The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-12-13

means are those which are the most
certain and economical. Those now
authorized have the virtue neither OF
directness nor economy. We have al
ready eliminated one Of the causes OF
our financial plight and embarrass-
ment during the years 1898, 1894, 1895
and 1895. Our receipts now equal our
expenditures; deficient revenues no
longer create alarm. Let US remove
the only remaining cause by comforting
the full and necessary power on the
Secretary Of the Treasury and impose
upon him the duty to uphold the pres
ent gold standard and preserve the coins
Of the two metals on a parity with each
other, which is the repeatedly declared
policy of the United States.
In this connection repeat my for
mer recommendation that a por-
ton of the gold holdings shall be
placed in a trust fund from which
greenbaeks shall be redeemed upon
presentation, but when once redeemed
shall not thereafter be paid out except
for gold.
THE TRUSTS.
The message discusses the need Of en-
eouraging the growth Of our merchant
marine, and recommends government
aid, but no particular method Is indica-
ted. Tue subject OF trusts is then taken
up, aud quotations are made from mes
sages by President Harrison and Presi-
dent Cleveland. The existing laws
against trusts are summarized, aud the
President says: The prosecution by the
United States OF offenses under the act
OF 1890 has been frequently resorted to
in the federal courts, and notable efforts
in the restraint Of Interstate commerce,
such as the Trans Missouri Freight As
sociation and the Joint Traffic Associa.
tion, have been successfully opposed
and suppressed.
1t is universally conceded that COM
binations which engross or control the
market of any particular kind Of mer-
chandise or commodity necessary TO
the general community, by suppressing
natural and ordinary competition,
whereby prices are unduly enhanced to
the general consumer, are obnoxious
not only to the common law, but also
to the public welfare.
There must be q remedy for the evils
involved in such organizations. If the
present law can be extended more GER
tainly to control or check these monop-
olies or trusts, it should be done with
out delay. Whatever power the Con-
gress Possesses over this most import
ant subject should be promptly ascer-
tanned and asserted.
The whole question is so important
and fsr-reaching that am sure no part
OF it will be lightly considered, but ev-
cry phase of it will have the studied de-
liberation OF the Congress, resulting in
wise and judicious action.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The message then proceeds to give
review Of our relations with foreign
states.
An appropriation for a commission
to study the commercial and industrial
conditions in the Chinese empire is ear
nestly recommended.
THE CUBAN PROBLEM.
The withdrawal Of the authority Of
Spain from the island Of Cuba was ef-
fected by the first Of January, so that
the full re-establishment OF peace found
the relinquished territory held by US in
trust for the inhabitants, maintaining,
under the direction Of the executive,
such government and control therein IS
should conserve public order, restore
the productive conditions Of peace, 50
long disturbed by the instability and
dishOnor which prevailed for the great
er part Of the three preceding decades,
and build up that tranquil development
Of the domestic state whereby alone
can be realized the high purpose, as
proclaimed in the. joint resolution
adopted by the Congress on the 10th
of April, 1895. by which the United
States disclaimed any disposition or in
tention to exercise sovereignty, juris-
diction or control over Cuba, except for
the paeificatiOn thereof, and asserted its
determination when that was accom-
plished TO leave the government and
control Of the island to its people. The
pledge contained in this resolution is OF
the highest honorable obligation, and
must be sacredly kept.
/ believe that substantial progress has
been made in this direction. All the
administrative measures adopted in
Cuba have aimed t. fit il for regener-
ated existence by enforcing the suprem-
acy OF law and justice; by placing,
wherever practicable, the machinery
Of administration in the hands Of the
Inhabitants; by iDstituting needed san
itary reforms; by spreading education;
by fostering industry aud trade; by in
euleating public morality, and, in short,
by taking every rational step to aid the
Cuban people to attain to that plane Of
selfcOnseiOus respect and self-reliant
unity which fits an enlightened COM
munity for selfgoyernment within its
own sphere, while enabling it to fulfill
all onfward ohIi0afions
This nation has assumed before the
world grave responsibility for the fu-
ture good government Of Cuba We
have accepted trust the fulfiIlment Of
which calls for the sternest integrity Of
purpose and the exercise Of the highest
wisdom. The new Cuba yet to arise
from the ashes Of the past must needs
be bound to US by tiesef singular inti-
macy and strength If its enduring well
fare is to be assured. Whether those
ties shall be organic or conventional,
the destinies Of Cubs are ia some right
ful form and manner irrevocably link
ed with our own, but how and how far
is for the future to determine In the
ripeness Of events. Whatever be the
outcome we must ses 10 It that free Cuba
be reality, not q name, . perfect enti-
ty, not hasty experiment bearing
within itself the elements Of failure.
Our mission, to accomplish which we
took up the wager Of cattle, is not to be