New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-01
DREAMS ABOUT THE INAUGURAL.

The Inaugural Address of the coming Presi-
dent is naturally awaited with great interest
Rut there is a singular want of common sense
manifested in many Of the current speculatlons
about il. Possibly Wall Street may be the one
place where we should least expect TO ina
sound sense and knowledge of public affairs.
but in that quarter there are many persons who
are skttlsh about what the Inaugural Address
may say. or may not say, regarding foreign az
fairs and other important topics. BY way of
cooling off anticpatons not likely to be realized
II NAV be of use 10 consider what an inaugural
address actually is.
Upon taking the oath Of office. the President is
by some persons expected 10 declare his policy
regarding grave foreign questions. lie has been
q private citizen. not even member OF Con-
gress. and lacks even the limited knowledge
of affairs in the State Department which
few members on committees in the two Houses
are permitted 10 get. He is not TO be ex-
pected to know anything about the state OF
negotiations with foreign Powers on any sub
feet or the evidence on file regarding any mat
ter of possible dispute, or what the Government
has done or is at the moment DOING and yet
there are actually persons who think he ought
to seize this first opportunity to declare his opin-
ion about points of controversy Being by I'M
broken custom and the practical law of COM
mon sense excused from treating of affairs
about which he has as yet no official knowledge.
men imagine that he will nevertheless rush to
commit himself and the country blindly.
About the principles which should control the
Government on great domestic questions. the
President upon taking the oath has behind him
the declarations of his party and his own dec
laratons during the campaign; but in what way
can he depart from or modify them? He has
not yet before him Congress empowered by
the people TO make laws, but VIII have a proper
opportunity 10 make to that body when assem-
bled any suggestions regarding the measures he
may deem needful. What recommendation can
he offer then TO a throng of applauding but I'M
organized and unofficial citizens crowded before
the steps Of the Capitol? The very grotesque-
ness Of the idea. one would think, might set at
rest the minds Of those who are disputing
whether Major Mckinley will or will not pro-
pose in his Inaugural some definite monetary
settlement or the creation of a commission to
discover one. Is an Inauguration crowd the
proper body 10 mature measures Of financial
policy?
A President begins operations by calling about
him q Cabinet his constitutional advisers, with
whom he properly consults after they have
been duly confirmed by the Senate. 1t would
be rather a sorry jest If he should take pains
to mark out for Secretaries not yet appointed,
and In the presence Of an Inauguration crowd,
the details Of measures which he wishes them
when appointed to advise and mature. If any
body supposes that is to be the style OF the com
ing President, he evidently does not enjoy a
close acquaintance with Major Mckinley, whose
courtesy and respect for the position Of others
are unfaillng. Next, II he thinks immediate
legislation necessary, a President calls Con-
gress together in extra session II would not
greatly advance the prospect Of any meas
ure, even In most friendly Congress, TO have
II first submitted TO an inaugural crowd prior
to the Presidents official Message to Congress-
Really, If some people In Wall Street and else
where would take the trouble TO think little
they would scarcely expect to have the Presi-