evident, therefore, that to postpone action in the presence of so great
a necessity would be unwise on the part of the Executive because unjust
to the interests of the people. Our action now will be freer from mere
partisan consideration than if the question of tariff revision was
postponed until the regular session of Congress. We are nearly two
years from a Congressional election, and politics cannot so greatly
distract us as if such contest was immediately pending. We can approach
the problem calmly and patriotically, without fearing its effect upon
an early election.

Our fellow-citizens who may disagree with us upon the character of this
legislation prefer to have the question settled now, even against their
preconceived views, and perhaps settled so reasonably, as I trust and
believe it will be, as to insure great permanence, than to have further
uncertainty menacing the vast and varied business interests of the
United States. Again, whatever action Congress may take will be given a
fair opportunity for trial before the people are called to pass
judgment upon it, and this I consider a great essential to the rightful
and lasting settlement of the question. In view of these
considerations, I shall deem it my duty as President to convene
Congress in extraordinary session on Monday, the 15th day of March,
1897.

In conclusion, I congratulate the country upon the fraternal spirit of
the people and the manifestations of good will everywhere so apparent.
The recent election not only most fortunately demonstrated the
obliteration of sectional or geographical lines, but to some extent
also the prejudices which for years have distracted our councils and
marred our true greatness as a nation. The triumph of the people, whose
verdict is carried into effect today, is not the triumph of one