The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1897-03-12
fluence of the ratification of such tire It

f1uence of the ratification of such 3 trett,
can hardly be overcstimated in the ca
of advancing civilization. 1t may wei
engage the best thought of the statesmen
and people and every country, and / can
not but consider it fortunate that it was
reserved to the United States to have the
leadership in so grand a work.
Mr.. Mckinley then touched upon his
reasons for calling an extra session, say
ing that the will of the people would bt
more fully realized at this time than it
could be if the business were to await the
converting of a regular session nearly II
year hence Then, too, there was no ele"
ton in the immediate future, and any
measure enacted would have time to DO
tried before one should be held.
In conclusion he said:
Let me again repeat the words of thu
oath administered by the chief justice
which in their respective spheres, so far al
applicable. | would have all my country
men 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 have reverently
taken before the Lord Most High. To
keep it will be my single purpose, my
constant prayer-and shall confidently
rely upon the forbearance and assistance
OF all the people in the discharge Of my
solemn responsibilities
The Extra Session.
1t has been the uniform practice of each
president to avoid, so far as possible, the
converting of congress in extraordinary
session. 1t is an example which, under
ordinary circumstances and in the alb
sence OF public necessity, is to be COM
mended. But failure to convene the
representatives of the people in congress
in extra session when it involves neglect
OF a public duty, places the responsibility
of such neglect upon he executive him
SELF The condition Of the public treas
ury, as has been indicated, demands the
immediate consideration of congress 1t
alone has the power to provide reve-
nues for the government. Not to
convene it under such circumstances
l can view in no other sense than the
neglect of plain duty. do not sympa.
thize with the sentiment that congress in
session is dangerous to our general bust
ness interests Its members are the agents
of the people, and their presence at the
seat of government in the execution of the
sovereign will, should not operate as an
injury but a benefit. There could be no
better time to put the government upon a
sound financial and economic basis than
now. The people have only recently voted
that this should be done, and nothing is
more binding upon the agents of their
will than the
of
1t has always seemed to me that the
postponement of the meeting of congress
until more than year after it has been
chosen, deprives 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 80 great neces-
sity would be unwise on the part of the
executive 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 until the regular session of con-
gress. We are nearly two years from
congressional election, and pol
itics cannot so greatly distract
us as if such contest was Immediately
pending. We can approach the problem
it's effect upon an early election. Our fell
low citizens who disagree with us upon
the character of this legislation prefer to
have the question settled now, and per-
haps settled so reasonably as to insure
great permanence Again, whatever ac-
ton congress may take will be given
fair opportunity for trial before the peo-
pie are called to pass judgment upon it
iC onn eli a al tp Z hn
rightful and lasting settlement of the
question In view of these considerations,
1 shall deem it my duty as president to
convene congress in extraordinary session
on Monday. March Is 1897.
Obliteration of Sectional Lines.
In conclusion, / congratulate the coun-
try upon the fraternal spirit of the people
and the manifestation of good will every
where so apparent The recent election
not only most fortunately demonstrated
the obliteration of sectional lines, but to
some extent also the prejudices which for
wears have distracted our councils and
married our true greatness as nation.
The triumph of the people, whose verdict
is carried into effect today, is not the tri
umph of one section, not wholly of one
party, but of all sections and all the
people. The North and South no
longer divide on the old lines, but
upon principles and policies; and in this
fact surely every lover of the C I'M
try can find cause for true felicitation.
Let us rejoice in and cultivate this spirit.
1t will be my constant aim to do nothing
and permit nothing to be done that will
| arrest or disturb this growing sentiment
| of unity and cooperation, this revival o.
esteem and utilization which now ami
mates so many thousands in both the old
and the antagonstic sections, but shall
cheerfully do everything possible to pro-
mote or increase it
Safe Deposit Boxes.
Papers, iewelry. money, absolutely