anything and everything, and the peril of making public office a private spoil are the expression of the sentiments of all good citizens. In his case the test is not what he says about it, but what will he do about it.

Troy Times (Rep.), March 6.-If he is true to the independence of which his address gives just a glimpse, he will maintain himself in the popular respect, even though his plans may be resolutely opposed by those holding to different ideas of governmental policy.

Rochester_Democrat_and_Chronicle (Rep.), March 6.-President Cleveland, as indicated by his inaugural address, is still overwhelmed with dismal reflections regarding the moral health of the American people. This state of mind is almost always revealed in his public deliverances, and is now as painfully apparent as ever. Mr. Cleveland now, as heretofore, sees insidious infirmities that threaten our national vigor," he perceives heedlessness of the laws governing national health, he detects degradation to the purposes of wily craft," he notes "delusious and misconceptions which have blinded our countrymen," and discerns things which "stifle the spirit of true Americanism" and "stupefy every ennobling trait of American citizenship.' All this is melancholy in the extreme. It is no wonder that Mr. Cleveland feels very solemn at being called upon to preside over a nation so plunged in the depths of sin, delusion, avarice, and all-around wickedness.

"

Cleveland Leader (Rep.), March 5. Mr.
Cleveland thinks that the unconstitutionality
of Protection has been endorsed.
He says
"the verdict of our voters condemned the in-

on these points, the tremendous pressure to which he was exposed, the rush for office of the adherents of a party for so many years exiled from Federal place, the frequent betrayals of his confidence, and the imposition practiced upon him in some of the thousands of cases in which he was compelled to trust wholly to others are to be remembered. With wider experience, with a larger measure of independence and with greater opportunities the President, if he has the courage to do so, may be able to make his Administration approach the ideal in these respects.

New York Volkszeitung (Socialist), March 6. justice of maintaining Protection for Protec--Cleveland's inaugural address is nothing more tion's sake," and this verdict "enjoins upon the than an attempt to deceive the middle-class people's servants the duty of exposing and de- citizens as to the true nature of the actual situstroying the brood of kindred evils which are ation, by working upon their childish illusions. the unwholesome progeny of paternalism." He could not very well give us anything differThis is stating the question in clear and unent at the present time. As soon as he seeks mistakable language. It is meeting the issue to take the first practical step in the road that squarely and honorably. Let him begin his he would fain journey, he will find himself work of exposing and destroying Protection at stumbling; he will learn that there is no disonce. The band will play and the procession position whatever to permit the diminution by will please move. one iota of the evil results of the present economic principles of middle-class society-the principles founded on the demand for free acquiescence in the robbing of the weak by the

Detroit Tribune (Rep.), March 5.—Considering the moderate tone and the repeated cautions against undue precipitation in radical legislation, the document will prove more reassuring to the country at large than pleasing to the leaders of the President's party.

.

Chicago Inter-Ocean (Rep.), March 5.-The President uses strong language in deprecating Philadelphia Evening Telegraph (Ind.-Rep.), what he calls "the demoralizing madness for March 6.-Mr. Cleveland's address is regarded spoils," also in theoretical defense of the as a creditable performance-from his stand-negro's right to a free ballot and a fair point, just about what was looked for and count. We shall soon see whether the former nothing more. It does not answer the query is an expression of a sentiment or the result of in the public mind as to the manner in which a purpose. As for the protection of the negro the work ahead is to be undertaken, or the in his elective franchise no one expects anything extent to which it is to be prosecuted. The in that line from this Administration. President lays down what he doubtless regards as his fundamental ideas, but beyond that simply says to the country, "I'll see you later." How much later? This is a very important question, only equaled by the inquiry, What is going to be done?

Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin (Rep.). March 4. The irreconcilable scoffers at President Cleveland will be sure to notice that the words "dedicate" and solemn occur in the very first sentence of his inaugural address. But impartial critics, who are disposed to view the stead of partisanship, and to judge of his offinew President with the eye of patriotism incial outgivings by the test of matter rather

strong.

FOREIGN OPINION.

Dispatch sent by Jorge Montt, President of Chili, to President Cleveland.-The Government of Chili and the Chilian people, recognizing your political attitude in the past, consider that your reëlection as Chief Magistrate of the United States is a pledge that your Government will preserve the tranquility and wellbeing of all nations upon the American Continent. On this, the day upon which you assume the high functions of your office, I, as President of the Republic of Chili, in the name of the Chilian nation, as well as in my own personal capacity, assure you of our sincere regard for you and your people and our deepest sympathy for you and them. Permit me to express the hope that your aims and motives will produce the best results for the people of the United States.

