San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-12-08
THE MESSAGE.

. 1 Ht Ills VIEWS DC-
fore the country. The working plans
! for the present session of congress are
laid down. The recommendations Of
the head of the government are plain,
practical, occupy no unnecessary
ground and cover the wants of the ma
ton. Inere is nothing radical in
them. The message is distinguished
for its utter absence of all padding,
and for us directness. AS to the man
ner in which his recommendations
shall be accepted or rejected by con-
gress, that does not figure. The pres
ident does not concern himself with
that matter He points out conditions,
and suggests the methods to be en-
| ployed in meeting them to the best ad
vantage, in so far as the wisdom of
his own Informed emind and trained
judgment upon public affairs guides
him to conclusions. 1t is not 80 much
the means to ends that he dwells up
on, as ends to be reached by means
that the wisdom of congress shall en-
ploy. This is clearly seen in his rec
concentrations as to the changes de-
sired in the issue and redemption of
the currency of the country. 1t is
not so much that he favors any partic-
ular plan, as that some plan is abso-
lutely needed by which the country
will be saved the present ruinous
charges to maintain the reserves of
the treasury. The equities of the stu
alton are fairly stated, and the wis
dom of providing by legislation
against the eveils of a system hat re-
deems a non paying interest debt by
an interest paying obligation, is
squarely challenged. The details of
the plan Congress and the financiers
can carry out, but the need of rem
edy is so plainly stated that there is |
no fair means of questioning it, There |
is in all this nothing but the warmest |
acceptance of the money of the coun- |
try as it is at present, the only change |
being in the issue and redemption |
thereof The national banking sys-
tenn is let alone, save by the recon-
mendation that would more equitably |
increase their circulation and permit |
the benefits of the system to be ex-
tended to the smaller towns, by de-
creasing the amount of capital neces-
sary to establish a national bank.
This is wise and practical sugges-
ton.
All the recommendations and state
mentS as to revenue and tariff and do
nestle trade are in line with his own
course in congress during all those
years in which he was the leader of
the tariff reform forces of the govern
ment, as administered by the Repub-
lican party. Protection as to our
home industries and reciprocity as the
means of favorably extending our
trade relations with others, are in the
message as they have been in all the
speeches and papers of Mr.. McKin-
ley. accepted as the only American
policy.
As to the foreign relations of the
United States the message is distinct
ly American, plainly conciliatory,
frank and open. There Is no special
plea in it for anything that the coun-
try may be inclined to do. 1t accepts
the annexation of Hawaii as demand
ed by the logic of events and condi-
tons and in accord with all the ira
ditions of the past. ut is our duty
to do it and we will'' is in effect what
the president says. Cuba is treated
in just the manner that every express
sion from the White House has led
the country to expect. There is moth
ing in 1t. but to let Cuba and Spain
alone little longer and see the out
come of lie new policy. The complf-
cations that will arise from not doing
so are set forth in plain language, and
there the matter rests.
There is a tone of strength born of
confidence in the resources of the ma
ton and faith in the wisdom of the
people that is observable all through
the message, and is one of its charac-
teristics. 1t is a plain message. II |
is wise message. 1t is an honest |
message. 1t is a peaceable message.
1t is an American message. Along the
lines indicated in it the country will |
advance prosperoucsly.