Since the close of the last Congress the Nation has lost President Harding. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness and his character. He has left his mark upon history. He has made justice more certain and peace more secure. The surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place lie held in the hearts of the American people. But this is not the occasion for extended reference to the man or his work. In this presence, among these who knew and loved him, that is unnecessary. But we who were associated with him could not resume together the functions of our office without pausing for a moment, and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our country. He is gone. We remain. It is our duty, under the inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down, and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented. For us peace reigns everywhere. We desire to perpetuate it always by granting full justice to others and requiring of others full justice to ourselves. Our country has one cardinal principle to maintain in its foreign policy. It is an American principle. It must be an American policy. We attend to our own affairs, conserve our own strength, and protect the interests of our own citizens; but we recognize thoroughly our obligation to help others, reserving to the decision of our own Judgment the time, the place, and the method. We realize 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 warranted in assuming the responsibilities which its members have assumed. I am not proposing any change in this policy; neither is the Senate. The incident, so far as we are concerned, is closed. The League exists as a foreign agency. We hope it will be helpful. But the United States sees no reason to limit its own freedom and independence of action by joining it. We shall do well to recognize this basic fact in all national affairs and govern ourselves accordingly. Our foreign policy has always been guided by two principles. The one is the avoidance of permanent political alliances 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 am in full accord with both of these policies. I favor the establishment of such a court intended to include the whole world. That is, and has long been, an American policy. Pending before the Senate is a proposal that this Government give its support to the Permanent Court of International Justice, which is a new and somewhat different plan. This is not a partisan question. It should not assume an artificial importance. The court is merely a convenient instrument of adjustment to which we could go, but to which we could not be brought. It should be discussed with entire candor, not by a political but by a judicial method, without pressure and without prejudice. Partisanship has no place in our foreign relations. As I wish to see a court established, and as the proposal presents the only practical plan on which many nations have ever agreed, though it may not meet every desire, I therefore commend it to the favorable consideration of the Senate, with the proposed reservations clearly indicating our refusal to adhere to the League of Nations. Our diplomatic relations, lately so largely interrupted, are now being resumed, but Russia presents notable difficulties. We have every desire to see that great people, who are our traditional friends, restored to their position among the nations of the earth. We have relieved their pitiable destitution with an. enormous charity. Our Government offers no objection to the carrying on of commerce by our citizens with the people of Russia. Our Government does not propose, however, to enter into relations with another regime which refuses to recognize the sanctity of international obligations. I do 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 willing to make very large concessions for the purpose of rescuing the people of Russia. Already encouraging evidences of returning to the ancient ways of society can be detected. But more are needed. Whenever there appears any disposition to compensate our citizens who were despoiled, and to recognize that debt contracted with our Government, not by the Czar, but by the newly formed Republic of Russia; whenever the active spirit of enmity to our institutions is abated; whenever there appear works mete for repentance; our country ought to be the first to go to the economic and moral rescue of Russia. We have every desire to help and no desire to injure. We hope the time is near at hand when we can act. The current debt and interest due from foreign Governments, exclusive of the British debt of $4,600,000,000, is about $7,200,000,000. I do not favor the cancellation of this debt, but I see no objection to adjusting it in accordance with the principle 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 between nations are likewise moral obligations which international faith and honor require should be discharged. Our Government has a liquidated claim against Germany for the expense of the army of occupation of over $255,000,000. Besides this, the Mixed Claims Commission have before them about 12,500 claims of American citizens, aggregating about $1,225,000,000. These claims have already been reduced by a recent decision, but there are valid claims reaching well toward $500,000,000. Our thousands of citizens with credits due them of hundreds of millions of dollars have no redress save in the action of our Government. These are very substantial interests, which it is the duty of our Government to protect as best it can. That course I propose to pursue. It is for these reasons that we have a direct interest in the economic recovery of Europe. They are enlarged by our desire for the stability of civilization and the welfare of humanity. That we are making sacrifices to that end none can deny. Our deferred interest alone amounts to a million dollars every day. But recently we offered to aid with our advice and counsel. We have reiterated our desire to see France paid and Germany revived. We have proposed disarmament. We have earnestly sought to compose differences and restore peace. We shall persevere in well-doing, not by force, but by reason. Under the law the papers pertaining to foreign relations to be printed are transmitted as a part of this message. Other volumes of these papers will follow. The foreign service of our Government needs to be reorganized and improved. Our main problems are domestic problems. Financial stability is the first requisite of sound government. We can not escape the effect of world conditions. We can not avoid the inevitable results of the economic disorders which have reached all nations. But we shall diminish their harm to us in proportion as we continue to restore our Government finances to a secure and endurable position. 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 is being, accomplished by a drastic but orderly retrenchment, which is bringing our expenses within our means. The origin of this has been the determination of the American people, the main support 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 heads, but it has been made without flinching. This system is a law of the Congress. It represents your will. It must be maintained, and ought to be strengthened by the example of your observance. Without a Budget System there can be no fixed responsibility and no constructive scientific economy. This great concentration of effort by the administration and Congress has brought the expenditures, exclusive of the self-supporting Post. Office Department, down to three billion dollars. It is possible, in consequence, to make a large reduction in the taxes of the people, which is the sole object of all curtailment. This is treated at greater length in the Budget message, and a proposed plan has been presented in detail in a statement by the Secretary of the Treasury which has my unqualified approval. I especially commend a decrease on earned incomes, and further abolition of admission, message, and nuisance taxes. Tile amusement and educational value of moving pictures ought not to be taxed. Diminishing charges against moderate incomes from investment will afford immense relief, while a revision of the surtaxes will not only provide additional money for capital investment, thus stimulating industry and employing more but will not greatly reduce the revenue from that source, and may in the future actually increase it. Being opposed to war taxes in time of peace, I am not in favor of excess-profits taxes. A very great service could be rendered through immediate enactment of legislation relieving the people of some of the burden of taxation. To' reduce war taxes is to give every home a better chance. For seven years the people have borne with uncomplaining courage the tremendous burden of national and local taxation. These must both be reduced. The taxes of the Nation must be reduced now as much as prudence will permit, and expenditures must be reduced accordingly. High taxes reach everywhere and burden everybody. They gear most heavily upon the poor. They diminish industry and commerce. They make agriculture unprofitable. They increase the rates on transportation. They are a charge on every necessary of life. Of all services which the Congress can render to the country, I have no hesitation in declaring to neglect it, to postpone it, to obstruct it by unsound proposals, is to become unworthy of public confidence and untrue to public trust. The country wants this measure to have the right of way over an others. Another reform which is urgent in our fiscal system is the abolition of the right to issue tax-exempt securities. The existing system not only permits a large amount of the wealth of the Nation to escape its just burden but acts as a continual stimulant to municipal extravagance. This should be prohibited by constitutional amendment. All the wealth of the Nation ought to contribute its fair share to the expenses of the Nation. 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 and import trade. A constant revision of the tariff by the Congress is disturbing and harmful. The present law contains an elastic provision authorizing the President to increase or decrease present schedules not in excess of 50 per centum to meet the difference in cost of production at home and abroad. This does not, to my mind, warrant a rewriting of the whole law, but does mean, and will be so administered, that whenever the required investigation shows that inequalities of sufficient importance exist in any schedule, the power to change them should and will be applied. The entire well being of our country is dependent upon transportation by sea and land. Our Government during the war acquired a large merchant fleet which should be transferred, as soon as possible, to private ownership and operation under conditions which would secure two results: First, and of prime importance, adequate means for national defense; second, adequate service to American commerce. Until shipping conditions are such that our fleet can be disposed of advantageously under these conditions, it will be operated as economically as possible under such plans as may be devised 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 cost of its service. The time has come to resume in a moderate way the opening of our intracoastal waterways; the control of flood waters of the Mississippi and of the Colorado Rivers; the improvement of the waterways from the Great Lakes toward the Gulf of Mexico; and the development of the great power and navigation project of the St. Lawrence River, for which efforts are now being made to secure the necessary treaty with Canada. These projects can not all be undertaken at once, but all should have the immediate consideration of the Congress and be adopted as fast as plans can be matured and the necessary funds become available. This is not incompatible with economy, for their 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 use of navigation, chief of which is the bringing of ocean-going ships to the Great Lakes. Another problem of allied character is the superpower development of the Northeastern States, consideration of which is growing under the direction of the Department of Commerce by joint conference with the local authorities. 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 consolidations. It has been erroneously assumed that the act undertakes to guarantee railroad earnings. 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 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 goes into effect. The settlement of railroad labor disputes is a matter of grave public concern. The Labor Board was established to protect the public in the enjoyment of continuous service by attempting to insure justice between the companies and their employees. It has been a great help, but is not altogether satisfactory to the public, the employees, or the companies. If a 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 sufficiently effective to be expeditious. Additional legislation is needed giving authority for voluntary consolidations, both regional and route, and providing Government machinery to aid and stimulate such action, always "subject to the approval of the Interstate Commerce Commission. This should authorize 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 agricultural sections. Competent authorities agree that an entire reorganization of the rate structure for freight is necessary. This should be ordered at once by the Congress. 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 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 considered for this purpose. It is desirable to expedite the hearing and disposal of cases. A commission of Federal judges and lawyers should be created to recommend legislation by which the procedure in the Federal trial courts may be simplified and regulated by rules of court, rather than by statute; such rules to be submitted to the Congress and to be in force until annulled or modified by the Congress. The Supreme Court needs legislation revising and simplifying the laws governing review by that court, and enlarging the classes of cases of too little public importance to be subject to review. Such reforms would expedite the transaction of the business of the courts. The administration of justice is likely to fail if it be long delayed. The National Government has never given adequate attention to its prison problems. It ought to provide employment in such forms of production as can be used by the Government, though not sold to the public in competition 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. Two independent reformatories are needed; one for the segregation of women, and another for the segregation of young men serving their first sentence. The administration of justice would be facilitated greatly by including in the Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice a Division of Criminal Identification, where there would be collected this information which is now indispensable in the suppression of crime. The 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 a treaty is being negotiated with Great Britain with respect to the right of search of hovering vessels. To prevent smuggling, the Coast Card should be greatly strengthened, and a supply of swift power boats should be provided. The major sources of production 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 cooperation which is usually rendered by municipal and State authorities, prohibition should be made effective. Free government has no greater menace than disrespect for authority and continual violation of law. It is the duty of a citizen not only to observe the law but to let it be known that he is opposed to its violation. 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 and punishment against the hideous crime of lynching, of which the negroes are by no means the sole sufferers, but for which they furnish a majority of the victims. Already a considerable sum is appropriated to give the negroes vocational training in agriculture. About half a million dollars is recommended for medical courses at Howard University to help contribute to the education of 500 colored doctors needed each year. On account of the integration of large numbers into industrial centers, it has been proposed that a commission be created, composed of members from both races, to formulate a better policy for mutual understanding and confidence. Such an effort is to be commended. Everyone would rejoice in the accomplishment of the results which it seeks. But it is well to recognize that these difficulties are to a large extent local problems which must be worked out by the mutual forbearance and human kindness of each community. Such a method gives much more promise of a real remedy than outside interference. The maintenance and extension of the classified civil service is exceedingly important. There are nearly 550,000 persons in the executive civil service drawing about $700,000,000 of yearly compensation. Four-fifths of these are in the classified service. This method of selection of the employees of the United States is especially desirable for the Post Office Department. The Civil Service Commission has recommended that postmasters at first, second, and third class offices be classified. Such action, accompanied by a repeal of the four-year term of office, would undoubtedly be an improvement. I also recommend that the field force for prohibition enforcement be brought within the classified civil service without covering in the present membership. The best method for selecting public servants is the merit system. Many of the departments in Washington need better housing facilities. Some are so crowded that their work is impeded, others are so scattered that they lose their identity. While I do not favor at this time a general public building law, I believe it is now necessary, in accordance with plans already sanctioned for a unified and orderly system for the development of this city, to begin the carrying out of those plans by authorizing the erection of three or four buildings most urgently needed by an annual appropriation of $5,000,000. Cooperation with other maritime powers is necessary for complete protection of our coast waters from. pollution. Plans for this are under way, but await certain experiments for refuse disposal. Meantime laws prohibiting spreading oil and oil refuse from vessels in our own territorial waters would be most helpful against this menace and should be speedily enacted. Laws should be passed regulating aviation. Revision is needed of the laws regulating radio interference. Legislation and regulations establishing load lines, to provide safe loading of vessels leaving our ports are necessary and recodification of our navigation laws is vital. Revision of procedure of the Federal Trade Commission will give more constructive purpose to this department. If our Alaskan fisheries are to be saved from destruction, there must be further legislation declaring a general policy and delegating the authority to make rules and regulations to an administrative body. 