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Show fcOOLIDGE OUTLINES HIS POLICIES TO THE LAWMAKERS RESIDENT SAYS IT IS HIS DUTY TO FOLLOW PRINCIPLES OF HARDING. SEEKS THE CREATION OF WORLD COURT OF JUSTICE Would Resume Diplomatic Relations With Russia Under Certain Conditions Condi-tions Opposed to Further Railroad Legislation Discusses Plans for Relief Re-lief of the Farmer. Washington. President Coollclge, In hi.s first address to the congress, suld. In part : Since the clone of the last congress the natljn hnu lout President Harding. The world knew hi.s kindness and hie human I ty, his KrealnesH and hia character, char-acter, lie has left his mark upon history. his-tory. He has made justice more certain cer-tain ant piu:o more secure. The surpassing sur-passing tribute paid to his memory as be wau borne across the continent to rust at lust at home revealed the place he held in the hearts of the American people. Ku t this Is not the occasion for extended reference to the man or tils work. In this presence, among those who knew and loved him, that Is unnecessary. But we who were associated as-sociated with him could not resume ioifolher the functions of our office without pausing for a moment, and In hts memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our country. He Is gone. We remain. It Is our duty, under un-der the Inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted per-mitted to lay down, and to develop and upport the wise principles of government govern-ment which he represented. Foreign Affairs. For us peace reigns everywhere. We desire to perpetuate It always by granting full justice to others and requiring re-quiring of others full Justice to our-elves. our-elves. Our country has one cardinal prln- Plple to maintain In Its foreign policy, t Is an American principle. It must be In American policy. We attend to our Own aifairs, conserve our own strength, und protect the Interests of our own citizens; but we recognize thoroughly our obligations to help others, reserving reserv-ing to the deolslon of our own Judgment Judg-ment the time, the place, and the method. meth-od. We real lie the common bond of humanity. We know the Inescapable law of service. Our country has definitely refused to adopt and ratify the covenant of the League of Nations. We have not felt warrantod in assuming the responsibilities responsibili-ties which its members have assumed, t am not proposing any change In this Solicy; neither Is the senate. The Indent, Ind-ent, so far as we are concerned, Is olosed. World Court. Our foreign policy has always been pulded by two principles. The one la the avoidance of permanent political ill lances which would sacrifice our proper Independence. The other is the peaceful settlement of controversies between nations. By example and by treaty we have advocated arbitration. For nearly 25 years we have been a member of The Hague tribunal, and have long sought the creation of a permanent World Court of Justice. I urn In full accord with both of these policies. I favor the establishment of Buch a court Intended to include the whole world. That Is, and has long been, an American policy. Russia. Our diplomatic relations, lately so largely Interrupted, are now being resumed, re-sumed, hut Rusaia presents notable difficulties. dif-ficulties. We have every desire to see that great people, who are our tradi - tlonal friends, restored to their position posi-tion among the nations of the earth. We have relieved their pitiable destitution destitu-tion with an enormous charity. Our government offers no objection to the carrying on of commerce by our c 1 1 1 -nenB with the people of Russia. Our rovernment does not propose, however, o enter into relations wt th another regime which refuses to recognize the ' anctlty of international obligations. I flo not propose to barter away for the privilege of trade any of the cherished rights of humanity. I do- not propose to make merchandise of any American principles. These rights and principles must go wherever the sanctions of our government go. But while the favor of America is not for sale, I am will- , Ing to make very large concessions for the purpose of rescuing the people of ttussia. Already encouraging evidences of returning to the ancient ways of Boctety can be detected. But more are heeded. Debts. ' The current debt and interest due from foreign governments, exclusive of the British debt of $4, 600.000. (XX), is about $7.-100,000.000. $7.-100,000.000. I do not favor the cancellation of this debt, but I see no objection to adjusting in accordance with the principle prin-ciple adopted for the British debt. Our country would not wish to assume the role of an oppressive creditor, but would maintain the principle that financial obligations ob-ligations between nations are likewise moral obligations which international faith and honor require should be discharged. dis-charged. i Fiscal Condition. Our main problems are domestic problems. prob-lems. Financial stability Is the first requisite of sound government. We cannot can-not escape ih effect of world conditions. We cannot avoid the Inevitable results of the .economics disorders which have reached ail nations. But we shall diminish di-minish their harm to us In proportion as we continue to restore