The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1897-03-11
of such new statutes as may be neces-
sary to carry it into effect

appreciate the great values and benefit
Of our constitute tons and laws-and against
all who come here to make war upon
them, our gates must be promptly and
tightly closed. Nor must we be unmind-
full OF the need Of Improvement among
our own citizens, but, with the zeal Of our
lorefathers encourage the spread Of
knowledge and free education Illiteracy
must be banished from the land, if we
shall attain that high destiny as the fore
most of the enlightened nations Of the
world, which, under Providence, we ought
to achieve. 45 s -52
II. Reform in the civil service must go on
but the. change should besreal and genu-
Inc, not perfunctory, or prompted by q
zeal In behalf Of any party, simply be-
cause 1t happened to be in power. AS a
member of congress I voted and spoke
IN favor of the present law, and shall
attempt its enforcement in the spirit in
which 1T was enacted. The purpose in
view was to secure the most efficient
service of the best men who would ac-
cept appointment under the government,
retaining faithful and devoted public
servants in Office, but shielding none un-
who are inefficient, or incompetent, or
unworthy. The best interests of the coun-s
try demand this, and the people heartily
approve the law wherever and whenever
it has been thus administered.
Congress should give prompt attention
chant marine once the pride of the seas
in all the great ocean highways of COM
merce To my mind, few more important
subjects SO imperatively demand an in
telligent consideration. The United
States has progressed with marvellous
rapidity in every field of enterprise and
endeavor until we have become foremost
in nearly all the great lines of inland
trade, commerce and industry. Yet, while
this is true, our American merchant ma
rine has been steadily declining until it
is now lower, both in the percentage. Of
tonnage and the number of vessels en-
ployed, than it was prior to the Civil
war. Commendable progress has been
made OF late years in the upbuilding of
the American navy, but we must supple
ment these efforts by providing as a
proper consort for it a merchant marine
amply sufficient for our own carrying
trade to foreign countries. The question
|. is one that appeals both to our business
necessities and the patriotic aspirations
of a great people.
FavOrs Arbitration.
It has been the policy of the United
States since the foundation of the gov
eminent to cultivate relations of peace
and annity with all the nations of the
world and this accords with my concep-
ton of OUT duty now. We have cherished
the policy of non-interference with the
affairs of foreign governments, wisely in
augurated by Washington, keeping our
selves free from ENHANCEMENT either as
allies or foes, content to leave undisturbed
with them the settlement of their own do
nestle concerns. It will be our aim to
pursue a firm and dignified foreign policy,
which shall be just, impartial, ever
watchful of our national honor and al
ways insisting upon the enforcement of
the lawful rights of American citizens
everywhere. Our diplomacy should seek
| nothing more and accept nothing less
than is due us. We want no wars of
conquest; we must avoid the temptation
of territorial aggression. War should
| never be entered upon until every agency
of peace has failed; peace is preferable to
war in almost every contingency. Arbi-
tration is the true method of settlement.
1t was recognized as the best means of
adjustment of differences between en-
ployers and employee by the Forty-ninth
congress and its application was extended
| to- our Diplomatic relations by the unani-
/ mouse concurrence Of the senate and
fshouse of the Fifty-f1rst congress. The
latter resolution was accepted as the basis
of negotiations with us by the British
house of commons in 1898, 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 re-
| suit of our own initiatives; since it has
been recognized as the leading feature Of
| our foreign policy throughout our entire
/ national histOry-the adjustment of diff
culties by judicial methods rather than by
i force of arms since it presents to
the world the glorious example Of reason
and peace, not passion and war, control
ling the relations between two of the
i greatest nations Of the world, an example
i certain to be followed by others, 7 1e-
i Spectfully urge the early action Of the
l senate thereon, not merely as a matter OF
1NY1f f1,rfry
The Importance and moral influence OF
| the ratification of such a treaty can hard
i " be Overestimated in the cause of adj
i vancing civilization. 1t may we'll engag &c
the best thought of the statesmen and
1 people of every country, and I cannot
served to the United States to have the
leadership in so grand a work It mas
been the uniform practice of each presi-
dent to avoid, as far as possible. the con.
vening of congress in extraordinary ses.
sion. 1t is an example which,, under or
binary circumstances and In the absence
of a public necessity, is to be commended
But a failure to convene the representa-.
tives Of the people in congress in extra
session when it involves neglect of a pub.
lie duty, places the responsibility Of such
neglect upon the executive himself.
Special Session.
The condition Of the public treasury
as has been indicated, demands the i'm
mediate consideration of congress. /,
alone has the power to provide revenues
for the government Not to convene il
Under such circumstances I can view il
IS no ether sense than the neglect of a pllir
duty. do not sympathize with the sen
tlment that congress in session is danger
q Gus to our general business il terests. 1t:
members are the agents of the people
q and their presence at the seat of govern
ment in the execution of the sovereign