The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-03-11

I
temptation OF territorial aggression. Wal
should never b entered upon until every
agency OF peace has failed; peace IL preferable
to war In almost every contingency. Arbitra'
ton is tho true method of settlement OF inter.
national ss we'll ~ local or individual differ.
ence. It was recognized ~ the best means Of
adj astment of differences between employers
and employees by the 49th Congress, in 1886
and its application was extended to our diplo.
matte relations by the unanimous concurrence
Of the Senate and House of tho 51st Congress
in 1890. The latter resolution was accepted q
the basis Of negotiations with rs BY the British
House OF Commons in 1893, and upon our In.
vitation . 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 result of our own ini.
tiative; since it has been recognized as the
leading feature of our foreign policy through.
ont our entire national history-the adjustment
ofdifficultiesby judicial methods rather than by
force of arms-and since it presents to the
| world the glorious example of reason and
peace. not passion and war, controlling the re.
| lations between two of the greatest Nations OF
| the world, an example certain to be followed
!. by others, / respectfully urge the early action
of the Senate thereon, not merely as matter
of policy, but as q duty to mankind. The i'm.
| portance and moral influence of the ratifica.
ton of such treaty can hardly be over
| mated in the cause of advancing civilization.
1t may well engage the best thought Of the
| statesmen and people of every country, and
cannot but consider it fortunate that it was
| reserved to the United States to have the
leadership in SO grand work.
EXTRA SESSION OF CONGRESS.
It has been the uniform practice of each
President to avoid, as far as possible, the con-
vening of Congress in extraordinary session.
IA IL.
cumstances and in the absence of public ne.
cessity, is to be commended. But failure to
convene the representatives Of the people in
Congress in extra session when it involves neg.
lect of public duty, places the responsibility
of such neglect upon the Executive himself.
The condition of the public Treasury, as has
been indicated, demands the immediate con-
sideration of Congress-. 1t alone has the power
to provide revenues for the Government. Not
to convene it under such circumstances, can
view in no other sense than the neglect OF
plain duty. do not sympathize with the sem
timent that Congress in session is dangerous to
our general business interests. Its members
are the agents of the people, and their presence
at the seat of Government in the execution of
the sovereign will, should not operate as an in
jury, but benefit. There could be no better
time to put the Government upon sound
financial and economic basis than now. The
people have only recently voted that this
should be done, and nothing is moro binding
upon the agents of their will than the obliga-
tion of immediate action. 1t has always seemed
to me that the postponement of the meeting of
Congress until more than year after it has
been chosen deprived Congress too often of the
inspiration of the popular will, and the country
of the corresponding benefits. 1t is evident,
therefore. that to postpone action In the pres
ence of SO great necessity would be unwise on
the part Of the Executive, because unjust to
the Interests of the people. Our actions now
will be freer from mere partisan consideration
than if the question of tariff revision was post
poned until the regular session Of Congress.
We are nearly two years from Congressional
election and politics cannot SO greatly distract
US rs if such contest was Immediately pending.
We can approach the problem calmly and pat
ri0tically without fearing its effect upon All
early election. Our fellOw-citzens who may
disagree with US upon the character of this
legislation prefer to have the question settled
now, even against their preconceved views
and perhaps settled 80 reasonably, as trust
and believe it will be, as to insure great per-
manence-fhan to have further uncertainty
menacing the vast and varied business inter-
ests of the United States. Again. whatever
action Congress may take will be given fair
opportunity for trial before the people are
called to pass judgment upon it, and this /
consider great essential to the rightful and |
lasting sentiment of the question. In view Of
these considerations. / shall doom it my duty |
as President to convene Congress in extraor-
binary session on Monday, the 18th day of
March. 1897 -