Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-12-04
synopsis Of presidenps Message.

Allef an opening reference 10 the grow
ing strength and increasing power for
good Of Republican institutions. which
probably is intended to be an assurance
supplementary to that given in his Phil
adeIphia speech, the burden of which was
that the Republic is safe and there is nc
danger of an empire. the President goes
extensively into the Chinese situation
It is The dominant feature of his treat
ment of our foreign relations and begins
with the inception of the trouble, tracing
it step by step up to the present time -
The salient passage of this portion of the
proceedings. which perhaps refers to the
only new feature. is the possibility of
China being unable to pay sufficient
money indemnity. The President says
Il am disposed to think that due com
pensation may be made in part by in.
creased guarantees of security for foreign
rights and immunities and. most impor
tant of all, by the opening of China to
equal commerce of all the world. These
views have been aud will be earnestly adj
vocated by our representatives."
In the event of protracted divergence
of views in the negotiations the President
fAvorably inolines to Russia's suggestion
that the matter of indemnities be relega-
ted to the court of arbitration at The
Hague.
The message expresses uncertainty as
to the future for our trade with Germany.
Unless the restrictions imposed by the
new meat inspection bill be modified our
commerce in this particular may be en-
tirely destroyed
In view of possible friction in the oper
alton of the modus vivendi, the speedy
establishment of frontier line, to which
we are entitled under the Russo Ameri,
can treaty for the cession of Alaska, i.
recommended.
In regard to the Nicarsguan canal, e
President announces that the nicaragua
Government shows a disposition to adopt
measures to promote the waterway, after
having declared theso-called Ely re. Cragin
treaty void. The convention with Great
Britain to remove any objections which
might arise out of the Clayton-B ulwer
treaty to the construction of the canal is
commended TO the early attention of the
Senate. In other words, attention is call
ed to the necessity of ratifying the Hay,
Pauncefote treaty.
Only a few lines are consumed in treat.
ing ofthe Turkish relations, the President
saying: We await the fuIfillment OF
tue promise ofthe Sultan to make repura
ton for the injuries suffered by American
citizens in Armenia and elsewhere in the
Turkish Empire"
On the subject of national finances the
President has an opportunity to treat the
matter in Some detail. He shows that
for year ended June 80 last there was
surplus in the Treasury of $79. 1921, o6O !;
that during the same period the war cost
$l34.774,7 1919, or sos, O66, 4S6 go less
than during the preceding similar period,
and that the navy cost $50, 95S, OT7.72, or
81 9s9,026, SO less than during 1899. Al
this point the President makes his only
reference TO the muney question. He
says: Il will be the duty, az am sure
it will be the disposition, Of the Congress
to provide whatever further legislation is
needed to insure the continued parity
under all conditions between our two
forms ofmetaIlic money, silver and gold ;"
Touching the disposition Of the surplus,
the President recommends reduction OF
internal revenue war taxes in The sum oil
$50 100000. This reduction should be
secured by the remission of those taxes
which experience has shown 10 be the
most burdensome to the industries of the
people, 4" the message says Theiuclusion
in the reduction is specially urged of the
legacy tax on requests for public uses OF
literary, educational or charitable char.
Acter.
The President urges immediate action
to promote American shipping and our
trade abroad. on which he remarks: sThe
remarkable growth of our steel industries,
the progress of shipbuilding for the do
nestle trade aud our steadily maintained
expenditures lor The navy have created
an opportunity to place the United State.
in the first rapk of commercial MARTIN.
powers"
The recommendations aS Ia trusts are
almost identical with those made a year
ago Indeed. he calls attention to his
previous message, adding Restrain
upon such combinations as are Injurious
aud which are within Fe leral iurisdic.
ton should be promptly applied by Con.
gress."
Much Of the Philippine chapter i.
reminiscent, but declares TINT late report
from the Commissioners ''show yet more
encouraging advance toward god gov,
ernment in the interest of humanity aud
with the aim of binding up an enduring
self-supPorting and self administering
community"
After reviewing the circumstances of
the, constitutional convention in Cuba
the President announces that when the
convention concludes its labors he will
transmit to Congress the constitution for
such action as it may deem advisable. 4
The necessity for Pacific cable be,
tweenthe United States and Hawaii, with
extension to Manila l. ur,,ed sna,y