our government finances to a secure and endurable position. posi-tion. This we can and must do. Upon that firm foundation rests the only hope of progress and prosperity. From that source must come relief for the people. This being accomplished by a drastic but orderly retrenchment, which Is bringing bring-ing our expenses within our means. The origin of this has been the determination f the American people, the main sup-)ort sup-)ort has been the courage of those in authority, and the effective method has been the budget system. The result has involved real sacrifice by department beads, but It has been made without ll Inch ins. This system Is a law of the teonress. It represents your will. It must be maintained, and ought to be Strengthened by the example of your observance. ob-servance. Without a budget system there can be no fixed responsibility and no constructive scientific economy. t Tariff Law. i The present tariff law has accomplished Its two main objects. It has secured an abundant revenue and been productive of an abounding prosperity. Under it ;the country has had a very large export ex-port and import trade. A constant revision re-vision of the tariff by the congress Is disturbing and harmful. The present law contains an elastic provision authorizing jthe President to increase or decrease pres- ent schedules not In excess of W per centum to met the difference In cost of production at home and abroad. This does not, to my mind, wan-ant a rewnt-1 rewnt-1 Int of the whole law, but do.-a mean, and will be so administered, tl at whenever tiie required investigation shows that In-I In-I equalities of su fnYn-n t In) porta nee ex i.st I In any schedule, the power to change I thorn should and will be applied. ! Shipping. The entire well-holnti of our country lo dependent upon transportation by sea and land. Our government during tile war acquired a larpe merchant flet which Hhould be transferred, as soon as pos-i pos-i slble, to private ownership and operation under conditions which wouid secure two rosults: First, and of prime Importance. , adequate means for national delVnse, sec-: sec-: on'l. adequate service to American commerce. com-merce. Until shipping conditions are nuch that our fleet can be disposed of advantageously advan-tageously under these conditions, it will i be operated as economically aa possible I under such plans as may be devised J from time to time by the shipping board We must have a merchant marine which meets these requirements, and we shall have to pay the cont of its service. Public Improvements. The time has come to resume In a mod-i mod-i erale way the opening of our tntra-coastal tntra-coastal waterways, the control of Mood waters wa-ters of tiie Mississippi and of the Colorado Colora-do rivers, the improvement of the waterways water-ways from the Great Lakes toward the j Gulf of Mexico, and the development of the great power and navigation project of the St. Lawrence river, fur which efforts . are now being made to secure the nec-i nec-i essary treaty with Canada. Thesu proj- ects cannot all be undertaken at once. I but all should have the immediate con-I con-I stderation Of the congress and be adopted adopt-ed as fast as plans can be matured and the necessary funds become available. Railroads. Criticism of the railroad law has been directed, first, lo the section laying lay-ing down the rule by which rates are fixed, and providing for payment to the government and use of excess earn 1 ngs ; second, to the method for t lie 1 adjustment of wage scales: und third, to the authority permitting consolidations. consolida-tions. It has been erroneously assumed that the act undertakes to guarantee railroad rail-road earn i ngs. The law requires that rates should be just and reasonable. That has always been the rule under which rates have been fixed. To make a rate that does not yield a 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 must abandon rate making altogether. The new and Important Im-portant 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 adjudication. Their decision should be awaited before attempting further legislation on this subject. Furthermore, the Importance of this feature will not be great if consolidation consolida-tion goes Into effect. The settlement of railroad labor disputes dis-putes is a matter of grave public concern. con-cern. The labor board was established estab-lished to protect the public In the enjoyment en-joyment of continuous service by Attempting At-tempting to insure Justice between the companies and their employees. It has been a Teat help, but Is not altogether satisfactory to the public, the employees, employ-ees, or the companies. If a substantial agreement can be reached among the groups Interested, there should be nn 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. wel-fare. Department of Justice. As no revision of the laws of the United States has been made since 1878, a commission or committee should be created to undertake this work. The Judicial council reports that two more district judges are needed In the southern south-ern 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 Leg-islation should be considered for this purpose. The national government has never . given adequate attention to its prison problems. It