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 our 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. Conditions in the insular possessions on the 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 conic from their people or their governments should have the most considerate attention. 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, our whole form of society, can not be considered fully successful until their benefits reach the merit of 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. Having in mind that education is peculiarly a local problem, and that it should always be pursued with the largest freedom of choice by students and parents, nevertheless, the Federal Government might well give the benefit of its counsel and encouragement more freely in this direction. If anyone doubts the need of concerted action by the States of the Nation for this purpose, it is only necessary to consider the appalling figures of illiteracy representing a condition which does not vary much in all parts of the Union. I do not favor the making of appropriations from the National Treasury to be expended directly on local education, but I do consider it a fundamental requirement of national activity which, accompanied by allied subjects of welfare, is worthy of a separate department and a place in the Cabinet. The humanitarian side of government should not be repressed, but should be cultivated. Mere intelligence, however, is not enough. Enlightenment must be accompanied by that moral power which is the product of the home and of rebellion. Real education and true welfare for the people rest inevitably on this foundation, which the Government can approve and commend, but which the people themselves must create. American institutions rest solely on good citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of self-government. New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept American. For this I 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. Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens. I am convinced that our present economic and social conditions warrant a limitation of those to be admitted. We should find additional safety in a law requiring the immediate registration of all aliens. Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America. 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 must have sufficient hospital relief and compensation. Their dependents must be supported. Rehabilitation and vocational training must be completed. All of this service must be clean, must be prompt and effective, and it must be administered in a spirit of the broadest and deepest human sympathy. If investigation reveals any present defects of administration or need of legislation, orders will be given for the immediate correction of administration, and recommendations for legislation should be given the highest preference. At present there are 9,500 vacant beds in Government hospitals, I recommend that all hospitals be authorized at once to receive and care for, without hospital pay, the veterans of all wars needing such care, whenever there are vacant beds, and that immediate steps be taken to enlarge and build new hospitals to serve all such cases. The American Legion will present to the Congress a legislative program too extensive for detailed discussion here. It is a carefully matured plan. While some of it I do not favor, with much of it I am in hearty accord, and I recommend that a most painstaking effort be made to provide remedies for any defects in the administration of the present laws which their experience has revealed. The attitude of the Government toward these proposals should be one of generosity. But I do not favor the granting of a bonus. The cost of coal has become unbearably high. It places a great burden on our industrial and domestic life. 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. 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 and greater public protection. The Federal Government probably has no peacetime authority 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. The source of the difficulty in the bituminous coal fields is the intermittence of operation which causes great waste of both capital and labor. That part of the report dealing with this problem has much significance, and is suggestive of necessary remedies. By amending, the car rules, by encouraging greater unity of ownership, and possibly by permitting common selling agents for limited districts on condition that they accept adequate regulations and guarantee that competition between districts be unlimited, distribution, storage, and continuity ought to be improved. The supply of coal must be constant. In case of its prospective interruption, the President should have authority to appoint a commission empowered to deal with whatever emergency situation might arise, to aid conciliation and voluntary arbitration, to adjust any existing or threatened controversy between the employer and the employee when collective bargaining fails, and by controlling distribution to prevent profiteering in this vital necessity. This legislation is exceedingly urgent, and essential to the exercise of national authority for the protection of the people. Those who undertake the responsibility of management or employment in this industry do so with the full knowledge that the public interest is paramount, and that to fail through any motive of selfishness in its service is such a betrayal of duty as warrants uncompromising action by the Government. A special joint committee has been appointed to work out a plan for a reorganization of the different departments and bureaus of the Government more scientific and economical than the 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 the President and the Cabinet. It is important that reorganization be enacted into law at the present session. Aided by the sound principles adopted 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 prosperity. Industry and commerce are thriving. For the most part agriculture is successful, eleven staples having risen in value from about $5,300,000,000 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 Minnesota, North Dakota, and on west, have many cases of actual distress. With his products not selling on a parity with the products of industry, every sound remedy that can be devised should be applied for the relief of the farmer. He represents a character, a type of citizenship, and a public necessity that must be preserved and afforded every facility for regaining prosperity. The distress is most acute among those wholly dependent upon one crop.. Wheat acreage was greatly expanded and has not yet been sufficiently reduced. A large amount is raised for export, which has to meet the competition in the world market of large amounts raised on land much cheaper and much more productive. No complicated scheme of relief, no plan for Government fixing of prices, no resort to the public Treasury will be of any permanent value in establishing agriculture. Simple and direct methods put into operation by the farmer himself are the only real sources for restoration. Indirectly the farmer must be relieved by a reduction of national and local taxation. He must be assisted by the reorganization of the freight-rate structure which could reduce charges on his production. To make this fully effective there ought to be railroad consolidations. Cheaper fertilizers must be provided. He must have organization. His customer with whom he exchanges products of the farm for those of industry is organized, labor is organized, business is organized, and there is no way for agriculture to meet this unless it, too, is organized. The acreage of wheat is too large. Unless we can meet the world market at a profit, we must stop raising for export. Organization would help to reduce acreage. Systems of cooperative marketing created by the farmers themselves, supervised by competent management, without doubt would be of assistance, but, they can not wholly solve the problem.' Our agricultural schools ought to have thorough courses in the theory of organization and cooperative marketing. Diversification is necessary. Those farmers who raise their living on their land are not greatly in distress. Such loans as are wisely needed to assist buying stock and other materials to start in this direction should be financed through a Government agency as a temporary and emergency expedient. The remaining difficulty is the disposition of exportable wheat. I do not favor the permanent interference of the Government in this problem. That probably would increase the trouble by increasing production. But it seems feasible to provide Government assistance to exports, and authority should be given the War Finance Corporation to grant, in its discretion, the most liberal terms of payment for fats and grains exported for the direct benefit of the farm. The Government is undertaking to develop a great water-power project known as Muscle Shoals, on which it has expended many million dollars. The work is still going on. Subject to the right to retake in time of war, I recommend that this property with a location for auxiliary steam plant and rights of way be sold. This would end the present burden of expense and should return to the Treasury the largest price possible to secure. While the price is an important element, there is another consideration even more compelling. The agriculture of the Nation needs a greater supply and lower cost of fertilizer. This is now imported in large quantities. The best information I can secure indicates that present methods of power production would not be able profitably to meet the price at which these imports can be sold. To obtain a supply from this water power would require long and costly experimentation to perfect a process for cheap production. Otherwise our purpose would fail completely. It seems desirable, therefore, in order to protect and promote the public welfare, to have adequate covenants that such experimentation be made and carried on to success. The great advantage of low-priced nitrates must be secured for the direct benefit of the farmers and the indirect benefit of the public in time of peace, and of the Government in time of war. If this main object be accomplished, the amount of money received for the property is not a primary or major consideration. Such a solution will involve complicated negotiations, and there is no authority for that purpose. therefore recommend that the Congress appoint a small joint committee to consider offers, conduct negotiations, and report definite recommendations. By reason of many contributing causes, occupants of our 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. This whole question is being considered by experts. You will have the advantage of the facts and conclusions which they may develop. This situation, involving a Government investment of more than $135,000,000, and affecting more than 30,000 water users, is serious. While relief which is necessary should be granted, yet contracts with the Government which can be met should be met. The established general policy of these projects should not be abandoned for any private control. Highways and reforestation should continue 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 Federal Government of its share for this necessary public improvement. No expenditure of public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads. Reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually secures. A special committee of the Senate is investigating this need, and I shall welcome a constructive policy based on their report. It is 100 years since our country announced the Monroe doctrine. This principle has been ever since, and is now, one of the main foundations of our foreign relations. It must be maintained. But in maintaining it we must not be forgetful that a great change has taken place. We are no 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 is 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; they must not be ineffective. The world has had enough of the curse of hatred and selfishness, of destruction and war. It has had enough of the wrongful use of material power. For the healing of the nations there must be good will and charity, confidence and peace. The time has come for a more practical use of moral power, and more reliance upon the principle that right makes its own might. Our authority among the nations must be represented by justice and mercy. It is necessary not only to have faith, but to make sacrifices for our faith. The spiritual forces of the world make all its final determinations. It is with these voices that America should speak. Whenever they declare a righteous purpose there need be no doubt that they will be heard. America has taken her place in the world as a Republic--free, independent, powerful. The best service that can be rendered to humanity is the assurance that this place will be maintained.
Since the close of the last Congress the Nation has lost President Harding. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness and his character. He has left his mark upon history. He has made justice more certain and peace more secure. The surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place lie held in the hearts of the American people. But this is not the occasion for extended reference to the man or his work. In this presence, among these who knew and loved him, that is unnecessary. But we who were associated with him could not resume together the functions of our office without pausing for a moment, and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our country. He is gone. We remain. It is our duty, under the inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down, and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented. For us peace reigns everywhere. We desire to perpetuate it always by granting full justice to others and requiring of others full justice to ourselves. Our country has one cardinal principle to maintain in its foreign policy. It is an American principle. It must be an American policy. We attend to our own affairs, conserve our own strength, and protect the interests of our own citizens; but we recognize thoroughly our obligation to help others, reserving to the decision of our own Judgment the time, the place, and the method. We realize 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 warranted in assuming the responsibilities which its members have assumed. I am not proposing any change in this policy; neither is the Senate. The incident, so far as we are concerned, is closed. The League exists as a foreign agency. We hope it will be helpful. But the United States sees no reason to limit its own freedom and independence of action by joining it. We shall do well to recognize this basic fact in all national affairs and govern ourselves accordingly. Our foreign policy has always been guided by two principles. The one is the avoidance of permanent political alliances 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 am in full accord with both of these policies. I favor the establishment of such a court intended to include the whole world. That is, and has long been, an American policy. Pending before the Senate is a proposal that this Government give its support to the Permanent Court of International Justice, which is a new and somewhat different plan. This is not a partisan question. It should not assume an artificial importance. The court is merely a convenient instrument of adjustment to which we could go, but to which we could not be brought. It should be discussed with entire candor, not by a political but by a judicial method, without pressure and without prejudice. Partisanship has no place in our foreign relations. As I wish to see a court established, and as the proposal presents the only practical plan on which many nations have ever agreed, though it may not meet every desire, I therefore commend it to the favorable consideration of the Senate, with the proposed reservations clearly indicating our refusal to adhere to the League of Nations. Our diplomatic relations, lately so largely interrupted, are now being resumed, but Russia presents notable difficulties. We have every desire to see that great people, who are our traditional friends, restored to their position among the nations of the earth. We have relieved their pitiable destitution with an. enormous charity. Our Government offers no objection to the carrying on of commerce by our citizens with the people of Russia. Our Government does not propose, however, to enter into relations with another regime which refuses to recognize the sanctity of international obligations. I do 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 willing to make very large concessions for the purpose of rescuing the people of Russia. Already encouraging evidences of returning to the ancient ways of society can be detected. But more are needed. Whenever there appears any disposition to compensate our citizens who were despoiled, and to recognize that debt contracted with our Government, not by the Czar, but by the newly formed Republic of Russia; whenever the active spirit of enmity to our institutions is abated; whenever there appear works mete for repentance; our country ought to be the first to go to the economic and moral rescue of Russia. We have every desire to help and no desire to injure. We hope the time is near at hand when we can act. The current debt and interest due from foreign Governments, exclusive of the British debt of $4,600,000,000, is about $7,200,000,000. I do not favor the cancellation of this debt, but I see no objection to adjusting it in accordance with the principle 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 between nations are likewise moral obligations which international faith and honor require should be discharged. Our Government has a liquidated claim against Germany for the expense of the army of occupation of over $255,000,000. Besides this, the Mixed Claims Commission have before them about 12,500 claims of American citizens, aggregating about $1,225,000,000. These claims have already been reduced by a recent decision, but there are valid claims reaching well toward $500,000,000. Our thousands of citizens with credits due them of hundreds of millions of dollars have no redress save in the action of our Government. These are very substantial interests, which it is the duty of our Government to protect as best it can. That course I propose to pursue. It is for these reasons that we have a direct interest in the economic recovery of Europe. They are enlarged by our desire for the stability of civilization and the welfare of humanity. That we are making sacrifices to that end none can deny. Our deferred interest alone amounts to a million dollars every day. But recently we offered to aid with our advice and counsel. We have reiterated our desire to see France paid and Germany revived. We have proposed disarmament. We have earnestly sought to compose differences and restore peace. We shall persevere in well-doing, not by force, but by reason. Under the law the papers pertaining to foreign relations to be printed are transmitted as a part of this message. Other volumes of these papers will follow. The foreign service of our Government needs to be reorganized and improved. Our main problems are domestic problems. Financial stability is the first requisite of sound government. We can not escape the effect of world conditions. We can not avoid the inevitable results of the economic disorders which have reached all nations. But we shall diminish their harm to us in proportion as we continue to restore our Government finances to a secure and endurable position. 