Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911 | View Entire Issue (April 14, 1897)
n ill i cy - II BUSINESS IMPROVING. SUPPLEMENT TO THE COLUMBUS JOUBNAL. FAVORABLE REPORTS FROM EVERY DIRECTION. Wednesday, April 7. -' && V V.,- i,x :. vsv frVV- ' Y. -Wr f s , ii- - T? -V INAUGURAL ADDRESS WaVWej Ps-scrata Mi IcMImm UMa ta Walccwlac the Dawalauj Praaaai-Ity-MasyUl Hills bsmI rraaccs Are BeeaeeedL ' ' L, -V T , - I -., A. . J . c -. s- Hj PEOPLE ARE ABOUT IT. SAYING It Coataiaa Not a False Note and la Coataieaded Alike by Republicans aad Peaioci-ats Even tbe British Show Mild Approval. The inaugural address of President Me Kiuley is a document, the spirit of which must commend it to every lover of his country, no matter what he may think of the policy therein outlined. There is nothing boastful or exultant about it; in stead, there is modesty and hope, cou pled with a gratifying determination on party policies that are well defined. Res olutions are not always a safe index of performance; neither can an inaugural Address be accepted as a guarantee of good deeds. But to begin right is some thing. Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. A Baaiaeea Administration. President McKinley gires every guar antee of a business administration that an inaugural message can express. Like his letter of acceptance of the Republican nomination, his first communication a President, addressed to the people, is re markable for its simplicity of statement; its wholesome and welcome freedom from thetorical pretense.' and the strong air of Titnmon sense that pervades it. What he as to say the President says briefly and Itointedly, and without waste of words in introductory phraseology. New York Advertiser. Not a Falae Note. President McKinley has given the pub lic an inaugural without a false note or an ambiguous sentence. It is clear, straightforward, systematic and forcible. There is nothing merely perfunctory about it. He recognizes the difficulties that have been heaped up during the long depression, and frankly says that recov ery will require time, even "with wise leg islation. He first of all discusses the financial situation, because that is upper most in public consciousness. And he favors the creation of an expert commis sion to consider the revision of the coin age, currency and banking laws. The President will always hold himself ready to co-operate with other great com mercial powers for international bimetal lism, hut until snch co-operation can be secured, the silver coined and that may be coined here must be kept constantly at parity with gold. To this all our resources are pledged, and the pledge must be kept. Philadelphia North American. A Raslaeas-Like Uocnment. President McKinley "s message is a straightforward, business-like document. In which its author has clearly expressed what he had to say. and has evidently tak en more pains to convince the reader that he means what he says than to indulge in hyperbole and other redundancy of phrase. Portland Express. Ae Hoaeat, Sincere Maa. Tbe address must, we believe, impress every reader as being that of an earnest, honest, sincere man, determined to do his full duty. It is also the address of a man nearly all of whose economic creed can be expressed in one word "protection." But possibly the needs of the treasury and the caution of congressional leaders of his party less fully absorbed in that theorr and policy may make the new tariff law more conservative than if tbe new Presi dent's wishes had full sway. Except for tbe excess of zeal displayed in this con nection. Mr. McKinley's program we re gard as conservative and wise likely to promote the progress of a returning confi dence in the future of business if faith fully carried out. Jacksonville Times-Union. Democratic. He Kaoald Not Be Kmbarraased. The President of the United States can not make good times nor bad times. He has no power to enforce the carrying out of bis recommendations. But the whole tone of the first presidential utterance bespeaks a sincere solicitude for the good of the country. There ought to be no in considerate or vicious opposition to the policies which the Republican administra tion shall seek to carry into effect Hav ing the responsibility of governing the country, it should have a fair opportunitv to govern unhindered by factious dissent OB the part of the minority. Philadelphia Record. Democratic. Bee the British. Mildly Approve. It is a pleasure to read the approving comments of the British press and British bankers on the inaugural message of Pres ident McKinley, even if they are sand wiched in with disapproval of certain sec tions, which, no doubt, the President very well knew when he wrote them Great Britain would not approve. They were written for the American people, not for the English, and. with the endorsement of the American people, it makes little differ ence to this country .whether our cousins cross the water agree with them or not Baltimore American. Breathe Stardr Patriotism. President