Philadelphia Ledger (Ind.-Rep.), March 6.Though given the last place on the list of the programme of the Democratic policies, it is made manifest, both by what is said and the than that of manner, will feel that the address Doldly grapples with the most crying evils in

earnestness with which it is said, that tariff re

London Times, March 5.

- The address

vision is not the least of the purposes of the his high station; that he holds in a firm grasp because Mr. Cleveland is not fishing for votes. demonstrates that he has risen to the needs of American politics in language of refreshing directness, which is all the more important new Administration. But Mr. Cleveland's the knowledge of the chief governmental redeclarations, while so explicit and decisive, are He declares war against McKinleyism and the so much more moderate than the Chicago quirements of the country in its present emer-attendant demoralization. We, however, do platform upon the same subject as to inspiregency, and that at a time when heedless or not expect any doctrinaire application of the the confidence rather than to evoke the fears careless statesmanship would involve the na- abstract principles of Free Trade. of the representatives of the country's indus-executive who, so far as can be judged from tion in great financial peril, we have a chief tries that they are to be destroyed or even se

riously impaired by the enforcement of a policy so radical as to take from them the prop and stay of that just measure of Protection which is necessary to maintain their prosperity.

Philadelphia North American (Rep.), March 6.—Mr. Cleveland is right in his suggestion that phenomenal greatness and growth may give rise to reckless legislation, and that with every outward sign of vigor the individual may be the victim of some insidious malady that, if not checked, may precede collapse. To many these will appear truisms and nothing more, but there are certain facts underlying them that deserve more consideration than Congress has of late shown much disposition to give them.

Pittsburgh Times (Rep.), March 6. - The remarkable feature of President Cleveland's inaugural is the fact that fully five-sixths of it is the strongest kind of Republican doctrine and a virtual condemnation of the policy and principles of a majority of the Democratic party. Mr. Cleveland declares for a sound and stable currency, for genuine civil service reform, against trusts, for equal rights for all without distinction of color, and for fair dealing with the Indians. He also declares against "wild and reckless pension expenditures," and as Republicans are constantly opposed to wild

the men he has chosen as advisers, and from.

his first official declaration upon assuming the
responsibilities of office, can be depended upon
to do his duty.

Minneapolis Journal (Rep.), March 4.-He
the Populists, who made his election possible,
administers a sharp rap at paternalism, which
will not greatly relish.

Providence Journal (Ind.), March 6.-We must wait to see whether the President will prove strong enough to live up to the high standard he sets in the matter of civil service reform. Certainly his remarks upon this point are eminently sound and, coming from him at this time, are also, in some degree at least, promising.

Springfield Republican (Ind.), March 5.No one can doubt his honest determination to carry out all the promises set forth in the address. The only question is as to how far his hands are to be upheld by his party and the people.

London Daily News, March 5.-After such

all address, nobody can say that democracies
the address lies in the courage of it. What
are to be governed by flattery. The merit of
other ruler in Mr. Cleveland's place would
have dared to avoid the safe path of obscurity
a piece of his mind?
and platitude and give sixty millions of people

London Daily Chronicle, March 5.-Mr. Cleveland speaks of the silver and tariff questions with the greatest clearness, and shows those who thought that, now the election was won, the axe brandished about the roots of McKinleyism would be laid aside, how completely they were mistaken. The spirit of the whole address is a welcome new departure in American politics.

London Daily Telegraph, March 5.-Mr. Cleveland's brave words would have been more convincing, to our minds, of great reforms, if he had not already been in power and failed to do much to root out the plagues of American life. Tammany and kindred associations laugh at any efforts to purify politics. Newark Evening News (Ind.), March 6.It is with good grace that the expressions in London Morning Post, March 5. The favor of civil service reform and of appoint-address breathes throughout a resolute, pracment of faithful and efficient public officials tical tone. The most striking feature of it come from Mr. Cleveland. If, in his previous is the contrast between the vulgar adulation of term, he failed to live up to all his professions' wealth that characterizes the utterances of the

Republicans and this fair promise to attempt | some previous Administration may have had plus to the payment of the nation's debt and vigorously to restore the finances and improve opportunity to render more important service the reduction of interest, instead of placing it the general tone of public life. than that of President Harrison, but in all de- with favored banks without interest. Instead partments taken together it may be doubted of paying 12 per cent. for money, as when the whether it has been surpassed by any since the Democrats left office in 1861, its securities are Civil War, or by any prior to that great at a premium in the markets of the world at emergency. In the cold, clear light of impar- the lowest rates of interest. The Administratial history it will appear worthy of the highest tion has steadily resisted every effort to debase praise for its defense of American interests the currency. abroad, for its promotion of American industry at home, for its labors for sound finance, for

Toronto Empire, March 5. To Canadians the most remarkable portions of Mr. Clevelands address are-if the paradox is allowable -the parts that are not there. There is no reference to Canada, and not even the barest promise of a future intention to twist the British lion's tail.