ought to provide employment employ-ment In such forms of production as can be used by the government, though not sold to the public In competition I with private business, for all prisoners who can be placed at work, and for which they should receive a reasonable compensation, available for their dependents de-pendents Prohibition. me prohibition amendment to the Constitution requires the congress and the President to provide adequate laws to prevent its violation It Is my duty to enforce such laws For that purpose pur-pose a treaty is being negotiated with Great Britain with respect to the right of search of hovering vessels. To prevent pre-vent smuggling, the coast guard should be greatly strengthened, and a supply of swift power boats should be provided pro-vided The major sources of production produc-tion should be rigidly regulated, and every effort should be made to suppress Interstate traffic. With this action on the part of the national government, and the co-operation which is usually rendered by municipal and state authorities, au-thorities, prohibition should be made effective. Free government has no greater menace than disrespect for authority and continual violation of law. Tt Is the duty of a citizen not only to observe the law but to let it be known that he Is opposed to Us violation The Negro. Numbered among our population are some 12.000,000 colored people Under our Constitution their rights are Just as sacred as those of any other citizen. It Is both a public and a private duty to protect those rights. The congress ought to exercise all Its powers of prevention pre-vention and punishment against the hideous crime of lynching, of which the negroes are by no means the sole sufferers, but for which they furnlMh a majority of the victims. Regulatory Legislation. Co-operation with other maritime powers pow-ers is necessary for complete protection of our coast waters from pollution. Plans for this are under way, bul await certain experiments for refuse disposal. Meantime Mean-time laws prohibiting spreading oil and oil refuse from vessels In our own territorial terri-torial waters would be most helpful against this menace and should be speedily speed-ily enacted. Tws should be passed reguLatlng aviation. avi-ation. Kevlsfon is needed of the laws regulating regulat-ing radio interference. Army and Navy. For several years we have been decreasing de-creasing the personnel f the army a:id navy, and reducing their power to the danger point Further reductions should not be made. The army is a guarantee of the security of our citizens at home; the navy Is a guarantee of the security of our citizens abroad Both of these Bervices should be strengthened rather than weakened. Additional planes are needed for the army, and additional submarines sub-marines for the navy. Education and Welfare. Our national government is not doing as much as it legitimately can do to promote pro-mote the welfare of the people. Our enormous material wealth, our instltu tions. our whole form of society, cannot be considered fully successful until their benefits reach the merit of every Individual. In-dividual. This is not a suggestion that the government should, or could, assume for the people t he Inevitable burdens of existence. This is no method by which we can either b relieved of the results of our own folly or be guaranteed a gu ceswful life. Tnere Is an Inescapable personal per-sonal responsibility for the development j of char a', ter, of Industry, of thrift, and ; of self-control. These do not come from I the government, but from the peop'.e then. selves liut the government ca:i and j e'ti iju id al ways be ex pres si v? of steadfast i determination, always vigilant, to mam- I tain co it d i Hons under whUh these vir- I tues are must likely to develop and me- cure recoKi'ition and reward. This is ; the American policy. It io In accordance with this principle that we Imve enat ttd laws for the pro- ; tec t km of the public health and have adopted prohibition in narcotic drugs and intoxU ating liquors. For purposes of na- tlonal uniformity we ought to provide. ; by constitutional amendment and appropriate appro-priate legislation, fur a rinltation of child labor, and In all cases under the exclusive ex-clusive Jmlpdictlon of the federal gov- ernment a minimum wace law for women, wom-en, which would undoubtedly find sufficient suffi-cient power of enforcement In the Influence In-fluence of public opinion. ' Immigration. A m erica n institutions rest solely on goud citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of self-government. self-government. New arrivals should be limited lim-ited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept American. For this purpose It is necessary to continue a policy of restricted Immigration. It would be well to make such Immigration of a selective nature with some Inspection at the source, and based either on a prior census or upon the record of naturalization Veterans. No more Important duty falls on the government of the United States than the adequate care of its veterans. Those suffering disabilities incurred in the service serv-ice must have sufficient hospital relief and compensation. Their dependents must be supported. Rehabilitation and vocational voca-tional training must