Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-10
able material and some passengers from the

mus between our Atlantic and Pacific coast
ports is now confined to American vessels
American control over the strip of territory
through which the canal is to be built is
to be guaranteed. The situation suggests
the inquiry whether the special trade be-
tween the United States and the isthmus
involved in canal construction. shall be
confined to American vessels.
Many questions concerning it. will come
before the Department of Commerce for
investigation.
Future of Department.
In concluding his report the Secretary
says:
1.-THE department deals with the great
concerns of commercial and industrial life
To be of service to these interests it must
have their hearty cooperation and support
1t must be a department of business 1t
must be progressive, but at the same time
conservative. 1t must not deviate in its
course from the pathway of Justice strict
and impartial. 1t must be non-partisan in
the highest and broadest sense. 1t must
recognize no distinction, as between large
and small interests as between the aff1uent
or powerful and the humblest citizen. If
1t attempts to occupy field that properly
belongs to private endeavor it will inevita-
bly, fail to realize the high hopes of its
present we'll wishers. Il must adhere rigid
ly to the lines marked out since the founda-
ton of the government for federal agencies
in executing the will of the people If these
general principles are made. effective. If
conservatism and impartiality, coupled with
eVer-increasing efficiency, mark its admin
istration, cannot but believe that this new
department will become mighty influence
for good in our commercial and Industrial
affairs
No Confidential Files.
AS far as practicable I desire to do
away with confidential files. They are
often the resort of the blackguard and the
blackma1ler Only such files should be
held confidential as the law requires or
public considerations demand Every off,
cial document in the department, whether
1t relates to appointments contracts or
other subjects, should be accessible to au-
thoriZed inspection, and should afford a
fulI and satisfactory answer to every
proper inquiry.
THE Department of Commerce and Labor
does not seek growth by the absorption of
duties now assigned elsewhere. If, in the
opinion of the President, however or of
Congress, as the law may provide the
transfer of bureaus and Offices to this de-
partment seems to promise more efficient
administration of public affairs such
transfers will be welcomed On the other
hand, II experience plainly shows that GER
tain duties now allotted to this depart
ment can De better performed under a diff
will be promptly recommended.
Viewed With Suspicion.
The creation of the bureau of corpora
tions was viewed by some with. alarm, or
at least with suspicion. It was feared
that the powers granted might be hastily
or inadyisedly used to the injury of legit-
innate enterprise. No such purpose actu-
ated the trainers of the law; no such pur-
pose will control it's administration.
1T is usually wise to await the expert
ence gained In the execution of existing
law before recommending additional legis-
lation.s
THE new department should not be ex-
be helpful to any considerable extent in
improving existing relations as between