Toronto World, March 6.—We do not expect any abandonment of the Protective policy of the States under the new Administration, but rather such measures as will bring that system into legitimate channels. We trust also that an entente cordiale will be established between us and the Cleveland Government which will lead to the early adjustment of those relations which became so strained by the coercive policy of Mr. Harrison.

Montreal Witness, March 6.-The uncompromising words uttered by Mr. Cleveland as he solemnly and religiously assumed the serious responsibilities which the nation has laid upon him have evoked the spontaneous applause of the world, which respects nothing else as it does leadership.

where.

Syracuse Journal (Rep.), March 4.-In the faithful and honest discharge of duty every-domain of finance the triumph has been notable. In the outset a demand for free silver coinage was made, with the threat of turning New York Mail and Express (Rep.), March over Congress to the fools and fanatics, but 3.-Benjamin Harrison has secured for him- wise methods and practical endeavor have self, by his own splendid talents and moral been rewarded with secure conditions, and the strength, an exalted and enduring place in the nation's credit and honor stand untarnished. political history of the American Republic. There was no disturbance of these conditions His reputation for patriotism and statesman-until the Democratic victory in the elections, ship rests upon a record in camp and council, since which unrest has widely prevailed. Senate and Presidency, that elevates him above the unreasonable criticism and injurious antagonism of even his political foes. His fame is secure in history, and his place in the affections of his countrymen can never be disturbed.

Cleveland Leader (Rep.), March 4.-The petty jealousies of partisanship cannot conceal the fact that this Republican Administration has made history. Its events stand out more strongly than any in the Administration of Mr. Cleveland, and will not only be remembered Philadelphia Manufacturer (Protection organ), March 4.-Under his Administration longer but with more real and just national the great doctrine of Protection to home in-has been a series of brilliant triumphs for pride. The management of foreign affairs Montreal Herald, March 6.-If it be in him, dustry was carried forward to its right conthe people of the United States will enjoy an clusion in the best and safest tariff bill ever Samoan entanglement, the settlement of the American diplomacy. The adjustment of the enormous measure of relief from the pressure framed in the United States, and to this expo- Italian imbroglio over the New Orleans riot, of the tariff. Some good to Canada must re-sition of that doctrine the nation which has for the bringing of the long Bering Sea dispute to sult indirectly, but the only great good that a time rejected it will assuredly return, because arbitration, the correction of Canadian canal the Dominion may enjoy must come from the the highest form of self-interest imperatively discriminations by retaliation, the satisfactory acceptance of such doctrines as those which requires just this measure of Protection and no won for Mr. Cleveland and the Democratic less. That act has already vindicated itself. arrangement of the Chilian difficulty, and the Within two years of the time of its adoption, in our generation, the Pan-American Congress, crowning masterpiece of American diplomacy the prosperity of the nation touched high-water and the half a score of great reciprocal trade mark. The banner year of the commerce of the Republic was the closing year of the public treaties that have followed it, were all marked by the display of wise and eminent statesmanservice of Benjamin Harrison. ship. To simply name such achievements is to stir every American heart with honest pride, and the whole constitutes a title to eternal fame which the future will not presume to question.

party their recent great victory, such doctrines as have been advanced for years by the Liberal party in Canada.

BENJAMIN

AND HIS

HARRISON
ADMINISTRATION.

Pittsburgh Dispatch (Ind.-Rep.), March 5.— Under his Administration the interests of the nation have been advanced, and its standing both at home and in the estimation of foreign countries has been elevated. and soundness have generally prevailed in the executive councils, and no breath of scandal has assailed his personal reputation.

