He then spoke about the Tariff, and said that the tariff laws which he hoped to see made would bring in enough money to supply all needs, without directly taxing the people—­which was a thing he did not approve of, except in time of war.  The tariff is a tax put on all foreign products brought into this country.

He then touched upon Trusts, and very severely, too.  He approved entirely of the efforts that had been made by Mr. Cleveland’s Government to suppress trusts, and he said that his Government would follow steadfastly in its footsteps—­enforcing the laws that already existed, and making such new ones as were necessary.

He spoke about Immigration.  President Cleveland vetoed the immigration bill, about which we were speaking; but President McKinley approves of restricting immigration, and will probably sign the bill if it is brought before him.

One very interesting point that he touched on was the subject of American Merchant Marine.

At the present time we have so few of our own ships sailing the seas, that we can be said to have no merchant marine at all.  The ships that crowd our ports are from foreign countries.

President McKinley said he would like Congress to take the matter in hand, and assist in restoring our merchant navy to its former greatness.

Then he spoke on Foreign Policy.  This is also a very interesting subject, because it shows us the attitude President McKinley will take toward poor little Cuba.

He said he believed in peace and friendship with other countries, and that war should never be entered upon until every effort for peace had failed.

He believed in a policy of non-interference, and of leaving to foreign countries the business of settling their own quarrels with their colonies.

He believed, however, in being just and impartial, ever watchful of our national honor, and always insisting on the lawful rights of our citizens every where.

About Arbitration, President McKinley said that he considered it the only true method of settling international quarrels, and that he was in favor of ratifying the treaty with Great Britain, and hoped the Senate would do so at a very early date.

He then said he should call an extra session of Congress for March 15th, to attend to various important affairs that needed immediate attention.

His closing words were: 

“Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief Justice:  ’I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.’  This is the obligation I have reverently taken before the Lord Most High.  To keep it will be my single purpose, my constant prayer, and I shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance of all the people in the discharge of my solemn responsibilities.”