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Show TOLD III UK TD CONGRESS Presjdent in His Message "to Lawmakers, Defends Policies. . JTO FOLLOW HARDINGS IDEAS l ligation i jo hot propose to barter the War acquired a large merchant away for the privilege of trade any of fleet which- - should be transferred, as the cherished rights o" humanity, I S0fifi as possible, to private ownership do not propose to make merchandise and operation under conditions which ot any American principles. Theae would secure two results) First, and rights and principles must go wherever of prime importance, adequate means the sanctions ot our government go. for national .defense) second, adequate But while the favor of Ameriea is Service tfi American commerce. Until not for sal I am willing to moke very hipping conditions are such that onr large concessions tor the purpose ot fleet efin be disposed of advantarescuing the people of Russia, Already geously under these conditions, It will encouraging evidences ot returning to be operated as economically as posthe ancient ways of society can be de- sible under such plans as may be adtected, But more are needed, Whenvised from time to time by the shipever there appears any disposition to ping board. We mnst have a merchant our citizens who were marine which meets these requireto recognise that debt con- ments, and we shall have to pay the tracted with our government, not by cost of its service. the esar, but by the pewly fumed rePublic Improvements, public of Russia whenever the active The time has come to resume In a spirit of enmity to our institutions is moderate the opening of our inway whenever abated) there works actuate Opposed to League of Nation but appear Favors World Court Wants Die. mete for repentance) our country a bled Veterans Cared For, but , to be the first to go to the Is Opposed to Qranfc and moral rescuo of Russia, Wo have every desire to help and no Ing a Bonus. desire to injure. We hope the time is Washington. President Coolldge In near at hand when we can act Lis first message to the congress bad Debt, the following recommendations to The current debt and interest due . offer: from foreign governments, exclusive of Since the close of the last congress the British debt of $4600,000,000, is the nation has lost President Harding. about $7,200,000,000. I fi0 not favor The world knew his kindness and his the cancellation of this debt, but I. see humanity, his greatness and his char no objection to adjusting it In accorducter. He has left his mark upon ance with the principle adopted for the history. He has made Justice more British debt Our country would not certain and peace more secure, The wish to assume the role of an oppressurpassing, tribute paid to his mem sive debtor, but would maintain the ory as he was borne across the con- principle that financial obligations betinent to rest at last at home re- tween nations are likewise moral oblivealed the place he held In the hearts gations which International faith and of the American people. But this Is honor require should be discharged. Our government has a liquidated not the occasion for extended refer ence to the man or bis work. In this claim against Germany for the expense presence, among those who knew and of the army of occupation of over loved him, that Is unnecessary. But Besides this, the mixed claims we who were associated with him commission have before them about could not resume together the func- 12,600 claims of American citizens, agtions of our office without pausing for gregating about $1,225,000,000. These a moment,' and In his memory recon- claims have already been reduced by secrating ourselves to the service of a recent decision, but there are valid our country. He Is gone. We re- claims reaching well toward $500,000,-00Our thousands of citizens with main. It Is our duty, under the Inspiration of his example, to take up credits due them of hundreds of milthe burdens which he was permltetd lions of dollars have mr redress save to lay down, and to develop and sup- In the action of our government. These port the wise principles of government are very substantial Interests, which it Is the duty of our government to which he represented. protect as best It can. That course I Foreign Affairs. For us peace reigns everywhere. propose to pursue-I-t Is for theae reasons that we have We desire to perpetuate It always by granting full Justice to others and re- a direct Interest In the economic requiring of others full Justice to our- covery of Europe. They are enlarged by our desire for the stability of civselves. ilization and the welfare of humanity. Our country has one cardinal prinThat we are making sacrifices to that ciple to maintain In Its foreign polIt end none can deny. Our deferred Inicy. It Is an American principle.. must be an American policy. We terest alone amounts to a million dolattend to our own affairs, conserve lars every day. But recently we ofour own strength, and protect the In- fered to aid with our advice and counterests of our own citizens; but we sel. We have reiterated our desire to recognize thoroughly our obligation to see France paid and Germany revived. help, others, reserving to the decision