In our great prosperity we must guard against the danger it invites of
extravagance in Government expenditures and appropriations; and the
chosen representatives of the people will, I doubt not, furnish an
example in their legislation of that wise economy which in a season of
plenty husbands for the future. In this era of great business activity
and opportunity caution is not untimely. It will not abate, but
strengthen, confidence. It will not retard, but promote, legitimate
industrial and commercial expansion. Our growing power brings with it
temptations and perils requiring constant vigilance to avoid. It must
not be used to invite conflicts, nor for oppression, but for the more
effective maintenance of those principles of equality and justice upon
which our institutions and happiness depend. Let us keep always in mind
that the foundation of our Government is liberty; its superstructure
peace.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 4, 1900_.
_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:
I transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, copy of a letter
from the Commissioner-General of the United States to the Paris
Exposition of 1900, of November 17, 1900, giving a detailed statement of
the expenditures of the commission for the year ended November 15, 1900.
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