The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1901-03-07
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS
Pledge to Cuba Must BE Kept-Ulti-
mate Freedom For FiIipinos

Pledge to Cuba Must BE kept-Ulti-
mate Freedom For FiIipinos
My 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 weeds
and we lave a surplus instead of "A de-
felt Then felt constrained to con
vene the congress III extraordinary SEES
sion to devise revenues to pay the
ordinary expenses of the government.
Now | have the satisfaction to an
noupce that the congress just closed
has reduced taxation in the sum of
$41 100000. Then there was a deep
solicitude because of the long depres-
sion in our manufacturing, mining. az
ricultural and mercantile industries and
the consequent distress of our lahorng
population. Now every avenue of
production is crowded with activity,
labor is well employed and American
products find good markets at home and
abroad.
Our diversified productions. however,
are increasing in such unprecedented
volume as to admonish us of the neces-
sity of still further enlarging our 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 I'M
fulfilled is a continuing obligation rest
ing with undlminished force upon the
executive and congress. But fortunate
as our condition is its permanence can
only be assured by sound business meth
DDS 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
profiigacy in public expenditures.
While the congress determines the OBJ
jects and the sum of appropriations
the officials of the executive depart
mcnts are responsible for honest and
faithful disbursement, and it should be
their constant care to avoid waste and
extravaganza.
Honesty, capacity and industry are
no where more Indispensable than in
public employment. These should be
fundamental requisites to original ap-
pointment. and the surest guarantees
against removal.
-Four years ago we stood on the brinl,
of war without the people knowing
IT, and without any preparation or effort
Mt preparation for the impending peril
/ did all that in honor could be done to
avert the war, but without avail Ii
became inevitable, and the congress. at
its first regular session, without party
division, provided money in anticipation
Of the crisis and in preparation to meet
II. 1t came. The result was signally
favorable to American arms, and In
the highest degree honorable to the gov
eminent. 1t imposed upon us obliga-
tons from which we cannot escape and
from which it would be dshOnorab BILE to
seek to escape. We are now ut peace
prayer that if differences arise between
us and other powers, they may be set
tied by peaceful arbitration. and that
hereafter we may be spared the horrors
of war.
Entrusted by the people for second
time with the office of president, / en-
ter upon IT'S administration appreciat.
ing the great responsibilities which at.
tach to this honor and commission
assumed If | did not feel that in theil
performance | should have the co
operation of the wise and patriotic mel
of all parties. The national purpose
is indicated through national election
II is the constitutional method of ascer
tanning the public will When once II
is registered it is law to us all, and
faithful observance should follow its
DEGREES.
Strong hearts and helpful hands arc
needed, and, fortunately, we have them
In every part of our beloved country