The Republican journal., 1897-03-11


agency of peace has failed. Peace is pre-.
| ferable to war in almost every contingency.
| Arbitration is the true method OF settlement
| of international, as we'll as local or indivi-
dual differences. 1t was recognized as the
best mean of adjustment OF differences be-
tween employers and employees, by the
| Forty ninth Congress in 1856, and its appli-
cation was extended to our diplomatic
relations by the unanimous concurrence OF
the Senate and House of the Fifty first Con-
gress in 1890. The latter resolution was ac-
cepted as the basis of negotiations with US
by the British House of Common in 1898,
and upon our invitation treaty of ar
btration between the United States and
Great Britain was signed at Washington
and transmitted to the Senate for its ratifi-
cation III January. Since this treaty is clear
ly the result of our own Initiative, since it
has been recognized as the leading fea-
ture OF our foreign policy throughout our en-
tire national history-the adjustment Of diff
ficultes by judicial methods rather than
force of arms-and since it presents to the
world the glorious example of reason
and peace, not PASSION and war, con
trolling the relations between two of
the greatest nations of the world, an
example to be followed by others, [
respectfully urge the early action of the
Senate thereon, not merely as a matter of
policy, but as duty to mankind. The i'm
portance and moral influence of the ratitica-
tmated IN the cause of advancing civiliza-
ton. 1t may we'll engage the best thought
OF the statesmen and people OF every coun-
try and | cannot hut consider it fortunate
that it was reserved to the United States to
have the leadership in so grand a work.
1t has been the uniform practice of Presi-
dents to avoid, as far as possible, the conven-
ing of Congress in extraordinary session. 1t
is an example which, under ordinary circum-
stances and in the absence of public neces-
sity, is to be commended but failure to
convene the representatives of the people in
Congress in extra session when it involves
neglect of public duty, places the response
bility of such neglect upon the executive
himself. The condition of the public treas
ury, as has been Indicated, demands the i'm
mediate consideration of Congress. 1t alone
has the power to provide revenues for the
government. Not to convene it under such
circumstances [ can view in no other sense
than the neglect of plain duty. l do not
sympathize with the sentiment that Con.
gress in session is dangerous to our gen
eral business interests Its members are
the agents of the people, and their
presence at the seat of government
in the execution of the sovereign will
should not operate as injury, but bene.
fit. There could be no better time to put
the government upon sound financial and
economic basis 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 OF
immediate action.
1t has always seemed to me that the post
ponement of meeting of Congress until more
than a year after it has been chosen deprived
Congress too often of the inspiration of the
popular will, and the country of the cor.
responding benefits. 1t is evident, there
fore, that to postpone action in the pres
ence of so great a necessity would be
unwiSe on the part of the executive, be-
| cause unjust to the interests of the peo
pie. Our actions now will be freer from
| mere partisan considerations than if the ques
tlon of tariff revision was postponed unit
the regular session of Congress. We are
nearly two years from a Congressional cleo
ton, and politics cannot so greatly dis
tract us as if such a contest was impend
ing. We can approach the problem calm
ly and periodically without fearing its
effect upon an early election. Our fel
iow-1itZens who may disagree with us
upon the character of this legislation pre-
fer to have the question settled now even
against their preconceived views, and per
hap3 settled so reasonably as L trust and
believe it will be, as to rnsdre great pelma
nance, than to have further uncertainty men
acing the vast and varied business interests
of the United States. Again, whatever ac-
ton Congress may take will BE- given a fail
opportunity for trial before the people are
called to pass Judgment upon it, and this
| consider a great essential to the rightfu
and lasting settlement of the question. Ii
view of these considerations, | shall deem il
my duty, as President, to convene Congress
i'll extraordinary session on Monday, the
18th day of March, 1897.
In conclusion | congratulate the country
upon the fraternal spirit of the people and
the manifestations of good will every where
80 apparent. The recent election not onl V
most fortunately demonstrated the oblitera
of S.,tin or nh jp.all hlt III
some extent also the pref udices which for
years have distracted our councils and MARI
ed our true greatness as a nation. The truth
of a people whose verdict is carried into eff.
feet to-day is not the triumph of one sec
tion nor wholly of one party, but of all sec
| tions and of all the people. The North and
South no longer divide on the old lines, but
upon principles and policies, and in this fact
surely every lover of the country can find
cause for true felicitation. Let us rejoice in
and cultivate this spirit; it is ennobling and
will be both a gain and blessing to our be-
loved country.
1t will be my constant care to do nothing
that will arrest or disturb this growing SEN
| timent of unity and cooperation, this revi-
val of esteem and atfiliatlon which now ami
mates so many thousands in both of the old
sections, but shall cheerfully do everything
possible to promote and increase it.
Let me again repeat the words of the oath
administered by the chief Justice, which in
their respective spheres so far as applicable
| would have all my countrymen observe:
81 will faithfully execute the office of Presi-
dent of the United States and will, to the
best of my ability, preserve protect and de-
fend the constitution of the United States. y
This is to be the obligation | have rever.
emily taken before the Lord Most High. Tc
keep it will be my single purpose, my con-
stant prayer-and l shall confidently rely
upon the forbearance and assistance of all
the people in the discharge of my solemn
responsibilities.