The Norfolk weekly news., 1899-12-07


afternoon listened to President Mckin-
lcy's message and the substance OF the
document is today before the people for
their consideration. 1t is expected that
his views and recommendation will not
be satisfactory to all, but with the vast
majority of pcople-thosc who assisted
him to the highest official position with.
in their gift-it will be- read with plea.
sure and satisfaction.
The message is lengthy one but not
wordy, every sentence bearing mean
ing and Significance worthy of deep and
thoughtful consideration.
In handling the important new qucs.
tions devolving upon the government
there is no equivocation, and his policy is
outlined in unusually clear and
firm language.
TIE opposition has in times past been
pleased to snecr at the presidents lack
of backbone and has sought to convey
the impression that he would sooner
sage, backed by the activities preceding
1t, removes any possible ground on
which to make such assertions in the
future. 1t proves that he is not only
willing but able to meet any question
which may demand his attention.
He with pleasure reviews what has
I,r thn fnu aru
along business lines. The statements
that "the combined imports and exports
for the year (lS09) are the largest ever
shown by single year in all our his
tory" and that "our exports for 1899
alone exceeded our imports and exports
combined in lS10." are sufficient to indi-
cate how we have prospered and ex-
panded in II business sense and is ex-
oeedingly gratifying to the president
and all his supporters, who claimed that
If elected an era Of prosperity would be
developed that would contrast very
markedly with the season Of depression
through which the country had passed.
but it has been shown that the business
compared most favorably with other
eras that at the time were termed pros.
porous.
AS a basis for this marvellous business
activity, the condition of the national
treasury is shown to be perfect, it hav.
ing within the past few years beeu
brought up from season of depression
and lack Of funds to firm financial
basis.
"On December 1, 1899, the avilable
cash balance was $27S,CO4, ,S37.72, of
which $239, 744, ,9O5. .36 was in gold coir
and bullion" This alone is sufficient
ground for the confidence in the ability
of the administration to do business or
business lines. 1t is further stated tina,
by the end of the year 1900 there will bt
surplus of approximately $40,00O,OO0
The much talked of purchase Of
$25, 900, 900 was shown to be wise bust
ness move aud one that could be af-
forded. While the premium paid was
g., 1858 ,52l, the net saving to the govern
ment in interest on these bonds wa
81 $50 900
The president recommends that tn,
secretary of the treasury be given "ad
ditional power and charged with th'
duty to sell United States bonds and t,
employ such other effective means q
may be necessary" to maintain thu
present gold standard monetary polio!
of the government. This recommends
ton when it is consiered with what sue
cess the past policy in that regard ha
been met, cannot but be satisfactory
Even those who looked for relief to tn,
free and unlimited coinage Of silve
must acknowledge that all our presen
system Of finances needed was a bust
ness administration Of the monetary
system and il this can be strengthened
it will most thoroughly accomplish th'
purposes Of the government.
The president acknowledges and ia
vors merchant marine that in thi
growing age is positive necessity II
the country, the business OF which
has been largely carried on through
foreign ship owners. To promote thi
he desires congress to take immediat
action looking toward the Strengthening
and promoting of our shipping facilities
On the question of handling trust
and combinations, the president takes
firm stand, and while reviewing tn
work that previous administrations hay
endeavored to accomplish looSin
toward their control, he makes add
tional recommendations in that regard
In acknowledging that these combine
Ilnns are obnoxious not only to tn
common law but to the public welfare
he states fact patent to all, but b
goes on further and says: There mu'
be remedy for the evils involved i
such organizations. If the present la