Conservatism

Boston Traveller (Ind.), March 4.-There are some things which deserve to be said of it From Ex-President Harrison's Address at [the Harrison Administration] entirely aside Richmond, Ind., March 6.-I assure you it is from any partisan view. In the first place one with a great sense of (satisfaction that I find may say, and this is one of its chief glories, it myself again simply an Indianian-your neigh- has stood for the best sentiment of loyal bor and friend, as you are mine. In the future Americanism. The President's devotion to the I shall endeavor as a citizen to cooperate with American flag and the American idea is with The same spirit you in all that is for the dignity and honor and him an exalted sentiment. prosperity of Indiana and as a citizen in that which made him stand for steadfastness in the larger sense that embraces the indissoluble Chilian affair urged him to prompt action when union of the States, symbolized by the flag-we had an opportunity to acquire the Sandwich to cooperate with you in upholding the honor Islands. His promptness there his critics atand dignity of the American Union and in pro tribute to his desire to make personal glory for Louisville Commercial (Ind.- Rep.), March 4. moting the prosperity of all the people. himself. Why is it not equally natural to sup-Our currency has been maintained at par pose that the Democratic desire to postpone with the best in the world, and the business the question is prompted by a wish to make and growth of the country have been of the glory for themselves? There is a very familiar most satisfactory sort. refrain in the criticism upon the subject of the Hawaiian policy of this present Administration. Hartford Courant (Rep.), March 4.-It has promise of the return of that time when the been a clean Administration, honest, capable, information, but he has a remarkable faculty American flag was seen in every sea and the A prosperous and happy people American navy was held in estimation by other have enjoyed the many privileges of the best for going to the bottom of a subject, and reachnations. Only one week ago I had the pleas-Government in the world to better advantageing out to its sides. His State papers will com

From Ex-President Harrison's Address at Indianapolis, March 6.-Within the last few weeks I had the pleasure of lifting over one of the greatest merchant steamships that floats the sea that flag of beauty that hangs before us. I regarded it as the precursor and the

ure of seeing the greatest ship that has ever been built in America a battle-ship which, when completed, would be able to cope with the greatest ship that England has upon the sea-float from her ways into the Delaware, with the name Indiana on her side.

I will not speak to you of those duties which these years of absence have brought me, nor the manner of their performance. I left you with but one certainty, and I return with that the certainty that I had no other motive in my heart than the honor of the flag, the sacredness of the Constitution, and the prosperity of all our people.

I come to you again, accompanied by a great sorrow, but I trust-and your presence here gives me your witness-unattended by any shame growing out of the discharge of my public duties.

efficient.

than ever before. It never meant more than it
means to-day to be an American citizen, and
President Harrison has added honor to the

title.

Chicago Inter-Ocean (Rep.), March 4.-Benjamin Harrison will rank as one of the most intellectual men that ever sat in the Presidential chair. He is not a man of specially wide

pare favorably with those of any of his predecessors, and give him a rank to which the average President can make no pretensions. The only President to whom President Harrison can be properly compared is John Quincy Adams. The younger Adams, like the younger Harrison, proved a poor politician in the Presidency, but showed a strength of character and a grasp of intellect greatly to his credit.

Buffalo Evening News (Rep.), March 4.Whatever position Mr. Harrison has been placed in during his term of office he has shown a rare intelligence and consummate skill in presenting his views or in giving a just estimate of the matter to be considered. His Toledo Blade (Rep.), March 4.-It is to be addresses to the people have been models of remembered that James G. Blaine was overthought and eloquence. Saying the right word whelmingly the choice of the rank and file of at the right time and place has been a happy the party for the candidate in 1888, and was experience in his Presidential career, and, in- compelled to interfere to prevent his own nomdeed, in the heated canvass which preceded ination. Mr. Harrison was thus handicapped the election Mr. Harrison never made an ut-in being a second choice. Hence he had not terance that could be handled to his disad- the strong, enthusiastic support of the masses vantage. Mr. Harrison has, in a word, ad- of the party, when he stood out, as every selfvanced the American character at home, and respecting President must do, against party won for his country the respect of rulers and leaders who clamor for patronage to subserve subjects in all climes and in all nations. their personal ambitions, rather than the best interests of the people and the party. The party rank and file were indifferent to him. Again, considering the circumstances under

