Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1897-03-08

gage the best thought of the statesmen
and people of every country, and can
not but consider it fortunate that it was
reserved to the United States to have
the leadership in SO grand a work.
It has been the uniform practice of
each president to avoid, as far as pos
sible, the converting of congress in ex-
traordinary session. It is an example
which, under ordinary circumstances
and in the absence Of a public necessity,
is to be commended, but failure to
convene the representatives of the peo-
pie in congress in extra session when it
Involves neglect of a public duty, places
the responsibility of such neglect upon
the executive himself. The condition of
the public treasury, as has been indi-
Gated demands the Immediate consid-
GRAFTON of congress. 1t alone has the
power to provide revenues for the gov
eminent. Not to convene it under such
circumstances I can view in no other
sense than the neglect of plain duty
I do not sympathize with the sentiment
that congress in session is dangerous
II, our business interests. It's members
are the agents of the people, and their
presence at the seat of government iE
the execution of sovereign will. should
not operate as an injury. but benefit
There could be better time to put
the government upon a sound financial
and economic basis than now The peo-
pie 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 ac-
ton. 1t has always seemed to me that
the pOStpOnement of the meetings of
congress until more than year after
it has been chosen deprived congress too
often of the inspiration of the popular
will, and the country of the correspond
ing benefits It is evident, therefore,
that to postpone action in the presence
of so great necessity would be unwise
OH the part of the executive, because un-s
just to the interests of the people. Our
actions now will be freer from mere
partisan consideration than if the ques-
ton of tariff revision was postponed un-
til the regular session of congress. We
are nearly two years from a congress
sional election, and politics cannot so
greatly distract us as If such contest
was Immediately pending. We can ap-
proach the problem calmly and patriot
cally, without fearing it's effect upon an
early election. Our fellow-citizens who
may disagree with us upon the charac-
ter of this legislation, prefer to have the
question settled now, even against their
preconceived views-and perhaps set
tied so reasonably, as, I trust and believe
it will be, as to insure great permanence
than to have further uncertainty men
acing the varied business interests of the
United States. Again, whatever action
congress may take will be given a fair
opportunity for trial before the people
are called to pass judgment on it and
this I consider a great essential to the
rightful and lasting settlement of the
question. In view of these considera-
tions, I shall deem it my duty, as presi-
dent, to convene congress in extraordi-
nary session on Monday, the 18th day of
March, 1897.
In conclusion, I congratulate the
country upon the fraternal spirit of the
people and the manifestation of good
will everywhere so apparent. The recent
election not only most fortunately dem
onstrated the obliteration of sectional
or geographical lines, but to some ex-
tent also the prejudices which for years
have distracted our councils and marred
our true greatness as a nation. The
triumph of the people, whose verdict is
carried into effect today is not the tri-
urnph of one section, or wholly 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
policies; and in fact surely every lover
of the country can find cause for true
tivate this spirit, it is enobling and will
be both a gain and blessing to our be-
loved country. 1t will be my constant
aim to dc nothing and permit nothing to
be done that will arrest or disturb this
growing sentiment of unity and CO.
operation, this revival of esteem and
afiliation which now animates so many
thousands in both the old antagonistic
sections, but shall cheerfully do every
TO
it.
Let me again repeat the words of the
cath administered by the chief justice,
which, in their respective spheres, SO
far as applicable I would have all of
my countrymen Observes: ST E.ill faith
fully execute the office of president of
the United States, and WILL to the best
OF my ability, preserve, protect and de-
fend the constitution of the United
States
This is the obligation have reverently
taken before the Lord most high. To
rely on the forbearance and assistance
keep it will be my single purpose; my
constant prayer, and shall confidently
of all the people in the discharge Of my
solemn responsibilities.
Immediately after the close of his adj
dress President Mckinley and ex-Presi-
dent Cleveland re-entered their carriage |
and were driven to the White House, |
amid tumultuous cheers all along the |
route, President Mckinley this time oc-
cupying the seat of honor, to the right
The procession, REINFORCED by the |
numerous civic organizations which had |
been assembled on the capitol hill since
early this morning, reformed and
marched down the avenue and past the
White House, where they were reviewed |
by the president and his friends from O. !
special stand erected for that purpose in
front of the edifice. - ..-s.s-
William Mckinley then formally en-