brief reference to its salient features. And most prominent among these, stands out the adoption of the policy of Reciprocity, embodied in the McKinley Tariff Law. The present Administration came into power, pledged to a certain reform of the tariff, whereby the aggregate revenue to the country, and so the aggregate cost of living to the consumer, should be diminished, without the interests of American capital and labor being in the least endangered. Hence the new tariff law of 1890, which embodies the principle of protection to established American industries, and, at the same time, freely offers the full advantages of an open market in the United States to those countries who are able and willing to so remodel their tariff schedules as to give increased or exceptional advantages to the importation of American products and manufactures. The effects of the McKinley Tariff Law have been traced in successive numbers of Current History. That it is perfect or final, no one contends. At the same time, the reduction of the revenue since the adoption of the measure, the fall in average prices, and the gradual expansion of non-dutiable imports, until, for the first time in the history of the country, they have exceeded those on which duties are levied-these facts are prominently dwelt upon by the friends and advocates of the new tariff law. That the measure is of surpassing importance, may be judged from the efforts which European Powers are making to counteract its strategy for the promotion of American commercial interests.

An unusual number of calls have been made upon the present Administration, to deal with delicate and difficult questions of foreign policy; and in each and every case, the interests and dignity of the United States have been fittingly upheld, the foreign horizon being at the present time absolutely unclouded. The Samoan Islands owe their present autonomy under English, German, and American protection, to the intervention of the United States at a time when the independence of the islands was threatened. In previous issues of Cur

rent History, we have fully outlined the origin, progress and results of the Italian imbroglio at New Orleans; the complications with Chili over the murderous assault upon the sailors of the Baltimore in the streets of Valparaiso; and the once threatening dispute with Great Britain, now happily referred to arbitration, over sealing rights in Behring Sea. The development of these controversies, together with the conduct of negotiations for the important commercial treaties recently concluded with Germany, Spain, France, and other countries, have all revealed a consummate diplomatic ability in the statesmen of the present Administration. Within the last three years, the Navy has made immense strides in development, and national confidence and pride have been universally awakened in this important branch of defense; while the stimulus to shipping industry in general, has been such as to indicate a turning point in the national life. The effects of the Pan-American Congress of 1890 are visible in the closer bonds of commercial relations with the Latin-American Republics. In monetary matters, the influence of the Administration has ever favored a stable and interconvertible currency. There has been little complaint and scandal in the conduct of the business of the various departments, several of which have, within the period of the present Administration, been placed, through unavoidable causes, under the personal supervision of the President. In the grasp of detail displayed in the management of their affairs; in his many speeches on a great variety of topics, delivered in all parts of the country; and in his State papers, often dealing with the most delicate questions, President Harrison has shown the qualities of a leader and executive head of the first order.

In person, the President is of medium height, with a well rounded figure, a massive head, expressive features, and courteous, yet dignified, address. Though perhaps none too demonstrative in affection, he is a gentleman of unspotted Christian character, with broad sympathies and elevated aims and purposes.