be completed. All of this service must be clean, must be prompt and effective, and it must be administered ad-ministered In a spirit of the broadest and deepest human sympathy. If Investigation Investiga-tion reveals any present defects of administration ad-ministration or need of legislation, orders will be given for the immediate correction correc-tion of administration, and recommendations recommenda-tions for legislation should be given the highest preference. But I do not favor the granting of a bonus. ( Coal. The cost of coal has become unbearably unbear-ably high. It places a great burden on our industrial and domestic life. The public welfare requires a reduction reduc-tion 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 re-form and free it from any charge of profiteering. i The report of the coal commission will be before the congress. It comprises com-prises 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. I 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 pro-duction and greater public protection. Reorganization. A special Joint committee has been appointed to work out a plan for a reorganization re-organization ot the different depart-1 ments and bureaus g the government more scientific and economtca. iriak th present system. With the exception of the consolidation of the War and Navy departments and some minor details, the plan has the general sanction of tue President and the cabinet. It Is Important that reorganization be enacted en-acted Into law at the present session. Agriculture. j Aided by the sound principles adopted adopt-ed by the government, the business of the country has had an extraordinary revival. Looked at as a whole, the nation Is in the enjoyment of remarkable remark-able prosperity. Industry and commerce com-merce are thriving. For the most part agriculture is successful, eleven staples having risen in value from about $6.-300.000.000 $6.-300.000.000 -two years ago to about $7,-' 000.000,000 for the current year. But range cattle are still low In price, and some sections of the wheat area, notably not-ably Minnesota, North Dakota, and on west, have many cases of actual distress. dis-tress. With his products not selling on a parity with the products of industry, in-dustry, every sound remedy that can be- devised should be applied for the relief of the farmer. The distress is most acute among those wholly dependent upon on? crop. Wheat acreage was greatly expanded and has not yet been sufficiently reduced. re-duced. A large amount is rai ed for export, which has to meet the competition compe-tition In the world market at large amounts raised on land much cheaper and much more productive. No complicated scheme of relief, no plan for government fixing of p'ices, no resort to the public treasury wHl be of any permanent value in establishing agriculture: ag-riculture: Simple and direct methods put into operation by the farmer himself are the only real sources for restoration. Muscle Shoals. The government Is undertaking to develop de-velop a great water power project known as Muscle Shoals, on which it as expended ex-pended many million dollars. Th work is still going on. Subject to th right to retake In time of war, I recommend that this property with a location for auxiliary Bteam plant and rights way be sold. This would end the preser-t burden bur-den of expense and should return o the treasury the largest price possible to secure. se-cure. Reclamation. By reason of many contributing csuses, occupants of our reclamation project 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 dis-cretion to suspend, readjust, and reassess all charges against water users. This whole question is being considered by experts. ex-perts. Highways and Forests. Highway and reforestation should continue con-tinue to have the interest and support of 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 fedeml government gov-ernment of tt share for this necssafy public improvement. No expend! tt re tff public money contributes so much bi the national wealth . as fur building &ood roads Reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually secures. A special committee of the senate is Investigating In-vestigating this need, and I shall welcome wel-come a constructive policy based on their report. Monroe Doctrine. It is 100 years since our country announced an-nounced the Monroe doctrine. This pri ciple has been ever sin,e, and is now, on of the main foundations of our foreign rs latlons. It must be maintained. But 1ft maintaining It we must not forget that great change has taken place. We are nJ longer a weak nation, thinking mainly of defense, dreading foreign imposition. We are great and powerful. New powers bring new responsibilities. Our duty then was to protect ourselves. Added to that, our duty now iB to help give stability to the world. We want idealism. We want that vision which lifts men and nations above themselves. These are virtues by reason of their own merit. But they must not be cloistered; they must not be Impractical Im-practical ; they must not be Ineffective America has taken her place in the world as a republic free, independent, powerful. power-ful. The best service that can be rendered ren-dered to humanity is the assurance thai this place will be maintained. |