New York Tribune (Rep.), March 3.-The Administration which ends to-morrow has earned a highly honorable place in the history Ulica Morning Herald (Rep.), March 4.of the country. In one department or another The Treasury Department has applied the sur

which he received the nomination in 1888, Mr. | Dependent Pension Act and the Federal Elec- | Inman ocean steamships on condition that two Harrison would have been wise to be satisfied tions Bill had the same source. The work of others be built by the company in the United with one term. His candidacy for a seconda minority Administration, these measures States; an act to limit the work-day of laborers nomination, and the manner of its achieve- had no enthusiastic or earnest support any- and mechanics employed upon the public works ment, rendered defeat almost certain from where among the masses of the people. of the United States to eight hours a day; an that fateful afternoon at Minneapolis on which Another cause of the failure of the Administra- act making important amendments to the Interhe was renominated. tion was in the constant efforts of President State Commerce Law; the Chandler ImmigraHarrison and his friends to shape their policy tion and Contract Labor Bill; the Car Coupler so as to secure his renomination and election. Bill; the act providing for the purchase To this was due their weakness and vacillation of the Cherokee strip, and the National in the treatment of the currency question. Quarantine Bill. This is a meagre list, but, with the exception of the Chinese Exclusion Act, all may be commended as right in themselves or tending in the right direction. The conspicuous bills that the 521 Congress failed to pass were quite as numerous. Among them may be mentioned, besides the financial measures and many bills amending the tariff act, the Anti Option Bill. When Congress assembled a majority, composed mainly of new members, was in favor of this bill, but an experienced minority succeeded in filibustering McGarrahan Claims Bill passed both houses, against it so as to encompass its defeat. The was vetoed, and a substitute measure, de

New York Sun (Dem.), March 6.-All said that can be said fairly against General Harrison and his Administration, the fact remains that he has served the country uncommonly well. The machinery of domestic Government has moved smoothly under his supervision. No great scandal disfigures the record of his term. The moral tone has been good for the past four years. There has been little cant or false pretense, and no systematic jobbery lurking behind grandiloquent professions. The dominant spirit of his Administration has been a genuine ambition to do its duty and to justify the trust reposed in it by the voters of the land. While General Harrison may not have built up a personal following, or inspired in the hearts of his associates anything like enthusiastic devotion, he has soberly and without artifice earned the respect and, in many ways, the gratitude of his fellow-citizens of all parties. His communications by writing have been admirably direct, frank, forcible, and intelligible. The figure he has presented on State occasions has been always dignified and respectable. In his informal intercourse with the people in mass, and in his remarkably original, witty, and sensible speeches from the rear platforms of various Pullman cars, he has managed to come nearer to the popular heart and to the republican ideal than any President

since Abraham Lincoln.

New York Times (Ind.-Dem.), March 4.

If there cannot be accorded to im the highest
praise, it must be remembered that he was the
representative as well as the leader of his party
at a time when the baleful influence of class
legislation, of political traffic in Government
favors, had deeply demoralized that party.
he failed to rescue it from that influence it was
because he was not strong enough for that
heroic task, and also because the party was no
longer capable of producing a leader any
stronger than he.

If

Cleveland Plain Dealer (Dem.), March 4.-
He retires from the Presidency with the respect
and good will of his political opponents as well
as of his political friends. He was not a great
President, but he has been a respectable one.
A strong partisan, his views of duty were
sometimes distorted by looking through parti-
san glasses, but he was unquestionably honest
in his purpose to serve the interests of his
country as they appeared to him.

Harrison, who served in the Executive Mansion
Chicago Times (Dem.), March 4.-The elder
only a month, could at no time lay claim to
ability as a statesman. Benjamin Harrison will
retire with a definite, well-established reputa-
tion in that respect. He is a statesman mis-
taken, as Democrats believe, in his idea of
tariff taxation, but even there a more sagacious
defender of the idea of Protection than Mr.
McKinley himself. The nation turns gladly to
Cleveland as its Chief Magistrate, but it is
manifest that its leave-taking of Benjamin
Harrison is kindly.

signed to meet the objections of the President, failed to pass in the closing hours of the session, though a mojority favored it. A bill providing for a bridge over the Hudson River also failed, though Senator Hill made persistent efforts to have a vote taken upon it in the Senate. The Nicaragua Canal Bill suffered a like fate, although, if it could have been brought to a vote, it would very likely have passed. The effort to admit the remaining Territories as States also failed; but they will very likely Chicago Dispatch (Ind.-Dem.), March 4. be admitted by the 53d Congress. A conspicNo one ever seriously accused Benjamin Har-uous case of inaction was the failure of the rison of being a practical politician, and early in his Administration he antagonized many of However praiseworthy such a course may have the leaders who had helped to elect him. been from the statesman's point of view, from the standpoint of modern, practical politics it

was suicidal.

