Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1901-09-20
HIS LAST SPEECH.
SOME EXTRACTS FROM McKIN-
lEYS BUFFALO ADDRESS.

"My fellow citizens, trade statistics
indicate that this country is in State
of unexampled prosperity. The fig
ures are almost appalling. They show
that we are utilizing our fields and
forests and mines and that we are fur.
nishing profitable employment to the
millions of workingmen throughout
the United States, bringing comforts
and happiness to their homes and
making it possible to lay by savings
for old age and disability. That all
the people are participating in this
great prosperity is seen in every
American community and shown by
the enormous and Unprecedented de-
posits in our savings banks. Our duty
is the care and security OF these de-
posits, and their safe investment de-
mands the highest integrity and the
best business capacity OF those in
charge of those repositories of the
peoples earnings.
"We have vast and intricate bust.
ness built up through years of toll and
struggle, in which every part of the
country has its stake, which will not
permit OF either neglect or of undue
seldshness. No narrow, sordid policy
will subserve it. The greatest skill
and wisdom on the part of the manu-.
facturers and producers will be re-
quired to hold and increase it. Our
industrial enterprises which have
grown to such great proportions affect
the homes and occupations OF the peo-
pie and the welfare Of the country.
Our capacity to produce has developed
SO enormously and our products have
so multiplied that the problem OF
more markets requires our urgent and
immediate attention. Only broad
and enlightened policy will keep what
we have. No other policy will get
more. In these times of marvellous
business energy and gain we ought to
be looking to the future, strengthen
ing the weak places in our industrial
and commercial systems, that we may
be ready for any storm or strain.
"By sensible trade arrangements ts
which will not interrupt our home
production we shall extend the outlets
for our increasing surplus. A system
which provides mutual exchange of
commodities is maniiestly essential to
the continued healthful growth OF our
export trade. We must not repose in
fancied security that we can forever
sell everything and buy little or moth
ing. If such athing were possible it
would not be best for us or for those
with whom We deal. We should take
from our customers such of their pro-
ducts rs we can use without harm to
our industries and labor. Reciprocity
is the natural outgrowth Of our won
derful industrial development under
the domestic policy now firmly estab-
lished.
"The period Of exclusiveness is past.
The expansion of our trade and COM
merce is the pressing problem. Com
mercial wars are improbable. A pol
icy Of good will and friendly trade re.
latiors will prevent reprisals. Reel.
procity treaties are in harmony with
the spirit OF the times; measures OF re-
taliation are not.
"If, perchance, some of our tariffs
are no longer needed for revenue or to
encourage and protect our industries
at home, why should they moi be en-
ployed to extend and promote our
markets abroad? Then, too, we have
inadequate steamboat service. New
lines of steamers have already been
put in commission between the Pacific
coast ports Of the United States and
those on the western coast Of Mexico
and Central and South America.
These should be followed up with di.
rect steamship lines between the East
ern coast OF the United States and
South American ports. One Of the
needs OF the times is direct commercial
lines from our vast fields Of product to
the fields Of consumption that We
have but barely touched. Next in ad.
vantage to having the thing to sell il
to have the convenience to carry it Ia
the buyer. We must encourage ouI
merchant marine. We muet have
more ships. They must be under the
American flag, built and manned and
owned by Americans. These will moi
only be profitable in q commercial
sense; they will be messengers O.
peace and amity wherever they 60
We must dig the Isthmian canal
which will unite the two oceans and
give q straight line OF water communi
cation with the western coasts Of Cen
trail and South America and Mexico
The construction OF Pacific CABLE
cannot be longer postponed.
"In the furtherance OF these objects
OF national interest and concern, yor
are performing an important part
This exposition would have touched
the heart OF that American Statesman