Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-05-05
TRUE CRAFTSMANSHIP.
The American People Have IA Presi-
dent of whom They May
Well lie Proud.

The president of the United States
does not represent nor exercise the full
power of the government of the United
States. Yet this opinion is entertained
by many persons who should know bet
ter, and the president is sharply criti-
cised because he has not plunged the
country into war.
Even if he possessed the power to de-
clare war, which he does not, he might
well hesitate to take that step. War
always is terrible, but with modern en-
gincs it is appalling. Who can predict
what would follow an encounter be-
tween the cruisers New York and Viz
caya? How many of the crew of either
would survive? Would either ship sur
vive the battle? In such war as will be
conducted hereafter, for what will indi-
vidual valor count? Merciless engines
deXterously and promptly operated will
decide fights and the fate of nations.
Therefore, even though Mr.. Mcliin-
ley possessed the power to declare war,
he might well hesitate before taking
the final step. But he does not possess
that power, and in calling upon con-
gress to act he brings the country tC a
realizing sense Of the fact that the eX-
ecutive is but coordinate branch of the
government.
The cncroachment of the executive
upon the Legislative branch of the gov
crnment constantly practiced during
the administration of Grover Cleveland
caused a large portion Of the American
people to lose sight of the constitution
al prerogatives of the Legislative
branch, which in some respects are So
pericr and greater than those Of the eX.
ecutive. Mr.. Cleveland derided that
branch and sought in many ways to
bring it into disrepute. Mr.. Mckinley,
a trained and experienced statesman,
who has studied the constitution of his
country with care and intelligence, de-
fers to the Legislative branch of the gov
ernment.
He has written message which will
be read with admiration and approval
by all generations to come that uphold
and support republican institutions.
lie has brought the country back to
its moorings. He moyes in accordance
with the constitution he has sworn to
which may be criticised to-day by
many who have been led astray by the
usurpations of a democratic executive,
or by emotional impulse to plunge into
war, regardless cf what may follow. but
that same document will be regarded
hereafter as Cne of the wisest of Amer
lean state papers.
The American people have an eXecu-
tive of whom they should be proud.
This is recognized by his political OPP
poncnts. even if it cannot be seen by all
who once called themselves his friends.
Some one is reported to have said to
Richard Croker the other day that "un-
less Mckinley does so and so he will
lose the support of the republican par
ty." Thereupon Mr.. Croker replied that
the republican party cannot make any
issue with Mckinley. for he is to-day
really stronger than his party. and he
so thoroughly represents the American
people that if he were deserted by his
party he could be elected as a candi-
date standing upon the issue which he
now represents.
This embodies sound Judgment. as
events will provc.-Albanv Journal.