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 is being, accomplished by a drastic but orderly retrenchment, which is bringing our expenses within our means. The origin of this has been the determination of the American people, the main support 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 heads, but it has been made without flinching. This system is a law of the Congress. It represents your will. It must be maintained, and ought to be strengthened by the example of your observance. Without a Budget System there can be no fixed responsibility and no constructive scientific economy. This great concentration of effort by the administration and Congress has brought the expenditures, exclusive of the self-supporting Post. Office Department, down to three billion dollars. It is possible, in consequence, to make a large reduction in the taxes of the people, which is the sole object of all curtailment. This is treated at greater length in the Budget message, and a proposed plan has been presented in detail in a statement by the Secretary of the Treasury which has my unqualified approval. I especially commend a decrease on earned incomes, and further abolition of admission, message, and nuisance taxes. Tile amusement and educational value of moving pictures ought not to be taxed. Diminishing charges against moderate incomes from investment will afford immense relief, while a revision of the surtaxes will not only provide additional money for capital investment, thus stimulating industry and employing more but will not greatly reduce the revenue from that source, and may in the future actually increase it. Being opposed to war taxes in time of peace, I am not in favor of excess-profits taxes. A very great service could be rendered through immediate enactment of legislation relieving the people of some of the burden of taxation. To' reduce war taxes is to give every home a better chance. For seven years the people have borne with uncomplaining courage the tremendous burden of national and local taxation. These must both be reduced. The taxes of the Nation must be reduced now as much as prudence will permit, and expenditures must be reduced accordingly. High taxes reach everywhere and burden everybody. They gear most heavily upon the poor. They diminish industry and commerce. They make agriculture unprofitable. They increase the rates on transportation. They are a charge on every necessary of life. Of all services which the Congress can render to the country, I have no hesitation in declaring to neglect it, to postpone it, to obstruct it by unsound proposals, is to become unworthy of public confidence and untrue to public trust. The country wants this measure to have the right of way over an others. Another reform which is urgent in our fiscal system is the abolition of the right to issue tax-exempt securities. The existing system not only permits a large amount of the wealth of the Nation to escape its just burden but acts as a continual stimulant to municipal extravagance. This should be prohibited by constitutional amendment. All the wealth of the Nation ought to contribute its fair share to the expenses of the Nation. 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 and import trade. A constant revision of the tariff by the Congress is disturbing and harmful. The present law contains an elastic provision authorizing the President to increase or decrease present schedules not in excess of 50 per centum to meet the difference in cost of production at home and abroad. This does not, to my mind, warrant a rewriting of the whole law, but does mean, and will be so administered, that whenever the required investigation shows that inequalities of sufficient importance exist in any schedule, the power to change them should and will be applied. The entire well being of our country is dependent upon transportation by sea and land. Our Government during the war acquired a large merchant fleet which should be transferred, as soon as possible, to private ownership and operation under conditions which would secure two results: First, and of prime importance, adequate means for national defense; second, adequate service to American commerce. Until shipping conditions are such that our fleet can be disposed of advantageously under these conditions, it will be operated as economically as possible under such plans as may be devised 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 cost of its service. The time has come to resume in a moderate way the opening of our intracoastal waterways; the control of flood waters of the Mississippi and of the Colorado Rivers; the improvement of the waterways from the Great Lakes toward the Gulf of Mexico; and the development of the great power and navigation project of the St. Lawrence River, for which efforts are now being made to secure the necessary treaty with Canada. These projects can not all be undertaken at once, but all should have the immediate consideration of the Congress and be adopted as fast as plans can be matured and the necessary funds become available. This is not incompatible with economy, for their 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 use of navigation, chief of which is the bringing of ocean-going ships to the Great Lakes. Another problem of allied character is the superpower development of the Northeastern States, consideration of which is growing under the direction of the Department of Commerce by joint conference with the local authorities. 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 consolidations. It has been erroneously assumed that the act undertakes to guarantee railroad earnings. 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 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 goes into effect. The settlement of railroad labor disputes is a matter of grave public concern. The Labor Board was established to protect the public in the enjoyment of continuous service by attempting to insure justice between the companies and their employees. It has been a great help, but is not altogether satisfactory to the public, the employees, or the companies. If a 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 sufficiently effective to be expeditious. Additional legislation is needed giving authority for voluntary consolidations, both regional and route, and providing Government machinery to aid and stimulate such action, always "subject to the approval of the Interstate Commerce Commission. This should authorize 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 agricultural sections. Competent authorities agree that an entire reorganization of the rate structure for freight is necessary. This should be ordered at once by the Congress. 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 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 considered for this purpose. It is desirable to expedite the hearing and disposal of cases. A commission of Federal judges and lawyers should be created to recommend legislation by which the procedure in the Federal trial courts may be simplified and regulated by rules of court, rather than by statute; such rules to be submitted to the Congress and to be in force until annulled or modified by the Congress. The Supreme Court needs legislation revising and simplifying the laws governing review by that court, and enlarging the classes of cases of too little public importance to be subject to review. Such reforms would expedite the transaction of the business of the courts. The administration of justice is likely to fail if it be long delayed. The National Government has never given adequate attention to its prison problems. It ought to provide employment in such forms of production as can be used by the Government, though not sold to the public in competition 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. Two independent reformatories are needed; one for the segregation of women, and another for the segregation of young men serving their first sentence. The administration of justice would be facilitated greatly by including in the Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice a Division of Criminal Identification, where there would be collected this information which is now indispensable in the suppression of crime. The 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 a treaty is being negotiated with Great Britain with respect to the right of search of hovering vessels. To prevent smuggling, the Coast Card should be greatly strengthened, and a supply of swift power boats should be provided. The major sources of production 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 cooperation which is usually rendered by municipal and State authorities, prohibition should be made effective. Free government has no greater menace than disrespect for authority and continual violation of law. It is the duty of a citizen not only to observe the law but to let it be known that he is opposed to its violation. 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 and punishment against the hideous crime of lynching, of which the negroes are by no means the sole sufferers, but for which they furnish a majority of the victims. Already a considerable sum is appropriated to give the negroes vocational training in agriculture. About half a million dollars is recommended for medical courses at Howard University to help contribute to the education of 500 colored doctors needed each year. On account of the integration of large numbers into industrial centers, it has been proposed that a commission be created, composed of members from both races, to formulate a better policy for mutual understanding and confidence. Such an effort is to be commended. Everyone would rejoice in the accomplishment of the results which it seeks. But it is well to recognize that these difficulties are to a large extent local problems which must be worked out by the mutual forbearance and human kindness of each community. Such a method gives much more promise of a real remedy than outside interference. The maintenance and extension of the classified civil service is exceedingly important. There are nearly 550,000 persons in the executive civil service drawing about $700,000,000 of yearly compensation. Four-fifths of these are in the classified service. This method of selection of the employees of the United States is especially desirable for the Post Office Department. The Civil Service Commission has recommended that postmasters at first, second, and third class offices be classified. Such action, accompanied by a repeal of the four-year term of office, would undoubtedly be an improvement. I also recommend that the field force for prohibition enforcement be brought within the classified civil service without covering in the present membership. The best method for selecting public servants is the merit system. Many of the departments in Washington need better housing facilities. Some are so crowded that their work is impeded, others are so scattered that they lose their identity. While I do not favor at this time a general public building law, I believe it is now necessary, in accordance with plans already sanctioned for a unified and orderly system for the development of this city, to begin the carrying out of those plans by authorizing the erection of three or four buildings most urgently needed by an annual appropriation of $5,000,000. Cooperation with other maritime powers is necessary for complete protection of our coast waters from. pollution. Plans for this are under way, but await certain experiments for refuse disposal. Meantime laws prohibiting spreading oil and oil refuse from vessels in our own territorial waters would be most helpful against this menace and should be speedily enacted. Laws should be passed regulating aviation. Revision is needed of the laws regulating radio interference. Legislation and regulations establishing load lines, to provide safe loading of vessels leaving our ports are necessary and recodification of our navigation laws is vital. Revision of procedure of the Federal Trade Commission will give more constructive purpose to this department. If our Alaskan fisheries are to be saved from destruction, there must be further legislation declaring a general policy and delegating the authority to make rules and regulations to an administrative body. 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 our 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. Conditions in the insular possessions on the 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 conic from their people or their governments should have the most considerate attention. 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, our whole form of society, can not be considered fully successful until their benefits reach the merit of 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. Having in mind that education is peculiarly a local problem, and that it should always be pursued with the largest freedom of choice by students and parents, nevertheless, the Federal Government might well give the benefit of its counsel and encouragement more freely in this direction. If anyone doubts the need of concerted action by the States of the Nation for this purpose, it is only necessary to consider the appalling figures of illiteracy representing a condition which does not vary much in all parts of the Union. I do not favor the making of appropriations from the National Treasury to be expended directly on local education, but I do consider it a fundamental requirement of national activity which, accompanied by allied subjects of welfare, is worthy of a separate department and a place in the Cabinet. The humanitarian side of government should not be repressed, but should be cultivated. Mere intelligence, however, is not enough. Enlightenment must be accompanied by that moral power which is the product of the home and of rebellion. Real education and true welfare for the people rest inevitably on this foundation, which the Government can approve and commend, but which the people themselves must create. American institutions rest solely on good citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of self-government. New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept American. For this I 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. Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens. I am convinced that our present economic and social conditions warrant a limitation of those to be admitted. We should find additional safety in a law requiring the immediate registration of all aliens. Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America. 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 must have sufficient hospital relief and compensation. Their dependents must be supported. Rehabilitation and vocational training must be completed. All of this service must be clean, must be prompt and effective, and it must be administered in a spirit of the broadest and deepest human sympathy. If investigation reveals any present defects of administration or need of legislation, orders will be given for the immediate correction of administration, and recommendations for legislation should be given the highest preference. At present there are 9,500 vacant beds in Government hospitals, I recommend that all hospitals be authorized at once to receive and care for, without hospital pay, the veterans of all wars needing such care, whenever there are vacant beds, and that immediate steps be taken to enlarge and build new hospitals to serve all such cases. The American Legion will present to the Congress a legislative program too extensive for detailed discussion here. It is a carefully matured plan. While some of it I do not favor, with much of it I am in hearty accord, and I recommend that a most painstaking effort be made to provide remedies for any defects in the administration of the present laws which their experience has revealed. The attitude of the Government toward these proposals should be one of generosity. But I do not favor the granting of a bonus. The cost of coal has become unbearably high. It places a great burden on our industrial and domestic life. 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. 