Detroit Free Press (Dem.), March 4.-The closing Administration has been a dismal and disastrous failure. What it looked upon as its crowning glory, the iniquitous McKinley Law, proved the source of a fatal weakness and contributed more than any other one influence to the overwhelming defeat encountered last fall. Brooklyn Citizen (Dem.), March 4.-The But aside from this the party was without a country is indebted to the Harrison Adminis- strong claim to popular endorsement and contration for at least one service-a service of tinuance in power. The whole Administration enlightenment. There will be no further tended to the creation of distrust and unrest. efforts in any quarter to perpetuate in our poli- There was a constant disturbance of our fortics the animosities of a past age. Mr. Harri-eign relations, and the spirit of jingoism was so son drew upon the old war sentiment for all that he thought was in it, and he found that it was as irresponsive as a dead man.

Treasury which is delivered to the incoming
Administration. The story which it tells needs
the turning down of Blaine, the bitter factional
no elaboration. The urging of the Force Bill,
fights, and the present demoralized condition
of his party show how little Mr. Harrison has
to congratulate himself upon as the result of
four years in the Presidential chair.

in the ascendant that the dignity of diplomacy gave way to farcical bluff and bluster. The extravagance of the Administration, and its total disregard for the material interests of the Philadelphia Times (Ind.), March 4.-—An earnest, careful, and patriotic man, M. Har-people, have their best evidence in the depleted rison's limitations, which have confined his political outlook to the narrow horizon of a decadent faction, were partly those of personal temperament and training, and partly those of his political associations. He had been chosen as a representative rather than as a leader of his party, and he continued to represent it with faithfulness, as a clean-handed and honorable gentleman, until it was overthrown. His own influence as President was often more negative than positive, and more felt in administrative detail than in constructive policy, so that the merely personal issue was very largely eliminated from the late campaign-a service for which we should be grateful.

New Orleans New Delta (Dem.), March 3.It may be said of Mr. Harrison that he was a thorough Republican. Senator Hoar was not more conspicuous as a champion of the Force Bill, Mr. McKinley was not more pronounced as an advocate of high Protection. He had no conception of the great change which had taken place in public sentiment in regard to those issues, or else he was one of those who would rather be right than President.

Senate to ratify the treaty with Hawaii, by which that country was to have been annexed. of the Senate, and the opposition there apThere was little if any opposition to it outside peared to be designed to carry the treaty over to be dealt with by the new Administration.

Utica Morning Herald (Rep.), March 4.The Democrats have had a majority of from 140 to 150 in the lower house of the Congress which expires to-day. They spoke of it when elected as the overwhelming rebuke by the people of the "spendthrift" Republican House of the 51st Congress; condemnation of “ autocrat" Reed and his rules; a demand for economy and vote of censure of the "Billion Dollar Congress"; also as the order of the people for a repeal of the "robber McKinley tariff." This interpretation of the elections of 1890 was in constant use till within a few months. It has been put aside entirely of late. The Democrat who professes pride in the record of the present House is not numbered among the thinking contingent of his party. Elected to rebuke the "Billion Dollar Congress," it has exceeded by many millions the expenditures of that body. Commissioned to repeal the McKina revenue measure. ley tariff, it has not attempted to formulate It has been indifferent to the public business; hampered by its own members under rules of its own making; helpless before a Kilgore and a few kindred spirits; wasteful in river and harbor jobs, and penurious in navy construction, coast defense, and surveys; notorious for absenteeism, for incapacity, and obstruction. The 52d Congress, by the action of its Democratic majority in the popular branch, has vindicated its Republican predecessor from every charge its detractors have brought against it. Its exhibit of Democratic incapacity, proneness to reckless legislation, and indifference to the public weal, is ominous of evil in store for the nation, now that all check and corrective is removed from the Democratic disposition.

Philadelphia Record (Ind.-Dem.). March 4. -President Harrison went into office without a majority of the American people behind him. His Administration throughout its entire term was wanting in the moral force that belongs to END OF THE 52d CONGRESS. an Administration emanating from the will of Chicago Rvening Journal (Rep.), March 6.— the people. The President of a minority, the Philadelphia Ledger (Ind.-Rep), March 6.—The Congress came into being after an elecmeasures of his Government met with the ap- The important acts of a public character passed tion that looked almost like a revolution, and proval and assent of a minority only in the by the 52d Congress were those relating to the the immense Democratic majority in the House country. So far from having the support of a World's Fair at Chicago, to which liberal ap- proclaimed with exultation that it was all the majority, the McKinley tariff, the most promi-propriations were made; the Chinese Exclu result of the tariff discussion. Yet this same nent measure of the Administration, was the sion Act; the act to encourage American ship- majority elected a Speaker who was bitterly act of a minority within a minority party. The ping by granting an American registry to two opposed by orthodox tariff reformers, and who

