Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-03-11

OOWeStlC CouCeIu6. IL Will De our aim 20
pursue firm and dignided foreign policy,
which shall be just, impartial, ever watch
full of OUT national honor and always in
sisting upon the enforcement of the lawful
rights Of American citizens everywhere.
Our diplomacy should seek nothing more
and accept nothing less; we must avoid
the temptation of territorial aggression.
War should never be entered upon until
every agency Of peace has failed; peace
is preferable to war in almost every con-
tingency.
Arbitration is the true method of set
Element of International as we'll as local
or individual difference. 1t was recog-
nized as the best means of adjustment Of
differences between employers and en-
ployes by the Forty-ninth Congress, in
1888, and its application was extended to
our diplomatic relations by the unanimous
concurrence Of the Senate and House of
the Fifty-first Congress. in 1890. The
latter resolution was accepted as the basis
of negotiations with US by the British
House Of Commons, in 1893, and upon our
invitation treaty of arbitration between
the United States and Great Britain was
signed at Washington and transmitted
to the Senate for its ratification, in jan
uary last. Since this treaty is clearly the
result of our own initiative; since it has
been recognized as the leading feature of
our foreign policy throughout our entire
national history-the adjustment Of diff
culties by judicial-thods 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 relations 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 there
on, not merely as a matter of policy, but
as duty to mankind.
The Importance and moral influence OF
the ratification Of such treaty can hard
" be overestimated in the cause of ad-
vancing civilization. It may well engage
the best thought of the statesmen and
people Of every country, and l cannot
but consider it fortunate that it was re-
served to the United States to have the
leadership in so grand work.
Extra Session of Congress.
1t has been the uniform practice of each
President to avoid, so far as possible, the
converting of Congress in extraordinary
session. 1t is an example which, under
ordinary circumstances and in the alb
sence of public necessity, is to be COM
mended. But failure to convene the
representatives of the people in Congress
In extra session when it involves neglect
of public duty places the responsibility
of such neglect upon the executive him
self. The condition Of the public treas
ury, as has been indicated, demands the
immediate consideration of Congress. It
alone has the power to provide revenues
for the Government. Not to convene It
under such circumstances I can view in
no other sense than the neglect of plain
duty.
do not sympathize with the sentiment
that Congress in session is dangerous to
our general business interests. Its men,
bers 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 injury, but ben
eft. There could be no better time to
put the Government upon a sound inan-
cial and economic basis than now. The
people have only recently voted that this
should be done, and nothing is more bind
ing upon the agents Of their will than the
obligation of immediate action.
1t has always seemed to me that the
until more than year after it has been
chosen deprives Congress too often of the
inspiration of the popular will and tho
country of the corresponding benefits. 1t
is evident, therefore, that to postpone ac-
ton in the presence of SO great a neces-
sity would be unwise on the part of the
executive because unjust to the interests
of the people. Our actions now will be
rfic 10
than If the question of tariff revision was
postponed until the regular session of
Congress. We are nearly two years from
congressional election, and politics can
not so greatly distract us as if such con-
approach the problem calmly and patri-
otically, without fearing its effect upon an
early election. Our fellow citizens who
may disagree with US upon the character
of this legislation prefer to have the ques-
ton settled now, even against their pre-
conceived views-and perhaps settled 20
reasonably, as l trust and believe it will
be, as to insure great permanence-than
to have further uncertainty menacing the
vast and varied business interests Of the
Congress may take will be given a fair
opportunity AOE lIlAl OCAOAC NAC pCCpIC 0AC
called to pass judgment upon it, and this
consider a great essential to the rightful
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 Mon
day, the 18th day of March, 1897.
Triumph of the Whole People.
In conclusion, congratulate the coun-
try upon the fraternal spirit Of the people
and the manifestation Of good will every
where SO apparent. The recent election
not only most fortunately demonstrated
the obliteration of sectional or geograph-
ical lines, but to some extent also the
prejudices which for years have distract
ed our councils and marred our true
greatness as a nation. The triumph Of
the people, whose verdict is carried into
effect to-day, is not the triumph of one
section, nor wholly of one party, but Of
all sections and all the people. The North
and South no longer divide on the
old lines, but upon principles and politics;
and in this fact surely every lover Of the
country can find cause for true felicia
ton I.o< NC rain;no ;n M o,,l%;xo %h:u