We have proposed disarmament. We of our own Judgment the time, the have earnestly sought to compose difWe realize ferences end restore peace. We shall place, and the method. not by force, the common bond o humanity. We persevere in but by reason. know the Inescapable law of service. Our country has definitely refused Foreign Service. The foreign service of our governto adopt and ratify the covenant of the League of Nations. We have not felt ment needs to be reorganized and Imwarranted In assuming the responsi- proved. Fiscal Condition. bilities which Its members have asOur main problems are domestic 1 am not proposing any sumed. Financial stability is the change In this policy; neither Is the problems. senate. The Incident, so far as we first requisite of sound government. are concerned, is closed. The league We cannot escape the effect of world We cannot avoid the Inexists as a foreign agency. We hope conditions. it will be helpful. But the United evitable results of the economic disorStates sees no reason to limit Its own ders which have reached all nations. freedom and independence of action But we shall diminish their ham to in proportion as we continue to reby Joining It. We shall do well to rec- us our government finances to a store In all national ognize tbis basic fact This nffalrs and govern ourselves accord- secure and endurable position. we can do and must do. Upon that ingly. firm foundation rests the only hope of World Court. Our foreign policy has always been progress and prosperity. From that source must come relief for the people. guided by two principles. The one Is This Is being accomplished by a the avoidance of permanent political drastic but orderly retrenchment, alliance which would sacrifice our which is bringing our expenses within proper Independence. The other is the peaceful settlement of controver- our means. The origin of this has been the determination of the Amersies between nations. By example and by treaty we have advocated arbi- ican people, the main support has been tration. For nearly 25 years we have the courage of those In authority, and been a member of The Hagne tribunal, the effective method has been the Inand have long sought the creation of budget system. The result has a permanent World Court of Justice. volved real sacrifice by department I gm In full accord with both of these heads, but it has been made without I favor the establishment flinching. This system la a law of the policies. of such a court Intended to Include congress. It represents your will. It That Is, and has must be maintained, and ought to be the whole world. strengthened by the example of your American policy. long been, an Without a budget system observance. Pending before the senate Is a pro- there can be no fixed responsibility and Its this give that government posal no constructive scientific economy. Ino of Court Permanent the support reform which Is urgent In ternational Justice, which Is a new ourAnother fiscal system Is the abolition of and somewhat different plan. This Is securiIt should the right to issue not a partisan question. not ties. The only system existing not assume an artificial Importance. amount of the wealth The court Is merely a convenient In- permits a largeto escape Its just burwe of the nation strument-of adjustment to which t a acts as continual stimulant den but could-nobe we which to could go, but to This should 'brought. It should be discussed with be municipal extravagance. prohibited by constitutional amendentire candor, not by a political but ment. All the wealth of the nation by a Judicial method, without pressure to contribute Its fair share to ought and without prejudice. Partisanship of the nation. has no place In our foreign, relations. the expenses Tariff Law! As' I wish to see a court established, The present tariff law has accom'arid as the proposal presents the only two main objects. It has practical plan on which many nations plished Its have ever agreed, though It may not secured an abundant revenue and meet every desire, I therefore com- been productive of an abounding prosperity. Under it the country has had mend It to the favorable consideraa very large export and Import trade. tion of the senate, with the proposed reservations clearly indicating our re- A constant revision of the tariff by the fusal to adhere to the League of Na- congress Is disturbing and harmful. The present law contains an elastic ' tions. . provision authorizing the President to Russia. so increase nr decrease present schedOur. diplomatic relations, lately resules not in excess of 50 per centum to largely "interrupted, are now being Russia presents notable meet the difference In cost of producumed,--but We have every desire to tion at home and abroad. This does difficulties. a rewriting see that great people, Who are our tra- not, to my mind, warrant ditional friends,, restored to their po- of the whole law, but does mean, and whenever sition among the nations of the earth. will be so administered, that the required investigation shows that We have relieved their pitiable destisufficient Importance tution with an enormous charity. Our inequalities of In any schedule, the power to exist the to no offers objection government s change them should and will be apcarrying on of commerce by our with the people of Russia. Our plied. 