The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-29
GAGE AT A CLUB GATHERING,
THE SECRETARY SPEAKS ON THE
BUSINESS SITUATION.

He Bears Testimony to the Zeal and
Good Faith of Congress in Dealing
With the Tariff Issue-He Says
Both Democrats and Republicans
Are Inspired by Good Faith in
Dealing With the QuestiOn-Legis-
Iation to Settle the Financial JIM
certainty to Come in Good Time
and in Proper Order.
Cincinnati, O., May 2S.-The crowning
event of the visit of eastern and western
commercial clubs, who have been here for
the past two days, was the banquet to-
night at the Clifton mansion of Alexander
Mcdonald, who was host for the Cincin-
natl Club.
Owing to the necessity for midnight
departure of the Boston guests, the dinner
was served early. Among the speakers
was Secretary of the Treasury Gage, who
was given a vociferous welcome. He said:
"It is a very great pleasure to respond
ia the kind expressions just made In
deed. the happiness of the occasion seems
to be augmented by the fact that it is an
other reunion added to those that have
zone before. the united influence of which
serves to bind in a closer tie of friendship
the widely separated cities you in a meas
ure represent.
1.-THE chairman has asked me for few
words. and I shall not abuse his conf
dence by going into an address.
"As have observed and listened to the
words passing from lip to lip among the
members of the commercial clubs
gathered here. discover two
particular themes which have
first place in the thoughts of all.
These two themes are the tariff and the
public finances. Upon the settlement OF
these two questions enterprise waits ana
industry languishes. Over fifty times
have been asked when will the tariff dis
cussIon end and the measures proposed
receive the final vote which will formu-
late the measure into law.
over fifty times more l have been asked,
have the financial reforms for which the
people struggled in November last been
forgotten?
Now it is not to be wondered at that
YOU who have so long borne the burden of
anxiety aud fear, who have so long wait
cd and watched for the restoration OF con-
ditions upon which some secure estimate
of tomorrow can be made, should grow
nervous and impatient over every act or
word, which seems to suggest doubt or
delay in the establishment of such condi-
tons.
Il have thought that on this occasion
! could do no better service than to give
you needed reinsurance and hope. AS to
the great fabric now before congress-
known as the tariff bill, 1 have nothing
to say in detail. l want to bear testimOnS
however, to the zeal and good faith %
those in both houses who have that meas
ure in charge. They are fully conscious
of their great responsibility, and are
working faithfully to discharge them. Nor
do | think that the opponents of these
measures are likely to oppose with wilful
and unjust obstruction the course of leg
islation That there will be more or less
fencing for position must be expected, but
now, having come into contact with many
of the representatives of the people in
both houses of congress, 1 deem it my
duty TO bear witness, so far as 1t may
have value to the honorable and patriotic
motives that inspire the minds of the
great majority, whether upon one side or
the House or the other, and I prophesy
an early result in the national councils to
which this commercial question is now
committed.
Il make these remarks, not to defend
body for whom l hold no commission to
speak, but to correct in one direction, II
may, the operation of an injurious sentl-
ment-a sentiment which is sowing evil
classes, destroying unity and breeding
hatreds. The one word for that sentiment
is distrust Faith and courage lead to
conquest and victory. Distrust paralyzes
and destroys.
'As to the financial question to which
have already referred, / must content my
self with few words. / am glad that
they may be words of assurance. If any
Of you harbor the suspicion that the ad-
ministration, but just installed into the re-
sponsibilities of high office, has forgotten
or is likely to forget the mandate of the
people, whose voices in behalf of honest
money and sound finances rang out loud
and clear in November last, put that sus
picion aside. 1t is unjust and unfounded.
In good time and in proper order the
affirmative evidences of my declaration
will appear. In the mean time, my
friends, do your part to help those charg-
ed with legislative and administrative du-
ties DO not let the inertia engendered
by fear and distrust creep over you. We
have been passing through a period of
great trial, and nobly we have endured
the strain. The future Is not dark with
forebodings. II Is Illuminated with ra-
uonal hope. The revival OF industry Is
near, and with the establishment of a
revenue law sufficient to bring Into the
treasury an amount adequate TO meet the
reasonable needs of our government, and
with the establishment OF our finances on
sound and enduring basis. nothing now
Ioreseen can delay the recovery Of past
losses and the Inauguration OF a new for
ward movement along the lines Of mate
ihl Advancement and social progress,
which we may humbly trust Is in the be-
.eVolent mind OF God to bestow upon the
American people"