The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-03-10

a merchant marine amply sufficient for |
our own carrying trade to foreign coun- |
tries. The question is one that appeals |
both TO our business necessities and |
the patriotic aspirations of great peo-
pie
1t has been the policy of the United |
States, since the foundation of the gov
eminent, to cultivate relations Of peace !
and amty with all the nations of the |
world, aud this accords with my con
ception of our duty now. We have
cherished the policy of non-interfernco
with the affairs Of foreign governments
wisely inaugurated by Washington,
keeping ourselves free from entangle-
ment, either as allies or foes, content to
leave undisturbed with them the settle
ment of their own domestic concerns. 1t
will be our aim to pursue a firm and dig
nited foreign policy, which shall be just,
impartial, ever watchful of our national
honor and always insisting upon the en-
forcement of the lawful rights of Ameri-
can citizens everywhere. Our diploma
cy should seek nothing more, and accept
nothing less, than is due us. We want
no wars of conquest; we must avoid the
temptation of territorial aggression.
War should never be entered upon until
every agency of peace has failed; peac
is preferable to war in almost every con
tingency. Arbitration is the true meth
cd of settlement of international as well
as local or individual difference. 1t was
recognized as the best means of adj
justment of differences between employ
ers and employees by the Forty-ninth
congress, in 1886, and it's application
was extended to our diplomatic relations
ht- 3
senate and house of the Fifty first con-
gress 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 treaty
of arbitration between the United States
and Great Britain was signed at Wash
ington and transmitted to the senate for
it's 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
tlonal history-the adjustment of diff
culties by judicial methods rather than
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.
1 respectfully urge the early action of
the senate thereon, not merely as a mat
ter 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. 1t may well en-
gage the best thought of the statesmen
and people of every country, and can
not but consider it fortunate that 1t 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 pos
sible, the converting of congress in ex-
traordinary session. It is an example
which, under ordinary circumstances
and in the absence of a public necessity,
is to be commended, but failure to
convene the representatives of the peo-
pie in congress in extra session when 1t
Involves neglect Of a public duty, places
the responsibility of such neglect upon
the executive himself. The condition of
the public treasury, as has been indi-
Gated. demands the immediate consid-
GRAFTON of congress. 1t alone has the
power to provide revenues for the gov
eminent. Not to convene it under such
other
sense than the neglect of a plain duty.
do not sympathize with the sentiment
that congress in session is dangerous
III our business interests. Its members
are the agents of the people, and their
presence at the seat of government, in
the execution of sovereign will, should
not operate as an injury, but a benefit.
There could be no better time to put
and economic basis than now The peo-
pie have only recently voted that this
should be done, and nc.Ning is more
binding upon the agent their will
than the obligation of Mediate &C
tion. 1t has always seem, to me that
the postponement of the lettings of
congress until more than a year after
| 1t has been chosen deprived congress too
| often of the inspiration of the popular
| will, and the country of the correspond
ing benefits. IT Is evident, therefore,
that to postpone action in the presence
| of so great a necessity would be unwise
OH 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 if the ques-
| ton of tariff revision was postponed I'M
| til the regular session of congress. We
| are nearly two years from a congress
slonal election, and politics cannot so
greatly distract us as if such contest
was Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and patrioti-
cally, without fearing it's 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
| preconceiVed views-and perhaps set
tied so reasonably, as, 1 trust and believe
1t Will be- as to insure great permanence
| than to have further uncertainty men
acing the varied business interests of the
United States. Again, whatever action
congress may take will be given fair
opportunity for trial before the people
are called to pass judgment on 1t and
this / consider great essential to the
rightful and lasting settlement of the
question. In view of these considera -
lions, l 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