The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-03-05

luton was accepted as the basis of ne
gotiations with us by the British house
of commons in 1898, and upon our invi-
tation a treaty Of arbitration between
the United States and Great Britain
was signed at Washington and trans
mitted to the senate for It's ratification
In January last. Since this treaty Is
clearly the result of our own initiative;
since II has been recognized as the
leading feature of our foreign policy
throughout our entire national history
the adjustment of difficulties by judi
cial methods rather than by force of
arms-and since 1t 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 certain to be followed by 9TH
ers. 1 respectfully urge the early ac-
tiQn 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.
Fortunate for the United States.
1t may well engage the best thought
of the statesmen and people and every
country, and / cannot but 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 each president to
avoid, as far as possible, the converting
of congress in extraordinary session. 1t
is an example which. under ordinary
circumstances and in the absence of
public necessity, is to be commended
Dttf Cot 70. 20.
tives Of the people in congress in extra
session when it involves neglect Of a
public duty places the responsibility of
such neglect upon the executive him
self. The condition of the public treas
ury, as has been indicated, demands
the immediate consideration of congress.
1t alone has the power to provide rev.
enues for the government. Not to con-
vene 1t under such circumstances can
view in on other sense than the neg
lect Of a plain duty. 1 do not synpa-
thize with the sentiment that congress
in session is dangerous to our general
business interests. It's members are the
agents of the people, and their presence
at the seat of government In the exc
cution Of the sovereign Will should not.
operate as an injury, but a benefit.
There could be no better time to put
the government upon sound financial
and economic basis than now. The peo-
pie have only recently voted that this
should be done, and nothing is more
binding upon the agents Of their will
than the obligations of immediate &C
ton.
Postponement Would He Unwise.
1t has always seemed to me that the
postponement of the meeting of con-
gress until more than a'year after it has
been chosen deprives congress too often
of the inspiration of the popular will
and the country Of the corresponding
benefits. 1t Is evident, therefore, that
to postpone action in the presence of 7
so great a necessity would be unwise
on the part Of the executive because
unjust to the interests of the people.
Our actions now will be freer from mere
partisan consideration than IL the ques-
ton of tariff revision was postponed
until the regular session of congress.
We are nearly two years from a oon-
gressional election, and politics cannot
so greatly distract us as II such contest
was Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and patri-
otically without fearing It's effect upon
an early election. Our fellow citizens
chacter Of this legislation prefer to have
the question settled now, even against
their preconceived views-and perhap
settled so reasonably. as / trust and b
lieve it will be, as to insure great per-
to have further uncer-
tainty menacing the vast and varied
business interests of the United States.
Fair Opportunity for Trial.
Again. whatever action congress may
take will be given a fair opportunity
for trial before the people are called
to pass judgment upon it, and this. 1
a great essential to the right
full and lasting settlement of the ques.
ton. In view of these considerations
shall deem it my duty as president to
convene congress in extraordinary ses-
sion on Monday, the 18th day of March.
1897.
In conclusion, congratulate the ooun-
try upon the fraternal spirit of the
people and the manifestation Of good
will everywhere so apparent. The re-
cent election not only most fortunately
the obliteration Of sec
tional or geographical lines, but to some
extent also the prejudices which for
years have distracted our councils and
marred our true greatness as a nation.
The triumph of the people. whose YER
dict is carried into effect today. is not
the triumph of one section, nor wholly
Of one party. but of all sections and all
the people. The north and south no
longer divide on 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; II is
and will be both gain and
blessing to our beloved country.
His Constant Aim.
1t will be my constant aim to do moth
Ing and permit nothing to be done that
will arrest or disturb this growing SEN
timent of unity and cooperation, this
revival of esteem and affiliation which.
now animates so many thousands in
both the old and the antagonistic sec
tons; but I shall cherfully do every
thing possible to promote and increase
Il.
Net me again repeat the words of the
oath administered by the chief justice.