8hlpplng. does not propose, howgovernment anThe entire well being of onr country ever, to enter Into relations with transportation by other regime which refuses to recog- is dependent npon ob sea and land. Onr government daring International of the sanctity nize " $220,-000,00- 0. 0. well-doin- pt cltl-ren- tracoastal waterways) the control of flood waters of the Mississippi and of the Colorado rivers) the Improvement of the waterway! from the Great Lakes toward the Gulf of Mexico i and the development of the great power and navigation project of the Jt Lawrence river, for which efforts are now being made to secure the necessary treaty with Canada. These projects cannot all be undertaken at once, bnt all should have the Immediate consideration of the congress and be adopted as fast as plans can be matured'' and the necessary funds becomo available. This Is not Incompatible with economy, for fhelr nature does not require so much a public expenditure as a capital Investment which will be reproductive,, as evidenced by the marked Increase In revenue from the Panama canal,. Upon these projects depend much future Industrial and agricultural progress. They represent the protection of large areas from flood and the addition of a great amount of cheap power, and cheap freight by ubo of navigation, chief of which Is the bringing of oceangoing ships to the Great Lakes. Another problem of allied character Is the superpower development of the northeastern states, consideration of which Is proceeding under the direction of the Department of Commerce by Joint conference with the local authorities. . Railroads. Criticism of the railroad law has been directed, first, to the section laying down the rule by which rates are fixed, and providing for payment to the government and use of excess earnings; second, to the method for the adjustment of wage scales; and third, to the authority permitting It has been erroneously assumed that the act undertakes to guarantee railroad earnings. The law requires that rates should be Just ahd reasonable. That has always been the ula under which rates have befen fixed. To make a rate that does not yield fair return results In confiscation, and confiscatory rates are of course unconstitutional. Unless the government adheres to the rule of making a rate that will yield a fair return, it mnst abandon rate making altogether. The new and Important feature of that part of the law Is the recapture and redistribution of excess rates. The constitutionality of this method Is now before the Supreme court for adjudiTheir decision should be cation. awaited before attempting further legislation on this subject. Furthermore, the importance of this feature will not be great If consolidation goes Into effect The settlement of railroad labor disputes Is a matter of grave public conThe labor board was estabcern. lished to protect the public In the enatjoyment of continuous service by tempting to Insure Justice between the companies and their employees. It has been a great help, but Is not altogether satisfactory to the public, the If a employees, or the companies. substantial agreement can be reached among the groups Interested, there should be no hesitation In enacting such agreement Into law. If It Is not reached, the labor board may very well be left for the present to protect the public welfare. The law for consolidations Is not suffAdiciently effective to be expeditious. ditional legislation Is needed giving authority for voluntary consolidations, both regional and route, and providand ing government machinery to aid stimulate such action, always subject to the approval of the Interstate comThis should aumerce commission. thorize the commission to appoint committees for each proposed group, representing the public and the component roads, with power to negotiate with individual security holders for an exchange of their securities for those of the consolidation on such terms and conditions as the commission may prescribe for avoiding any confiscation and preserving fair values. Should this permissive consolidation prove Ineffective after a limited period, the authority- of the government will have to be directly Invoked. Consolidation appears to be the only feasible method for the maintenance of an adequate system of transportation with an opportunity so to adjust freight rates as to meet such temporary conditions as now prevail In some auagricultural sections. Competent thorities agree that an entire reor- ganization of the rate structure for freight Is necessary. This should be ordered at once by the congress. Department of Justice. . As no revision of the laws of the United States has been made since a commission or committee 1878, shpuld be created to undertake this The Judicial council reports work. that two .more district Judges are needed In the southern district of New York, one In . the northern district of Georgia, and two more circuit Judges In the Circuit Court of Appeals of the Eighth circuit. Legislation should be be limited to our capacity to absorb considered for this purpose. them into the ranks