The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-12-02
MESSAGE READY I
FOR CONGRESS
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT HAS
COMPLETED PREPARATION
OF ANNUAL REPORT.
Dispatch from Washington Purports
to Give Synopsis of the Docu;-
ment-Many Important Topics Are
Discussed.

Washington, Nov. 25.-The president
has completed his annual message to
congress, and it is now in the hands OF
the printer; indeed, printed copies of the
document already have been placed be-
fore the president Mr.. Roosevelt was
anxious to finish work on the message
before he started for St. Louis and.lor a
week or more has been devoting every
minute of his spare time, both night ana
day, to the preparation of the paper.
No Sensational Features.
The message will be notable for the
compile absence of sensational and new
features The president will deal only
with subjects which, in his opinion,
congress can consider during the three
months it will be in session. He is
aware Of the limitations that are en-
forced on congress on account of the
enormous labor that is involved in the
preparation of the appropriation bills,
and he does not feel that it is wise or
prudent to embarrass the national
legislators by submitting to them prop
ositions for new legislation which they
cannot enact for lack of time.
1t is known that the president desires
additional legislation regarding the mat
ter of securing publicity of facts con-
corning the interstate corporations and
trusts of the country that are gathered
by the bureau of corporations. The pres
ident has told his official advisers that he
considers the law granting him author
ity to publish or keep secret facts about
these corporations too broad. He re-
allies that under it the chief executive
has power that might be used un-
wisely, and intends to ask congress
to define, in some way, what informa-
ton shall be published and what kept
secret.
Will Discuss Navy.
The navy will occupy a prominent
place in the presidents message. That
branch of the government service is
very close to Mr.. Roosevelts heart, and,
as result of repeated conferences with
Secretary Morton, the president will
urge congress to continue its policy of
constructing great lazy. This recon-
'mendation will not conflict in the presl-
dents mind with his urgent request that
the cause of international arbitration
that has received such an impetus of late
as result of Secretary Hays negotia-
tons be advanced in every possible way
by congress-.
Canal and Statehood.
A report that the work done on the
isthmian canal will be submitted, and
the president will suggest legislation
that will improve conditions in the
canal zone and further the completion
of the interoceanic water way.
It is not believed that the president
will discuss the question of statehood
for the territories. His position, it is
known. has been in favor OF admitting
Arizona and New Mexico as one state
and Oklahoma and the Indian Territory
as second. He will probably urge,
however. that in whatever statehood leg
islation is enacted the rights of the In
clans living in the territories be taken
care of.
Other Topics.
Continuation of liberal policy to-
ward Alaska will be urged, 1t is be-
lieved, particularly in the matter of
creating an additional judicial district
and the granting of appropriations for
roads and other internal improve
ments.
The arguments in favor of reducing
the tariff on Philippine products en-
tering the United States will receive
the presidents Endorsement and legis-
lation in the interest of Porto Rico
will be urged. The relation of the Unit
ed States with foreign countries will be
reviewed and particular reference made
to Secretary Hays official expressions
concerning contraband and kindred sub
jects in connection wfth-the Russian
Japanese war. The conditions Of the
treasury. Immigration. the relations OF
capital and labor, public lands and sim
liar subjects will also receive the at
tention Of the president.
Expect Rise in Shoe Prices.
Pittsburg, Nov. 28.-Owing to the
heavy demand for leather in automo-
bile Quitting and harnessmaking, and