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 and greater public protection. The Federal Government probably has no peacetime authority 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. The source of the difficulty in the bituminous coal fields is the intermittence of operation which causes great waste of both capital and labor. That part of the report dealing with this problem has much significance, and is suggestive of necessary remedies. By amending, the car rules, by encouraging greater unity of ownership, and possibly by permitting common selling agents for limited districts on condition that they accept adequate regulations and guarantee that competition between districts be unlimited, distribution, storage, and continuity ought to be improved. The supply of coal must be constant. In case of its prospective interruption, the President should have authority to appoint a commission empowered to deal with whatever emergency situation might arise, to aid conciliation and voluntary arbitration, to adjust any existing or threatened controversy between the employer and the employee when collective bargaining fails, and by controlling distribution to prevent profiteering in this vital necessity. This legislation is exceedingly urgent, and essential to the exercise of national authority for the protection of the people. Those who undertake the responsibility of management or employment in this industry do so with the full knowledge that the public interest is paramount, and that to fail through any motive of selfishness in its service is such a betrayal of duty as warrants uncompromising action by the Government. A special joint committee has been appointed to work out a plan for a reorganization of the different departments and bureaus of the Government more scientific and economical than the 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 the President and the Cabinet. It is important that reorganization be enacted into law at the present session. Aided by the sound principles adopted 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 prosperity. Industry and commerce are thriving. For the most part agriculture is successful, eleven staples having risen in value from about $5,300,000,000 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 Minnesota, North Dakota, and on west, have many cases of actual distress. With his products not selling on a parity with the products of industry, every sound remedy that can be devised should be applied for the relief of the farmer. He represents a character, a type of citizenship, and a public necessity that must be preserved and afforded every facility for regaining prosperity. The distress is most acute among those wholly dependent upon one crop.. Wheat acreage was greatly expanded and has not yet been sufficiently reduced. A large amount is raised for export, which has to meet the competition in the world market of large amounts raised on land much cheaper and much more productive. No complicated scheme of relief, no plan for Government fixing of prices, no resort to the public Treasury will be of any permanent value in establishing agriculture. Simple and direct methods put into operation by the farmer himself are the only real sources for restoration. Indirectly the farmer must be relieved by a reduction of national and local taxation. He must be assisted by the reorganization of the freight-rate structure which could reduce charges on his production. To make this fully effective there ought to be railroad consolidations. Cheaper fertilizers must be provided. He must have organization. His customer with whom he exchanges products of the farm for those of industry is organized, labor is organized, business is organized, and there is no way for agriculture to meet this unless it, too, is organized. The acreage of wheat is too large. Unless we can meet the world market at a profit, we must stop raising for export. Organization would help to reduce acreage. Systems of cooperative marketing created by the farmers themselves, supervised by competent management, without doubt would be of assistance, but, they can not wholly solve the problem.' Our agricultural schools ought to have thorough courses in the theory of organization and cooperative marketing. Diversification is necessary. Those farmers who raise their living on their land are not greatly in distress. Such loans as are wisely needed to assist buying stock and other materials to start in this direction should be financed through a Government agency as a temporary and emergency expedient. The remaining difficulty is the disposition of exportable wheat. I do not favor the permanent interference of the Government in this problem. That probably would increase the trouble by increasing production. But it seems feasible to provide Government assistance to exports, and authority should be given the War Finance Corporation to grant, in its discretion, the most liberal terms of payment for fats and grains exported for the direct benefit of the farm. The Government is undertaking to develop a great water-power project known as Muscle Shoals, on which it has expended many million dollars. The work is still going on. Subject to the right to retake in time of war, I recommend that this property with a location for auxiliary steam plant and rights of way be sold. This would end the present burden of expense and should return to the Treasury the largest price possible to secure. While the price is an important element, there is another consideration even more compelling. The agriculture of the Nation needs a greater supply and lower cost of fertilizer. This is now imported in large quantities. The best information I can secure indicates that present methods of power production would not be able profitably to meet the price at which these imports can be sold. To obtain a supply from this water power would require long and costly experimentation to perfect a process for cheap production. Otherwise our purpose would fail completely. It seems desirable, therefore, in order to protect and promote the public welfare, to have adequate covenants that such experimentation be made and carried on to success. The great advantage of low-priced nitrates must be secured for the direct benefit of the farmers and the indirect benefit of the public in time of peace, and of the Government in time of war. If this main object be accomplished, the amount of money received for the property is not a primary or major consideration. Such a solution will involve complicated negotiations, and there is no authority for that purpose. therefore recommend that the Congress appoint a small joint committee to consider offers, conduct negotiations, and report definite recommendations. By reason of many contributing causes, occupants of our 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. This whole question is being considered by experts. You will have the advantage of the facts and conclusions which they may develop. This situation, involving a Government investment of more than $135,000,000, and affecting more than 30,000 water users, is serious. While relief which is necessary should be granted, yet contracts with the Government which can be met should be met. The established general policy of these projects should not be abandoned for any private control. Highways and reforestation should continue 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 Federal Government of its share for this necessary public improvement. No expenditure of public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads. Reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually secures. A special committee of the Senate is investigating this need, and I shall welcome a constructive policy based on their report. It is 100 years since our country announced the Monroe doctrine. This principle has been ever since, and is now, one of the main foundations of our foreign relations. It must be maintained. But in maintaining it we must not be forgetful that a great change has taken place. We are no 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 is 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; they must not be ineffective. The world has had enough of the curse of hatred and selfishness, of destruction and war. It has had enough of the wrongful use of material power. For the healing of the nations there must be good will and charity, confidence and peace. The time has come for a more practical use of moral power, and more reliance upon the principle that right makes its own might. Our authority among the nations must be represented by justice and mercy. It is necessary not only to have faith, but to make sacrifices for our faith. The spiritual forces of the world make all its final determinations. It is with these voices that America should speak. Whenever they declare a righteous purpose there need be no doubt that they will be heard. America has taken her place in the world as a Republic--free, independent, powerful. The best service that can be rendered to humanity is the assurance that this place will be maintained.
since the close of the last congress the nation has lost president harding the world knew his kindness and his humanity his greatness and his character he has left his mark upon history he has made justice more certain and peace more secure the surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place lie held in the hearts of the american people but this is not the occasion for extended reference to the man or his work in this presence among these who knew and loved him that is unnecessary but we who were associated with him could not resume together the functions of our office without pausing for a moment and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our country he is gone we remain it is our duty under the inspiration of his example to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented for us peace reigns everywhere we desire to perpetuate it always by granting full justice to others and requiring of others full justice to ourselves our country has one cardinal principle to maintain in its foreign policy it is an american principle it must be an american policy we attend to our own affairs conserve our own strength and protect the interests of our own citizens but we recognize thoroughly our obligation to help others reserving to the decision of our own judgment the time the place and the method we realize 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 warranted in assuming the responsibilities which its members have assumed i am not proposing any change in this policy neither is the senate the incident so far as we are concerned is closed the league exists as a foreign agency we hope it will be helpful but the united states sees no reason to limit its own freedom and independence of action by joining it we shall do well to recognize this basic fact in all national affairs and govern ourselves accordingly our foreign policy has always been guided by two principles the one is the avoidance of permanent political alliances 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 am in full accord with both of these policies i favor the establishment of such a court intended to include the whole world that is and has long been an american policy pending before the senate is a proposal that this government give its support to the permanent court of international justice which is a new and somewhat different plan this is not a partisan question it should not assume an artificial importance the court is merely a convenient instrument of adjustment to which we could go but to which we could not be brought it should be discussed with entire candor not by a political but by a judicial method without pressure and without prejudice partisanship has no place in our foreign relations as i wish to see a court established and as the proposal presents the only practical plan on which many nations have ever agreed though it may not meet every desire i therefore commend it to the favorable consideration of the senate with the proposed reservations clearly indicating our refusal to adhere to the league of nations our diplomatic relations lately so largely interrupted are now being resumed but russia presents notable difficulties we have every desire to see that great people who are our traditional friends restored to their position among the nations of the earth we have relieved their pitiable destitution with an enormous charity our government offers no objection to the carrying on of commerce by our citizens with the people of russia our government does not propose however to enter into relations with another regime which refuses to recognize the sanctity of international obligations i do 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 willing to make very large concessions for the purpose of rescuing the people of russia already encouraging evidences of returning to the ancient ways of society can be detected but more are needed whenever there appears any disposition to compensate our citizens who were despoiled and to recognize that debt contracted with our government not by the czar but by the newly formed republic of russia whenever the active spirit of enmity to our institutions is abated whenever there appear works mete for repentance our country ought to be the first to go to the economic and moral rescue of russia we have every desire to help and no desire to injure we hope the time is near at hand when we can act the current debt and interest due from foreign governments exclusive of the british debt of is about i do not favor the cancellation of this debt but i see no objection to adjusting it in accordance with the principle 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 between nations are likewise moral obligations which international faith and honor require should be discharged our government has a liquidated claim against germany for the expense of the army of occupation of over besides this the mixed claims commission have before them about claims of american citizens aggregating about these claims have already been reduced by a recent decision but there are valid claims reaching well toward our thousands of citizens with credits due them of hundreds of millions of dollars have no redress save in the action of our government these are very substantial interests which it is the duty of our government to protect as best it can that course i propose to pursue it is for these reasons that we have a direct interest in the economic recovery of europe they are enlarged by our desire for the stability of civilization and the welfare of humanity that we are making sacrifices to that end none can deny our deferred interest alone amounts to a million dollars every day but recently we offered to aid with our advice and counsel we have reiterated our desire to see france paid and germany revived we have proposed disarmament we have earnestly sought to compose differences and restore peace we shall persevere in not by force but by reason under the law the papers pertaining to foreign relations to be printed are transmitted as a part of this message other volumes of these papers will follow the foreign service of our government needs to be reorganized and improved our main problems are domestic problems financial stability is the first requisite of sound government we can not escape the effect of world conditions we can not avoid the inevitable results of the economic disorders which have reached all nations but we shall diminish their harm to us in proportion as we continue to restore our government finances to a secure and endurable position 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 is being accomplished by a drastic but orderly retrenchment which is bringing our expenses within our means the origin of this has been the determination of the american people the main support 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 heads but it has been made without flinching this system is a law of the congress it represents your will it must be maintained and ought to be strengthened by the example of your observance without a budget system there can be no fixed responsibility and no constructive scientific economy this great concentration of effort by the administration and congress has brought the expenditures exclusive of the post office department down to three billion dollars it is possible in consequence to make a large reduction in the taxes of the people which is the sole object of all curtailment this is treated at greater length in the budget message and a proposed plan has been presented in detail in a statement by the secretary of the treasury which has my unqualified approval i especially commend a decrease on earned incomes and further abolition of admission message and nuisance taxes tile amusement and educational value of moving pictures ought not to be taxed diminishing charges against moderate incomes from investment will afford immense relief while a revision of the surtaxes will not only provide additional money for capital investment thus stimulating industry and employing more but will not greatly reduce the revenue from that source and may in the future actually increase it being opposed to war taxes in time of peace i am not in favor of taxes a very great service could be rendered through immediate enactment of legislation relieving the people of some of the burden of taxation to reduce war taxes is to give every home a better chance for seven years the people have borne with uncomplaining courage the tremendous burden of national and local taxation these must both be reduced the taxes of the nation must be reduced now as much as prudence will permit and expenditures must be reduced accordingly high taxes reach everywhere and burden everybody they gear most heavily upon the poor they diminish industry and commerce they make agriculture unprofitable they increase the rates on transportation they are a charge on every necessary of life of all services which the congress can render to the country i have no hesitation in declaring to neglect it to postpone it to obstruct it by unsound proposals is to become unworthy of public confidence and untrue to public trust the country wants this measure to have the right of way over an others another reform which is urgent in our fiscal system is the abolition of the right to issue securities the existing system not only permits a large amount of the wealth of the nation to escape its just burden but acts as a continual stimulant to municipal extravagance this should be prohibited by constitutional amendment all the wealth of the nation ought to contribute its fair share to the expenses of the nation 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 