Evening Star Newspaper, March 4, 1897, Page 21

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Penzsylvania Avenne, Cor. 11th St, by The Evening Star Yew: r Company, 8. H KAUFYMA We Prese New York Offce, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Brening Star Is served to subscribers in the eity by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the counter 2 cents cach. By mail—anywhere im the United States or Cauada—postuge prepaid—o cents Der month. Saturday Quintaple Sheet Star, $1 per Fear, with foreign poatage add Che Lvening ¢ tered at the Py as second-clagm mail TF All mail suds Rates yatter.) pti of advertising 1 f Oifice at Washington, D. C., | aust be pald In advance. tion. | Known on applicnt WASHINGTON, THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS Major McKinley Announces the Policy ta Be Pursued During His Administration. NECESSITY SHOWN FOR A TARIFF REVISION The Money Question Discussed in Connection With Inter- national Bimetallism. YNTERCOURSE WITH FOREIGN NATIONS The following is the inaugural address of President McKinley de- livered immediately after taking the oatlr of office: FELLOW CITIZE} In obedience to the will of the people and in their presence by the authority vested in me by this oath, | assume the arduous and responsi- ble ies of President of the United States, relying on the support of my countrymen and invoking the guidance of Almighty God. Our faith teac there is no s hes t er reliance than upon the God of our fathers, who has so singularly favored the American people in every national 1 and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His command- ments and walk humbly in His footsteps. The responsibilities of the high trust to which I have been called— s of gra importance—are augmented by the prevailing business ons, entailing idleness upon willing labor and loss to useful enter- prises Phe country is suffering from industrial disturbances from which relief must be had. Our finan speedy al system needs some revision; money is all good now, but its value must not further be threatened. It should all be put upon an enduring basis, not subject to easy at- tack, nor its stability to doubt or dispute. Our currency should continue ler the supervision of the government. The several forms of our money offer, in my judgment, a constant embarrassment to the gov- ent and a safe balance in the treasury. Thérefore I believe it neces ary to devise a system which, without diminishing the circulating med- jum, or offering a premium for its contraction, will present a remedy for those arrangements, which, temporary in their nature, might well in the years of our prosperity have been displaced by wiser provisions. With adequate revenue secured, but not until then, we can enter upon such changes in our fiscal laws as will, while insuring safety and volume to our money, no longer impose upon the government the necessity of maintain- ing so large a gold reserve, with its attendant and inevitable tempta- tions to speculation. Most of our financial laws are the outgrowth of experience and trial, and should not be amended without investigation and demonstration of the wisdom of the proposed changes. We must be both “sure we are right” and “make haste slowly.” If, therefore, Con- gress in its wisdom shall deem it expedient to create a commission to take under early consideration the revision of our coinage, banking and currency laws, and give them that exhaustive, careful and dispassionate examination that their importance demands, I shall cordially concur in such action. If such power is vested in the President, it is my purpose to appoint a commission of prominent, well-informed citizens of different parties, who will command public confidence both on account of their ability and special fitness for the work. Business experience and public training may thus be combined, and the patriotic zeal of the friends of the country be so directed that such a report will be made as to receive the support of all parties, and our finances cease to be the subject of mere partisan contention. The experiment is, at all events, worth a trial, and, in my opinion, it can but prove beneficial to the entire country. International Bimetallism. The question of international bimetallism will have early and earn- est attention. It will be my constant endeavor to secure it by co-opera- tion with the other great commercial powers of the world. Until that condition is realized when the parity between our gold and silver money springs from and is supported by the relative value of the two metals, the value oi the silver already coined, and of that which may hereafter be coined, must be kept constantly at par with gold by every resource at our command. The credit of the government, the integrity of its cur- rency, and the inviolability of its obligations must be preserved. This was the commanding verdict of the people and it will not be unheeded. Economy is demanded in every branch of the government at all times, but especially in periods like the present of depression in busi- ness and distress among the people. served The severest economy must be ob- in all public expenditures, and extravagance stopped wherever it is found, and prevented wherever in the future it may be developed. lf the revenues are to remain as now, the only relief that can come must be from decreased expenditures. But the present must not become the permanent condition of the government. It has been our uniform prac- tice to retire, not increase, our standing obligations, and this policy must again be resumed and vigorously enforced. Our revenues should always be large enough to meet wyth ease and promptness not only our current needs, and the principal and interest of the public debt, but to make’ proper and liberal provision for that most deserving body of public creditors, the soldiers and sailors and the widows and orphans who are the pensioners of the United States. The government should not be permitted to run behind, or increase its debt, in times like the present. Suitably to provide against this is the mandate of duty; the certain and easy remedy for most of our finan- cial difficulties. A deficiency is inevitable so long as the expenditures of the government exceed its receipts. It can only be met by loans, or an increased