Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-03

Business-LiEe Report.
Once more President Mckinley has ad-
dressed to Congress an annual message
which is chiefly to be characterized as busi-
ness-like. 1t is report rather than politi-
cal essay a record rather than the pro-
nouncement of personal views. 1t deals
with the affairs of the republic in a
straightforward manner with a minimum
Of flourish, and in consequence it will be
read understandngly by all the people.
1t is by no means detraction to declare
that it is devoid of news. There is scarcely
a single item in the entire message-the an
nouncement of the American International
arbitrator being a conspicuous exception
to the rule-which is not already known to
the average reader of the newspapers. Thus
is revealed once more the policy of this ad-
ministration to keep the people fully posted
as to the affairs of the government.
Fully one-haIf of the message relates to
foreign relations and one-half of this por
ton concerns the Chinese crisis. This pro-
portion suggests anew the increased part
which the United States is now taking in
world affairs. Our foreign relations are re-
ported as generally in a most satisfactory
condition. The friction with Turkey Is
treated delicately and briefly and a hope
is expressed that it will be speedily re-
moved. No mention is made of the refusal
Of the sultan to issue an exequatur to our
consul at lIarpoot, perhaps in Difference to
the present strain in the case.
1t Is gratifying to note that the Presi-
dent declares that the temporary boundary
agreement In Alaska Is lat best but an
unsatisfactory makeshift, which should not
he suffered to delay the speedy and COM
,,Ia Iicbp Of ha 70,
which we entitled under the Russo
American treaty for the cession of Alaska"
This vigorous declaration should lead to
renewed negotiations and a satisfactory set
tIement of the boundary dispute at an early
date.
The President renews his recommended
lions that the federal courts be given jur-
sdiction over crimes in which the interna-
tionai relations of the government are in
volved. such as the lynching of Italians by
L Louisiana mob. He takes occasion in this
connection to renew his strong views re-
Sarding the lynching evil, which he char
acterizes as "reproach upon our civiliza-
ton"
The subject Of the interoceanic canal is
briefly but urgently presented, with the
recommendation that the Senate ratify the
pending treaty with England on this sub
ject.
The President urges action upon the reci-
procity conventions and sounds a note of
warning that If other governments persist
in taking steps to the detriment of Ameri-
can trade he will outline a course of leeis-
lation to meet the emergency
The finances of the country are reported
as in excellent condition, with a surplus
for the past year of nearly $50 900 900 and a
prospective surplus for the current year of
an equal amount. The President believes
that it will be the duty as well as the dis
position of Congress ito provide whatever
further legislation is needed to insure the
continued parity under all conditions be-
tween our two forms of metallic money.
silver and gold" The trade statistics call
forth enthusiastic expressions of pleasure
from the executive, as significant of the
widespread prosperity of the people
The President recommends a reduction
of the war revenue taxes by $50 900 900
by the remission Of those taxes which ex-
perience has shown to be the most burden
some to the Industries of the people" and
he specially urges that such reduction shall
include the legacy tax requests for public
uses of literary, charitable or educational
character.
The shipping subsidy measure receives a
word of warm communication. The Presi-
dents expressions on the trust question are
IN repetition of those he uttered In his
message of 1899. and he concludes the para
graph with the statement that restraint
upon such combinations as are Injurious
and which within federal jurisdiction,
should be promptly applied by the Con-
sress.'
Army reorganization calls forth the rec
concentration that legislation be had to
meet the impending emergency, and the
President refers approvingiy to Secretary
Roots proposals, baslng his words on the
need of an army of about 900 men in the
Philippines for the immediate future
Among miscellaneous items the President
urges the early construction Of a Pacific
cable and the enactment of legislation to
correct faults in the alien contract law He
indorses Secretary Longs recommendations
for naval Increases and formally recon-
mends that the Congress. "at its present
session" apportion representation among
the several states as provided by the Con-
stitution. This recommendation follows a
review of the census work, which cites Di-
rector Merriam's suggestion that a perma-
nent force of experts be maintained.
The general summary of governmental
affairs disclOses satisfactory administra-
tive condition. The President closes with an
eloquent paragraph which cautions Con-
gress against being led by the prevailing
prosperity into extravaganza In, appropra-
tions. This is the most striking feature of
the entire message.
-
Personally the kaiser may have no objec-
tons to Dom Paul. But he will run no