New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-24
THE NAN FOR THE HOUR.

The admirable address Of President Mckin-
ley on the character OF Washington has elected
from thoughtful men Of both parties nearly
expressions Of thankfulness that the Executive
responsibility now rests on the shoulders or q
man so resembling the first Chief Magistrate
In many traits Ex-Presdent Harrison has just
borne testimony to the profound confidence
which President Mckinley has inspired by his
conduct thus far There is seen no posing for
effect no sensatonalism, no feverish haste 10
decide. lest those not charged with grave re-
sponsibillty should think him too slow. but also
no lack of care and thoroughness in prepare
ton. or Of decision and promptness In action
when the proper time has come 1t is with a
deep sense of relief that the country finds It's
gravest interests In the hands OF man or
singular calmness and self-command, not fur
red by most exciting events, able TO set the
country a grand example of patience, dellbera-
ton and scrupulous justice, and at the same
time preparing with singular energy for any
course which the occasion may require.
President Mckinley clearly realizes that the
way to preserve peace is 10 make ready for
war. If any event whatever compels the Ma
ton to repel attack or wrong, 1t seems that the
Executive will not be found unready. within
gressional failures. Congress also begins 10 act
rather than talk. and the passage Of the bill
to raise two artillery regiments for service in
coast Notifications Is an important though be
lated step. The men ought to be drilled al
ready. The Senate's increase Of appropriations
for defence should lead the House, not lacking
in patriotic vlgor and promptness Of action IN
many other cases, to revise It's course. with
something done, much remains to be done.
Less than q third Of the guns and their en-
placements asked for by the Board on Fortlf-
cations has yet been provided by Congress. The
first great 16-inch gun Is completed out OF
thIrty-two deemed necessary. Congress has ap-
propriated in all less than 100000 for com
pletion up to July Of twentyfour Pinch guns
out Of 200 required, elghty-two 10nch out of
$50 required, thirty-three S-inch out Of 100 re-
quircd, sixteen heavy rapld-fire out OF $50 re-
quired. and 232 12-inch morars out Of 1882
required. Unless Congress Is prepared to take
the responsibility of differing from the Board
as to requirements for National defence, the
work OF preparation should not be limited any
longer by want Of money.
One or two Senators have expressed doubt
whether more money should be spent for power
full battle-shps. The statement Of Captain Ma
han as to the necessity and safety of this arm
Of the Nations defence is worthy Of the high
est weight. But respecting all the details Of
preparation for National safety. it is only fair
TO say that Congress should be largely guided
by information obtained from the Executiv, De-
partments Much Of that information ought not
to be made public. But the country knows that
the Executive responsibility IS under the per
sonal charge Of President Mckinley. He is the
active and controlling head of the State and
Navy and every other Department, and the
country has in him such strong confidence that
1t will not fail to sustain Congress In authorlz-
ing the expenditures which he deliberately
pronounces necessary for public defence.
calm. cool man. swayed by no excitement or
passion and resolutely facing every emergency,
is man upon whose judgment Congress and
the country may safely rely.