Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1902-12-05
SYNOPSIS OF THE MESSAGE

President Roosevelts annual message 10
Congress was read before the House and
Senate on Tuesday. 1t is not as lengthy as
his former message, but it deals with wide
range of subjects. The message first takes
up the trust question, and the President de.
clares himself in favor Of Government So
pervsion of the big corporations OF the
country. He adds that, in his opinion,
Congress has the necessary power TO deal
with the trust question, and that If such
power is wanting a constitutional amend.
ment is advisable. Mr.. Roosevelt warns
against any rash move, however, and says
the nation must go slowly in dealing with
such an important question.
Discussing the various remedies which
have been suggested, the President express
es the opinion that tariff revision would not
remedy the trust evil. However, tariff re
vision, In itself, is advisable TO degree, and
the schedules should be adjusted TO meet the
changing needs of the country 10 this con.
nection Mr.. Roosevelt also warns against
any reckless action. He thinks reciprocity
treaties would do more good along certain
lines than tariff revision, and urges action
upon such treaties.
There is no reference to the recent Goa
strike 10 the message, but the President ask
Congress to remove the tariff on coal, &c
that, in the event of future trouble, tn,
country may receive supplies from othe
lands without having to pay import duties
The President also agrees with Comp'rolle
liidgely that Congress should legislate il
the direction of an elastic currency.
The message takes up the question OF or
ganized labor, and urges fair play for botl
unions and organized capital. 1t says botl
have come to stay, and that there are posi-
bllities of both good and evil in them. Every
effort must be made to eradicate the evils
hut there must be no blind war on them
Mr.. Roosevelt again insists upon Cubar
reciprocity bill, although not at great length
and then, passing on to the question Of al
lsthmian canal, says that the negotiation
continue.
The message treasures those South Amer
lean countries which fear aggression on tn,
part Of the United States, and says sucl
countries need have no fear On the Philip
pine question the President is rather out
spoken, saying in plain terms that too muct
liberty Tor the FilipinOs is undesirable. Ill
adds that the policy pursued in the archi
pelago has vindicated itself.
Mr. Roosevelt lavors Secretary Roots re
commentator for a general staff for th,
army. He says this nation needs a larg,
navy, and that, TO upbuild the navy, mel
are needed. He wishes the classes at An
napols enlarged.
The message touches upon large mum
her Of matters of interest TO the Department
of the Interior and the Agricultural Depart
ment. The President makes another plet
for the preservation of the forests and thu
game, once the pride Of the nation. Tn,
welfare of the Indians, wards Of the nation
the merit system, protection of lives of rail
way employees, the sanitary condition of the
nations Capital and other matters of general
interest are touched upon. The President
also emphasizes the necessity OF irrigation
for the arid lands Of the country.