Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1897-03-10

the leading feature Of our foreign policy
throughout our entire national history-the
adjustment of difficulties by judicial meth
obs rather than by force Of armS-and since
1T presents to the world the glorious ex-
ample of reason and peace, not passion and
war, controlling the relations between two
or the greatest nations Of the world, an ex-
ample certain to be followed by others,
respectfully urge the early action of the
senate thereon not merely as a matter OF
policy, but as a duty to mankind. The i'm
portance and moral influence of the ratif-
cation OF such treaty can hardly be over
estimated IN the cause of advancing civiliza-
tlon; 1t may we'll engage the best thought
OF the statesmen and people Of every coun-
Try ana l cannot but consider it fortunate
that 1t. was reserved to the United States
to nave the leadership in SO grand a work.
Extra Session of Congress.
1t has been the uniform practice of each
President to avoid, as far as possible the
converting Of Congress in extraordinary SEES
sion. 1t is an example which under ordinary
clrcumst stances and in the absence of q pub
lie necessity is to be commended. But a
failure to convene the representatives of the
involves neglect of a public duty places
the responsibility of such neglect upon the
executive himself. The condition Of the pub
nc treasury, as has been indicated, demands
the immediate consideration Of Congress.
1t alone has the power to provide revenues
Tor the government. Not 10 convene it I'M
ger SUCH circumstances / can view in no
Qther sense than the neglect of plain duty.
90 not SympathiZe with the sentiment
SGneTal business interests. It's members are
the agents Of the people and their presence
at the seat OF government in the execution
or the sovereign will should not operate as
an lHJury but benefit. There could be no
peltef Tune to put the government upon
SOUND financial and economic basis than
now. Inc people have only recently voted
that this should be DONE and nothing is
mere Dlndlng upon the agents of their will
IMAM the obligation of immediate action. 1t
mas always seemed to me that the postpone
ment OF the meeting Of Congress until more
imam year after it has been chosen de-
priyes Congress too often Of the inspiration
OF the popular will and the country of the
corresponding benefits.
It is evident, therefore, that to postpone
action in the presence of SO great 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 if the
question of tariff revision was postponed un-
til the regular session of Congress. We are
nearly two years from congressional cleo
Us as if such contest was Immediately
pending. We can approach the problem
calmly and periodically without fearing its
erect upon an early election Our fellow
citizens who disagree with US upon the
character of this legislation p efer to have
the question settled now, and perhaps set
tIed SO reasonably as to insure great per-
manence. Again, whatever action Congress
may take will be given a fair opportunity
for trial before the people are called to pass
Judgment upon it, and this | consider
great essential to the rightful and lasting
settlement Of the question. In view of these
considerations l shall deem it my duty as
President to convene Congress in extraordin-
airy session on Monday, March Is, 1897.
Good Will Everywhere Apparent.
In conclusion, congratulate the country
upon the fraternal spirit of the people and
the manifestation of good will everywhere
SO apparent. The recent election not only
most fortunately demonstrated the oblitera-
ton of sectional 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 verdict 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 o. the old lines. but upon
principles and policies, and in this fact sure
ly every lover OF the country can find cause
for true felicitation
Let US rejoice in and cultivate this spirit.
1t VIII be my constant aim to do nothing
and permit nothing to be done that will ar
rest or disturb this growing sentiment Of
unity and cooperation this revival Of es-
TEEN and utilization which now animates so
many thousands in both the old and the
antagOniStic sections, but l shall cheerfuliy
do everything possible to promote and in
Let me again repeat the words of the oath
administered by the chief justice, which in
their respective spheres so far as applica-.
BILE, l would have all my countrymen OBJ
serve:
Il 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 reverently
taken before the Lord Most High. To keep
1t Will be my single purpose, my constant
prayer. and shall confidently rely upon the
and assistance of all the peo-
pie in the discharge of my solemn respon-