and import trade a constant revision of the tariff by the congress is disturbing and harmful the present law contains an elastic provision authorizing the president to increase or decrease present schedules not in excess of 50 per centum to meet the difference in cost of production at home and abroad this does not to my mind warrant a rewriting of the whole law but does mean and will be so administered that whenever the required investigation shows that inequalities of sufficient importance exist in any schedule the power to change them should and will be applied the entire well being of our country is dependent upon transportation by sea and land our government during the war acquired a large merchant fleet which should be transferred as soon as possible to private ownership and operation under conditions which would secure two results first and of prime importance adequate means for national defense second adequate service to american commerce until shipping conditions are such that our fleet can be disposed of advantageously under these conditions it will be operated as economically as possible under such plans as may be devised 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 cost of its service the time has come to resume in a moderate way the opening of our intracoastal waterways the control of flood waters of the mississippi and of the colorado rivers the improvement of the waterways from the great lakes toward the gulf of mexico and the development of the great power and navigation project of the lawrence river for which efforts are now being made to secure the necessary treaty with canada these projects can not all be undertaken at once but all should have the immediate consideration of the congress and be adopted as fast as plans can be matured and the necessary funds become available this is not incompatible with economy for their 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 use of navigation chief of which is the bringing of ships to the great lakes another problem of allied character is the superpower development of the northeastern states consideration of which is growing under the direction of the department of commerce by joint conference with the local authorities 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 consolidations it has been erroneously assumed that the act undertakes to guarantee railroad earnings 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 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 goes into effect the settlement of railroad labor disputes is a matter of grave public concern the labor board was established to protect the public in the enjoyment of continuous service by attempting to insure justice between the companies and their employees it has been a great help but is not altogether satisfactory to the public the employees or the companies if a 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 sufficiently effective to be expeditious additional legislation is needed giving authority for voluntary consolidations both regional and route and providing government machinery to aid and stimulate such action always subject to the approval of the interstate commerce commission this should authorize 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 agricultural sections competent authorities agree that an entire reorganization of the rate structure for freight is necessary this should be ordered at once by the congress 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 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 considered for this purpose it is desirable to expedite the hearing and disposal of cases a commission of federal judges and lawyers should be created to recommend legislation by which the procedure in the federal trial courts may be simplified and regulated by rules of court rather than by statute such rules to be submitted to the congress and to be in force until annulled or modified by the congress the supreme court needs legislation revising and simplifying the laws governing review by that court and enlarging the classes of cases of too little public importance to be subject to review such reforms would expedite the transaction of the business of the courts the administration of justice is likely to fail if it be long delayed the national government has never given adequate attention to its prison problems it ought to provide employment in such forms of production as can be used by the government though not sold to the public in competition 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 two independent reformatories are needed one for the segregation of women and another for the segregation of young men serving their first sentence the administration of justice would be facilitated greatly by including in the bureau of investigation of the department of justice a division of criminal identification where there would be collected this information which is now indispensable in the suppression of crime the 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 a treaty is being negotiated with great britain with respect to the right of search of hovering vessels to prevent smuggling the coast card should be greatly strengthened and a supply of swift power boats should be provided the major sources of production 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 cooperation which is usually rendered by municipal and state authorities prohibition should be made effective free government has no greater menace than disrespect for authority and continual violation of law it is the duty of a citizen not only to observe the law but to let it be known that he is opposed to its violation numbered among our population are some 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 and punishment against the hideous crime of lynching of which the negroes are by no means the sole sufferers but for which they furnish a majority of the victims already a considerable sum is appropriated to give the negroes vocational training in agriculture about half a million dollars is recommended for medical courses at howard university to help contribute to the education of 500 colored doctors needed each year on account of the integration of large numbers into industrial centers it has been proposed that a commission be created composed of members from both races to formulate a better policy for mutual understanding and confidence such an effort is to be commended everyone would rejoice in the accomplishment of the results which it seeks but it is well to recognize that these difficulties are to a large extent local problems which must be worked out by the mutual forbearance and human kindness of each community such a method gives much more promise of a real remedy than outside interference the maintenance and extension of the classified civil service is exceedingly important there are nearly persons in the executive civil service drawing about of yearly compensation of these are in the classified service this method of selection of the employees of the united states is especially desirable for the post office department the civil service commission has recommended that postmasters at first second and third class offices be classified such action accompanied by a repeal of the term of office would undoubtedly be an improvement i also recommend that the field force for prohibition enforcement be brought within the classified civil service without covering in the present membership the best method for selecting public servants is the merit system many of the departments in washington need better housing facilities some are so crowded that their work is impeded others are so scattered that they lose their identity while i do not favor at this time a general public building law i believe it is now necessary in accordance with plans already sanctioned for a unified and orderly system for the development of this city to begin the carrying out of those plans by authorizing the erection of three or four buildings most urgently needed by an annual appropriation of cooperation with other maritime powers is necessary for complete protection of our coast waters from pollution plans for this are under way but await certain experiments for refuse disposal meantime laws prohibiting spreading oil and oil refuse from vessels in our own territorial waters would be most helpful against this menace and should be speedily enacted laws should be passed regulating aviation revision is needed of the laws regulating radio interference legislation and regulations establishing load lines to provide safe loading of vessels leaving our ports are necessary and recodification of our navigation laws is vital revision of procedure of the federal trade commission will give more constructive purpose to this department if our alaskan fisheries are to be saved from destruction there must be further legislation declaring a general policy and delegating the authority to make rules and regulations to an administrative body 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 our 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 conditions in the insular possessions on the 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 conic from their people or their governments should have the most considerate attention 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 our whole form of society can not be considered fully successful until their benefits reach the merit of 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 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 having in mind that education is peculiarly a local problem and that it should always be pursued with the largest freedom of choice by students and parents nevertheless the federal government might well give the benefit of its counsel and encouragement more freely in this direction if anyone doubts the need of concerted action by the states of the nation for this purpose it is only necessary to consider the appalling figures of illiteracy representing a condition which does not vary much in all parts of the union i do not favor the making of appropriations from the national treasury to be expended directly on local education but i do consider it a fundamental requirement of national activity which accompanied by allied subjects of welfare is worthy of a separate department and a place in the cabinet the humanitarian side of government should not be repressed but should be cultivated mere intelligence however is not enough enlightenment must be accompanied by that moral power which is the product of the home and of rebellion real education and true welfare for the people rest inevitably on this foundation which the government can approve and commend but which the people themselves must create american institutions rest solely on good citizenship they were created by people who had a background of new arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship america must be kept american for this i 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 either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens i am convinced that our present economic and social conditions warrant a limitation of those to be admitted we should find additional safety in a law requiring the immediate registration of all aliens those who do not want to be partakers of the american spirit ought not to settle in america 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 must have sufficient hospital relief and compensation their dependents must be supported rehabilitation and vocational training must be completed all of this service must be clean must be prompt and effective and it must be administered in a spirit of the broadest and deepest human sympathy if investigation reveals any present defects of administration or need of legislation orders will be given for the immediate correction of administration and recommendations for legislation should be given the highest preference at present there are vacant beds in government hospitals i recommend that all hospitals be authorized at once to receive and care for without hospital pay the veterans of all wars needing such care whenever there are vacant beds and that immediate steps be taken to enlarge and build new hospitals to serve all such cases the american legion will present to the congress a legislative program too extensive for detailed discussion here it is a carefully matured plan while some of it i do not favor with much of it i am in hearty accord and i recommend that a most painstaking effort be made to provide remedies for any defects in the administration of the present laws which their experience has revealed the attitude of the government toward these proposals should be one of generosity but i do not favor the granting of a bonus the cost of coal has become unbearably high it places a great burden on our industrial and domestic life 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 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 and greater public protection the federal government probably has no peacetime authority 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 the source of the difficulty in the bituminous coal fields is the intermittence of operation which causes great waste of both capital and labor that part of the report dealing with this problem has much significance and is suggestive of necessary remedies by amending the car rules by encouraging greater unity of ownership and possibly by permitting common selling agents for limited districts on condition that they accept adequate regulations and guarantee that competition between districts be unlimited distribution storage and continuity ought to be improved the supply of coal must be constant in case of its prospective interruption the president should have authority to appoint a commission empowered to deal with whatever emergency situation might arise to aid conciliation and voluntary arbitration to adjust any existing or threatened controversy between the employer and the employee when collective bargaining fails and by controlling distribution to prevent profiteering in this vital necessity this legislation is exceedingly urgent and essential to the exercise of national authority for the protection of the people those who undertake the responsibility of management or employment in this industry do so with the full knowledge that the public interest is paramount and that to fail through any motive of selfishness in its service is such a betrayal of duty as warrants uncompromising action by the government a special joint committee has been appointed to work out a plan for a reorganization of the different departments and bureaus of the government more scientific and economical than the 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 the president and the cabinet it is important that reorganization be enacted into law at the present session aided by the sound principles adopted 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 prosperity industry and commerce are thriving for the most part agriculture is successful eleven staples having risen in value from about two years ago to about for the current year but range cattle are still low in price and some sections of the wheat area notably minnesota north dakota and on west have many cases of actual distress with his products not selling on a parity with the products of industry every sound remedy that can be devised should be applied for the relief of the farmer he represents a character a type of citizenship and a public necessity that must be preserved and afforded every facility for regaining prosperity the distress is most acute among those wholly dependent upon one crop wheat acreage was greatly expanded and has not yet been sufficiently reduced a large amount is raised for export which has to meet the competition in the world market of large amounts raised on land much cheaper and much more productive no complicated scheme of relief no plan for government fixing of prices no resort to the public treasury will be of any permanent value in establishing agriculture simple and direct methods put into operation by the farmer himself are the only real sources for restoration indirectly the farmer must be relieved by a reduction of national and local taxation he must be assisted by the reorganization of the structure which could reduce charges on his production to make this fully effective there ought to be railroad consolidations cheaper fertilizers must be provided he must have organization his customer with whom he exchanges products of the farm for those of industry is organized labor is organized business is organized and there is no way for agriculture to meet this unless it too is organized the acreage of wheat is too large unless we can meet the world market at a profit we must stop raising for export organization would help to reduce acreage systems of cooperative marketing created by the farmers themselves supervised by competent management without doubt would be of assistance but they can not wholly solve the problem our agricultural schools ought to have thorough courses in the theory of organization and cooperative marketing diversification is necessary those farmers who raise their living on their land are not greatly in distress such loans as are wisely needed to assist buying stock and other materials to start in this direction should be financed through a government agency as a temporary and emergency expedient the remaining difficulty is the disposition of exportable wheat i do not favor the permanent interference of the government in this problem that probably would increase the trouble by increasing production but it seems feasible to provide government assistance to exports and authority should be given the war finance corporation to grant in its discretion the most liberal terms of payment for fats and grains exported for the direct benefit of the farm the government is undertaking to develop a great project known as muscle shoals on which it has expended many million dollars the work is still going on subject to the right to retake in time of war i recommend that this property with a location for auxiliary steam plant and rights of way be sold this would end the present burden of expense and should return to the treasury the largest price possible to secure while the price is an important element there is another consideration even more compelling the agriculture of the nation needs a greater supply and lower