Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-03-13

work.
1t has been the uniform practice of
each President to avoid, as far as pos
sible, the converting Of Congress in
extraordinary session. 1t is an ex-
ample. which. under ordinary circum-
stances, and in the absence ofa public
necessity, is to be commended.
But failure to convene the repre-
sentatives OF the people in Congressin
extra session when it involves neglect
of public duty places the response
bility of such neglect upon the Execu-
tive himself.
The condition ofthe public Treasury,
as has been indicated, demands the
immediate consideration of Congress.
1t alone has the power to provide
revenues for the Government. Not to
convene it under such circumstances !
can view in no other sense than the
neglect of plain duty.
do not sympathize with the senti-
ment that Congress in session is dan
gerous to our general business inter
ests. 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 sound imam
cial 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 i'm
mediate action.
1t has always seemed to me that the
postponement of the meeting of Con-
gress until more than a year after it
has been chosen deprived Congress too
often of the inspiration OF the popular
will, and the country of the CORE
SpOnulny DeHentS.
1t is evident, therefore, that to post
pone action in the presence of so great
a 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 considerations than il
1.-THE question of tariff revision was
postponed until the regular session of
Congress. We are nearly two years
from a Congressional election, and
politics cannot so greatly distract us
as if such contest was Immediately
pending. We can approach the prob
lem calmly and periodically without
fearing its effect upon an early cleo
ton.
Our fellow-citizens who may disa-
gree with us upon the character of this
legislation prefer to have the question
settled nov, seven against their pre-
conceived views, and perhaps settled
so reasonably-and trust and believe
it will be-as to insure greater per-
manence than to have further nncer-
tainty menacing the vast and varied
business interests of the United States.
Again, whatever action Congress
may take will be given a fair oppor-
tunity for trial before the people are
called to pass Judgment upon it; and
this consider great essential to the
rightful and lasting settlement of the
question.
In view of these considerations, l
shall deem it my duty as President to
convene Congress in extraordinary
session on Monday, the 18th day of
March.
In conclusion, / congratulate the
country upon the fraternal spirit of
the people and the manifestations OF
goodwill everywhere so apparent.
The recent election not only most
fortunately demonstrated the oblitera-
ton of sectional or geographical lines,
but to some extent also the prejudices
which for years have distracted our
councils and marred our true great
ness as a nation.
The triumph Of the people, whose
verdicts is carried into effect today,
is not the triumph of one section, nor
wholly of one pa rty. but of all Sec
tons and all the people.
The North and the South no longer
divide on the old lines, but upon prin-
ciples and policies; and in this fact
surely every lover of the country can
find cause tor true felicitation. Let us
rejoice in and cultivate this spirit; it
is ennobling, and will be both a gain
and blessing to our beloved country.
1t will be my constant aim to do
nothing, and permit nothing to be done,
that will arrest or disturb this grow
ing sentiment of unity and co-opera-
ton, this revival Of esteem and afhl-
iation which now animates so many
thousands in both the old antagonistic
sections, but | shall cheerfully do
everything possible to promote and