The Topeka state journal., 1897-03-04

served to the United States to have the
leadership in so grand work:
1t has been the uniform practice of each
president to avoid as far as possible the
convening of congress in extraordinary
ordinary circumstances and in the abb
sence of a public necessity, is to be con-
representatives of the people in extra ses-
sion when it involves neglect of a pub
lie duty, places the responsibility of such
neglect upon the executive himself.
The condition of the public treasury, as
has been indicated, demands the immed-
late consideration of congress 1t alone
has the power to provide revenues for the
government. Not to convene it under
such circumstances, can view in no 9TH
er sense than the neglect of plain duty.
I do not sympathize with the sentiment
that congress in session is dangerous to
our general business interests It's mem
bers are the agents of the people and
their presence at the seat of government
in the execution of the sovereign viii
should not operate S injury but ben
eft. There could be not better time to put
the government upon a sound financial and
economical basis than now. The people
have only recently voted that this should
be done, and nothing is more binding upon
the agents of their will than the obliga>
ton of immediate action. 1t has always
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 the
corresponding benefits.
1t is evident, therefore, that to post
pone action in the presence of so great a
necessity would be unwise the part of
the executive because unjust to the inter-
est of the people. Our actions now will be
freer from mere partisan consideration
than if the question of tariff revision was
postponed until the regular session of con-
greSS. We are nearly two years from
congressional election and politics can
not so greatly distract us as if such con-
test was Immediately pending. We can
approach the problem calmly and pat
riotically without fearing it's effect upon
an early election. Our fellow citizens who
may disagree with US upon the character
of this legislation. prefer to have the
settled their
preconceived views-and perhaps settled
SO reasonably as trust. and believe it
will be, as to insure great permanence-
than to have further uncertainty menacing g
the vast and varied business interests of
Again. whatever action congress may
take will be given fair opportunity for
judgment upon it and this I consider a
great essential to the rightful and last
these considerations / shall deem it my
duty as president, to convene congress in
extraordinary session on Monday, the fif-
teenth day of March, 1897.
In conclusion. 1 congratulate the coun>
try upon the fraternal spirit of the peo-
pie and the manifestation of good will
everywhere SO apparent. The recent cleo
ton not only most fortunately demon
strated the obliteration of sectional or
geographical lines. but to some extent
also tho prejudices which for years have
distracted our councils and marred our
true greatness as nation. The triumph
of the people, whose verdict is carried in
to effect today is not the triumph of one
section, nor wholly of one party, but of
all sections and ali people.
The north and south are no longer di-
vided on old lines. but upon principles and
policies; and in this fact surely every low
er of the country can find cause for true
felicitation. Let US rejoice in and culti>
vate this spirit; it is ennobling and is
both a gain and blessing to our beloved
country. 1t will be my constant aim to
do nothing and permit nothing to be done
that will arrest or disturb this growing
sentiment of unity and cooperation, this
revival of esteem and affiliation which
now animates so many thousands in both
the old and antagoniStic sections, but
shall cheerfully do everything possible to
promote and increase it.
Let me again repeat words of the oath
administered by the chief justice, which,
in their respective spheres, so far as ap-
plicable l would have all countrymen OBJ
serve: Il will faithfully execute the office
of president of the United States and
will to the best of my ability preserve,
protect and defend the constitution of the
United States.
This is the obligation I have recently
taken before the Lord most high. To
keep it will be my single purpose; my con-
slant prayer-and 1 shall confidently rely
upon the forbearance and assistance of
all the people in the discharge of my SOL
emn responsibilities.