of good citizenProhibition. America must be kept Amership, The prohibition amendment to the ican, For this purpose, It Is necesConstitution requires the congress and sary to continue a policy of restrictthe President to provide adequate laws ed immigration. It would bo well to prevent Its violation, it Is my duty to make ouch Immigration of a selecto enforce such laws. For that pur- tive nature with some Inspection at pose a treaty Is being negotiated with the source, and based either on a prior Great Britain with respect to the right census or upon tho record of naturalof search of hovering vessels. To pre- ization. Either method would Insure vent smuggling, the ooast guard should the admission of those with the largest be greatly strengthened, and a sup- capacity and best Intention of becomply of swift power boats should bo ing citizens. 1 am convinced that onr provided. Tho major sources of pro- present economic and social conditions duction should be rigidly regulated, warrant a limitation of those to be adand every effort should be made to mitted We Should (bid additional oppress Interstate .traffic. With this safety In a law requiring the Immediaction on tho part of the national gov- ate registration of all aliens, Those ernment, and tho which Is who do not want to bo partakers of usually rendered by municipal and ths American spirit ought not to set-tl- o state authorities, prohibition should be in America. made effective, Free government has Veterans, no greater menace than disrespect for No more Important duty falls on tho authority and continual violation of law. It Is the duty of a citizen not government of the United States than the care ot its veterans. only to observe the law but to let it Thoseadequate suffering disabilities incurred be known that he Is opposed to Its In the service must have sufficient hosviolation. Their pital relief and compensation. The Negro, meat be supported RehabNumbered among our population are dependents some 12,000,000 colored people. Un- ilitation and vocational training must be completed All of this service must der our Constitution their rights aro be dean, must be prompt and effecJust as sacred as those of any other and It must be administered In citizen. It Is both a public and a tive, a spirit of the broadest and deepest private duty to protect those rights. human sympathy. If Investigation reThe congress ought to exercise all veals any present defects of adminisIts powers of prevention and punishtration or need of legislation, orders ment . against ths hideous crime of will be given for the Immediate corlynching, of which the negroes are by rection of administration, and recomno means the sole sufferers, but for mendations for legislation should bo which they furnish a majority of the given the highest preference. victim At present there are 9,000 vacant Regulatory Legislation. beds In government hospitals. I recwith other maritime ommend that all hospitals be aupowers Is necessary for complete pro- thorized at once to receive and care tection of our coast waters from polfor, without hospital pay, the veterans lution. Plans for this are under way, of all wars needing such care, whenbut await certain experiments for ref- ever there are vacant beds, and that use disposal. Meantime laws pro- Immediate steps be taken to enlarge hibiting spreading oil and oil refuse and build new hospitals to serve all from vessels In our own territorial such cases. " waters would be most helpful against The American Legion wlR present this menace and should be speedily to congress a legislative program too enacted. extensive for detailed dlacnsslon here. Laws should be passed regulating It la a carefully matured plan. While aviation. ' some of It I do not favor, with much Revision Is needed of the laws regu- of It I am In hearty accord, and I reclating radio Interference. ommend that a most painstaking ef. Legislation and regulations estab- fort be made to provide remedies for lishing load lines to provide safe load- any defects In the administration of of vessels onr are ing ports leaving the present laws which their experinecessary and recodlflcatlon of our ence has revealed. The attitude of navigation laws Is vital. the government toward these proposRevision of procedure of the fed- als should be one of generosity. Bnt I eral trade commission will give more do not favor the granting of a bonus. constructive purpose to this departCoal. ment. The cost of coal has become unbearAlaskan fisheries are to be saved from destruction, there must be ably high. It places a great burden on our Industrial and domestic life. a further legislation If-o- ur declaring general The public welfare requires a reduction in the price of fuel. With the enormous deposits In existence, failure of supply ought not to be tolerated. Those responsible for the conditions In this industry should undertake its reform and free It from any charge of profiteering. The report of the coal commission will be before the congress. , It comprises all the facts. It represents the mature deliberations and conclusions of the best talent and experience that ever made a national survey of the production and distribution of fuel. 1 do not favor government