The Newark journal. (Newark, Ark.) 1901-1959, 1903-12-11
President Roosevelt's Communica-
ton to National Law Makers.
SUBJECTS OF IMPORTANCE
Control of the Trusts-Frauds of W.
rious kindS-The Istbmian Canal
and Panama ReyoIution-Thc Mer-
chant Marine-Our InsuIar Posses
sions-ForeiSn Relations.

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congress deals largely with a few impor-
tant questions, leaving those of minor in
terest 10 the annual reports OF the execu-
tive department. heads.
The first subject TO receive attention at
the hands of the president is that of the
trusts in connection with the operations
of the department of commerce and labor
and the bureau of corporations OF the
results which this bureau Will accomplish
he says:
The preliminary work of the bureau of
corporations In the department has shown
the wisdom of its creation. Publicity in
corporate affairs Will tend to do away with
ignorance and will afford facts upon which
intelligent action may be taken System
attic, intelligent investigation is already de-
Yeloping facts the knowledge of which is
essential to a right understanding of the
needs and duties of the business world
The corporation which is honestly and
fairly organized whose managers in the
conduct of its business recognize their
obligation to deal squarely with their
stockholders, their competitors and the
public, has nothing to fear from such
supervision. The purpose of this bureau
is not to embarrass or assail legitimate
business, but to aid in bringing about a
better industrial condition-a condition
under which there shall be obedience TO
law and recognition of public obligation
by all corporations, great or small. -
Capital and Labor.
On the subject of capital and labor the
president says:
The consistent policy of tie national
government, so far as it has the power,
Is to hold in check the INSCRIPTIONS man.
whether employer or employee; but 10 re-
fuse to weaken individual initiative or to
hamper or cramp the industrial develop
ment Of the country. We recognize that
this is an era OF federation and combina-
ton, IN winch great eapitalistie corpora
tons and labor unions have become fac
tors of tremendous Importance IN all in
dustrial eenterS Hearty recognition is
given the faf-reaehing, benefietnt work
which has been accomplished through both
corporations and unions and the line as
between different corporations, as between
different unions is drawn as il is between
different individuals. that is. Ii IS drawn
On conduct the effort being TO treat both
organized capital and organized labor
alike; asking nothing save that the inter
est of each shall be brought into harmony
With the interest of the general public, and
that the conduct of each shall conform to
the fundamental rules OF obedience to
law, of individual freedom, and of justice
and fair dealing towards all. Whenever
either corporation, labor union. or ndlvid-
ual disregards the law or acts in spirit
OF arbitrary or tyrannous interference with
the rights of others. whether corporations
or individuals. then where the federal gov
eminent has jurisdiction. 1t will see TO 1t
that the misconduct is stopped, paying
not the slightest heed to the position or
power of the corporation, the union or the
Individual, but only TO one vital fact-that
Is, the question whether or not the conduct
of the individual or aggregate of ndivid-
uals Is in accordance With the law of the
land. Every man must be guaranteed his
liberty and his right to do as he likes with
his property or his labor so long as he does
not infringe the rights OF others No man
is above the law and no man is below it;
nor do we ask any mans permission when
we require him 10 obey II. Obedience to
the law is demanded as right; not asked
as a favor, /"
The Merchant Marine.
The president does not believe that any
financial legislation Is needed or advisable
at this time. On the subject of the mer-
chant marine he asks that a commission
consisting of the secretary of the navy,
postmaster general and secretary of com
merce and labor be appointed to investi-
gate its needs and report TO congress de-
sirable legislation. He believes in stop
ping undesirable Immigration. but makes
no specific recommendations He refers
to the naturalization frauds being perpe-
trated in the large cities especially. and
asks that way be found to stop them.
He recommends that appropriations made
FOR the purpose of enabling the attorne#
general TO prosecute the violations of the
antitrust laws be extended to include all
violations OF national laws. including nat
uraiization frauds, the postal and public
land frauds.
He refers to steps now being taken by
the STATE department. for making bribery
an extraGitable offense. and In connection
with this the president says:
THE exposures and prosecutions of off,
cial corruption in ST. Louis, Mo-, and other
cities and states have resulted in num-
Der OF gtvers and takers of brides becoming
fugitiyes in foreign lands. Bribery has
not been included In extradition treaties
heretofore as the necessity for it has not
arisen While there may have been as
much official corruption in former years,
there has been more developed and brought
to light in the immediate past than in the
preceding century of our country's history.
1t should be the policy of the United States
to leave no, place on earth where cor
rest in peace. There IS no reason why
bribery should not be included In all trsa-
ties as extraditable."
The Alaskan boundary.
In connection with the Ala skan boundary
decision the president reviews the history
OF the case leading up 10 the appointment
of the tribunal. its sessions and decision,
pronounces the result entirely satisfac-
tory, and says:
THE award is self-executing on the vital
points TO make it effective as regards
the others, 1t only remains for the two
governments to appoint. each on its own
behalf, one or more scientific experts, who
shall, with all convenient speed, proceed
together to lay down the boundary line
in accordance with the decision of the ma
jority of the tribunal / recommend that
the congress make adequate provision for
the appointment, compensation and ex
psenses of the members to serve on this
joint boundary commission on the mart of
the United States"
A review of the Venezuelan case is given
and its amlcabie adjustment through the
efforts of this country and the statement
made that the adjustment by arbitration
of this dispute has materially helped the
cause of international arbitration. He says
our relations with Turkey are friendly
and claims against that government are in
process of adjustment. He calls attention
to the signing of new commercial treaty
with China on October which should give
TO our commerce an impetus. In that en-
pire, though he says the full measure of
development cannot be looked for until the
present abnormal conditions are settled
He strongly advocates the extension of
the rural free delivery system as rapidly
as possible He recommends government
assistance for the Louisiana Purchase and