revenue. While a large annual surplus of revenue may in- vite waste and extravagance, inadequate revenue creates distrust and undermines public and private credit. Neither should be encouraged. Betwecn more loans and more revenue, there ought to be but one opin- ion. We should have more revenue, and that without delay, D. C., THURSDAY, MARCH ‘4, 1897.. TWO CENTS. If you want today’s news today you can find it only in The Star. SEEN ert NY SSA ‘ TU NY i=? js 77 V) i SHOU i Lay | 4 f ay { eZ NY If. \NY Wipe LETTE WPA ee i % SPARS AS Rt aN SSS hindrance, or postponement. A surplus in the treasury created by loans is not a permanent or safe reliance. It will suffice while it lasts, but if can not last long while the outlays of the government are greater than its re- ceipts, as has been the case during the past two years. Nor must it be forgotten that however much such loans may temporarily relieve the sit- uation, the government is still indebted for the amount of thie surplus thus accrued, which it must ultimately pay, while its ability to pay is not strengthened, but weakened by a continued deficit. “Loans are imperative in great emergencies to preserve the government Or its credit, but a fail- ure to supply needed revenue in time of peace for the maintenance of either has no justification. Tariff Revision. The best way for the government to maintains eredit is to pay as it goes—not by resorting to loans, but by keeping out of debt—through an adequate income secured by a system of taxation, external or inter- nal, or both. It is the settled policy of the government, pursued from the beginning and practiced by all parties and administrations, to raise the bulk of our revenue from taxes upon foreign productions entering the United States for sale and consumption; and avoiding for the most part every form of direct taxation, except in time of war. The country is clearly opposed to any needless additions to the subjects of internal tax- ation, and is committed by its latest popular utterance to the system of tariff taxation. There can be no misunderstanding, either, about the principle upon which this tariff taxation shall be levied. Nothing has ever been made plainer at a general election than that the controlling principle in the raising of revenue from duties on imports is zealous care for American interests and American labor. The people have de- clared that such legislation should be had as will give ample protection and encouragement to the industries and the development of our coun- try. It is, therefore, earnestly hoped and expected that Congress will, at the earliest practicable moment, enact revenue legislation that shall be fair, reasonable, conservative and just, and which, while supplying suffi- cient revenue for public purposes, wili still be signally beneficial and help- ful to every section and every enterprise of the people. To this policy, we’ are all, of whatever party, firmly bound by the voice of the people— a power vastly more potential than the expression of any political plat- form. The paramount duty of Congress is to stop deficiencies by the restoration of that protective legislation which has always been the firm- est prop of the treasury. The passage of such a law or laws would strengthen the credit of the government both at home and abroad, and go far towards stopping the drain upon the gold reserve held for the ré- demption of our currency, which has been heavy and Well nigh constant for several years. In the revision of the tariff, especial attention should-be giyen to the re-enactment and extension of the reciprocity prineiple;of ilie law of 1890, under which so great a stimulus was given to’our foreign trade in new and advantageous markets, for our surplus agriculfural'and manu- factured products. The brief trial given this legislation amply)justifies a further experiment and additional discretionary power in the making of commercial treaties, the’end in view always to be the opening up of new markets for the products of our country, by granting concessions to the products of other lands that we need and cannot produce ourselves, } to increase their employment. The depression of the past four years has fallen with especial se- verity upon the great body of toilers of the country, and upon none more than the holders of small farms. Agriculture has languished and labor suffered. The revival of manufacturing will be a relief to both. No portion of our population is more devoted to the institutions ci free government, nor more loyal in their suppart, while none bears more cheerfully or fully its proper share in the maintenance of the govern- ment, or is better entitled to its wise and liberal care and protection. Legislation helpful to producers is beneficial to all. Tie depressed con- dition of industry on-the farm and in the mine and factory has lessened the ability of the people to meet the demands upon them, and they rightfully expect that not only a system of revenue shall be established that will secure the largest income with the least burden, but that every means will be taken to decrease, rather than increase, our public ex- penditures. Business conditions are not the most promising. It will take time to restore the prosperity of former years. If we cannot prompt- ly attain it, we can resolutely turn our faces in that direction and aid its return by friendly legislation. However troublesome the situation may appear, Congress will not, I am sure, be found lacking in disposition or ability to relieve it, as far as legislation can do so. The restoration of confidence and the revival of business, which men of all parties so much desire, depend more largely upon the prompt, energetic and intelligent action of Congress than upon any other single agency affecting the situ- ‘ation. It is inspiring, too, to remember that no great emergency in the one hundred and eight’years of our eventful national life has ever arisen that has not been met with wisdom and courage by the American people, with fidelity to their best interests and highest destiny, and to the honor of the American name. These years of glorious history have ex- alted mankind and advanced the cause of freedom throughout the world ind immeasurably strengthened the precious free institutions which we enjoy. The people love and will sustain these