mutual ratification of all its terms should be made by the two contracting governments within six months from that date. Great Britain objected to the modification, and as that government refused to sign within the time named, the question originally in dispute still remains to be settled. To this serious issue the new administration, and the new Congress particularly, must now address itself.

Discussions by Great Leaders

OF THE WEIGHTY QUESTIONS AND HARD PROBLEMS WHICH ARE PRESSING UPON THE NATION

FOR A RIGHT SOLUTION

TO READ THESE EXPRESSIONS

TO CONSIDER WELL THE SUGGESTIONS

And to strive by every patriotic means to help to a wise determination of the issues, without regard to party purpose or affiliation, is the imperative duty

of every American that loves

his country

For the attainment of these lofty aims for national good le all parties be consolidated, since it is by such

joint action that individual benefit is

most surely gained

GREAT ISSUES

TREATED BY GREAT STATESMEN

THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY.

BY PRESIDENT M'KINLEY.

A year before his assassination President McKinley, with that rare prophetic vision which distinguished him scarcely less than his wise statesmanship and lofty patriotism, gave utterance to the following words; words which showed his unlimited confidence and affection for his country, his people and our institutions, as well also his faith in the destiny of the nation, and the means he designed should accomplish the most beneficent purposes of our government:

We have had our blessings and our burdens and still have both. We will soon have legislative assurance of the continuance of the gold standard with which we measure our exchanges, and we have the open door in the Far East through which to market our products.

We are neither in alliance, nor antagonism, nor entanglement with any foreign power, but on terms of amity and cordiality with all. We buy from all of them and sell to all of them, and our sales exceeded our purchases in the past two years by over $1,000,000,000.

Markets have been increased and mortgages have been reduced. Interest has fallen and wages have advanced. The public debt is decreasing. The country is well to do; its people for the most part are happy and contented. They have good times and are on good terms with the nations of the world.

His Optimism Based on Facts.-There are, unfortunately, those among us, few in number I am sure, who seem to thrive best under bad times, and who, when good times overtake them in the United States, feel constrained to put us on bad terms with the rest of mankind. With them I have no sympathy. I would rather give expression to

what I believe to be the nobler and almost universal sentiment of my countrymen in the wish not only for our peace, but for the peace and prosperity of all the nations and peoples of the earth.

After thirty-three years of unbroken peace came an unavoidable war. Happily the conclusion was quickly reached without a suspicion of unworthy motive, or practice, or purpose, on our part, and with fadeless honor to our arms. I cannot forget the quick response of the people to the country's need and the 250,000 men who freely offered their lives to their country's service. It was an impressive spectacle of national strength. It demonstrated our mighty reserve power and taught us that large standing armies are unnecessary when every citizen is a "minute man," ready to join the ranks for national defence.

Out of these recent events have come to the United States great trials and responsibilities. As it was the nation's war, so are its results the nation's problem. Its solution rests upon us all. It is too serious to stifle. It is too earnest for repose. No phrase or catchword can cancel the sacred obligation it involves. No use of epithet; no aspersion of motives by those who differ with us will contribute to that sober judgment so essential to right conclusions.

No political outcry can abrogate our treaty of peace with Spain or absolve us from its solemn engagements. It is the people's question, and will be until its determination is written out in their enlightened verdict. We must choose between manly doing and base desertion. It will never be the latter. We must be soberly settled in justice and good conscience, and it will be. Righteousness, which exalteth a nation, must control in its solution.

The Nation Equal to Any Emergency.-No great emergency has arisen in this nation's history and progress which has not been met by the sovereign people with high capacity, with ample strength and with unflinching fidelity to every honorable obligation. Partisanship can hold few of us against solemn public duty. We have seen this so