Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

President R0OSeveltS message, ueilN-
cred to congress last Tuesday, after that
body had organized and was ready for
business, was not short document,
such as was announced few weeks
since. 1t fills fifteen newspaper columns.
It is an able paper, and much more
conservative than some professed to ex-
pect. On many points it goes into de-
tails in the matter of recommendations
more than is usual in presidents mes
sage. II is clear and forceful in all
points. and while some subjects are dis
cussed at considerable length, it con-
tains no glittering generalitles, put
every sentence is definite and distinct IN
utterance. A very brief summary of its
most important features follows:
The president writes feelingly and
affectionately of the lamented President
McKinley, and recommends vigorous
measures for keeping out and restrain
inc anarchy and anarchists, as well as
laws giving the federal courts Jurisdie-
ton over any person who makes an at
tempt on the life of president or any
one who stands in the line OF succession.
The present general prosperity OF the
country is mentioned as special cause
for congratulation.
While recognizing the inevitable tend
ency of industrial enterprises to COM
bine in so-called trusts, and the adj
vantages which result therefrom, the
president also notes that there are seri-
Gus abuses in connection with them.
His suggestion for a remedy is publicity.
He would have corporations doing an
interstate business placed under federal
law. recurring them to make public the
essential facts regarding their property
md operations, and be subject to gov
nment supervision and inspection.
A new department of commerce, with
Its head member of the cabinet, is Ia
vored
The re-enactment of the Chinese ex,
clusiOn act is recommended.
Further restrictions of immigration,
by tests of education and moral char,
acter, are suggested.
Caution in reduction Of taxation is
urged, but strong argument is made fol
reciprocity in tariff duties, always with
a view tc benefiting our own people
under the established system OF pro-
tective tariff.
The upbuilding of our merchant
marine by means of subsidies is urged
The president speaks at some length
of the matter of irrigation of the arid
lands, which he thinks should be con-
trolled by the government for the bene-
fit of actual builders of homes on the
lands reclaimed.
Hawaii should be developed on the
traditional American hnes-a commun,
ity of men owning their own farms, not
of large estates titled by cheap labor.
Reciprocity with Cuba is urged upon
us by special commercial and moral
considerations.
In regard to the Philippines, the pres,
ident points out the rapidity with which
we have been giving the natives oppor-
tunity for self-government, and urges
continuance of our policy there. For
the development of the islands, the
granting of limited franchises is recon-
mended, and the need of Pacific cable
is stated.
A new treaty with Great Britain has
been signed which removes all obstacles
to the building of canal across the
isthmus, and that work should be &C
complished as soon as possible.
The work of upbuilding the navy, In
the interests VI oho PSsSS,
should 60 on, and the number of ships
and men should be increased.
The army need not be increased above
its present size, but should be kept up
to the highest point of efficiency. Vari-
Gus reforms in the organization and
management of the army are suggested.
The obsolete militia system should be
supplanted by a better and more effective
one.
The extension of the merit system in
the civil service is recommended. In the
army and navy, absolutely nothing else
should ever be considered.
The time has come when we should
treat the Indians, not as tribes, but as
individuals. The effort should be
steadily to make the Indian work like
any other man on his own ground. The
marriage laws of the Indians should be
made the same as those of the whites.
The immense growth of the postal
service is noted, and the further reform
of abuses in second-class matter is urged.
With regard to the settlement of the
Chinese troubles, the president an
nounces what China has promised, and
favors a continuance of the policy OF
moderation which this nation pursued
SO profitably in dealing with those