Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-12-04
Presidents Message in a Nutshell.

of his argument on the subjects of
trusts and tariffs in his Introductory
paragraph, in which he Gays it would
be easy to destroy prosperity by un-
wise legislation affecting laws which
are instrumental in creating this con-
dition. An idea of the trend of the
message can be gained from the fol-
lowing quotations:
Prosperity -"Great fortunes have
been accumulated, and yet, in the ag-
gregate, these fortunes are small, in
deed, when compared to the wealth Of
the people as whole. The plain peo-
pie are better off than they have ever
been before"
neutrality-suspicious., and espe-
cially combinations of corporations,
should be managed under public regu-
lation. Our aim is not to do away
with corporations; on the contrary,
these big aggregations are an inevita-
bic development of modern indust; ial-
ism. Publicity can do no
harm to the honest corporation; and
we need not be overtender about spar
ing the dishonest corporation.
The power of Congress to regulate in
terstate commerce is an absolute and
unqualified grant, and without limita-
tions other than those prescribed by
the Constitution. X Fit prove
impossible to accomplish the purposes
above set forth by law, then, assuredly,
we should not shrink from amending
the Constitution so as to secure be-
yond peradventure the power sought"
Tariff Revision Renaedy.--"One
proposition advocated has been the re-
duction of the tariff. x X Not
merely would this be wholly ineffec-
tive, but the diversion of our efforts
in such direction would mean the
abandonment of an intelligent attempt
to do away with these evils. x
Many of the largest corporations
many of those which should certainly
be included in any proper scheme of
regulation-would not be affected in
the slightest degree by a change in
the tariff save as such change inter-
fered with the general prosperity of
the country. To remove the tariff as
a punitive measure directed against
trusts would inevitably result in ruin
to the weaker competitors who are
struggling against them"
ReciprOcity.-"One way in which
the readjustment sought can be reached
is by reciprocity treaties. If it prove
impossible to ratify the pending treat
les, then the same end-to secure rec
iprocity-should be met by direct leg
islation. x When needed
changes cannot with advantage be
made by the application Of the reel
procity idea, then it can be made out
right by lowering of duties on a CIV
en- product. * A commission
of business experts can be appointed,
whose duty it should be to recommend
action by the Congress. x In
my judgment, the tariff on anthracite
ceal should be removed. "-.---
Finance-"To prevent a recurrence
of financial stringencies which inju-
riously affect legitimate business it is
necessary that there should be an ele-
ment of elasticity in our monetary
system. 1t is suggested that all flu
ture legislation should be with the
view of making all kinds of money in
Interchangeable and at the will of the
holder convertible into the established
gold standard"
Reciprocity With CttJa.-"We
should always fearlessly insist upon
our rights in the face of the strong,
and we should, with ungrudging hand,
do our generous duty by the weak"
The L,thmian Ca1aaJ-"No indie
pendent nation in America need have
the slightest fear Of aggression from
the United States"
TIE Pacific Ca51s-"The X
company has accepted prescribed con-
ditions and an all-Ameri-
can line between our Pacific Coast and
the Chinese Empire, by way of Homo
lulu and the Philippine Islands, is
thus provided for"
The Philppines.-"To hurry mat
tiers, to 60 faster than we are now 60
ing, would entail calamity on the peo-
pie of the islands"
THE Arny.-"Both our officers and
enlisted men are such that We can
take hearty pride in them. No bet
ter material can be found. x
l urgently call attention to the need
of passing bill providing for gen.
eral staff.
The Navy,-"I earnestly urge that
the increase asked for by the Secre-
tary of the Navy in the appropriation
for improving the craftsmanship be
granted. X A good navy is
not provocative Of war. 1t is the sur
est guarantee Of peace"
AlaSkG.-"I is not to our credit as
nation, that Alaska, which has been
ours for 35 years, should still have
poor system of laws, as is the case.
x X Alaska should have Del
egate in Congress.