appointed a light-weight legislator to be Chair- | form of free coinage which the Sherman Silver | reform that is needed. It is true that this man of the Committee on Ways and Means, Law of 1890 provides for has already brought would bring the pageant to a season fit for with the understanding, apparently, that no the country face to face with commercial panic such an occasion, and that good weather, or serious attempt at tariff revision should be that threatens bankruptcies all over the land. at least mild weather, could be counted upon. made. It is true that there was no chance to What the effect of unlimited free coinage But to change the Constitution of the United. substitute a general bill for the McKinley Bill added to a breaking up of all the produce States simply to get a good day for a paradebecause there was a Republican President and exchanges would have been, we shudder to would be absurd. Besides, the prolongation for Senate, but neither was there any chance to think of. But, out of the whole situation, one nearly two months more of the already too. carry through the absurd Springer proposals, comforting reflection flows, which turns upon great interval between the election and the and the party might, at least, have defined its the potency of public discussion. Congress accession of a new President would only position instead of skulking. was elected to do all the harm it could to our aggravate what is already a serious defect of institutions, but public and free discussion our system. disarmed it before it could do its work, and end of April the time for inaugurating a PresiInstead of putting off until the now returns it harmless to a political grave.dent who was elected early in November, we ought to bring the time forward to the beginning of January. This is the rule with the States which elect Governors in November, and it ought to be the rule with the President. And if with the President, so also with Congress, as in the case of the Legislatures. If Mr. Sherman's propositions were carried out, Congress would continue to refrain from meeting until a year and a month after its election, for it would be held that the beginning of May was too near the approach of summer heat in the latitude of Washington to open the session then. Of course an inaugura

Omaha Bee (Rep.), March 4.—The 52d Congress has not made a great record. The leaders in it have not distinguished themselves by any notable act of statesmanship. Perhaps the country is to be congratulated that it has done nothing that can result injuriously to the general welfare.

Dispatch from Chicago, March 4.-Business was abandoned by the Board of Trade to-day to celebrate the final adjournment of Congress without passing the Anti-Option Bill. As soon Washington Evening News (Ind.), March as the hands of the clock marked 12 o'clock at 3.-A Congress elected as the initial step in a Washington the gong was sounded, cheers great political revolution could not be ex-broke forth from all the pits, hats were tossed pected to find the new issues so fully defined to the ceiling, and the entire crowd began to as to permit of proceeding at once to legisla- sing all sorts of jubilant airs. Some of the tion. The reform of the tariff, the creation of younger members procured a coffin from a a new currency, the brushing aside of the is- neighboring undertaker establishment, and sues of the war and the issues between the inscribed on it "Anti-Option died March 4, sections, the inauguration of a new era in the 1893." The improvised pall-bearers brought history of parties and of the country-these it to the door of the hall, but did not secure adthings could hardly have taken definite shape mittance, and bore their burden away in great immediately after the first issue of the popular disappointment. mandate. It needed the revolution in the Presidency and the Senate to make changes even possible, and it may take years yet before the new issues are worked out and bear fruit in printed statutes.

Rochester Post-Express (Ind.), March 4.Few good laws of more than ordinary importance were passed by the 52d Congress at its second session. A Federal Quarantine Bill was passed; a bill forbidding the use of handbrakes on freight cars after Jan. 1, 1898, became a law; and Mexican pensions were increased. Aside from these three measures, very little of importance was accomplished, and an immense amount of time was wasted in idle talk-time that should have been used in framing measures dealing with silver, immigration, and bankruptcy. Happily the AntiOption Bill failed, and some other unwise meas ures were defeated, so that while we cannot thank Congress for a very large amount of good legislation, we can rejoice that comparatively little harm was done.

Nashville American (Dem.), March 1.—It is a proper matter for grave reflection to Democratic statesmen and all thoughtful Democrats who desire to guard the Constitutional rights. of the States to control their local affairs, that many Democrats voted in favor of the AntiOption measure and thereby placed themselves upon record as supporting a line of political action whose necessary sequence is to uphold the idea of centralization and to tend to the virtual obliteration of State lines. Without regard to the merits of the question, as to whether dealing in futures should be prohibited by law for the public good, Democrats should have stood solidly against Congress assuming jurisdiction, under the guise of a tax really prohibitory in its nature and purpose, of a matter which is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the States.

The

sur

tion early in January would involve a render of the spectacular display, but the parade business has already outgrown all reasonable limits, and it ought to be abandoned. Let the President be inaugurated a few weeks: after his election, with dignified ceremonies, in the Capitol of the nation, just as is the rulein State Capitols with our Governors.

