en-
tire national history-lhe adjustment OF
difficulties by judicial methods rather
than force of arms-and since II presents
70 the world the glorious example of ren-
son ana peace, not passion and war.
controlling the relations Of the world. an
example certain tn be followed by
others. I respectfully urge the earliest
action Of the Senate thereon. not merely
as a matter OF policy. but as duty to
mankind. The Importance and moral
influence of the ratification Of such a
treaty can hardly be overestimated in
the cause OF advancing civilization. 1t
may we'll cnga Sc the best thought of the
statesmen and people OF every country.
ana cannot but consider 1t fortunate
that 1t was reserved to the United States
to have the leadership in so grand a
work
WILL CALL EXTRA SESSION.
1t has been the uniform practice OF
each President to avoid. rs far as posi-
bic. the converting Of Congress in extra
ordinary session. 1t is an example
which. under ordinary circumstances
ana in the absence Of n public ncces-
sity, is to be com Dlendcd. iiut failure
to convene the representatives Of the
people In Congress In extra session.
when 1t Involves neglect Of public
duty, places the responsibility Of such
neglect upon the Executive himself. The
condition of the public Treasury, as has
been indicated, demands the Immediate
consideration Of Congress. II alone han
me power to provide revenues for the
G0vernmcnt. Not 70 convene under
Such circumstances, l can view in no
other sense than the neglect OF q plain
DUTY do not sympathlze with the SEN
tinent that Congress in session is dan
EerouS TO our general business Inter
esis. It's members are the agents Of the
ReoplH and their presence at Il > seat
Oh Government in the execution OF the
sovereign VIII should not operate as an
injury but benefit. There could be
no better time to put the Government
upon sound financial and economic
bass than now. The people have only
recently voted that this should be done.
and nothing is more binding upon the
agents of their will than the obligation
re MOI ny, I l,,,s-
seemed 10 me that the postponement of
the meeting OF Congress- until more than
year after 1t has been chosen, de-
prived Congress too often OF the in
sn.rItion OF the popular will and the
country OF the corresponding benefits. IT
Is evident, therefore, that to postpone
action in the presence OF so great u
necessity would be unwise on the part
az the Executive because unjust to the
interests OF the people. Our actions now
viii be freer from mere partizan con
s!dcrat inn than il the question of tariff
revision was postponed until the regular
session Of Congress. We are nearly two
Years from Congressional election, and
poiil!cS cannot SO greatly distract US rs
II snch contest was Immediately pend
ING. We can approach the problem
calmly and patri0ticaIly without fear
ing It's effect upon an early election.
Our fellow citizens who may disagree
with us upon the character Of the leg,s-
lation. prefer o have the question set
tied now. even against their prccon-
celNed views ana perhaps settled so
reasonably, as trust and believe it will
be. rs TO Insure great permanence-than
TO have further uncertainty menacing
the vast ana various business interests
OF the United States. Again, whatever
action Congress may take will be glvcr,
fair opportunity for trial before the
people are called TO pass Judgment upon
IT. and this | consider n great essential
70 the rightful and lasting settlement
or the question. In view OF these CON
President, to convene Congress in extra
ordinary session on Monday, the If
teenth day of March, 1897.
III conclusion, | congratulate the co,ln
try upon the fraternal spirit aud the
m anitestatiOnS OF good Will cvprywhcrn
so. apparent. The recent election not
oniy most fortunately demonstrate ted tie
obliteratiOn OF sectional or googra phical
lines. but to some extent also the preju.
dices which for years have distracted
our councils anu married our true great
ness as q nation. The triumph Of ihc
people. whose verdict Is carried into cr
feet to-day. Is not the triumph of one
section, nor Wholly Of one party, but
OF al sections ana all people. The North
and South no longer divide In the old
lines. but upon principles and policies
and in this fact surely every lover Of the
country can find cause for true fclicita-
ton. Let us rejoice In and cultiva 10
this spirit; it Is cnnoblinS and VII! be
both n gain and a blessing to Dur be-
aim TO do nothing and permi, nothing
n ha will