New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-15
CONFIDENCE IN THE NEW CONGRESS-.

the opening Of its extraordinary session VIII
probably contain few surprises. Nothing has
occurred to change his views since his Inaugural
was prepared with It's definite announcement
that the extra session would be called, and it Is
as probable now as II was then that he Will
urge action on the revenue question as the one
thing necessary for the protection OF the M
tional credit and honor, for the maintenance OF
a sound currency and for the restoration OF that
prosperity which the country hoped and desired
above all other things to secure through change
of Administration. The convictions of the Presi-
dent on this matter cannot have undergone any
change since his Inaugural was Delivered anu
the people will be chiefly Interested TO observe
what form Of tariff he advises and what arsu-
ments he presents for especial changes Ohe
thing can be safely said-that it will be an Amer
lean Message, not designed primarily to serve
the interest Of foreign manufacturers or or I'M
porting agents here.
While the utterances Of the President on other
subjects are by many expected with much in
terest. It would not be surprising II he should re-
froin at this time from the announcement or
definite plans beyond those to which the Ad-
mjnstration is already committed by the Re-
publican platform and by the Presidents pup
lshed statements. 1t is quite likely that the de-
sire 10 concentrate attention and efforts upon
the tariff question as far as possible, untll mat
most necessary measure can be passed, may iead
the Pre- sident to avoid for himself and his party
in Congress- commitment as to particular meas
ures Of other kinds, until the time comes for
practical action on them. 1t may be well to re-
member that the extraordinary session OF Con-
cress can hardly be kept in practical operation
long with a prospect Of useful work. When
the tariff has gone into the Senate, that BODY
certainly should, and probably will, devote to
the bill its whole time not required for attention
to foreign affairs, and unless 1t makes more
rapid progress than any expect Will scarcely
have finished work on that measure before the
season comes beyond which a session cannot be
profitably prolonged.
If definite action on other questions, on the
monetary problem and various measures which
press for speedy consideration must perforce be
deferred until next winter, there would be
great advantage in taking up such measures in
the light Of the conditions which may then ex-
list. instead Of those which years Of depression
have produced. 1t will be instructive to men OF
all shades Of opinion, for instance, to know how
far the change Of duties operates benehcially 10
industries and trade how far 1t suf1ces to lift
the Treasury above possibility OF danger and 10
remove the currency beyond the reach of dis
trust. II Is the conviction Of Republicans that
the proper settlement Of the revenue question
will of itself alter all the conditions of the none
fairy problem If the President or Congress
should attempt to formulate now definite plan
Of action. without possibility Of getting any
thing done until next winter, there would be
lost much of the advantage which months OF
experience under new duties would give.
1t IS gratifying to notice that there is not the
slightest fear manifested regarding the meeting
of the new Congress, even in those financial! cir
cles which have been most nervous in past years
| Nobody expects that Congress will do anything
| to shake the soundness OF the currency, to tar
| nsh American honor or to PROSTATE American
| industries. Nobody has any apprehension that
| the President will cOunten&nce any measure OF
that nature or give his assent to any such meas
ure if one could be passed. In fact. the satisfied
and confident state Of feeling with which the as
| semblage of a new Congress Is now regarded by
| the business world is in itself strong evidence
| that the Republican party and It's policy COM
mand the thorough and hearty approval OF the
great body Of practical business men throughout
| the country and Of multitudes who are not for
partisan reasons disposed at present to give ex-
| preston to their feelings.