McKinley's inaugural ad dress is worthy of the man. Every sen tence breathes of robust Americanism, tardy patriotism and unfaltering deter aabMtJM to do the right thing bo matter what may nappes. There is bo talk of war, no ht of revolution, indeed, bo non seas ia it anywhere. Briefly epitomised. PresideBt McKis ley favors a monetary commission cam jwsed of both parties that shall give a carefal aad dispassionate examination of the enrrency system. His idea, as he says himself. Is that while "onr mosey is all good bow. its value mast not further be threatened." Its basis mnst be endariag. Presidest McKinley stands resolutely by that portioa of the platform which de clares ia favor of international bimetal lism He yields not one inch in declaring that It shall be his endeavor to secure it by co-operation with the other great com mercial powers of the world. And again In this he will have the support of the people. New Tork Commercial-Advertiser. FalAllathe Hichest Exaectatioaa. The iaaagaral address of PresideBt Mc Kinley faifills the high expectations which had been formed of the principles adaenasn which would control his ad- He sondes the keynote of WHAT hBrvSZSaf I JaeeeeaB bCmhsV Mh 3 la IV IKJl I II &Ifi!l In I u P M aj Jfflfn WHm iBsj anl !? 9vtl flu - It -anl)ffls3 sseailBBMiBmBBBasxi Ht fl(K!cB?5 faaaeeeeeereeM aSi SBsav- - aslaaairlalalaffaTaiSaMalawaa1afcaa m"mMfnW--mf BBSeLna i? . aaa- ES , aaaaaaaaaaaaawiwM.-J t5s mmj it- gafcg-'y,MM .rMaaaaaaaaaai - aaaaaa "Put the building right here," said President Jackson, thrusting his cane in to the ground, a hundred yards east of tbe White Honse. when, in 1833, a lo cation for the Treasury building was to bo determined. The Federal government was transfer red from Philadelphia to Washington in the year 1800. It took six days then to make the trip from Philadelphia to Wash ington, which is now accomplished in three hours. The Treasury was located in a plain three-story building which had been erected for the purpose, facing on 15th street In 1804 the business had so grown that a new building was necessary, and one was erected at the enormous cost of $12,000. and was her alded to the country as especially meet ing the requirements by reason of the fact that it was "fire proof." In August, 1814. however, the British proved that there was a little mistake about this, for they burned the Treasury building, as bis policy on the money and tariff ques tions by declaring that our currency laws need such revision as will place our mone tary system on a safe and enduring basis, and he therefore recommended that Con gress creave a commission to take under early consideration the revision of onr coinage, currency and banking laws. In case the power to appoint snch a com mission should be vested in the President he pledges himself to appoint prominent and well informed citizens of different parties, whose known ability and special fitness will command public confidence in the results of their deliberations. As to bimetallism, he would labor to secure it by co-operation with the other great commercial powers. St Paul Pioneer Press. ' A Plain Maa'a Plain Talk. President McKinley indulged in no ora torical flights in his inaugural address yesterday. It was the plain talk of a plain, earnest man. But it had the ring of the right kind of inspiration "the chime between upright thinking and downright acting" when after he had an nounced a policy of business revival he stated that he would call Congress togeth er at once to meet on March 15. Buf falo Evening News. The Chart aad Coaipaas Displayed. In a message so general in its character, there is much more significance . in the emphatic statement of generic principles than in the old style of message, in which the President enters into specific explana tions of his proposed course of action. President McKinley wisely avoids laying before the public a detailed program at this time, but he displays the chart aad compass by which he will endeavor to steer the ship of state This leaves him freedom of action within certain well de fined lines, and the lines are so plainly drawn that there is no danger of the craft going astray or striking upon the rocks while so cool aad level-headed a pilot is at the helm. Minneapolis Tribune. He Has the Good Wishes of All. In some respects William McKinley en ters office auspiciously. He was elected by the largest popular majority, except one. ever cast for a candidate for Presi dent His private character is above re proach, his public career has been honor able, and he wins the liking of people who come in contact with him. Owing to hi personality and to the circumstances at tending bis election, he is therefore at tended by the good wishes of most of hit countrymen in assuming the highest post in the republic Memphis Scimetar. Wars Words treat the Seats. So far as the sew President shall stand for those things which we believe to be right; and for the best interest xf tbe country, so far the Telegraph will endeav or to hold up