cost of fertilizer this is now imported in large quantities the best information i can secure indicates that present methods of power production would not be able profitably to meet the price at which these imports can be sold to obtain a supply from this water power would require long and costly experimentation to perfect a process for cheap production otherwise our purpose would fail completely it seems desirable therefore in order to protect and promote the public welfare to have adequate covenants that such experimentation be made and carried on to success the great advantage of nitrates must be secured for the direct benefit of the farmers and the indirect benefit of the public in time of peace and of the government in time of war if this main object be accomplished the amount of money received for the property is not a primary or major consideration such a solution will involve complicated negotiations and there is no authority for that purpose therefore recommend that the congress appoint a small joint committee to consider offers conduct negotiations and report definite recommendations by reason of many contributing causes occupants of our 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 this whole question is being considered by experts you will have the advantage of the facts and conclusions which they may develop this situation involving a government investment of more than and affecting more than water users is serious while relief which is necessary should be granted yet contracts with the government which can be met should be met the established general policy of these projects should not be abandoned for any private control highways and reforestation should continue 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 federal government of its share for this necessary public improvement no expenditure of public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually secures a special committee of the senate is investigating this need and i shall welcome a constructive policy based on their report it is 100 years since our country announced the monroe doctrine this principle has been ever since and is now one of the main foundations of our foreign relations it must be maintained but in maintaining it we must not be forgetful that a great change has taken place we are no 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 is 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 they must not be ineffective the world has had enough of the curse of hatred and selfishness of destruction and war it has had enough of the wrongful use of material power for the healing of the nations there must be good will and charity confidence and peace the time has come for a more practical use of moral power and more reliance upon the principle that right makes its own might our authority among the nations must be represented by justice and mercy it is necessary not only to have faith but to make sacrifices for our faith the spiritual forces of the world make all its final determinations it is with these voices that america should speak whenever they declare a righteous purpose there need be no doubt that they will be heard america has taken her place in the world as a republic free independent powerful the best service that can be rendered to humanity is the assurance that this place will be maintained
since close last congress nation lost president harding world knew kindness humanity greatness character left mark upon history made justice certain peace secure surpassing tribute paid memory borne across continent rest last home revealed place lie held hearts american people occasion extended reference man work presence among knew loved unnecessary associated could resume together functions office without pausing moment memory reconsecrating service country gone remain duty inspiration example take burdens permitted lay develop support wise principles government represented us peace reigns everywhere desire perpetuate always granting full justice others requiring others full justice country one cardinal principle maintain foreign policy american principle must american policy attend affairs conserve strength protect interests citizens recognize thoroughly obligation help others reserving decision judgment time place method realize common bond humanity know inescapable law service country definitely refused adopt ratify covenant league nations felt warranted assuming responsibilities members assumed proposing change policy neither senate incident far concerned closed league exists foreign agency hope helpful united states sees reason limit freedom independence action joining shall well recognize basic fact national affairs govern accordingly foreign policy always guided two principles one avoidance permanent political alliances would sacrifice proper independence peaceful settlement controversies nations example treaty advocated arbitration nearly 25 years member hague tribunal long sought creation permanent world court justice full accord policies favor establishment court intended include whole world long american policy pending senate proposal government give support permanent court international justice new somewhat different plan partisan question assume artificial importance court merely convenient instrument adjustment could go could brought discussed entire candor political judicial method without pressure without prejudice partisanship place foreign relations wish see court established proposal presents practical plan many nations ever agreed though may meet every desire therefore commend favorable consideration senate proposed reservations clearly indicating refusal adhere league nations diplomatic relations lately largely interrupted resumed russia presents notable difficulties every desire see great people traditional friends restored position among nations earth relieved pitiable destitution enormous charity government offers objection carrying commerce citizens people russia government propose however enter relations another regime refuses recognize sanctity international obligations propose barter away privilege trade cherished rights humanity propose make merchandise american principles rights principles must go wherever sanctions government go favor america sale willing make large concessions purpose rescuing people russia already encouraging evidences returning ancient ways society detected needed whenever appears disposition compensate citizens despoiled recognize debt contracted government czar newly formed republic russia whenever active spirit enmity institutions abated whenever appear works mete repentance country ought first go economic moral rescue russia every desire help desire injure hope time near hand act current debt interest due foreign governments exclusive british debt favor cancellation debt see objection adjusting accordance principle adopted british debt country would wish assume role oppressive creditor would maintain principle financial obligations nations likewise moral obligations international faith honor require discharged government liquidated claim germany expense army occupation besides mixed claims commission claims american citizens aggregating claims already reduced recent decision valid claims reaching well toward thousands citizens credits due hundreds millions dollars redress save action government substantial interests duty government protect best course propose pursue reasons direct interest economic recovery europe enlarged desire stability civilization welfare humanity making sacrifices end none deny deferred interest alone amounts million dollars every day recently offered aid advice counsel reiterated desire see france paid germany revived proposed disarmament earnestly sought compose differences restore peace shall persevere force reason law papers pertaining foreign relations printed transmitted part message volumes papers follow foreign service government needs reorganized improved main problems domestic problems financial stability first requisite sound government escape effect world conditions avoid inevitable results economic disorders reached nations shall diminish harm us proportion continue restore government finances secure endurable position must upon firm foundation rests hope progress prosperity source must come relief people accomplished drastic orderly retrenchment bringing expenses within means origin determination american people main support courage authority effective method budget system result involved real sacrifice department heads made without flinching system law congress represents must maintained ought strengthened example observance without budget system fixed responsibility constructive scientific economy great concentration effort administration congress brought expenditures exclusive post office department three billion dollars possible consequence make large reduction taxes people sole object curtailment treated greater length budget message proposed plan presented detail statement secretary treasury unqualified approval especially commend decrease earned incomes abolition admission message nuisance taxes tile amusement educational value moving pictures ought taxed diminishing charges moderate incomes investment afford immense relief revision surtaxes provide additional money capital investment thus stimulating industry employing greatly reduce revenue source may future actually increase opposed war taxes time peace favor taxes great service could rendered immediate enactment legislation relieving people burden taxation reduce war taxes give every home better chance seven years people borne uncomplaining courage tremendous burden national local taxation must reduced taxes nation must reduced much prudence permit expenditures must reduced accordingly high taxes reach everywhere burden everybody gear heavily upon poor diminish industry commerce make agriculture unprofitable increase rates transportation charge every necessary life services congress render country hesitation declaring neglect postpone obstruct unsound proposals become unworthy public confidence untrue public trust country wants measure right way others another reform urgent fiscal system abolition right issue securities existing system permits large amount wealth nation escape burden acts continual stimulant municipal extravagance prohibited constitutional amendment wealth nation ought contribute fair share expenses nation present tariff law accomplished two main objects secured abundant revenue productive abounding prosperity country large export import trade constant revision tariff congress disturbing harmful present law contains elastic provision authorizing president increase decrease present schedules excess 50 per centum meet difference cost production home abroad mind warrant rewriting whole law mean administered whenever required investigation shows inequalities sufficient importance exist schedule power change applied entire well country dependent upon transportation sea land government war acquired large merchant fleet transferred soon possible private ownership operation conditions would secure two results first prime importance adequate means national defense second adequate service american commerce shipping conditions fleet disposed advantageously conditions operated economically possible plans may devised time time shipping board must merchant marine meets requirements shall pay cost service time come resume moderate way opening intracoastal waterways control flood waters mississippi colorado rivers improvement waterways great lakes toward gulf mexico development great power navigation project lawrence river efforts made secure necessary treaty canada projects undertaken immediate consideration congress adopted fast plans matured necessary funds become available incompatible economy nature require much public expenditure capital investment reproductive evidenced marked increase revenue panama canal upon projects depend much future industrial agricultural progress represent protection large areas flood addition great amount cheap power cheap freight use navigation chief bringing ships great lakes another problem allied character superpower development northeastern states consideration growing direction department commerce joint conference local authorities criticism railroad law directed first section laying rule rates fixed providing payment government use excess earnings second method adjustment wage scales third authority permitting consolidations erroneously assumed act undertakes guarantee railroad earnings law requires rates reasonable always rule rates fixed make rate yield fair return results confiscation confiscatory rates course unconstitutional unless government adheres rule making rate yield fair return must abandon rate making altogether new important feature part law recapture redistribution excess rates constitutionality method supreme court adjudication decision awaited attempting legislation subject furthermore importance feature great consolidation goes effect settlement railroad labor disputes matter grave public concern labor board established protect public enjoyment continuous service attempting insure justice companies employees great help altogether satisfactory public employees companies substantial agreement reached among groups interested hesitation enacting agreement law reached labor board may well left present protect public welfare law consolidations sufficiently effective expeditious additional legislation needed giving authority voluntary consolidations regional route providing government machinery aid stimulate action always subject approval interstate commerce commission authorize commission appoint committees proposed group representing public component roads power negotiate individual security holders exchange securities consolidation terms conditions commission may prescribe avoiding confiscation preserving fair values permissive consolidation prove ineffective limited period authority government directly invoked consolidation appears feasible method maintenance adequate system transportation opportunity adjust freight rates meet temporary conditions prevail agricultural sections competent authorities agree entire reorganization rate structure freight necessary ordered congress revision laws united states made since 1878 commission committee created undertake work judicial council reports two district judges needed southern district new york one northern district georgia two circuit judges circuit court appeals eighth circuit legislation considered purpose desirable expedite hearing disposal cases commission federal judges lawyers created recommend legislation procedure federal trial courts may simplified regulated rules court rather statute rules submitted congress force annulled modified congress supreme court needs legislation revising simplifying laws governing review court enlarging classes cases little public importance subject review reforms would expedite transaction business courts administration justice likely fail long delayed national government never given adequate attention prison problems ought provide employment forms production used government though sold public competition private business prisoners placed work receive reasonable compensation available dependents two independent reformatories needed one segregation women another segregation young men serving first sentence administration justice would facilitated greatly including bureau investigation department justice division criminal identification would collected information indispensable suppression crime prohibition amendment constitution requires congress president provide adequate laws prevent violation duty enforce laws purpose treaty negotiated great britain respect right search hovering vessels prevent smuggling coast card greatly strengthened supply swift power boats provided major sources production rigidly regulated every effort made suppress interstate traffic action part national government cooperation usually rendered municipal state authorities prohibition made effective free government greater menace disrespect authority continual violation law duty citizen observe law let known opposed violation numbered among population colored people constitution rights sacred citizen public private duty protect rights congress ought exercise powers prevention punishment hideous crime lynching negroes means sole sufferers furnish majority victims already considerable sum appropriated give negroes vocational training agriculture half million dollars recommended medical courses howard university help contribute education 500 colored doctors needed year account integration large numbers industrial centers proposed commission created composed members races formulate better policy mutual understanding confidence effort commended everyone would rejoice accomplishment results seeks well recognize difficulties large extent local problems must worked mutual forbearance human kindness community method gives much promise real remedy outside interference maintenance extension classified civil service exceedingly important nearly persons executive civil service drawing yearly compensation classified service method selection employees united states especially desirable post office department civil service commission recommended postmasters first second third class offices classified action accompanied repeal term office would undoubtedly improvement also recommend field force prohibition enforcement brought within classified civil service without covering present membership best method selecting public servants merit system many departments washington need better housing facilities crowded work impeded others scattered lose identity favor time general public building law believe necessary accordance plans already sanctioned unified orderly system development city begin carrying plans authorizing erection three four buildings urgently needed annual appropriation cooperation maritime powers necessary complete protection coast waters pollution plans way await certain experiments refuse disposal meantime laws prohibiting spreading oil oil refuse vessels territorial waters would helpful menace speedily enacted laws passed regulating aviation revision needed laws regulating radio interference legislation regulations establishing load lines provide safe loading vessels leaving ports necessary recodification navigation laws vital revision procedure federal trade commission give