The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1897-03-11

own domestic concerns. Il will be our aim
ITO pursue firm and dignined foreign policy,
which shall be just, impartial, ever watchfui
OF our national honor. n always inatsting
upon the enforcement OF the lawful rights Of.
American citizens everywhere. Our diplonS
acy should seek nothing more, and accept
nothing less, than Is due US. We want NO
wars OF conquest; We must avoii temptation
Of territorial aggression. War should never
be entered upon until every agency Of peace
has failed; peace is preferable to war In
almost every contingency.
IN Favor OF ARBITRATION.
Arbitration Is the true method OF settle
ment OF international, as well as local or In
dividual difference. II was recognized as
the best means OF adjustment OF differences
between employers and employees by the 49th
Congress, In 1886. and its application was
extended to our diplomatic relations by tho
unanimous concurrence OF the Senate and
House OF the Fifty-flrst Congress in 1880.
The latter resolution was accepted as the
basis OF negotions with US by the British
House OF Commons, in 1898, and upon our
invitation, a treaty Of arbitration between
between the United States and Great Britain
was signed ut Washington, and transmitted
to the Senate for its ratification, in January
last. Since the treaty is clearly the result OF
our own initiative; since II has been recoc-
nized as the leading feature Of our foreign
policy throughout our entire national histo-
Iy-the adjustment Of difficulties by judicial
Sethods rather than by force Of arms-and
since 1t presents to the world the glorious
example OF reason aud peace, not passion and
war. controlling the relations between two
OF the greatest nations OF the world, an ex-
ample certain to be followed by others. / re-
spectfuily urge the early action Of the Sem
ate thereon, not merely as a matter of
policy, but as a duty to mankind. The i'm
1 nOrtnnpa and tpnrnl ipntanaa ~ ,t,n ia
tion OF such n treaty can hardly be over
estimated In the cause OF ad~ vancing ciyilizs-
ton. 1t may well engage the best thought
OF the statesmen and people Of every coun-
try, and l cannot but consider II fortunate
that 1t was reserved for the United States to
have the leadership in so grand n work.
1t has been the uniform practice OF each
President to avoid, as far as possible. the
converting OF Congress in extraordinary ses- |
sion. 1t is an example which, under ordin-
airy circumstances and in the absence OF a
public necessity, is to be commended. But
u failure to convene the representatives Of
the people in Congress in extra session when
u involves neglect OF n public duty. places
the responsibility Of such neglect upon tho
executive himself. The condition of the
public treasury, as has been indicted, de-
mands the immediate consideration of Con-
eress. 1t alone has the power to provide
revenue Tor the government. Not to con-
vene 1t under such circumstances / can view
in no other sense than the neglect OF a plain
duty. | do aot sympathize with the senti-
ment that Congress in session Is dangerous
to our general business interest. Its mem
bers are the agents OF the people, and their
presence ut the seat OF government In the OK
ecution OF the sovereign will should not
operate as IN injury, but q benefit. There
could be no better time to put the govern
nent upon a sound financial and economic
basis than now. The people have only re-
Gently voted that this should be done, and
nothing is more binding upon the agents of
their will than the obligation of immediate
action.
1t has always seemed to me that the post
ponement OF the meeting OF Congress until
more than II year after it has been chosen
deprived Congress too often OF the ~inspira-
ton of the popular will and the country Of
the corresponding benefits.
NECESSITY FOR ACTION.
1t is evident, therefore, that to postpone
setion In the presence Of so great a necessity
would be unwise on the part of the execu-
tive, because unjust to the interests of the
people. Our actions now will be freer from
mere partisan consideration than II the
question OF tariff revision was postponed UNI
Ill the regular session Of Congress. We are
nearly two years from q congressional cleo
ton, and politics cannot so greatly distract
us as II such q contest was pending. We can
Spproach the problem calmly and patriot-
Staily, without fearing Its effect upon an
Early election. Our fellow-citizens who NAV
disagree with US upon the character OF this
HsssNslati5h, prefer TO nave tffs question set. +
now even Against their preconceived
perhaps settled SO reasonably, as
l trust and believe 1t will be, us to insure
great permanence-than to have further I'M
certainty menacing the vast and varied bust
ness interests Of the United States. Again,
whatever action may be taken will be given
a fair opportunity for trial before the people
are called to pass judgment upon 1t, and this
] consider a great essential to the rightful
and lasting settlement of the question, In
view Of these considerations, l shall deem It
as my duty as President to convene Congress
In extraordinary session on Monday, the
10Th day of March, 1897
THE CoUTRY CONGRATULATED.
In conclusion, | congratulate the country
upon the fraternal spirit OF the people and
the manifestation OF good will everywhere
apparent. The recent election not only most
fortunately demonstrated the obliteration OF
or geographical lines, but to some
extent the prejudices which for years have
our councils and marred out true
greatness as n nation. The triumph OF the
whose verdict Ia carried into effect
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
divide on the old lines, but upon
principles and policies and In this fact surely
every lover Of this country can find cause
Tor true fellcitation. Let us rejoice in and
cultivate this spirit: 1t is ennobiing, and will
be both a gain and blessing to our beloved
1t will be my constant aim to do
nothing. and permit nothing to be done, that
will arrest or disturb this growing santi-
ment OF unity and cooperation, this revival
OF esteem and afiliation which now animates
30 many thousands in both the old antag-
onistic sections, but / shall cheerfully do
everything possible to promote Inc increase
II
Let us again repeat the words OF tho oath
administered by the chief justice, which, In
their respective spheres, so far as applicable,
| would have all my countrymen observe: II
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 l have reverently taken before
The Lord most high. To keep 1t will be my