The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-07
HIS VIEWS YELLED
VAGUENESS OF THE PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE THE SUBJECT OF
COMMENT.
A VARIETY OF OPINIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SEN
ATE SAY WHAT THEY
THINK.
REPUBLICANS NOT ALL PLEASED,
Though Senator Davis and Others
Commend His consistency" on
the Cuban Question.
Special to the Globe,

Special to the Globe.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec 6.-The
senators and the representatives who
have been seen this afternoon and even
ing have been more respectful and
considerate in their expressions of opin-
ion concerning the presidents mes
sage than is customary. Throughout
them all there runs a vein Of COM
mendable personal regard for the chief
executive who is now living under the
shadow of a great sorrow Therefore,
there have been few expressions of ex-
IRENE partisan criticism, such as usual
Iy emanate from virile statesmen on
these occasions. But, sympathy aside,
there seems to be general belief that
the president has manifested wisdom
and patriotism, particularly in his
treatment of our foreign relations. His
quotation of the views Of President
Grant on the Cuban situation tends
greatly to strengthen him with the
statesmen. The Grant message was Of
q high order of merit as a document Of
international affairs. 1t is peculiarly
appropriate on the present occasion.
President McKinley's attitude strength
ems the stand which was taken by
Grant for consistency in management
of foreign relations.
Senator Davis, of Minnesota, chair
man Of the committee on foreign re-
1ations, who is a great authority on in
ternationa1 law says: while there
might be some objection to the conclu-
sion Of the president in matters of de-
tail Of argument, he has manifested a
consistency which is admirable. Mon
arches always maintain consistency in
such affairs, republics often vacillate.
This republic is staunch and subStan-
tial fabric. Therefore, we must main
tain consistency; and that has been
done by the president on this occa-
sion. 1 have no other views to express
at this time"
Congressman Hit, of Illinois, chair
man Of the house committee on foreign
affairs, speaks in the same mood: zone
of the most important things for this
country to learn and maintain is
serious and dignified understanding
and practice of international law and
equity. The people may become in
famed by stories which are largely
manufactured for political purposes.
The government must always be
strong enough to restrain the people
and give them honest and patriotic
edge of details, such as the people can
not at all times have. First, the people
must have confidence in their public
servants. Next, our presidents and
other officers must be free from politi-
cal influences in dealing with foreign
affairs. Our people have confidence in
President Mckinley and they will trust
his judgment and patriotism. His
message manifests wisdom, patriotism
and conservatism of diplomacy in the
highest degree. The gentlemen quoted
are the highest authorities of both
branches of the congress. Their views
are worth the expressions of scores of
men in public or private life who do not
know all of the facts and incidents
leading up to their conclusions.
Smith D. Fry.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-Democratic
senators were generally averse to ex-
pressing any opinion upon the presi-
dents message. Senator Roach was an
exception to the rule in this class.
He called especial attention to the |
presidents declaration that the gov
eminent is pledged to maintain gold
redemption. That" he said. sis a
mere assumption. We have not a sin
gle obligation which is not explicitly
redeemabIe in coin, the word gold
being mentioned in none of them"
Senator White Dem, CALI and
member of the finance committee, was
disposed to take the message ocular
ly. He said: "The message is very
elaborate, though it's conclusions are
somewhat yelled. 1 regret that 1 can
not agree with the presidents Ha-
waiian notions, and he has failed to
inform us what we ought to do con-
corning Secretary Cages great cur
rency reform plan. I am glad to OBJ |
serve that he adopts the views 1 have
frequently urged regarding Cuba and
legislative jurisdiction upon the sub
iect of belligerency."
Views by Republican senators were
expressed as follows:
Senator AIIison-I do not take the
despairing view concerning our cur
rency which the president presents. |
While there are some improvements |
which I should like to see made, I |
think we shall be able to get along, if |
we do not get any currency legisla-
ton, and, as the situation presents |
itself now, it looks as though it might |
be practicable to secure legislation on |
the lines of the presidents recommen- |
datiOn. The recommendations in re-
gard to Cuba are humane and consid- |
crate.
HALE PLEASED.
Senator HaIe-The recommendation
in regard to Cuba is in all respects
admirable and one with which l am
much pleased. On the subject of the
finances the president does not press
Nor immediate action, and, as for my
self, 1 do not believe such would be
possible under the circumstances.
{ Senator Hoar-It struck me as a
wise, compact and carefully consid-
cred document
Senator Foraker-AS a whole, the
message is an able document, but
do not agree with the presidents con-
clusions on the subject of internation-
al law as applied to Cuba. The presi-
dents dealing with the currency ques-
ton is suggestive, but I have not been
able to give sufficient attention to it
to justify me in expressing an opinion
upon it.
Senator Chandler. am especially