The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1897-07-29
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The President sent the following
message to Congress last Saturday
To the Congress of the United States
In my message convenlng the con-
gress in extraordinary session called
attention to a single subject-that--et
providing revenue adequate to meet
the reasonable and proper expenses OF
the government. / believed that to be
the most pressing subject for settle
ment then. A bill to provide tie
necessary revenues for the government
has already passed the house OF repre-
sentatives and the senate and awaits
executive action.
Another question OF very great i'm
portance is that of the establishment OF
our currency and banking business on
better basis, which commented up
on in my inaugural address in the fol-
lowing words:
e'Our financial system needs some
revision our money is all good now,
but its value must not further be
threatened. It should all be put upon
an enduring basis, not subject to easy
attack, nor Its stability to doubt or dis
pute. The several forms of our paper
money offer, In my judgment, con-
slant embarrassment to the government
and imperil safe balance in the Treas
ury."
Nothing was settled more clearly at
the late national election than the
determination upon the part OF the
people to keep their currency stable in
value and equal to that of the most
adj vanced nations of the world.
The soundness of our currency is no.
where questioned. No loss can occur
to its holders. It is the system which
should be simplifed and strengthened,
keeping our money just as good now,
with less expense to the government
and the people.
The sentiment of the country is
strongly in favor OF early action by
congress in this direction, to revise our
currency laws and remove them from
partisan contention. A notable assem-
bly, of business men, with delegates
from twenty-nine states and territories,
was held in Indianapolis in January Of
this year. The financial situation com
manded their earnest attention, and
after two days. session the convention
recommended to congress the appoint
ment of monetary commission.
I commend this report to the con
sideration of congress. The authors o.
the report recommended commission
"to make a thorough investigation O
the monetary affairs and needs of this
country in all relations and aspects
and to mako proper suggestions as te
any evils found to exist and the RENE
l
dies therefor"
This subject should receive the atten
ton of congress at it's special session
It ought not to be postponed until tht
regular session. I, therefore, urgently
recommend that special commission
be created, non-partisan in its character
to be composed of well-informed citl
zens OF different parties, who will com
mand the confidence of congress ant
the country because of their specla
fitness for the work, whose duty it sbal
be to make recommendations OF what
ever character changes in our presen
banking and currency laws may b.
found necessary or expedient, and t.
report their conclusion on or before til.
first day of November next, in orde
that the same may be transmitted b.
me to congress for its consideration a
its first regular session.
It is to be hoped that the report thu
made will be SO comprehensive ane
sound as to receive the support of al
parties and the favorable action of con
gress. At all events, such a repor
cannot fail to be of value to the execu
tive branch OF the government, as vel
as to those charged with public legisla
ton, and to greatly assist in the estab
lishment of an improved system O
finance. WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
Executive mansion, July, 1897.