ry of State to send to the diplomatic
representatives of the United States abroad a circular letter, similar
to the one sent by Secretary Elaine on May 20, 1881, instructing them to
obtain from the several foreign governments to which they are accredited
as full information as possible (including copy of laws relating
thereto) as to the nature and practical workings (including expenses,
receipts, and rates) of the postal telegraphs, telephones, and postal
savings banks of such countries as have adopted the same.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 24, 1897_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

In my message convening the Congress in extraordinary session I called
attention to a single subject--that of providing revenue adequate to
meet the reasonable and proper expenses of the Government. I believed
that to be the most pressing subject for settlement then. A bill to
provide the necessary revenues for the Government has already passed the
House of Representatives and the Senate and awaits executive action.

Another question of very great importance is that of the establishment
of our currency and banking system on a better basis, which I commented
upon in my inaugural address in the following words:

Our financial system needs some revision; our money is all good now,
but its value must not further be threatened. It should all be put upon
an enduring basis, not subject to easy attack, nor its stability to
doubt or dispute. The several forms of our paper money offer, in my
judgment, a constant embarrassment to the Government and imperil a safe
balance in the Treasury.

Nothing was settled more clearly at the late national election than the
determination upon the part of the people to keep their currency stable
in value and equal to that of the most advanced nations of the world.

The soundness of our currency is nowhere questioned. No loss can occur
to its holders. It is the system which should be simplified and
strengthened, keeping our money just as good as it is now with less
expense to the Government and the people.

The sentiment of the country is strongly in favor of early action
by Congress in this direction, to revise our currency laws and remove
them from partisan contention. A notable assembly of business men
with delegates from twenty-nine States and Territories was held at
Indianapolis in January of this year. The financial situation commanded
their earnest attention,