The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-03-10

THREE questions-the currency, the
revenues and the trusts-are given
especisi prominence by President Nc.
I<inley in his inaugural He says
that "our financial system needs some
revision" but suggests caution in
making the revision; says that it
should not be entered upon until ado-
quate revenue il secured, and favOrs
the creation of commission to give
the whole matter of currency reform
careful and intelligent consideration,
An increase in the revenue, he points
out, il urgently demanded, and this,
he truly says, must come chiefly from
duties on imports. In revising the
tariff, in order to gain this additional
income, he wisely reminds the country
that adequate protection for important
industries should be provided wherever
needed, and recommends that the reci-
procity principle of the law of 1890 be
re-enaeted and extended. All trusts
VI capital III lE-
straint of trade he condemns, and ad-
yises the vigorous enforcement against
them of all laws now on the statute
book and the enactment of new laws
ST these be ineffective.
With three other great issues-inter-
national arbitration, civil service re-
form and immigration-the President
deals luminOusly. Since arbitration
as a substitute for war has, as he justly
says, been 1.-THE leading feature of our
foreign policy throughout all our his
tory" lac urges the early ratification
of the pending treaty by the Senate.
No one who knows Mr.. Kinley's rec
ord in Congress OH civil service reform
had any doubt, of course, as 10 the at
titude as President on this question.
Nevertheless he took especial pains to
say that this reform "must go on"
He voted for the present civil service
law, he reminds the country. and adds
that he will attempt its enforcement
in the spirit in which it was enacted"
The naturalization and immigration
laws, he says, should be further i'm
proved 80 as TO promote ''safer, bet
ter and higher citizenship" aud warns
the country that its ''gates must be
promptly and tightly closed" against
all who are ''too ignorant to under
stand or too vicious to appreciate" the
value of our political system.
On the Cuban matter President Me-
KinIey did no. speak specifically, but
tie Bnquestionably had that in mind
Svhen he said that at will be our aim
so pursue a firm and dignified foreign
policy, which shall be just, impartial,
ever G-atchful of our national honor,
and always insisting upon the enforce
SBsnt Of the lawful rights of American
citizens everywhere" Our diplo-
macy" he adds. should seek nothing
more and accept nothing less than is
due US" These expressions. while Of
Sering no needless menace to Spain or
any other country, foreshadOw
greater regard for the interests of our
citizens in Cubs and elsewhere abroad
than has been recently shown by the
government These are the principal
questions of national concern, and on
:2ll OF them, as well as on the issues of
smaller importance, which We have
not mentioned, the Presidents position
Is stated with elearness and good taste.
The entire address Is admirable i'm
Language and temper. u will give
she people, without distinction OF party
or section, a decidedly favorable i'm
preston of its author, and have a good
influence in every respect.