The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-06
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THE INTELLIGENcER.
WHEELING, MARCH 0, 1sdo.


The historic Flfty-fifth Congress has
come to an end, having accomplished all
that 1t could accomplish under extraor-
binary circumstances. 1t is n pleasure
to note that, after Its remarkable career
as war Congress, during which 1t was
called to meetrare emergencies and set
tie momentous questions, and to legls-
late upon matters which brought on
bitter debates and widely different
views upon matters of policy, the clos
ing hours witnessed dramatic occa-
sion, in which politics were laid aside,
and a.patriotic demonstration such as
has rarely occurred in the capitol build
Ing was substituted. The Democratic
leader, Mr.. Bailey, of Texas, offered a
resolution paying graceful and elo-
quent tribute to Speaker Reed, who re-
sponded in n similar spirit, and the
scene, characterized by good feeling and
patriotic impulse. was unparalleled as
the gavel fell and the house adjourned
without delay. In the senate, the scene
was similar, though less demonstra-
tive.
Of the work of the Congress, 1t is we'll
known by the public, and the record
has already been reviewed. Aside from
war matters, the legislation has covered
wide field, and the record has main
tanned the confidence and increased the
/.
prosperity Of the country. The great
progress Of our country, the financial
credit our splendid balance in foreign
trade and our relations with the great
commercial countries Of the world. are
: largely-due to the fact that there was
no unfavorable legislation. The restor-
alton of our tariff policy which had
been reversed under the previous adj
.ministration. the relief in financial cir
Giles caused by Il cessation OF the agi-
tation for cheap money the support Of
the administration in the emergency
that arose before the war-the prompt
ness with which every demand was met,
the answering loyalty of the majority.
are all to the credit Of the Fifty-ffth
Congress. Currency reform was nee
essarily interfered with by continued
tendency for free silver in the senate,
but the result of the elections OF last
November so completely changed this
situation, that there Is little doubt that
the new Congress- will be able to ac-
complish what has been so long delayed
but which will be done In final re-
demption of the pledges OF the party.
There are responsibilities for the new
! Congress no less important than those OF
the one Just closed, aside from financial
Legislation. A problem Is to be solved
which affects the future policy OF the
country regarding the territory that has
come into the control of the United
States. BY the time the Congress
meets, the situation will be clearer and
more definite. Let us hope that wis
dom. conscience, humanity, patriotism
and the interests of American civilIza-
ton mny prevail, and that everything
shall be done in accord with American
professions. The Nation is growing
greater every year. greater Commercially,
industrially, in population and in!lu-
ence. 1t is time when the wlsest
craftsmanship combined with practical
business sense can accomplish great re-
suits.