OBITUARY.

HIPPOLYTE ADOLPHE TAINE. Springfield Republican, March 6.-Hippolyte Adolphe Taine, whose death is announced from Paris, was one of the great critics of the century; for forty years he had been so accounted in France, for thirty years in England and the United States, where his fame began with his masterly History of English Lit

erature."

failed

He had his limitations, and quite to appreciate the quality of Thackety, and the true and sweet humanity that eray as an intimate censor of English soci underlie

condemnation of the conservatives first and

rulers.

The

The

first volume," The Old Régime," he set forth and the nobility of France as they were before unsparingly the wickedness of the monarchy the Revolution,-in the second volume, Revolution," he was equally savage in his treatment of the era of the people in their raw, their wholly unprepared position of The Jacobin Conquest" and Revolutionary Government" continued the story on the lines of condemnation and ridicule. He represented the ideas of 1789 as mostly nonsense that would have been ludicrous had it not been for their tragic consequences; described its actors as visionaries, or rascals, or both, and characterized the whole epoch as one of cheatery, imbecility, and crime. Somehow Mr. Taine failed iu all

Detroit Evening News (Ind.), March 6.—The cussed for months, passed by the Senate, and anti-options measure of Mr. Hatch was disgiven its deathblow in the House. If the best his portrayal thereof; while he Brooklyn Eagle (Dem.), March 6.-This thing that the Congress did is to be looked for, showed his chief lacks in his treatment of country has little reason to look back with sat- it is doubtful whether the defeat of the Hatch Tennyson, though this was natural enough, isfaction on the work of the 52d Congress. Bill cannot be given the first place. Yet the since the deficiency of the spiritual in his estiNeither House can be said to have risen fairly Congress is hardly to be given credit for that, mate of life was always in evidence. His great to the full measure of duty or opportunity. for a majority of the House was apparently work on "The Origins of Contemporary under the control of parties politically at vari-diate consideration, while only a minority, the radicals afterward. In fact, while in the The fact that the respective branches are willing to suspend the rules and give it imme-France" very singularly brought him under ance has prevented both from transacting un- which represented all the opposition, was hampered the business before them. To make opposed to giving it that immediate considermatters worse, the members of neither party have exhibited a disposition to combine on issues of great public moment. The Republican majority in the Senate passed away hopelessly at cross purposes. The Democratic majority in the House neglected alike to fulfill ante-election pledges and to unite in support of measures in harmony with the party's declared principles. As a result of shortcomings on the part of Republicans, Democrats, and Populists, the nation will hail the expiration of the departed Congress with sincere relief and gratification. Richmond Times (Dem.), March 3.- When we look back at what the late Congress supposed itself elected to do it is with the greatest satisfaction that we contemplate the little harm that it did do. It was essentially a age and an 'anti-option" Congress when Had it been able to do so, it would have passed a bill in the first week of its existence providing for the unlimited coinage of legal tender sixty-five-cent dollars and making future sales of certain farm products impossible. But its life came to an end without either thing being accomplished. What calamities would have been brought upon the country by the passage of these two measures we can of course only conjecture. The mild

"

it met.

"" free coin

ation which might have resulted in its pass
age. The existence of the two-thirds rule
for the suspension of the rules was the real
cause of its death. Thus there is little credit for
the House even in the best thing that it did,
which was the thing it failed to do. The 53d
Congress can shirk no responsibility.
House is Democratic. The Senate is Demo-
cratic. The President was elected on a Demo-
cratic platform. There can be no excuse found
for refusal to carry out the pledges of the party
in the fact that the Senate might refuse to con-
cur or the President decline to approve. The
Government road.
Democratic party is in the saddle on every
It has no option save to
ride along the lines indicated by the platform
and the historic principles of the party.
is exactly the thing which it is not likely to do,
because platforms are made for campaigns

That

rather than for Administrations. There is too

much moral cowardice in all parties to allow
the redemption of pledges to the letter.

THE DATE OF INAUGURATION.
New York Evening Post, March 7.-Senator
Sherman's proposition to change the date of
the inauguration to the 30th of April is not the

his work

to recognize the world-heaving force of radical truth, whether beneath the errors of the Revolution or beneath all social and intellectual movements. He possessed great learning, an indefatigable industry, a persistent ambition, and withal a rare and lucid literary style. His works number some thirty or forty volumes. That any of these will live long is scarcely likely. He was a critic and only that, and despite all charm of style, the lack of important burden will relegate him to obscurity before his later contemporaries have left the scene of life.