ownership or operation of coal mines. The need Is for action under private ownership that will secure greater continuity of production and greater public protection. The federal government probably has no peace-timauthority to regulate wages, prices, or profits In coal at the mines or among dealers, but by ascertaining and publishing facts It can exercise great Influence. policy and delegating the authority to mke rules and regulations to an administrative body. Army and Navy. For several years we have been decreasing the personnel of the army and navy, and reducing their power to the danger point. Further reductions should not be made, The army Is a guarantee of the security of onr citizens at home; the navy Is a guarantee of the security of our citizens abroad. Both of these services should be strengthened rather than weakened. Additional planes are needed for the army, and additional submarines for the navy. The defenses of Panama must be perfected. We want no more competitive armaments. We want no more war. But we want no weakness that Invites Imposition. A people who neglect their national defense are putting In Jeopardy their national honor. Insular Possessions. Conditions In the Insular possessions on tho whole have been good. Their business has been reviving. They are being administered according to law. That effort has the full support of the administration. Such recommendations as may Come from their people or their governments should have the most considerate attention. Education and Welfare. Our national government Is not doing as much as It legitimately can do to promote the welfare of the people. Our enormous material wealth, our institutions, onr whole form of 'society, cannot be considered fully successful until their benefits reach the merit ,ot every Individual. This is not a suggestion that the government should, or could, assume for the people the Inevitable burdens of existence. There Is no method by which we can either be relieved of the results of our own folly or be guaranteed a successful life. There Is an Inescapable personal responsibility for the development of character, of Industry, of thrift, and of self control. These do not come from the . government, but from the people themselves. But the government can and should always be expressive of steadfast determination, always vigilant, to maintain conditions under which these virtues are most likely to develop and secure recognition and reward. This Is the American policy. It Is In accordance with this principle that we have enacted laws for the protection of the public health and have adopted prohibition In narcotic drugs and Intoxicating liquors. "For purposes of national uniformity we ought to provide, by constitutional amendment and appropriate legislation, for a limitation of child labor, and In all cases under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government a minimum wage law for women, which would undoubtedly find sufficient power of enforcement In the Influence of public opinion. 1 Immigration. American Institutions rest solely on good citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of Hew arrivals should lieved by a reduction of national anj local taxation. He must be assisted by the reorganization of the frelsUtJ rate structure which couki redued To makd charges on his production. this fully effective there ought to be railroad consolidations. Cheaper fef j tlllzers mnst be provided, He mnst have organization. lift customer with whom he exchanged products of the farm for (hose ot dustry is organized, labor Is organized business Is organized, and there is net way for agriculture to meet this wJ less It, too. Is organized. The acreJ age of wheat Is too large. Unless we can meet the world market at a profit we most stop raising for export. Organization would help to reduce acremarket age. Systems of lng created by the fanners tbemsefve' supervised by competent management without doubt would be of assistance but they cannot wholly solve the problem. Our agricultural schools ought to hare thorough courses In the theory marof organization and ket lng. Diversification Is necessary. Tbosg farmers who raise their living on thsfr land are not greatly In distress. ftncfc' loans as ars wisely needed to sasht buying stock and other materials t start In this direction should be financed through s government agency; as n temporary and emergency expedient. The remaining difficulty Is ths disposition of exportable wheat I do not favor the permanent interference of the government In this problem.' That probably would Increase ths tremble by Increasing production. But it seems feasible to provide government assistance to exports, and authority should be given the War Finance cot poratlon to grant, In Its discretion, tb most liberal terms of payment for fats and grains exported .for this direct benefit of the farm. Muscle Shoale. The government Is undertaking to develop a great water-powe- r project known as Muscle Shoals, on which it has expended many million dollar. The work Is still going on. Snbject to the right to retake In time of wa I recommend that this property with a location for auxiliary steam plant and rights of way be .sold. This