The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1897-12-10

peace, and, says the president, IF 1t
shall hereafter appear to be a duty i'm
posed by our obligations to ourselves to
civilization and humanity to intervene
with force, it shall be without fault on
our part, and only because the necessity
for such action will be SO clear as to
command the support and approval OF
the civilized world"
The president next takes up the sub
ject of the annexation of Hawaii, which,
he says, should be accomplished. Rap
idly reviewing his former arguments in
favor of annexation he says that legis-
lation is required in the event of the rat
ification of the treaty; and, while abrupt
assimilations of immature elements of
population should be avo' ded, just pro-
vision should be made for self-rule in
local matters with the largest political
! liberty to the Hawaiians.
International arbitration is declared
by the president to represent the best
sentiment of the civilized world, and
treaties embodying these humane prin-
| ciples on broad lines without in any way
| imperilling our interests or honor will
have his constant encouragement.
| Attention is also called to the need for
prompt legislation as to Alaska and to
the extension of civil authority within
the territory. There is need fer surveys
and for the establishment of another
land office at some point in the Yukon
valley, fer which an appropriation is
asked. Military force is also necessary
and the establishment of some sort of
flexible government, If the startling
reports as to the probable shortage of
food for the miners be fully verified
every effort should be made at any cost
to carry them relief
The Nicaragua canal is spoken of as of
large importance to our country and the
promise is made of a further reference
to the subject when the report Of the
commission now at work is sent to con-
gress.
The president says of the international
monetary commission that, notwith-
standing diligent effort, the ENJOYS have
failed so far to secure an agreement.
Qualification is expressed at the action
of France in this matter in joining in our
efforts, and it is said that the negotia-
lions are still pending. Meanwhile, the
ENJOYS have not made their final report,
believing that the doubts raised in GER
tain quarters respecting the feasibility
of maintaining parity between gold and
silver may yet be solved The president
earnestly hopes that their labors may
bring about an international agreement
The president devotes the last chapter
of his message to the civil service, the
practical improvement of which, he says,
has long been a subject of earnest dis
cussion, and which has of late years
received increased Legislative and exec
utive approval. During the past few
months the service has been placed upon
still firmer basis of business methods
and personal merit. While the right of
deserving veteran soldiers to reinstate-
ment has been asserted, dismissals for
merely political reasons have been care
fully guarded against the examna-
tions improved and made practical, and
a distinct advance has been made by Civ
ing a hearing before dismissal upon all
cases where incompetency is charged or
demand made for the removal of officials.
Municipal Election.
Boston, Dec. S.-Seventeen of the go
cities of the commonwealth held their
municipal elections yesterday. In a
majority of the cases the Republicans
were successful in electng their mayor
dIlu securing COHlTOl Oh the CITY SONeIH-
ment, although the results show that the
idea of independent on non-partisan con-
troll of municipal affairs is steadily
growing in favor.
In Havarhill the success of Daniel
F. Chase, the non-partisan Democrat
and Socialist candidate, is said to sig
Nifty that partisan nominations are at
an end in that city.
In Marlboro the city elected a Dem
ocratic mayor for the first time in it's
history a result attributed to the great
personal popularity of the candidate.
Newton voted under new 8 r gle
charter with only one mayOralty candi- /
date.
The closest fought elections were those
in Lawrence, Maiden, Springfield,
and Waltham all on purely
local issues, in the first named the Dem
ocratic candidate having declared his
intention, if elected, to shake up the
office holders of that city.
Seven of the mayors chosen won upon
other than straight party nominations,
nearly all had party endorse
ment. Six mayors were reelected.
On the license contest the contest, as
usual, was closely fought, but the ad-
vocates of no-license lost much ground
and strength.