constructive purpose department alaskan fisheries saved destruction must legislation declaring general policy delegating authority make rules regulations administrative body several years decreasing personnel army navy reducing power danger point reductions made army guarantee security citizens home navy guarantee security citizens abroad services strengthened rather weakened additional planes needed army additional submarines navy defenses panama must perfected want competitive armaments want war want weakness invites imposition people neglect national defense putting jeopardy national honor conditions insular possessions whole good business reviving administered according law effort full support administration recommendations may conic people governments considerate attention national government much legitimately promote welfare people enormous material wealth institutions whole form society considered fully successful benefits reach merit every individual suggestion government could assume people inevitable burdens existence method either relieved results folly guaranteed successful life inescapable personal responsibility development character industry thrift come government people government always expressive steadfast determination always vigilant maintain conditions virtues likely develop secure recognition reward american policy accordance principle enacted laws protection public health adopted prohibition narcotic drugs intoxicating liquors purposes national uniformity ought provide constitutional amendment appropriate legislation limitation child labor cases exclusive jurisdiction federal government minimum wage law women would undoubtedly find sufficient power enforcement influence public opinion mind education peculiarly local problem always pursued largest freedom choice students parents nevertheless federal government might well give benefit counsel encouragement freely direction anyone doubts need concerted action states nation purpose necessary consider appalling figures illiteracy representing condition vary much parts union favor making appropriations national treasury expended directly local education consider fundamental requirement national activity accompanied allied subjects welfare worthy separate department place cabinet humanitarian side government repressed cultivated mere intelligence however enough enlightenment must accompanied moral power product home rebellion real education true welfare people rest inevitably foundation government approve commend people must create american institutions rest solely good citizenship created people background new arrivals limited capacity absorb ranks good citizenship america must kept american purpose necessary continue policy restricted immigration would well make immigration selective nature inspection source based either prior census upon record naturalization either method would insure admission largest capacity best intention becoming citizens convinced present economic social conditions warrant limitation admitted find additional safety law requiring immediate registration aliens want partakers american spirit ought settle america important duty falls government united states adequate care veterans suffering disabilities incurred service must sufficient hospital relief compensation dependents must supported rehabilitation vocational training must completed service must clean must prompt effective must administered spirit broadest deepest human sympathy investigation reveals present defects administration need legislation orders given immediate correction administration recommendations legislation given highest preference present vacant beds government hospitals recommend hospitals authorized receive care without hospital pay veterans wars needing care whenever vacant beds immediate steps taken enlarge build new hospitals serve cases american legion present congress legislative program extensive detailed discussion carefully matured plan favor much hearty accord recommend painstaking effort made provide remedies defects administration present laws experience revealed attitude government toward proposals one generosity favor granting bonus cost coal become unbearably high places great burden industrial domestic life public welfare requires reduction price fuel enormous deposits existence failure supply ought tolerated responsible conditions industry undertake reform free charge profiteering report coal commission congress comprises facts represents mature deliberations conclusions best talent experience ever made national survey production distribution fuel favor government ownership operation coal mines need action private ownership secure greater continuity production greater public protection federal government probably peacetime authority regulate wages prices profits coal mines among dealers ascertaining publishing facts exercise great influence source difficulty bituminous coal fields intermittence operation causes great waste capital labor part report dealing problem much significance suggestive necessary remedies amending car rules encouraging greater unity ownership possibly permitting common selling agents limited districts condition accept adequate regulations guarantee competition districts unlimited distribution storage continuity ought improved supply coal must constant case prospective interruption president authority appoint commission empowered deal whatever emergency situation might arise aid conciliation voluntary arbitration adjust existing threatened controversy employer employee collective bargaining fails controlling distribution prevent profiteering vital necessity legislation exceedingly urgent essential exercise national authority protection people undertake responsibility management employment industry full knowledge public interest paramount fail motive selfishness service betrayal duty warrants uncompromising action government special joint committee appointed work plan reorganization different departments bureaus government scientific economical present system exception consolidation war navy departments minor details plan general sanction president cabinet important reorganization enacted law present session aided sound principles adopted government business country extraordinary revival looked whole nation enjoyment remarkable prosperity industry commerce thriving part agriculture successful eleven staples risen value two years ago current year range cattle still low price sections wheat area notably minnesota north dakota west many cases actual distress products selling parity products industry every sound remedy devised applied relief farmer represents character type citizenship public necessity must preserved afforded every facility regaining prosperity distress acute among wholly dependent upon one crop wheat acreage greatly expanded yet sufficiently reduced large amount raised export meet competition world market large amounts raised land much cheaper much productive complicated scheme relief plan government fixing prices resort public treasury permanent value establishing agriculture simple direct methods put operation farmer real sources restoration indirectly farmer must relieved reduction national local taxation must assisted reorganization structure could reduce charges production make fully effective ought railroad consolidations cheaper fertilizers must provided must organization customer exchanges products farm industry organized labor organized business organized way agriculture meet unless organized acreage wheat large unless meet world market profit must stop raising export organization would help reduce acreage systems cooperative marketing created farmers supervised competent management without doubt would assistance wholly solve problem agricultural schools ought thorough courses theory organization cooperative marketing diversification necessary farmers raise living land greatly distress loans wisely needed assist buying stock materials start direction financed government agency temporary emergency expedient remaining difficulty disposition exportable wheat favor permanent interference government problem probably would increase trouble increasing production seems feasible provide government assistance exports authority given war finance corporation grant discretion liberal terms payment fats grains exported direct benefit farm government undertaking develop great project known muscle shoals expended many million dollars work still going subject right retake time war recommend property location auxiliary steam plant rights way sold would end present burden expense return treasury largest price possible secure price important element another consideration even compelling agriculture nation needs greater supply lower cost fertilizer imported large quantities best information secure indicates present methods power production would able profitably meet price imports sold obtain supply water power would require long costly experimentation perfect process cheap production otherwise purpose would fail completely seems desirable therefore order protect promote public welfare adequate covenants experimentation made carried success great advantage nitrates must secured direct benefit farmers indirect benefit public time peace government time war main object accomplished amount money received property primary major consideration solution involve complicated negotiations authority purpose therefore recommend congress appoint small joint committee consider offers conduct negotiations report definite recommendations reason many contributing causes occupants reclamation projects financial difficulties cases acute relief granted definite authority law empowering secretary interior discretion suspend readjust reassess charges water users whole question considered experts advantage facts conclusions may develop situation involving government investment affecting water users serious relief necessary granted yet contracts government met met established general policy projects abandoned private control highways reforestation continue interest support government everyone anxious good highways made liberal proposal budget continuing payment states federal government share necessary public improvement expenditure public money contributes much national wealth building good roads reforestation importance far attention usually secures special committee senate investigating need shall welcome constructive policy based report 100 years since country announced monroe doctrine principle ever since one main foundations foreign relations must maintained maintaining must forgetful great change taken place longer weak nation thinking mainly defense dreading foreign imposition great powerful new powers bring new responsibilities duty protect added duty help give stability world want idealism want vision lifts men nations virtues reason merit must cloistered must impractical must ineffective world enough curse hatred selfishness destruction war enough wrongful use material power healing nations must good charity confidence peace time come practical use moral power reliance upon principle right makes might authority among nations must represented justice mercy necessary faith make sacrifices faith spiritual forces world make final determinations voices america speak whenever declare righteous purpose need doubt heard america taken place world republic free independent powerful best service rendered humanity assurance place maintained
since close last congress nation lose president harding world know kindness humanity greatness character leave mark upon history make justice certain peace secure surpass tribute pay memory borne across continent rest last home reveal place lie hold heart american people occasion extend reference man work presence among knew love unnecessary associate could resume together function office without pause moment memory reconsecrate service country go remain duty inspiration example take burden permit lay develop support wise principle government represent u peace reign everywhere desire perpetuate always grant full justice others require others full justice country one cardinal principle maintain foreign policy american principle must american policy attend affair conserve strength protect interest citizens recognize thoroughly obligation help others reserve decision judgment time place method realize common bond humanity know inescapable law service country definitely refuse adopt ratify covenant league nation felt warranted assume responsibility member assume proposing change policy neither senate incident far concern closed league exists foreign agency hope helpful united state see reason limit freedom independence action join shall well recognize basic fact national affair govern accordingly foreign policy always guide two principle one avoidance permanent political alliance would sacrifice proper independence peaceful settlement controversy nation example treaty advocate arbitration nearly 25 year member hague tribunal long sought creation permanent world court justice full accord policy favor establishment court intend include whole world long american policy pending senate proposal government give support permanent court international justice new somewhat different plan partisan question assume artificial importance court merely convenient instrument adjustment could go could bring discussed entire candor political judicial method without pressure without prejudice partisanship place foreign relation wish see court establish proposal present practical plan many nation ever agree though may meet every desire therefore commend favorable consideration senate propose reservation clearly indicate refusal adhere league nation diplomatic relation lately largely interrupt resume russia present notable difficulty every desire see great people traditional friend restore position among nation earth relieve pitiable destitution enormous charity government offer objection carry commerce citizen people russia government propose however enter relation another regime refuse recognize sanctity international obligation propose barter away privilege trade cherish right humanity propose make merchandise american principle right principle must go wherever sanction government go favor america sale willing make large concession purpose rescue people russia already encouraging evidence return ancient way society detect need whenever appear disposition compensate citizen despoil recognize debt contract government czar newly form republic russia whenever active spirit enmity institution abate whenever appear work mete repentance country ought first go economic moral rescue russia every desire help desire injure hope time near hand act current debt interest due foreign government exclusive british debt favor cancellation debt see objection adjust accordance principle adopt british debt country would wish assume role oppressive creditor would maintain principle financial obligation nation likewise moral obligation international faith honor require discharge government liquidate claim germany expense army occupation besides mixed claim commission claim american citizen aggregate claim already reduce recent decision valid claim reach well toward thousand citizen credit due hundred million dollar redress save action government substantial interest duty government protect best course propose pursue reason direct interest economic recovery europe enlarge desire stability civilization welfare humanity make sacrifice end none deny deferred interest alone amount million dollar every day recently offer aid advice counsel reiterate desire see france pay germany revive propose disarmament earnestly seek compose difference restore peace shall persevere force reason law paper pertain foreign relation print transmitted part message volumes paper follow foreign service government need reorganize improved main problem domestic problem financial stability first requisite sound government escape effect world condition avoid inevitable result economic disorder reach nation shall diminish harm u proportion continue restore government finance secure endurable position must upon firm foundation rest hope progress prosperity source must come relief people accomplish drastic orderly retrenchment bringing expense within mean origin determination american people main support courage authority effective method budget system result involve real sacrifice department head make without flinch system law congress represent must maintain ought strengthen example observance without budget system fix responsibility constructive scientific economy great concentration effort administration congress bring expenditure exclusive post office department three billion dollar possible consequence make large reduction tax people sole object curtailment treat great length budget message propose plan present detail statement secretary treasury unqualified approval especially commend decrease earn income abolition admission message nuisance tax tile amusement educational value move picture ought tax diminishing charge moderate income investment afford immense relief revision surtax provide additional money capital investment thus stimulate industry employ greatly reduce revenue source may future actually increase opposed war tax time peace favor tax great service could render immediate enactment legislation relieve people burden taxation reduce war tax give every home well chance seven year people bear uncomplaining courage tremendous burden national local taxation must reduce tax nation must reduce much prudence permit expenditures must reduce accordingly high tax reach everywhere burden everybody gear heavily upon poor diminish industry commerce make agriculture unprofitable increase rate transportation charge every necessary life service congress render country hesitation declare neglect postpone obstruct unsound proposal become unworthy public confidence untrue public trust country want measure right way others another reform urgent fiscal system abolition right issue security exist system permit large amount wealth nation escape burden act continual stimulant municipal extravagance prohibit constitutional amendment wealth nation ought contribute fair share expense nation present tariff law accomplish two main object secure abundant revenue productive abound prosperity country large export import trade constant revision tariff congress disturb harmful present law contain elastic provision