of the Senate thereon, not merely as a matter of policy, but as a duty
to mankind. The importance and moral influence of the ratification of
such a treaty can hardly be overestimated in the cause of advancing
civilization. It may well engage the best thought of the statesmen and
people of every country, and I cannot but consider it fortunate that it
was reserved to the United States to have the leadership in so grand a
work.

It has been the uniform practice of each President to avoid, as far as
possible, the convening of Congress in extraordinary session. It is an
example which, under ordinary circumstances and in the absence of a
public necessity, is to be commended. But a failure to convene the
representatives of the people in Congress in extra session when it
involves neglect of a public duty places the responsibility of such
neglect upon the Executive himself. The condition of the public
Treasury, as has been indicated, demands the immediate consideration of
Congress. It alone has the power to provide revenues for the
Government. Not to convene it under such circumstances I can view in no
other sense than the neglect of a plain duty. I do not sympathize with
the sentiment that Congress in session is dangerous to our general
business interests. Its members are the agents of the people, and their
presence at the seat of Government in the execution of the sovereign
will should not operate as an injury, but a benefit. There could be no
better time to put the Government upon a sound financial and economic
basis than now. The people have only recently voted that this should be
done, and nothing is more binding upon the agents of their will than
the obligation of immediate action. It has always seemed to me that the
postponement of the meeting of Congress until more than a year after it
has been chosen deprived Congress too often of the inspiration of the
popular will and the country of the corresponding benefits. It is