Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-03-13
SPLENDID INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
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go on. But the changes should be
real and genuine, not perfunctory,
or promoted by zeal in behalf Of any
party, simply because it happens tobe
in power.
AS member Of Congress ! voted
and spoke in favor Of the present law,
and shall attempt its enforcement
in the spirit in which it was enacted.
The purpose in view was to secure
the most efficient service Of the best
men, who would accept appointment
under the Government, retaining faith
full and devoted public servants in Of
fee, but shielding none under the au-
thority of any rule or custom, who
are inefficient, incompetent, OF un-
worthy The best interest OF the
country demands this, and the people
heartily approve the law wherever
and whenever it has been thus adj
ministered.
Congress should give prompt atten
ton to the restoration of our Ameri-
can merchant marine, once the pride
of the seas in all the great ocean high
ways of commerce.
To my mind few more important
subjects so imperatively demand its
intelligent consideration. The United
States has progressed with marvel
Gus rapidity in every field of enterprise,
and endeavor until we have become
foremost in nearly all the great lines
of inland trade, commerce, and indus
( try.
Yet, while this is true. our Amcri-
can merchant marine has been steadi-
ly declining until it is now lower both
in the PERCENTAGE of tonnage and the
number OF vessels employed than it
was prior to the Civil War.
Commendable progress has been
made OF late years in the upbuilding
of the American navy, but we must
supplement those efforts by providing
as proper consort for it merchant
marine amply sufficient for our own
carrying trade to foreign countries.
The question is one that appeals both
to our business necessities and the pa.
triotic aspirations of a great people.
1t has been the policy of the United
States since the foundation ofthe Gov.
eminent to cultivate relations of peace
and amity with all the nations of the
world, and this accords with my con-
ception of our duty now.
We have cherished the policy ofnon-
interference with the affairs of foreign
Governments, wisely inaugurated by
Washington, keeping ourselves free
from ENHANCEMENT either by allies or
foes, content TO leave undisturbed with
them the settlement of their own do
nestle concerns.
1t will be our aim to pursue a firm
and dignifed foreign policy, which
shall be just, impartial, ever watch
full of our national honor, and always
insisting upon the enforcement of the
lawful rights of American citizens
everywhere.
We want no wars of conquest; we
must avoid the temptations of terri
torial aggression. War should never
be entered upon until every agency of
peace has failed; peace is preferable to
war in almost every contingency.
Arbitration is the true method of
settlement Of international, as we'll as
local or individual differences. 1t was
recognized as the best means of adj
iustmeut of differences between en-
ployers and employees by the Forty
ninth Congress, in 1886, and is appl-
cation was extended to our diplomatic
relations by the unanimous concur
renee of the Senate and House of the
Fifty-first Congress, in 1890.
The latter resolution was accepted
as the basis Of negotiations with us by
the British House of Commons, i'll
1898, and upon our invitation atreaty of
arbitration between the United States
and Great Britain was signed at Wash
ington and transmitted to the Senate
for its ratification in January last.
Since this treaty is clearly the re-
suit of our own initiative; since it has
been recognized as the leading feature
Of our foreign policy throughout our
entire national history-the adjust
ment ofdifficulties by judicial methods
rather than force of arms--and since
it presents to the world the glorious
example of reason and peace, not pas.
sion and war, controlling the relations