Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1901-03-08
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS
Pledge to Cuba Must he kept-Ulti-
mate Freedom For Filipinos

mate Feeuom For r liipluus
NV Fellow Citizens: When we as
sembled here on the fourth of March,
1897, there was great anxiety with re-
gard to our currency and credit. None
exists now Then our treasury receipts
were Inadequate 10 meet the current
obligations of the government Now
they are sufficient for all public needs
and we have surplus instead Of a de-
felt. Then | felt constrained 10 con-
vene the congress IN extraordinary ses-
sion to devise revenues to pay the
ordinary expenses of the government.
Now | have the satisfaction to an
nounce thar the congress just closed
las reduced taxation in the sum of
SAL 100000. Then there was n deep
soIicitude because of the long depres-
sion in our manufacturing, mining, as-
riculturul and mercantile industries and
the consequent distress of our lahoring
population. Now every avenue of
production is crowded with activity,
labor is well employed. and American
products lind good markets at home and
abroad
Our diversified productions. however,
are increasing in such unprecedented
volume as 10 admoniSh us Of the neces-
sity of still further enlarging oHr for
eign markets by broader commercial
relations. For this purpose reciprocal
trade arrangements with other nations
should in liberal spirit be carefully cul-
tivated and promoted. The national
verdict of 1896 has for the most part
been executed. Whatever remains un-
fulfilled is a continuing obligation rest
ing with undininished force upon the
executive and congress. But fortunate
as our condition is. its permanence can
only be assured by sound business meth
ods and strict economy in national ad-
ministration and legislation. We should
not permit our great prosperity to lead
us to reckless ventures in business or
,,rofiigacy in public expenditures,
While the congress determines the oh
iects and the sum of appropriations,
the officials OF the executive depart
ments are responsible for honest and
faithful disbursement. and il should DC
their constant care to avoid waste aud
extravaganza.
Honesty. capacity and industry are
no where more Indispensable th2n III
bublic employment. These shonld be
fundamental requisites 10 original ap-
poiutment. and the surest guarantees
againSt = removal
-Four years ago we stood on the DrlhR
of war without the people knowing
it and without any preparation or effort
mt prepara ton for the impending peril
| did all that in honor could be done to
avert the war. but without avail. II
hecame inevitable, and the congress, al
its first reg liar session, without party
division, provided money in anticipation
of the crisis and In preparation 10 mee'
f. It came. The result was signally
favorable to American arms, and il
the highest degree honorable to the gov
ernment. 1t imposed upon US ohliga
tions from whiC h we cannot escape ano
from which it would be dishonofahle tt
sock 10 escape We are now al peace
with the world. and it is my ferVen'
nraver that. if differences arise between
ms and other powers, they may De SET
tied hy peaceful arbitration, ana ina
hereafter we may be spared the norrors
of war
Entrusted by the people for secouo
time with lhe Office of president, gu