The Somerset reporter., 1897-03-11

tApfFHSlOn u any IlDlllltdi IidiIOTIl. Inc
paramount duty of congress is to stop
deficiencies by the restoration Of that
protective legislation which has always
been the firmest prop Of the treasury.
The passage Of such a Law or laws would
strengthen the credit Of thu government
both at home and abroad. and 60 far to-
wards stopping the drain upon the gold
reserve held for the redemption Of our
currency. which has been heavy and well
nigh constant for veral years
In the revision of the tariff especial at
tention should be given 10 the re-enact-
faent and extension Of the reciprocity
principle Of the law Of 1S9o under which
so great stimulus was given To- our for
elgn trade IN new and advantageous
markets. for our surplus agricultural
and manufactured products. The brief
trial given this legislation amply justi-
hcs further experiment and additional
discretionary power In the making OF
Commercial treaties the end in view al
ways to be the opening up Of new mar
kets for the products Of our country. by
granting concessions to the products of
other lands that we need and cannot pro-
duce ourselves. and which do not involve
ally loss of labor to our own people. but
tend to increase their employment.
The depression Of the past four years
has fallen with especial severity upon the
great body of toilers Of the country, and
upon none more than the holders of small
farms. Agriculture has langushed and
labor suffered. The revival of manufac-
turing will be a relief to both. No por-
tons of our population is more
devoted to the institutions Of free
government. nor more loyal in their
support, While none bears more
cheerfully or fully its proper share in the
maintenance of the government. or Is
better entitled to its wise and liberal care
and protection. Legislation helpful to
producers is beneficial To all. The de-
pressed condition of industry of the farm
and in the mine and factory has lessened
the ability of the people to meet the de
inands upon them, and they rightfully
expect that not only system of revenue
shall be established that Will secure the
largest income with the least burden
bat that every means will be taken to
decrease, rather than increase, our pub
lie expenditures. Business conditions are
not the most promising. 1t will take time
to restore the prosperity OF former years
If we cannot promptly attain it. we can
resolutely turn our faces In that direction
and aid it's return by friendly legislation.
However troublesome the situation may
appear. congress Will not, | am sure, be
found lacking in disposition or ability to
relieve it, as far as Legislation can do SO,
The restoration of confidence and the re-
wal Of business, which men of all parties
30 much desire. depend more
10 Palx mt
getic and intelligent action of
congress than upon any other single
agency affecting the situation.
1t is inspiring. too 10 remt mber that
no great emergency in the los years OF
our eventful national life has even arisen
that has nor teen met with wisdom and
courage by the American people. with
fidelity to their best interests and high
est destiny and to the honor Of the Amer
lean nation. These years of glorious his.
tory have exalted mankind and ad-
Vanced the cause of freedom throughout
the world. and UNNECESSARILY strength
ened the pr,Actous free institutions which
We enjoy. The people love and will sus-
tain these institutions. The great essen
tial to our happiness and prosperity Is
that we adhere To the principles upon
which the government Vas established,
and insist upon their faithful observ-
ance. Equality of rights must prevail.
and our Law he'alWays and everywhere
respected and obeyed W. may have
failed in the discharge Of our fun duty
as citizens of the great republic, but il is
consoling and encouraging 10 realize that
free speech. a free press. free thought
free schools. the free and dmnh.-trd right
] L.,