The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-05-30

Oihoiuhali, May SS.-Uhe browning
event eve OF the visit of the Eastern and
western commercial clubs, who have been
here for the past two days, was the ban
quet last night at the Clifton mansion of
Alexander Mcdonald, who was the host
OF the Cincinnati Club. Owing to the
necessity for midnight departure of the
boston guests, the dinner was served
early. Among the speakers was Score
cary OF the Treasury Gage, who was given
vociferous welcome. He said
AS have observed and listended to
the words passing ..frcm lip to lip among
the members of the commercial clubs
gathered here, I.-.discover--two.p particular
themes which have first place in the
thoughts of all. These two themes are
the tariff anu the public finances, You
say on the settlement of these two cues
tions enterprise waits and industry Ian
cuisines. Over fifty times have / been
asked when the tariff discussion would
emu and the measure proposed receive the
final vote which will formulate the meas
ure into law. Over fifty times more L
have been asked, have the financial re.
forms, for which the people strugQl ed in
November last, been forgotten.
Now, 1t is not to be wondered at that
you who have so long borne the burden
OF anxiety and fear, who have SO long
waited and watched for the restoration of
conditions on which some secure estimate
OF to morrow can be made, grow nervous
and inpatient over every act or word
which seems to suggest doubt or delay in
the establishment of such conditions.
have thought that on this occasion could
90 no better service than to give you
needed reinsurance and hope as to the
great fabric now before Congress as the
tariff bill. have nothing to say in de-
GALL want to bear testimony, however.
to the zeal and good faith of those in both
Houses who2haye that measure in charge.
They are fully conscious of their. great
responsibilities and are working faith
fully to discharge them. Nor do think
that the opponents of these measures are
likely to oppose with wilful and unjust
obstruction the course of legislation,
Ihat there will be more or less fencing
for position is expected, but having now
come into contact With many of the rem.
resentatives of the people in both houses
OF Congress deem it my duty to bear
Witness so far rs it may have value, to
the honorable and patriotic motives that
inspire the minds of the great majority.
whether on one side of the house or the
other, and prophesY an early result in
the national councils to which this great
commercial question is now committed.
II make these remarks not to defend
anybody, for whom hold no commission
to speak, but to correct in one direction,
if may the operation of an injurious
Observation-Disclosures which is sowing
evil seed in many directions. 1t is divid.
ing classes, destroying unity and breeding
hatred. The one'word for that sentiment
Is distrust. Faith and courage lead to
conquest and victory. Distrust paralyzes
and destroys
AS to the financial question, to which
have already referred. Il must content my
self with few words. L am glad that they
may be words of assurance. II any of you
hhrbor the suspicion that the administers
tion cut just now installed into the re-
sponsibilities OF high office has forgotten,
or is likely TO forget, the mandate OF the
people whose voices in behalf of honest
money and sound finances rang out clear
in November last, put that suspicion
aside. 1t is unjust and unfounded In
good time and in proper order the affirm
alive evidences OF my declaration will an
pear