would end the present burden ot expense and should return to the treasury the larp est price possible to secure. Reclamation. By reason of many contributing causes, occupants of onr reclamation projects are In financial difficulties which in some cases are acute. Relief should be granted by definite authority of law empowering the secretary of the Interior In his discretion to suspend, readjust, and reassess all charges against water users. Thin whole question Is being considered by experts. Yon will have the advantage of the facts and conclusions which they may develop. This situation. Involving a government Investment ot more than $135,000,000, and affecting more than 80,000 water users, Is serious. While relief which Is necessary should be granted, yet contracts with the government which can be mat should be met The established general policy of these projects should not be abandoned for any private con-troL Highways and Forestsi Highways and reforestation sbonld .continue to have the interest and sap-'poof the government. Everyone IS anxious for good highways. I have made a liberal proposal in the budget for the continuing payment to the states by the federal government of Its share for this necessary pnbUe Reorganization. No expenditure of pubImprovement. A special joint committee has been lic money contributes so much to the appointed to work out a plan for a national wealth as for building good reorganization of the different depart- roads. ments and bureaus of the government Reforestation has an Importance far more scientific and economical than above the attention It usually secure the present system. With the excep- A special committee of the senate la tion of the consolidation of the War Investigating this need, and I shall weland Navy departments and some mi- come a constructive policy based on nor details, the plan has the general their report sanction of the President and the cabiIt Is 100 years since onr country net. It Is Important that reorganizaannounced the Monroe doctrine, mis tion be enacted Into law at the present principle has been ever since, and la session. now, one of the main foundations of Agriculture. our foreign relations. It must be Aided by the sound principles maintained. Bnt In maintaining It we adopted by the government, the busi- mnst not be forgetful that a great ness of the country has had an ex- change has taken place. We are ne traordinary revival. Looked at as a longer a weak nation, thinking mainly whole, the nation Is In the enjoyment of defense, dreading foreign imposiof remarkable prosperity. Industry tion. We are great and powerfuL and commerce are thriving. For the New powers bring new responsibilimost part agriculture Is successful, ties. Onr duty then was to protect oureleven staples having risen in value selves. Added to that, our duty now is two years to help give stability to the world. We from about $5,300,000,000 want idealism. We want that vision $7,000,000,000 for the curago to about rent- jear. ' But range cattle are still which lifts men and nations above These are virtues by realow In price, and some sections of the themselves. wheat area, notably Minnesota, North son of their own merit. Rut they must Dakota and on west, have many cases not be cloistered; they must not be of acthaf distress. With his products Impractical; they must not be Ineffecnot selling on a parity with the prod- tive. The world has had enough of the ucts of Industry, every sound remedy that can be devised should be applied curse of hatred and selfishness, of defor the relief of the farmer.. He rep- struction and war. It hna had enough' resents a character, a type of citizen- of the wrongful use of material power. ship, and a public necessity that must For- the healing of the nations there l?e preserved and afforded every facil- must be good will and charity, confidence and peace. The time has coma ity for regaining prosperity. The distress Is most acute among for a more practical use of moral powthose wholly dependent upon one crop. er, and more reliance upon the prinWheat acreage was greatly expanded ciple that right makes its own might and has not yet been sufficiently re- Our authority among the nations mnst duced. A large amount Is raised for be represented by justice and mercy.. export, which has to meet the compe- It is necessary not only to have faith, tition In the world market of large but to make sacrifices for our faith. amounts raised on land much cheaper The spiritual forces of the world make all Its final determinations. It Is with and much more productive. No complicated scheme of relief, no these voices that America should plan for government fixing of prices, speak. Whenever they declare a rightno resort to the public treasury will eous purpose there need be no. donbt be of any permanent value In estab- that they will be heard. America has ro-- , lishing agriculture. Simple and direct taken her place In the world as a methods pat Into operation by the public free, Independent, powerfuL farmer himself an the only real The best service that can be rendered to humanity Is the assurance that thla sources for restoration. Indirectly the fanner most be re place wlR be maintained. rt e ' - |