Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-03-05

congress. 1t alone has the power to pro-
convene it under such circumstances, l
can view in no other sense than the
neglect of a plain duty. 1 do not sympa-
thize with the sentiment that congress in
session is dangerous to our general bus
mess interests. Its members are the
at the seat of government in the execu-
ton of the sovereign will should not oper-
ate as an injury, but benefit. There
could be no better time to put the govern
ment upon sound financial and econom-
ic basis than now. The people 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 action, It has always seemed
to me that the postponement of the meet
ing of congress until more than year
after 1t has been chosen deprives con-
gress too often of the inspiration of the
popular will, and the country of the corre-
spending benefits.
No Other Time So Good as Now.
'It is evident, therefore, that to postpone
action in the presence of SO great neces-
sity would be unwise on the part of the
executive, because unjust to the interests
of the people. Our actions now will be
than IL the question of tariff revision were
postponed until the regular session of con-
gress. We are nearly two years from a
congressional election, and politics cannot
so greatly distract us as IL such contest
were Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and natriotical-
ly, without fearing its effect upon an early
election. Our fellow citizens who may dis
agree with us upon the character of this
legislation prefer to have the question set
tied now, even against their preconceived
views-and perhaps settled so reasonably,
as 1 trust and believe it will be-. as to in
sure great permanence-than ohave further
uncertainty menacing the vast and varied
business interests of the United States
Again, whatever action congress may take
will be given a fair opportunity for trial
before the people are called to pass judg-
ment upon 1t, and this I consider a great
essential to the rightful and lasting settle-
ment of the question. In view of these con-
siderations, L shall deem it my duty as
president to convene congress in extraor-
iinary session on Monday, the 18th day of
March. 1897.
The North and the South.
"In conclusion, congratulate the coun-
try upon the fraternal spirit of the people
and the manifestation of good will every
where so apparent. The recent election not
only most fortunately demonstrated the OBJ
liberation of sectional or geographical lines,
but to some extent also the prejudices
which for years have distracted our coun-
ellis and marred our true greatness as a
nation. The triumph of the people, whose
verdict is carried into effect to-day, is not
the triumph of one section, nor wholly of
one party, but of all sections and all the
people The North and the South no long
er divide on the old lines. but upon princi-
pies 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 ennobIing and
Will be DOtn q gam ana 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 grow
ing sentiment of unity anu cooperation,
this revival of esteem and affiliation which
now animates so many thousands in both
the old antagonistic sections, but shall
cheerfully do everything possible to pro-
mote and increase it.
Let me again repeat the words of the
oath administered by the chief justice,
which, in their respective spheres so far
as applicable, would have all my coun-
trymen observe:
"T 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 I have reverently
taken before the Lord Most High. To keep
it will be my single purpose; my constant