his heads. So far as he shall fail ia these things so far will the Telegraph oppose him, for the time has come when there should be more of par tisanship based upon patriotism than of partisanship based npon spoils. There was a time, not long ago, when it was difficult on account of a prescriptive pol icy against the South, for Southern men to manner-born to sustain any policy of a Republican administration; bnt a speech delivered by Maj. McKinley to Confeder ate veterans of Virginia daring the cam paign and utterances of his published to the world a few days after the election, irrevocably commit him to a fair and lib eral policy towards the South. Macon Telegraph (Democratic). He Favors Bedareclty. On the qaestioa of the restoration of reciprocity the dedaratieas ef the Presi- Heat arm rmAtA ami .! n ..1 -. n t sot ealy ia favor ef the le-eaaetairat ef THE TREASURY BUILDING. they did the Capitol and White House, when they entered Washington August 14th of that year. The Treasury was then transferred to a group of buildings in the western part of the city, which were known as the "seven buildings.' As soon as practicable another building was erected, which was in 1833 destroyed by fire, and a large amount of valuable public documents lost. This was follow cd by considerable controversy among the people, who thought they ought to hare a say in the location of the new Treasury building, and it was to end this factious quarrel that President Andrew Jackson planted his cane in the earth just east of the White House, and issued the order qnoted above: "Put the building right here." At least this is a local tradition, and nobody seems disposed to dispute its accuracy. The corner stone of the present building was laid In 1834 by Secretary of tbe Treasury Levi Woodbury. The original the reciprocity treaties in force under the tariff act of 1880, but declares that the satisfactory trial of reciprocity justifies the granting of additional discretionary power in the making of .new commercial treaties, with the end always in view of opening new markets for the products of onr country by granting concessions to the products of other lands that we need and cannot produce. Chicago Times Herald. Clear ea the Chtrreacy Qaearloa. Nothing can be clearer than President McKinley's monetary views as expressed in his inaugural address. He assures the country that "bimetallism will have early and earnest attention," and it will be his earnest endeavor "to secure it by co-operation with the other great commercial powers of the world." Brooklyn News. His Carreaey Views Are Soaad. The views of the President on this im portant subject are very sound, and it remains to be seen if Congress will rise to a proper consideration of the situation and respond to the President's earnest presentation of the necessity for 'reme dial measures. He favors the creation by Congress of a monetary commission, com posed of prominent, well-informed citi zens of different parties, who will com-, mand public confidence, both on account of their ability and special fitness for the work. New Orleans Picayune (Dem.) Kevense the First Thlaa M By far the most hopeful sign on the horizon of the new administration is the assurance that President McKinley gives in his message that there is to be no im mediate meddling by Congress with ear monetary system no tinkering or cob bling by indifferent financial mechanics, for the present st least The new Presi dent declares that a necessity exists for some revision of our fiscal laws, and he expresses s belief that a system better than the present one can be devised; bat now, he says, is not the proper time so attempt it New York Morning Adver tiser. Fenteatioas Coat meat. The message will add to the popular im pression that Maj. McKinley possesses, in an eminent degree, the genius of com mon sense, and that he will make a pru dent, safe, and at the same time pro gressive President Altogether the first official utterance of President McKinley has the ring of true metal, and will give general satisfaction. The country is to be congratulated. The address throughout is free from obscurity and self-conscious cant. It is practical aad will undoubtedly inspire ceaaaence ana neip tne languishing busi ness interests of the country. President McKinley begins well and he k entitled to a fair chance an oppor tunity, unfettered by resentment or other petty coasideratioB, to improve the pre vailing conditions of Industrial distress. The new President's inaugural address has the especial merit of being short, but it is pregnant with wise and fitting sug gestions on these various topics, in which, he sketches in broad outline the main fea tures of the policy of bis administration. Altogether the message will leave that favorable impression upon the people which is sure to follow upon the unequiv ocal declaration of principles which Pres ident McKinley is determined shall guide his administration. In all respects the address is a model document The new PresideBt eaters np