New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-08
TIE MESSAGE.

No part of the Presidents domestic policy has
excited so much antagonism, and that from
opposite points of view. as his attitude toward
labor and capital. His attempts 10 enforce the
Antitrust law have angered some capitalists,
who apparently believe that their business does
not conform 10 that law: and his inhexible
stand for freedom of employment and equality
before the law has angered some labor union
men, who apparently see that their aims are not
81 harmony with those fundamental American
principles. The impartial observer is likely TO
conclude that the official is right who stands be-
tween the two extremes and holds each party
equally in obedience 10 the law. President
Roosevelt, who gives first place to this sub
ject in his Message, clearly shows that this is
his attitude His aim he declares. is ito treat
both organized capital and organized labor
alike; asking nothing save that the interest of
leach shall lee brought into harmony with the
Interest Of the general public, and that the
conduct Of each shall conform TO the funda-
mental rules of obedience 10 law, of individual
freedom and of justice and fair dealing toward
''aL' He reviews the establishment and work
Of the new Department of Commerce, and indi-
Gates belief that il is contributing materially
TO the attainment Of that end.
The President fOresees that the balance be
tween revenues and expenditures, which has
been sought 10y the reduction OF internal taxes,
hut considerably postponed by Unexpectedly
large receipts. viii be closely approached in
the coming year ana perhaps actually reached.
lie therefore urges strict economy in all un-
essentials. that ample provision may be made
for everything essential to national welfare
one OF these essentials is an increase Of the
navy. lie believes that there should he no
cessation in adding 10 the effective units of
'rle fighting strength Of the feet" and he
favors the establishment of Il naval base in
the Philippines. He also favors the plan
for a naval General Staff. Another expenditure
which the President seems 10 regard as essen
iial is for the development of the mercantile
marine though he does not declare directly
for subsidies Instead he recommends the an
pointment Of n commission TO report Oh what
should be done in view of the different methods
proposed 20 encourage shipping.
Tie recent memorandum concerning the
PostOffice scandals gives. OF course much more
Information about them than could be put in a
Message. The President however, forcibly ex-
presses his indicns ton over official wrongdoing
in tie Postolice Department and elsewhere.
and his purpose 10 eXtirpate abuses and pun
isl crime Tic says that the State Depart
I0ent Is secEin, 10 negotiate treaties making
b-lbe-y an extraGlt bic offence, and he asks for
an appropriation Of 100000 for the prosecu-
lion Of he Posrofiice cases. as we'll as of Of
fences against the Antitrust and Interstate
Commerce and Land laws. These land laws in
many respects need revision. The attention
Of Congress is specially directed 10 the Stone
and Timber Law. the Desert Land law, and the
Communication clause Of the Homestead law,
which seem 10 be open 10 abuse. With the
beginning OF national irrigation, spectators
have taken unfair advantage OF the law
The President renews his recommendation