The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-03-05

us by the British house of commons
in 1893, and upon our invitation a
treaty of arbitration between the
United States and Great Britain
was signed at Washington and
transmitted to the senate for its
ratification in January last.
Since this treaty is clearly the
result of our own initiative; since
it has been recognized as the lead
ing feature of our foreign policy
throughout our entire rational
history-the adjustment of diff
cultieS by judicial methods rather
than force of arms-and since it
presents to the world the glorious
example of reason and peace: not
passion and war, controlling the re-
lations between two of the greatest
nations of the world. an example
certain to be followed by others, 1
respectfully urge the early action of
the senate thereon, not merely as a
matter of policy, but as a duty to
mankind. The Importance and
moral influence of the ratification
of such a treaty can hardly be over
estimated in the cause of advancing
civilization. 1t may we'll engage
the best thought of the statesmen
and people of every country and 1
cannot but consider it fortunate
that it was reserved to the United
States to have the leadership in
so grand a work.
EXTRAORDINARY SESSION.
1t has been the uniform practice
to avoid, as far as possible. the
converting of congress in extraor-
binary session. 1t is an example.
which, under ordinary circum-
stances and in the absence of a
public necessity, is to be COM
mended. But a failure to convene
the representatives of the people
in congress in extra session, when
it involves neglect of public duty,
places the responsibility of such
neglect upon the executive him
self. The condition of the public
treasury, as has been indicated, de-
mands the immediate consideration
of congress. 1t alone has the power
to provide revenues for the congress.
Not to convene it under such cir
cumstances, l can view in no other
sense than the neglect of a plain
duty. / do not sympathize with the
sentiment that congress in session
is dangerous to our general buSi-
ness interests. It's members are the
agents of the people, and their
presence at the seat of government
should not operate as an injury,
but a benefit. There could be no
better time to put the government
upon a sound financial and econo-
mic basis than now. The people
have only recently voted that this
should be done, and nothing is more
binding upon the agents of their
~
ate action. 1t has always seemed
to me that the postponement of the
meeting of congress until more
than a year after it has been chosen
depriveS congress too often of the
inspiration of the popular will,
and the country of corresponding
benefits. 1t is evident, therefore,
that to postpone action in the pres
ence of so great a necessity would
be unwise on the part of the execu-
tive, because unjust TO the interests
of the people. Our action will now
be freer from mere partisan con-
sideration than if the question of
tariff revision was postponed until
the regular session of congress- We
are nearly two years from con-
greSsional election, and politics
cannot so greatly distract US as if
such contest was Immediately pend
ing. We can approach the problem
calmly and periodically. without
fearing its effect upon an early
election. Our fellow-citizens who
may disagree with us upon the
character of this legislation prefer
to have the question settled now.
even against their preconceived
views-and perhaps settled so rea-
sonably, as l trust and believe it
will be-as to insure great perma-
nence-than to have further uncer-
tainty menacing the vast and var
led business interests of the United
States again. Whatever action
congress may take. will be given a
fair opportunity for trial before the
people are called to pass judgment
upon it. and this l consider a
great essential to the rightful and
lasting settlement of the question.
In view of these considerations.