The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-03-10

gress in session is dangerous to OR
general business interests. Its mem
bers are the agents of the people and
their presence at the seat of govern
ment in the execution of the sovereign
will should not operate as an injury
but benefit. There could be no let
ter time to put the government upon
a sound financial and economical ba-
sis 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
obligation of immediate action. 1t
has always seemed to me that the
postponemeant of the meeting of Con-
gress until more than a year after it
has been chosen deprived Congress
too often of the inspiration of the
popular will, and the country of the
corresponding benefits. 1t is evident
therefore that to postpone action in
the presence of so great necessity
would be unwise on the part of the
executive because unjust to the inter.
ests of the people. Our actions now
will be frerr from mere partisan con-
sideration than if the question of tar
iff revision was postponed until the
regular session of Congress. We are
nearly two years from CongressIon-
al election and politics cannot so
greatly distract us as If such contest
was Immediately pending. We can
approach the problem calmly and pa
triotically without fearing its effect
upon an early election. Our fellow
citizens who may disagree with US up
on the character of this legislation
prefer to have the question settled
now, even against their preconceived
views-and perhaps settled SO reason.
ably, as trust and believe it will he,
as to insure great permanence-than
to have further uncertainty menacllg
the vast and varied business interests
of the United States. Again, what.
ever action Congress may take will
be given 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 I shall
deem it my duty as President to con-
vene Congress in extraordinary SOS.
sion on Monday, the fifteenth day OF
March, 1892.
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 for.
tunately demonstrated the obliteration
of sectional or geo graphical lines, but
to some extent also thu prejudiees
which for years have distracted our
councils and marred our true great.
ness as a nation. The tri1mph of the
people whose verdict is carried into
effect today is not the triumph OF one
section, nor wholly of one party, nor
but of all sections and all the people.
The North and South no longer divide
on the old lines, but upon principles
and politics, and in this fact surely
every lover of The country can fad
cause for true felicitation. Let us re-
ioice in and cultivate this spirit; it is
ennobling and will be both a gain and
blessing to our beloved country. 1t
will be my constant aim! to do moth
ing and permit nothing to be done
that will mar or disturb this growing
sentiment of unity or cooperation,
this revival of esteem and aftiliation
which now animates SO many thous-
ands in both the old antagonistic Sec
tons, but I shall cheerfully do every
thing possible to promote and increase
it. Lst me again repeat the words OF
the oath administered by the Chief
Justice which, in their respective
spheres, so far as applicable, l would
have all my countrymen observe:
IT 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 I havs rever.
emily taken before the Lord most
high. To keep it will he my single
purpose, my constant prayer-and ]
Shall confidently rely upon the for
bearance and assistance OF all the peo'
pie in the discharge of my solemn re-
sponsib5lities.