on his career with the best wishes of the American people. He has ostliaed a pol icy which, if followed, will make his sd atiakrtratieB a great success. It bmsbs peace aad plenty for alL building was of freestone from Virginia, but it has received additions and exten sions on either end, and tbe west side composed of granite. The long col onnade on the 15th street front shows the plan of the original building, while the northern and southern end and western front are the extensions constructed of polished granite brought from Maine. Tbe building embodies the most perfect Gre cian architecture, the long colonnade on 15th street being a marked feature to those familiar with its appearance, while the porticos on the southern, western and northern fronts are surmounted by pil lars of the ionic order. The additions to the original building were begun several yean before the late war, the south wing being completed in 1800, the west wing in 1863 and the north front in 1867, the cost of the entire building being nearly ten million dollars. The length of the structure is 462 feet, the width 264 feet, so that one must travel about a quarter GENERAL EMPLOYMENT. This Will Give Prosperity Wlthoat Befereace to Other Theories. The Impossibility of ever establishing any commercial and industrial conditions which will make everybody rich and pros perous has Induced many thinkers to adopt socialistic notions in which they dream of a paternal Government which will take from the rich to give to the poor and keep up a constant and systematic distribution of benefits to the entire popu lation, aa Btterly impracticable scheme. To come back to a reasonable and prac ticable definition of prosperity, it means that condition of affairs in which the en tire able-bodied population is engaged in productive labor at fair wages. When this shall be realized, there will be a gen eral activity in business, with money lib erally invested in tbe development of the natural resources of the country, includ ing the building of railroads, particularly in the Southern States. Of course, there will be many persons who are dissatisfied; but that wOl be the only general pros perity that will be possible in this world. New Orleans Picayune! Bryan's Money Theory Won't Hold. The whole structure of Bryan's recent talks is built upon the theory that when money is scarce times are bad. The best times the United States has ever bad was when money was scarcer than it is now, and the hardest times the nation has known for thirty years was when the cir culating medium was at-its highest point of issue. If Mr. Bryan had said that times were good when money was plenti fully in circulation, and bad when money was hoarded away, his axiom would have been all right, but to hold that the mere act of Inflating the currency will drive hard times away is to fly in the face of his tory. "What the country needs," says Mr. Bryan, "is money enough to transact its business.'' What the country really needs ! business enough to call its eritin money into service. According to the re port of the Comptroller of the Treasury there are now lying in the banks of the country between five and six billions of dollars. Paradoxical as it may seem, this is nearly five times as much money as there is in existence, and yet every dollar of it is available for the transaction of business. Business makes its own money and is not dependent upon the amount of currency set afloat by the Government so long as there is enough to form a reason able basis. With less money than at pres ent the United States transacted billion after billion more business In 1802 than in 1896. As well might Mr. Bryan say that it is impossible to measure the wheat crop of the United States because there are nor eaoagh half-bushel measures to held it ail. Kansas City Journal.' No Room lor "Silver RepabUcaas." There is no room in the United States for a "Republican silver party.' The lit tle clique of free coinage Senators and Representatives who have issued a "call for tbe creation of such an organization will find L their efforts fruitless outside of the mining camps and the strongholds of prairie Populism. The regularly chosen and accredited Republican national con vention, held in St Louis last June, em phatically demanded the maintenance of the existing gold standard and pledged the whole power of Republicanism to the work of upholding the honesty of every American dollar. This action was earn estly indorsed by an overwhelming ma jority of Republican voters st the time when it took place. The Republican par ty ratified it with absolute explidtness at the polls en Nov. 3. The Republican posi of a mile in walking around it, the long corridors within its walls measure miles in length, and the number of people wh are daily employed in its various depart ments is over three thousand, while in other buildings which have been leased for such portions of tbe work as cannot be accommodated within the Treasury building are an additional thousand or more. The employes