The herald., 1897-03-05

ton and encoura cement to the industries
and the development of our country 1t
is therefore. earnestly hoped and expect
led that congress will, at the earliest
practical moment, enact revenue legis-
lation that shall be fair, reasonable, con-
servative and just, and which, while sup
plying sufficient revenue for public pur-
poses, will still be signally beneficial and
helpful for every section and every en-
terprise of the people. To this policy we
are all. of whatever party, firmly bound
by the voice of the people-a power
vastly more potential than the expression
of any political platform. The para
mount duty of congress is to stop d.
ficiencies by the restoration of that pro-
tectiye legislation which has always
been the firmest prop of the treasury.
The passage of such law or laws would
sire ngthen the credit of the government,
both at home and abroad, and go far
toward stopping the drain upon the gold
reserve held for the redemption of our
currency. which has been heavy and well
nigh constant for several years
In the revision of the tariff especial
attention should be given to the re-en
actment and extension of the reciprocity
principle of the law of $780, under which
great stimulus was given to our foreign
|trade in new and advantageous markets
for our surplus agricultural and manu-
factured products. The brief trial given
this legislation amply justifies further
experiment and additional discretionary
power in the making of commercial trea-
ties the end in view is always to be the
opening up of new markets for the pro-
ducts of our country, by granting con-
cessiors to the products of other lands
that we need and cannot produce our
selves. and which do not involve any loss
of labor to our own people, but in the
end to increase their employment. De-
preston of the past four years has fallen
with especial severity upon the great
body of the country and upon none more
than the holders of small farms. Agri-
culture has languished and labor suf-
fered The revival of manufacturing will
be a relief to both. No portion of our
| people is more devoted to the Institutions
| Of free government. nor more loyal in
their support. while none bears more
cheerfully or fully its share in the main
terance of the government or is better
| entitled to its wise and liberal care and
protection Legislation helpful to pro-
ducers is beneficial to all. The depressed
| condition of industry ON the farms and
| in the manufactory has lessened the abil-
| ity of the people to meet the demands
upon them ard they rightfully expect
| that not only a system OF revenue shall
| be esta bMsh that will secure the largest
income with the largest burden, but that
every means will be taken to decrease
rather than incre ase our public expendi-
lures. Business conditions are not the
most promising. 1t will take time to
restore the prosperity of former years.
If we cannot promptly attain it, we can
resolutely turn our faces In that direc-
, ton and aid its return by friendly legis-
| lation.
COMING CONFIDENCE
| However troublesome the situation
may appear. congress will not am sure,
! be found lacking in disposition or abil-
ity to revive. as far as legislation can do
| SO. the restoration of confidence and
| the revival of business, which men of all
parties so much desire, depends more
largely upon the prompt, energetic and
Intelligent action Of congress that upon
any other single agency that affects the
situation.
| 1t is inspiring. too, to remember that
| no great emergency in the one hundred
land eight years of our eventful national
| life has ever arisen that has not been met
with wisdom and courage by the Amer
lican people With fidelity to their best
Interests and higpest destiny, and to the
honor of the American name, these years
Iof glorious history have exalted man.