institutions. The great essential to our happiness and prosperity is that we adhere to the prin- ciples upon which the government was established and insist upon their faithful observance. Equality of rights must prevail and our laws be always and everywhere respected and obeyed. We may have failed in the discharge of our full duty as citizens of the great republic, but it is consoling and encouraging to realize that free speech, a free press, free thought, free schools, the free and unmolested right of religious liberty and worship and free and fair elections are dearer and more universally enjoyed today than ever before. These guarantees must be sacredly pre- served and wisely strengthened. The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States; courts—not mobs— must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public or- der, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly ad- ministration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our government securely rests. Z Lessons of the Election. One of the lessons taught by the late election, which all can rejoice : {Continued on 2d Page.) and which do not involve any loss of labor to our own people, but tend ALL NIGHT SESSION cea The House and Senate Were at Work Till Dawn. EXCITING AND INTERESTING SCENES Deftness and Ease in the Confer- ence Agreements. —_—_> EA DISTRICT LEGISLATION * a GeBeruee No time before, within the rec x- perience of Con: s, have the ¢ ° committees on th »propriation Kot along with such seem last night Congress 5! night session, with the n tha there would be repeated reports of dis- agreements and a hard fight between the conferees of the two houses. But, on the contrary, the conferees agreed speedily on all but the 4. was assembled in the galleries dency corridors, composed largely of lac annum r of men and wome dress occupied seats in the ¢ the diplomatic ry of the group in even! dress remained about midnight. Most of the c leries were well filled until after 1 0% and as late as 3% o'clock most of in the men's galleries we the me great ir done between time reports that cam withou td le outse right. G ress had been made work e the long day session and the pro: 1 seemed that there might be very lay in clearing up everything offic tion bills ha: out of the way, and the conferer mittess had agreed on_ the Gian and District of Cob tion tills. The were still in conference The § . after two hours’ r at 8 o'clock a quorum were quiet a ten minute upreme ( titi > This w a quorum, aired a A quor 1 lee report Was agreed to wilhow a conference report on the Di propriation bill was then adopted division. Meanwhile, other confe ports not being ready,-the The House Flanked Him. While Mr. Quay was lying in wait for the naval arpropriation bill to come back to the Senate, where he could get a whack at it, the fact developed that the House, in- stead of adopting the conference repo: had simply receded from its position accepted all the Senate amendments. action disposed of the bill, so tha would not have to go b -s The bill had run the had put up against it his guns trained. Thus, at the sundry civil and the were the only measures standing in the way of an adjournment, and on them the conference committees were working ear- nestly. A very long debate was indulged in on the labor commission bill, much of which was rambling, and several impassioned speeches were made on the subject of the people and labor. Shortly after 2 the bill was pas: Senator Cannon of Utah noved to go executive session, his object bein cure the confirmation of J postmaster at Mercur, Brown of Utah opnos: sion, and demanded the $ quorum was developed on th the Senate was thus tied u call of the Senate followed, a ai ent, but not a voting quorum developing The Armor Contracts. The conference report on the sundry civil came over from the House about 3 o'clock. After the reading of the report, Mr. Alli- son explained the terms of the agreement. Mr. Quay then took the floor and stated that he had intended to read certain documents and records concerning the armor plate He designated what they were consent to print them in the d, since nothing could be gained at this time by r@ading them in the Senate. Mr, Chandler objected. “Then,” sai@ Mr. Quay, “I shall pro to rea@ them,” and he gathered up two 0: three volumes. This excited symptoms of collapse in the Senate, and finally a mo- tion to permit Mr. Quay to print them was put and carried, while Mr. Squire pro- tested. Mr. Mantle them took the floor and ex- plained to the Senate that it was with great reluctance that he had decided not 1o oppose the report by every parliamentary means in his power, on account of the modification of the forestry amendment, and that he had so decided only because assurance from high authority that the evil complained of would be corrected. Mr. Clark spoke on this amendment, and in the course of his remarks took occasion to criti- cise Mr. Cleveland for catering to eve thing that was foreign and rejecting «il that was American. Secret Legislative Session The conference report was adopte then a secret legislative session was en- tered upon, the galleries being cleared and the doors closed. At the time of going into secret session Senator Squire, who had fig- ured rather conspicuously during the whole night's session, was insisting on being heard, and was protesting against motions being voted on by the Senate without his having a chance to declare whether or not he approved of the proposition. After the doors were closed and the public excluded he was permitted to have his say out. The Senate constructively remained in session until 6 o'clock, taking a recess from that hour until 8, without opening the doors. . Scenes in e House. In the presence of a delighted and ap- plauding audience in the galleries, two score or more members of the House turned the House into a temporary concert hall last night and furnished a break in ihe mo- notony of the proceedings. It was during a half-hour recess, await- ing the arrival of a conference report. The galleries were crowded and had a gala ap- pearance from the presence of many hand- somely-gowned ladies and of gentiemen in after While the business of the House was at a standsiili there suddenly filed in from the lopby forty or fifty representatives, includ-