Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-03-05

ma1Kfhd. The importance ana moral
influence Of the ratification Of such .
treaty can hardly be overestimated In
the cause Of advancing civilization.
Fortunate for the United stases.
It may well engage the best thought
OF the Statesmen and people ana every
country. and I cannot but consider It
fortunate that 1t was reserved to the
United States to have the leadership
in so grand a work. It has been the
uniform practice Of each president to
avoid. as Tar as possible. the converting
Of congress in extraordinary session. It
Is an example which. under ordinary
circumstances and in the absence OF
public necessity. IL to be commended.
But failure to convene the representa-
tfves Of the people in congress In extra
session when It involves neglect OF .
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 plain duty. do not sympa-
thize with the sentiment that congress
in session is dangerous to our general
business interests. Its 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-
vn1e D>nxv <1v~1xp
should be done, and nothing is more
binding upon the agents of their will
than the obligations Of immediate ac-
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 1t 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
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 If the ques-
ton of tariff revision was postponed
until the regular session OF congress.
We are nearly two years from q con-
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 its effect upon
an early election. Our fellow citizens
who may disagree with US upon the
chacter Of this legislation prefer to have
the question settled now, even against
their preconceived views-and perhaps
settled SO reasonably. as trust and be-
lieve 1t will be, as to insure great per-
manence-than 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 fair opportunity
for trial before the people are called
to pass judgment upon 1t. and this, I
consider, great essential to the right
full and LISTING settlement Of the cues.
ton. In view of these considerations I
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 coun-
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
demonstrated 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: it is
ennobling and will be both a gain and
blessing to our beloved country.
His Constant Aim.
It 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 utilization which
now animates so many thousands in
both the old and the antagonistic Sec
lions. but I shall cherfully do every
thing possible to promote and increase
it.
AcS AS osoAh ASPSoe TIC WOEuS VI Inc
oath administered by the chief Justice,
which. in their respective spheres so far
as applicable. I would have all my
countrymen observe:
ct will faithfully execute the Office
of president of the United States, and
will, to the best Of my ability, preserve,
protect and defend the constitution of
the United States"
This is the obligation 1 have rever-
entity taken before the Lord Most High.
To keep it will be my single purpose:
my constant prayer-and shall conf
IDENTIFY rely upon the forbearance ana
assistance of all the people in the dis