authorize president increase decrease present schedule excess 50 per centum meet difference cost production home abroad mind warrant rewrite whole law mean administer whenever require investigation show inequality sufficient importance exist schedule power change apply entire well country dependent upon transportation sea land government war acquire large merchant fleet transfer soon possible private ownership operation condition would secure two result first prime importance adequate mean national defense second adequate service american commerce shipping condition fleet dispose advantageously condition operate economically possible plan may devise time time ship board must merchant marine meet requirement shall pay cost service time come resume moderate way open intracoastal waterway control flood water mississippi colorado river improvement waterways great lake toward gulf mexico development great power navigation project lawrence river effort make secure necessary treaty canada project undertake immediate consideration congress adopt fast plan mature necessary fund become available incompatible economy nature require much public expenditure capital investment reproductive evidence mark increase revenue panama canal upon project depend much future industrial agricultural progress represent protection large area flood addition great amount cheap power cheap freight use navigation chief bring ship great lake another problem ally character superpower development northeastern state consideration grow direction department commerce joint conference local authority criticism railroad law direct first section laying rule rate fix provide payment government use excess earnings second method adjustment wage scale third authority permit consolidation erroneously assume act undertakes guarantee railroad earnings law require rate reasonable always rule rate fix make rate yield fair return result confiscation confiscatory rate course unconstitutional unless government adheres rule make rate yield fair return must abandon rate make altogether new important feature part law recapture redistribution excess rate constitutionality method supreme court adjudication decision await attempt legislation subject furthermore importance feature great consolidation go effect settlement railroad labor dispute matter grave public concern labor board establish protect public enjoyment continuous service attempt insure justice company employee great help altogether satisfactory public employee company substantial agreement reach among group interested hesitation enact agreement law reach labor board may well leave present protect public welfare law consolidation sufficiently effective expeditious additional legislation need give authority voluntary consolidation regional route provide government machinery aid stimulate action always subject approval interstate commerce commission authorize commission appoint committee propose group represent public component road power negotiate individual security holder exchange security consolidation term condition commission may prescribe avoid confiscation preserve fair value permissive consolidation prove ineffective limited period authority government directly invoke consolidation appear feasible method maintenance adequate system transportation opportunity adjust freight rate meet temporary condition prevail agricultural section competent authority agree entire reorganization rate structure freight necessary order congress revision law united state make since 1878 commission committee create undertake work judicial council report two district judge need southern district new york one northern district georgia two circuit judge circuit court appeal eighth circuit legislation consider purpose desirable expedite hearing disposal case commission federal judge lawyer create recommend legislation procedure federal trial court may simplify regulated rule court rather statute rule submit congress force annul modified congress supreme court need legislation revise simplify law govern review court enlarge class case little public importance subject review reform would expedite transaction business court administration justice likely fail long delay national government never give adequate attention prison problem ought provide employment form production use government though sell public competition private business prisoner place work receive reasonable compensation available dependent two independent reformatory need one segregation woman another segregation young men serve first sentence administration justice would facilitate greatly include bureau investigation department justice division criminal identification would collect information indispensable suppression crime prohibition amendment constitution require congress president provide adequate law prevent violation duty enforce law purpose treaty negotiate great britain respect right search hovering vessel prevent smuggle coast card greatly strengthen supply swift power boat provide major source production rigidly regulate every effort make suppress interstate traffic action part national government cooperation usually render municipal state authority prohibition make effective free government great menace disrespect authority continual violation law duty citizen observe law let know opposed violation number among population color people constitution right sacred citizen public private duty protect right congress ought exercise power prevention punishment hideous crime lynching negro mean sole sufferer furnish majority victim already considerable sum appropriate give negro vocational training agriculture half million dollar recommend medical course howard university help contribute education 500 color doctor need year account integration large number industrial center propose commission create composed member race formulate good policy mutual understanding confidence effort commend everyone would rejoice accomplishment result seek well recognize difficulty large extent local problem must work mutual forbearance human kindness community method give much promise real remedy outside interference maintenance extension classify civil service exceedingly important nearly person executive civil service draw yearly compensation classify service method selection employee united state especially desirable post office department civil service commission recommend postmaster first second third class office classify action accompany repeal term office would undoubtedly improvement also recommend field force prohibition enforcement bring within classify civil service without cover present membership best method select public servant merit system many department washington need good housing facility crowd work impede others scatter lose identity favor time general public building law believe necessary accordance plan already sanction unify orderly system development city begin carry plan authorize erection three four building urgently need annual appropriation cooperation maritime power necessary complete protection coast water pollution plan way await certain experiment refuse disposal meantime law prohibit spreading oil oil refuse vessel territorial water would helpful menace speedily enact law pass regulate aviation revision need law regulate radio interference legislation regulation establish load line provide safe loading vessel leave port necessary recodification navigation law vital revision procedure federal trade commission give constructive purpose department alaskan fishery save destruction must legislation declare general policy delegate authority make rule regulation administrative body several year decrease personnel army navy reduce power danger point reduction make army guarantee security citizens home navy guarantee security citizen abroad service strengthen rather weaken additional plane need army additional submarine navy defense panama must perfect want competitive armament want war want weakness invite imposition people neglect national defense put jeopardy national honor condition insular possession whole good business reviving administer accord law effort full support administration recommendation may conic people government considerate attention national government much legitimately promote welfare people enormous material wealth institution whole form society consider fully successful benefit reach merit every individual suggestion government could assume people inevitable burden existence method either relieve result folly guarantee successful life inescapable personal responsibility development character industry thrift come government people government always expressive steadfast determination always vigilant maintain condition virtue likely develop secure recognition reward american policy accordance principle enact law protection public health adopt prohibition narcotic drug intoxicate liquor purpose national uniformity ought provide constitutional amendment appropriate legislation limitation child labor case exclusive jurisdiction federal government minimum wage law woman would undoubtedly find sufficient power enforcement influence public opinion mind education peculiarly local problem always pursue large freedom choice student parent nevertheless federal government might well give benefit counsel encouragement freely direction anyone doubt need concert action state nation purpose necessary consider appal figure illiteracy represent condition vary much part union favor make appropriation national treasury expend directly local education consider fundamental requirement national activity accompany allied subject welfare worthy separate department place cabinet humanitarian side government repress cultivate mere intelligence however enough enlightenment must accompany moral power product home rebellion real education true welfare people rest inevitably foundation government approve commend people must create american institution rest solely good citizenship create people background new arrival limit capacity absorb rank good citizenship america must keep american purpose necessary continue policy restrict immigration would well make immigration selective nature inspection source base either prior census upon record naturalization either method would insure admission large capacity best intention become citizen convince present economic social condition warrant limitation admit find additional safety law require immediate registration alien want partaker american spirit ought settle america important duty falls government unite state adequate care veteran suffer disability incur service must sufficient hospital relief compensation dependent must support rehabilitation vocational training must complete service must clean must prompt effective must administer spirit broad deepest human sympathy investigation reveals present defect administration need legislation order give immediate correction administration recommendation legislation give high preference present vacant bed government hospital recommend hospital authorize receive care without hospital pay veteran war need care whenever vacant bed immediate step take enlarge build new hospital serve case american legion present congress legislative program extensive detailed discussion carefully mature plan favor much hearty accord recommend painstaking effort make provide remedy defect administration present law experience reveal attitude government toward proposal one generosity favor grant bonus cost coal become unbearably high place great burden industrial domestic life public welfare require reduction price fuel enormous deposit existence failure supply ought tolerate responsible condition industry undertake reform free charge profiteer report coal commission congress comprise fact represent mature deliberation conclusion best talent experience ever make national survey production distribution fuel favor government ownership operation coal mine need action private ownership secure great continuity production great public protection federal government probably peacetime authority regulate wage price profit coal mine among dealer ascertain publish fact exercise great influence source difficulty bituminous coal field intermittence operation cause great waste capital labor part report deal problem much significance suggestive necessary remedy amend car rule encourage great unity ownership possibly permit common selling agent limited district condition accept adequate regulation guarantee competition district unlimited distribution storage continuity ought improve supply coal must constant case prospective interruption president authority appoint commission empower deal whatever emergency situation might arise aid conciliation voluntary arbitration adjust exist threaten controversy employer employee collective bargaining fails control distribution prevent profiteer vital necessity legislation exceedingly urgent essential exercise national authority protection people undertake responsibility management employment industry full knowledge public interest paramount fail motive selfishness service betrayal duty warrant uncompromising action government special joint committee appoint work plan reorganization different department bureaus government scientific economical present system exception consolidation war navy department minor detail plan general sanction president cabinet important reorganization enact law present session aid sound principle adopt government business country extraordinary revival look whole nation enjoyment remarkable prosperity industry commerce thrive part agriculture successful eleven staple rise value two year ago current year range cattle still low price section wheat area notably minnesota north dakota west many case actual distress product sell parity product industry every sound remedy devise applied relief farmer represent character type citizenship public necessity must preserve afforded every facility regain prosperity distress acute among wholly dependent upon one crop wheat acreage greatly expand yet sufficiently reduce large amount raise export meet competition world market large amount raise land much cheap much productive complicate scheme relief plan government fix price resort public treasury permanent value establish agriculture simple direct method put operation farmer real source restoration indirectly farmer must relieve reduction national local taxation must assist reorganization structure could reduce charge production make fully effective ought railroad consolidation cheap fertilizer must provide must organization customer exchange product farm industry organize labor organize business organize way agriculture meet unless organize acreage wheat large unless meet world market profit must stop raise export organization would help reduce acreage system cooperative marketing create farmer supervise competent management without doubt would assistance wholly solve problem agricultural school ought thorough course theory organization cooperative marketing diversification necessary farmer raise live land greatly distress loan wisely need assist buy stock material start direction financed government agency temporary emergency expedient remain difficulty disposition exportable wheat favor permanent interference government problem probably would increase trouble increase production seem feasible provide government assistance export authority give war finance corporation grant discretion liberal term payment fat grain export direct benefit farm government undertake develop great project know muscle shoal expend many million dollar work still go subject right retake time war recommend property location auxiliary steam plant right way sell would end present burden expense return treasury large price possible secure price important element another consideration even compelling agriculture nation need great supply low cost fertilizer import large quantity best information secure indicate present method power production would able profitably meet price import sell obtain supply water power would require long costly experimentation perfect process cheap production otherwise purpose would fail completely seem desirable therefore order protect promote public welfare adequate covenant experimentation make carried success great advantage nitrate must secure direct benefit farmer indirect benefit public time peace government time war main object accomplish amount money receive property primary major consideration solution involve complicate negotiation authority purpose therefore recommend congress appoint small joint committee consider offer conduct negotiation report definite recommendation reason many contribute cause occupant reclamation project financial difficulty case acute relief grant definite authority law empower secretary interior discretion suspend readjust reassess charge water user whole question consider expert advantage fact conclusion may develop situation involve government investment affect water user serious relief necessary grant yet contract government meet met establish general policy project abandon private control highways reforestation continue interest support government everyone anxious good highway make liberal proposal budget continue payment state federal government share necessary public improvement expenditure public money contributes much national wealth building good road reforestation importance far attention usually secure special committee senate investigate need shall welcome constructive policy base report 100 year since country announce monroe doctrine principle ever since one main foundation foreign relation must maintain maintain must forgetful great change take place longer weak nation think mainly defense dread foreign imposition great powerful new power bring new responsibility duty protect add duty help give stability world want idealism want vision lift men nation virtue reason merit must cloister must impractical must ineffective world enough curse hatred selfishness destruction war enough wrongful use material power heal nation must good charity confidence peace time come practical use moral power reliance upon principle right make might authority among nation must represent justice mercy necessary faith make sacrifice faith spiritual force world make final determination voice america speak whenever declare righteous purpose need doubt heard america take place world republic free independent powerful best service render humanity assurance place maintain