of this department of the government make a sufficient num ber to stock a respectably-sized city. From 10 a. m. until 2 p. m. its doors are open to the public, who freely visit all parts of it except the vaults where the bonds and the gold and silver are kept. To these visitors may obtain admittance by spe cial order from the Treasurer, and they are visited by many thousands of people annually. Next to the Capitol and White House the Treasury building is the object of attention from all visitors, and the in terest in it warrants the presentation of the accompanying illustration. tion on the currency is fixed and final. It is aa definite and distinct as the party's creed in regard to the rights of secession or the policy of protection to American industries. Republicanism stands for sound, honest dollars, worth 100 cents in gold, as firmly as it stands for tbe en forcement of Federal authority and for the supremacy of the nation. Senators Teller, Pettigrew. Cannon and their associates have no right to the Republican name so long as they persist in their present policy. Exchange. THE LOSS IN FOUR YEARS. The Plft-erea Are Simply Appall- ina. It is impossible to compute tbe exact losses inflicted on manufacturers and wage earners nnder the Democratic free trade policy. Excellent authorities place the average yearly loss in wages, as com pared with the amounts paid during the presidency of Harrison at not less than $250,000,000. This would make a total loss in four years of $1,000,000,000 to the wage earner. The shrinkage in the value of real estate, railroads and productive properties of all sorts it is likewise impos sible to measure accurately. The most competent statisticians, however, estimate the cost to the nation in the fall of wages and depreciation of values since March 4, 1893, at from three to four thousand mill ions of dollars. In other words, the Dem ocracy's stubborn attempt to reverse the fixed protective policy of the United States and substitute for it the policy of free trade, has cost the American people a sum about equal to tbe expense of putting down the rebellion. The Fifty-fifth Congress will legislate for Americaa producers snd not far for eigners. The soundness of the currency win oe unssssiispie under a Republican administration pledged to preserve the gold standard. The prospect is luminous with encouragement New York Com. mercial Advertiser. Mr. Bryan's Diamonds. Mr. William J. Bryan appeared before an audience which about filled two thirds of Carnegie Hall in New Tork last night This friend of the "toiling masses" and enemy of plutocrats ap peared in better form than when he was campaigning. His girth is greater, his cheek filled out and he had two dia monds in the expansive front of his shirt nis smrt I When he was campaigning he only had I one, but as he is now rolling up riches snd is not dividing to sny extent with the "toiling masses" he can afford to be deck the bosom of bis shirt with rare and radiant gems which dazzle the eyes of the honest citizens with long whiskers who reside oa the banks of the raging Platte. The wearing of diamonds and eBuaeia ttoa of the peculiar principles Mr. Bryan affects, do sot go well together. Albany Journal. Secretary Skersaam Is an Americaa. There was no dodging and no trimming in Senator Sherman's speech at tbe din ner given him at Washington last night by the Ohio congressional delegation. He faced the Cuban situation more squarely than his immediate predecessor has ever done, and be announced his policy in terms that will permit of no shuffling in the future. "We intend," he said, "to protect our citizens, whether they be on land or sea." He expressed the opinion that the time was not far distant when the whole west ern hemisphere would be nnder a repub lican form of government, and he said it was our glory to build up among oar fel low republics in North and South Amer ica examples of oar own. "We find in the South daily evidences sf a growing trade revival, aad being a sanguine people, we hope that aa era of general prosperity is at head. In Georgia the great majority of the cotton mills are running, giving employment to 4.000 or 5,000 people. We have about 3.000.000 spindles in operation, but 1 must admit that tbe price obtained for tbe manufac tured product is not satisfactory. Now that tbe financial question has been set tled for the time being at least, general attention will be given to trade conditions with beneficial results. I do not care, how ever, to make any suggestions a. to how trade can be immediately benefited. That would embrace a discussion of the ques tion of currency reform, to which I cannot devote the time at present" From inter view with Senator Walsh. Democrat. Business has been resumed. A thrill has gone through every artery and nerve of the commercial world. The spirit of enterprise nas gone tortn. im- sun : in tbe sky and the clouds are dixappearing. With manufacturers it is becoming a question of bow much rather than how little to do. This is a