New-York tribune., 1900-10-25

growth of inland industries remains unac-
companied by progress on the seas. There is no
lack of constitutional authority for legislation
which shall give to the country mar1tlme
strength commensurate with its industrial
achievements and with its rank among the ma
tons of the earth.
The last year has recorded exceptional activity
in our shipyards, and the promises of continual
prosperity in shipbuilding are abundant. Ad-
vanced legislation for the protection OF our sea-
men has been enacted. Our coast trade under
regulations wisely framed at the beginning Of
the Government and since shows results for the
last fiscal year unequalled IN our RECORDS or
those of any other Power. We shall fail to re-
alize our opportunities however, If we COM
placently regard only matters at home and blind
ourselves to the necessity of securing our share
in the valuable carrying trade of the world.
I now reiterate these views.
A subject of immediate Importance to our
country is the completion of great waterway
of commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific.
The construction of a maritime canal is now
more than ever Indispensable to that intimate
and ready communication between our eastern
and western seaports demanded by the annexa-
tion of the Hawaiian Islands and the expansion
of our influence and trade in the Pacific
Our National policy more imperatively than
ever calls for its completion and control by this
Government, and it is believed that the next
session Of Congress, after receiving the full re-
pert of the Commission appointed under the act
approved MdTCH -, lcJJi Will LldhS pIONlSlOIlS
for the sure accomplishment of this great work.
WOULD RESTRAIN MONOPOLIEs.
Combinations of capital which control the
market in commodities necessary to the gen.
eral use of the people, by suppressing natural
and ordinary competition, thus enhancing prices
to the general consumer, are obnoxious to the
common law and the public welfare. They are
dangerous conspiracies against the public good
and should be made the subject of prohibitory
or penal legislation. Publicity will be a helpful
influence to check this evil. Uniformity of leg
islation in the several States should be secured.
Discrimination between what is injurious and
what is useful and necessary in business op-
erations is essential to the wise and effective
treatment of this subject. Honest cooperation
of capital is necessary to meet new business
conditions and extend our rapidly increasing
foreign trade, but conspiracies and combna-
tions intended to restrict business, create mo-
nopolies and control prices should be effectively
restrained.
The best service which can be rendered to
labor Is to afford it an opportunity for steady
and remunerative employment and give it every
encoura cement for advancement. The policy
that subserves this end is the true America n
policy. The last three years have been more
satisfactory to American workngmen than
many preceding years. Any change Of the pres
enl INDUSTRIAL OF HLdHCldl pDiiC1y OF tne Govern
ment would be disastrous TO their highest in
terests With prosperity at home and an in
creasing foreign market for American products
employment should continue to wait upon labor
and with the present gold standard the work
ingman is secured against payments for his
labor in a deprecated currency For labor a
short day is better than short dollar; one viii
tighten the burdens, the other lessen the ra
wards Of toll. The will promote content
ment and independence; the other penurv and
want. The wages of labor should be ADEQUATE
10 keep the home in comfort. educate the chin
dren. and with thrift and economy, Law Some
thing by for the days of infirmity and old age
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
Practical Civil Service Reform has alwavs bad
the support and encouragement Of the Repub-
lican party. The future Of the merit systen, 20
safe in its hands.
During the present Administration. as ooca-
sons have arisen for modification or amendment
in the existing Civil Service law and rules thew
have been made. Important amendments vvars
promulgated by Executive order under date of