Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-03-05


5ustment Of differences between employ.
ers and employees by the Forty-nintl
congress. in 1886. and its application
was extended to our diplomatic relations
by the unanimous concurrence OF the
senate and house OF the Fifty first con.
Eress in 1890. The latter resolution was
accepted as the basis OF negotiations
with us by the British house of commons
In 1893, and upon our Invitation a treaty
Of arbitration between the United States
and Great Britain was signed at wash.
ington and transmitted to the senate for
its ratification in January last. Since
this treaty is clearly the result OF our
own initiative; since It has been recog.
nized as the leading feature OF our for.
eign policy throughout our entire ma.
tional history-the adjustment of diff.
culties by judicial methods rather thar
by force of arms-and since It presents
to the world the glorious example of rea.
son and peace, not passion and war. con-
trolling the relations between two Of the
greatest nations Of the world. an ex.
ample certain to be followed by Others.
respectfully urge the carly action OF
the senate thereon. not merely as a mat.
u.
The Importance and moral influence OF
the ratification OF such treaty can
hardly be overestimated in the cause OF
advancing civilization. It may well en-.
gage the best thought OF the statesmen
and people OF every country, and can.
not but consider II fortunate that it was
reserved to the United States to have
the leadership in so grand work.
1t has been the uniform practice OF
each president to avoid, as far as DOS
sible. the converting OF congress in ex-
traordinary session. It is an example
which, under. ordinary circumstances
and In the absence of public necessity
is to be commended. but failure to
convene the representatives of the PEG.
pie In congress In extra session when II
Involves neglect Of a public duty. places
the responsibility Of such neglect upon
the executive himself. The condition OF
the public treasury. as hns been indI.
Grafton of congress. II alone has the
power to provide revenues for the gov
eminent. Not to convene II under such
circumstances can view In no Other
sense than the neglect of plain duty.
I do not sympathize with the sentiment
that congress In session Is dangerous
In our business interests. Its members
are the agents of the people. and their
presence at the seat OF government. il
the execution of sovereign win. should
not operate as an injury. but benefit
There could be no better time to pu.
the government upon a 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 obligation of immediate ac-
ton. 1t has always seemed TO me that,
the postponcinent OF the meetings OF
congress until more than year after
II has been chosen deprived congress too
often of the inspiration of the popular
VIII, and the country of the correspond
Ing benefits. 1t is evident, therefore,
that 10 postpone action in the presence
OF so great necessity would be unwise
on the part of the executive. because un-
just to the interests of the people Our
actions now will be freer from mere
partisan consideration than IL the ques-
ton of tariff revisionVas postponed un-
til the regular session of congress. We
are nearly two years from a congress
sional election, and politics cannot so
greatly distract us as if such contest
was Immediately pending. We can ap
Proach TIE problem calmly and patrioti-
ealiy. without fearing its effect upon an
early election. Our fellow-citizens who
may disagree with US upon the charac-
ter of this legislation. prefer to have the
question settled now. even against their
rreconceived yiews-and perhaps set
tied so reasonably. as, trust and believe
it will be. as to insure great pern1anence
than to have further uncertainty men
acing the varied business interests of the
United States. Again. whatever action
congress may take will he given a fair
opportunity for trial before the people
are called to pass judgment on it and
this consider a great essential to the
r;shtfui and lasting settlement of the
question. In view of these considera-
lions, shall deem 1t my duty. as presi-
dent, to convene congress in extraordi-
nary session on Monday, the 18th day of
March. 1897.
In conclusion, congratulate the
country upon the fraternal spirit of the
People and the manifestation of good
Will everywhere so apparent The recent
election not only most fortunately DEM
onstrated the obliteration of sectional
or geographical lines, but TO some ex-
tent also the prejudices which for years
have distracted our councils and marred
our true greatness as a nation. The
triumph of the people. whose verdict is
carried into effect today is not the tri-
urnph of one section. or wholly one party.
but of all sections and all the people,
The North and South no longer divide
ON the OLD lines, but upon principles and
policies; and in fact surely every lover
of the country can find cause for true
felicitation. Let us rejoice in and Gull |
tivate this spirit. it is enobling and will |
be both a gain and blessing to our be- |
loved country. 1t will be my constant
aim to do nothing and permit nothing to |
be done that will arrest or disturb this |
growing sentiment Of unity and CO. |
operation, this revival of esteem and |
utilization which now animates 50 many |
thousands in both the old antagonistic |
sections, but shall cheerfully do every
thing possible to promote and increase |
il.
Let me again repeat the words of the !
cath administered by the chief justice, |
which. in their respective spheres, SO |
FAR az ann1ioo l1Io r Vvp,tlJ have oil 90