The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-08
SECRETARY LONG TALKS.
Bs Thinks Country should He Congrat.
uIated on Selection Of Gage.

New York, Feb. S.--A special to The
World from Boston says: John ID.
Long, i'm an interview, last night. said
that the post OF secretary of the navy
has not yet been definitely rendered him.
He had been invited to take a place In
the new cabinet, but he did not wish to
"obtrude his individual views"
II have not made such special study
Of financial questions as would make my
opinions of particular interest to the
public on that subject This is an age
of specialties. Finance is high science.
and l am not an expert in 1t. do not
wish to talk ex-cathedra, and defer to
those who are thoroughly trained in the
great principles of financiering. The
views of Lyman J. Gage are extremely
valuable. / consider that President Nc
Kinley and the people in general are to
be congratulated over the acceptance of
the treasury portfolio by Mr.. Gage.
will not, therefore, advance my personal
views on such questions as the retire.
ment OF the greenbacks and kindred SUBJ
jects.
Il believe that the tariff schedules can
be so adjusted by the incoming congress
that the present very unfortunate con-
dition of our Inadequate revenue can be
rectified and adequate receipts secured.
The revision can be so arranged as not
to oppress our foreign trade or diminish
customs revenues. 1 see no reason why.
with ample revenue, the treasury gold
balance should not take care of itself.
''As TO the Cuban question, the presi-
dent and congress are leaving II just
where IL ought 10 stand. What may be
the effect OF any unexpected develop
ments in Cuba no one can r4w predict,
but, whatever at any time may be the
situation. then IL will be time to meet IL
with wisdom and regard for internation-
al obligations. / should deplore any con-
dition that would necessarily invite war,
n threat of war, or anything TO impair
the present promise of better times and
an era Of peace.
II am most heartily in favor OF an ar
bitration treaty with England or any
other foreign power. II is possible that
some slight amendments may be desir-
able In the treaty now pending. but it's
main features and principles ought TO be
adopted. 1t is a step, and very great
one, in the advance OF human civiliza-
tion.
dead or not depends upon many consid-
erations. l regarded II as manifesto
tion Of certain conditions that found ex-
preston in that way. and which might
have been expressed in another manner.
An era OF prosperity or nn international
agreement will settle II. IL the good
times 1 confidently expect progress. We
will hear nothing OF free silver general
ly throughout the country.
"Of course, the Republican party
should welcome the cooperation of
sound money Democrats: that is only
saying thai the Republican party should
welcome tic cooperation OF good citi-
zens. IT ought to welcome not only
sound money Democrats, but all Demo-
Gratis who will cooperate with II in the
cause of good government, good finance
and good times.
al have always been an optimtist. or
course. / recognize the perils u nation ex-
pcriences. the trials. setbacks and per-
haps disasters which II must meet, but,
as have faith in human nature. and. as
the history of the race In the long past
has been of large and triumphant prog
ress, so / do not doubt but what this
country Will continue In its line of prog
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