Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1897-03-12


It has been the uniform practice of each
president to avoid as far as possible the con-
vening of congress in extraordinary session. IL
Is an example which, under ordinary olrcum-
stances and in the absence Of a public neces-
5ity, is to be commended, but failure to CON
vene the representatives Of the people in con-
gress in extra session when it involves neglect
If public duty places the responsibility Of
Tuoh neglect upon the executive himself The
condition Of the public treasury, as has been
Indicated, demands the immediate considera.
tion Of congress- 1t alone has the power to
provide revenues for the government. Not to
convene IL under such circumstances / can
view in no other sense than the neglect of a
plain duty. do not sympathize with the SEN
timent that congress in session Is dangerous TO
our business interests. It's members are the
agents of the people, and their presence at the
seat Of government in the execution Of SOW
ereiRn will should not operate as an injury,
but as a benefit.
There could be no better time TO put the gov
ernment upon a sound financial and economic
basis than now. The people have only recent
ly voted that this should be done, and nothing
is more binding upon the agents of their will
than the obligation Of immediate action. 1t
has always seemed to me that the postpone
ment of the meetings Of congress until more
than year after IL has beon chosen deprived
congress too often of the inspiration of the
popular will, and the country OF the corre-
bpOnulnR De1eutS. III Is tNlQonb bneTNIOfe, bnAb
to postpone action in the presence of SO great
n 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 IL the ques-
tion of tariff revision was postponed until the
regular session of congress. We are nearly two
years from a congressional election, and poll
tics cannot so greatly distract us If such
contest was Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and periodically,
without fearing its effect upon an early cleo
tion. Our fellow citizens who may disagree
with us upon the character of this legislation
prefer TO have the question settled now, even
against their preoonoeived views, and perhaps
settled 80 reasonably. as l trust and believe it
will be, as TO insure great permanence-than
TO have further uncertainty menacing the va
ried business interests Of the United States.
Again, whatever action congress may take
will be given a fair opportunity for trial be-
fore the people are called to pass Judgment on
IL, and this | consider q great Essential to the
riRhtful and lasting settlement of the question.
In view of these considerations, shall deem it
my duty as president to convene congress in
extraordinary session on Monday. the 18th day
of March, 1897.
After a few congratulatory words the
president said In conclusion:
Let me again repeat the words of the oath
administered by the chief justice, which, In
their respective spheres, so far as applicable.
/ would have all my oountrymen observe:
81 win faithfully execute the office Of presi-
dent 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 / have reverently taken before the
Lord most high To keep it will be my single
purpose, my constant prayer, and shall CON
fidently rely upon the forbearance and assist
ance Of all the people In the discharge Of my
solemn responsibilities