New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-05

must we be unmindful of the need OF improve
ment among our own citizens. but with the zeal
OF our forefathers encourage the spread OF know-
edge and free institutions. Illiteracy must be
banished from the land II we shall attain that
high destiny as the foremost OF the enlightened
nations OF the world. which. under Providence.
we ought TO achieve.
GENUINE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Reforms in the Civil Service must go on. But
the changes should be real and genuine. not per-
functory or prompted by zeal In behalf Of any
| party simply because it happens to be In power.
| AS a member Of Congress / voted and spoke In
| favor Of the present law and shall attempt
its enforcement in the spirit in which II was en-
| acted. The purpose in view was to secure the
most efficient service Of the best men who would
| accept appointment under the Government, re-
| tanning faithful and devoted public servants In
| Office but shielding none under the authority OF
| any rule or custom, who are inefficient, incom-
| pe,ent unworthy. The best interests OF the
country demand this. and the people heartily
approve the law wherever and whenever 1t has
been thus administered.
RESTORATION OF THE MERCHANT MARINE.
Congress should give prompt attention to the
restoration of our American merchant marine,
highways Of commerce To my mind, few more
important subjects mperatively demand Its
intelligent consideration. The United States has
progressed with marvellous rapidly In every
field Of enterprise and endeavor until we have
become foremost in nearly all the great lines OF
inland trade. commerce and industry. Yet while
this Is true. our American merchant marine has
been steadily declining until 1t is now lower both
In tho percentage Of tonnage and the number OK
vessels employed, than II prior TO the civil
War.
Commendable progress has been made Of late
years in the upbuilding of the American Navy
but we must supplement those efforts by provid-
ing as proper cOnsort for II a merchant marine
amply sufficient for own carrying trade TO
foreign countries. The question is one that ap-
peals both to business necessities and the
patriotic aspirations Of grea; people.
1t has been the policy OF the United States since
the foundation Of the Government to cultivate
relations Of peace and amty with all the nations
Of the world. and this accords with my concep-
ton Of our duty now. We have cherished the
policy of non-interference with the affairs Of
foreign Governments. wisely inaugurated by
Washington, keeping ourselves free from en-
tanglement either as allies foes, content to
leave undisturbed with them the settlement OF
their own domestic concerns. 1t will be our aim
TO pursue a Arm and dignifed foreign policy.
which shall be just. impartial. ever watohful OF
our National honor and always insisting upon the
enforcement Of the lawful rights of American
citizens everywhere
THE ARBITRATION TREATY FAVORED.
We want no wars Of conquest: 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 contingency. Arbitration Is the
true method Of settlement Of international as
we'll as local or individual differences 1t was
recognized the best means OF adjustment OF
differences between employers and employees by
the XLIXth Congress in 1856 and It's applica-
ton was extended to our diplomatic relations by
the unanimous concurrence OF the Senate ana
House Of the List Congress in 1890. The latter
resolution was accepted as the basis of negotia
lions with us by the British House Of Commons
In 1903 and upon our invitation a treaty of arbi-
tration between the United States and Great
Britain was signed at Washington and trans
mitted to the Senate for its ratification in Janu-
airy last.
Since this treaty is clearly the result OF our
own Initiative since 1t has been recognized as
the leading feature OF our foreign policy
throughout our entire National hstory-the ad-
rather than force Of srms-and since it presents
TO the world tho glorious example OF reason and
peace, not passion and war. controlling the re-
latiors between two OF the greatest nations OF
the world. all example certain to be followed by
others I respectfully urge the early action OF
the Senate thereon. merely a matter Of
policy but as a duty to mankind. The mpor-
lance and moral influence Of the ratification OF
such a treaty can hardly be overestimated 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.
AN EXTRA SESSION NEEDED.
1t has been the uniform practice Of each Presi-
dent to avoid. as fer possible. the converting
of Congress in extraordinary session. 1t is an
example which, under ordinary circumstances
and in the absence Of public necessity, is to be
commended. But failure to convene the repre-
sentatves Of the people in Congress in extra
session when 1t involves neglect OF public
duty places the responsibility OF such neglect
! upon the Executive himself. The condition Of
the public Treasury. as has been indicated, de-
mands the immediate consideration Of Congress.
| 1t alone has the power to provide revenue for
! the Government Not to convene 1t under such
circumstances. can view In other
than the neglect Of plain duty.
do not sympathize with the sentiment that
Congress in session Is dangerous to our general
business interests It's 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 injury, but
benefit There could be no better time to put
the Government upon a sound financial and
economic basis than now. The people have only
recently 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
postponement OF the meeting Of Congress until
/ a aft m heen oh do