glorious condition and indicates an absolute reversal from that which obtained a year ago. A list of all the mills and factories which have re sumed operations since tbe November elec tion would be a very long one and the in crease in their number will continue un questionably throughout the spring months. The collapse of the iron pool seems to have been the determining factor in the stimulation of industrial energy ev erywhere, and that was brought about by the impact of an irresistible demand up on the accumulated stocks. Everybody is now going to market. Macon Ua.) Tele graph (Dem.). The answers to a very genera! iminirr regarding the conditions of business art not jubilant, but they are buoyant ami ex press the opinion that some improvemenr is discernible. Althongh deficits continue to be shown in every monthly statement of the treasury, the condition of the treas ury is strong. The best indication of con fidence is the gradual increase of the gold reserve in the treasury. It is now nearly 00 per cent more than the $100,000,000 which custom has established as the limit. A year ago tbe question which ngitated the business of tbe country was the possi bility of maintaining the gold reserve be cause of the raids made upon it No one thing so seriously disturbed the business of the country as tbe fear that tbe treas ury might fail to continue gold payments. That fear has passed, and the return of confidence is indicated in the preference of those who have money for greenbacks. Confidence in the monetary situation is the foundation of all improvement in busi ness. Another favorable indication ia our improved foreign credit. Our securities are no longer returning for redemption. and the drift of trade in our favor has cre ated a large and increasing balance on our side of the sheet Manufacturing indus tries are looking up. Indianapolis Jour nal. In general trade the encouraging symp toms continue to outnumber the-discouraging. The net impression of the past week is one of distinct improvement. This is particularly obvious, as the daily dis patches have shown, in the iron and steel situation. Bessemer pig iron, steel billets and steel rails have all advanced in price, under the influence of sharply strength ened demand, and there has been a' re opening of many idle mills and furnaces. Boston Journal From every direction comes the cheer ing news of the starting up of idle shops and mills or an increase in tbe production of those already in operation. Yester day the Candee rubber footwear plant, at New Haven. Conn., employing 1,200 hands; the Riverside Steel Company, near Parkersburg, W. a.. employing 1,800 men; the Farwell Worsted Company, at Providence, R. I., employing 500 hands, and the silk mills at South Norwaik, Conn., resumed work after a long period of inactivity, and the repair shops of the New Haven Railroad system in New Ha ven, Providence, Taunton. Boston and Hartford, which employ 6,000 men. have begun running ten hours a day. The Sil ver Spring bleachery. at Providence, em ploying 550 hands, and the large yarn mills at CeBtreville, R. I., employing 1.000 hands, have commenced to run full time. Before the present week closes other fac tories all over the New England and Mid dle States will again be in operatieav New York Commercial Advertiser. Genuine improvement in business does not come with a rush, like the breaking of a great dam. Tbe growth for some weeks past aaslbeea more encouraging, because hi nearly sD liBes it has been gradnal sad moderate. The rupture of tbe steel rail and other combinations in the iron busi ness has brought out a vast quantity of trade which had been held back, and has set many thousand men at work, while the slow but steady gain in other great industries has given employment to many thousand more, but the full effects will not appear until tbe increased purchases by all these swell the distribution of goods. This comes more slowly and later, bur is . z .. ". n . Ireaay PP"f . President McKinley can do much to in spire confidence, but taking the oath of office as President gave him no magical power to bring to the country universal prosperity. That depends very much up on the legislation of Congress. If that body fails, to enact the laws which he hss so dearly suggested ia his inaugural, his admlaistrstiea will not be sttended with that BMasure ef general prosperity which the intelligent people of the country have a right to expect The President has done all that he can do for the present He has indicated the legislation which he deems necessary and he has called Congress to meet Those who are in fall accord with him in Congress will have bills prepared and will promptly make them laws if they are not hindered by hostility in the Sen ate. Bxchange. Saaplcioaa. Landlord (to agent) I wish yoa'd keep a close watch on the people who have that boose on X street. I'm afraid they're up to something. Agent What has aroused yoar ssjspi dons? Landlord They haven't asked for any repairs this month. Cltyaaia 3 Ledger. -j