Gilpin observer., 1905-12-07

and exhaustive consideration OF this ques-
tion. to see whether 1t is not possible TO fur
nish better safeguards than the several
ruption of the fragrant kind which has been
exposed.
The Revenues.
Touching the question OF tariff and
revenue the views of the President are
as follows:
the attempt to attain an ideal perfection in
the methods OF raising revenue; and the
shock and strain to the business world GER
tain to attend any serious change in these
methods render such change nadvisable un-
lay down any general rule by which to de-
rminc the moment when the reasons for
r..ange. Much must depend. not merely on
the needs. but on the desires. of the people
essarily identical or course change
be made on lines beneficial to. or desired
by. one section OF one state only. There must
the citizens of the several states. as repre-
sentcd in the Congress. that the change is
people as a whole; and there should then be
sincere. intelligent. and disinterested effort
far as possible the maximum Of good to the
people at large with the minimum Of neces.
sary, disregard for the special interests OF
the revenue must on the average. taking
series OF years together. equal the expend-
lures or else the revenues must be increased.
Last year there was deficit. Unless
pendstures can be kept within the revenues
then our revenue laws must be readjusted.
1t is as yet too early to attempt to outline
what shape such readjustment should take.
there will be need for It, It should be con-
sidered whether II is not desirable that the
tariff laws should provide for applying as
against or in favor of any other nation maxi
mum and minimum tariff rates established by
the Congress, so as to secure a certain reel
hat 9th
and ourselves. Having in view even larger
considerations of policy than those Of
purely economic nature it would. in my
Judgment. be well to endeavor to bring about
close: commercial connections with the other
people of this continent. / am happy to be
abe to announce to you that Russia now
treats US on the most-favored- nation basis.
Economy in Expenditures.
The necessity for economy and
rigid scrutiny of appropriations is
made manifest, with this proviso:
Yet. in speaking OF economy. l must In no
wise be understood as advocating the false
travagance. To cut down on the navy. for
instance would be crime against the ma
ton. To fail to push forward all work
t-e fahama canal would be as great folly.
Currency.
The currency question is dealt with
as follows:
Every consideration of prudence demand.
the addition OF the element of elasticity TO
our currency system. The evil does not con-
sst in an adequate volume Of money. but in
the rigidity of this volume which does not
respond as 1t should to the varying needs of
communities and of seasons. Imitation must
be avoided: but some provision should be
made that will insure a larger volume of
money during the fall and winter months
SO that the currency will contract against
speculation. and will expand for the needs
Try department Is at irreguiarly recurring in
tervals Obliged. in the interest of the bus:-
American publlc-to try to avert financial
| crises by providing remedy which should
be provided by Congressional action.
Federal Elections.
On the subject of federal elections,
| the President says:
The power OF the government to protect
| the Integrity OF the elections of its own Of
| and affirmed by repeated declarations Of the
| Supreme court. There is no enemy OF free
government more dangerous and none so in
sidious as the corruption Of the electorate.
No one defends excuses corruption and
It would seem to follow that none would OPP
pose vigorous measures to eradicate It
| recommend the enactment OF a law directed
against bribery and corruption in federal
elections The details Of such law may be
safely left to the wise discretion OF the Con-
| gress, but 1t should go as far under the
| constitution II is possible to go. and should
| include severe penalties against him who
gives or receives a bribe Intended to inhu-
ence his act or opinion an eiecior and
provisions for the publication not only of
| the expenditures for nominations and elec-
Tors of all candidates, but also of all con-
| tributions received and expenditures made by
political committees"
/ desire to r-peat this recommendation. In
political campaigns In a country as large
and populous ours 1t is Inevitable that
there should be much expense OF an entirely
many contributions. and some OF them of
| large size. must be made. and. as a matter
OF TACT. in any big political contest such con-
| tributions are always made to both sides. II
| rs entirely proper both to give and receive
connected with either gilt or reception. II
| they are extorted by any kind of pressure
or promise; express or implied. direct or in
the giving or receiving becomes not only i'm
proper but criminal. 1t will undoubtedly be
shape an act which shall guard with reason.
ABLE certainty against such misconduct; but
| verified publication in detail of all the sums
contributed TO and expended by the candi-
the result cannot but be Wholesome Ali con-
| tributions by corporations to any political
sommittsse s or for any political purpose should
be permitted TO use stockholders money for
81 sg'h ~, purpo,es; s ,s,S and moreover. prohibition
effective method OF stopping the evils aimed
at In corrupt practices acts Not only should
| latures forbid any officer OF a corporation
| from using the money Of the corporation in
| forbid such use OF money in CONNECTIONS with
any legislation save by the employment Of
counsel In public manner for distinctly legal
services.
Army and Navy.
The President insists upon the ne.
cessity for well trained body Of sol.
diers as nucleus for an army in
time OF trouble. and that maneuvers
OF practical kind should be under
taken TO adapt the forces to actual
| conditions OF warfare. An increase in
the artillery force so that the coast
fortifications can be adequately man.
Led Is also recommended. with lib.
eral appropriations for the building
and bringing to state of perfection
OF the United States navy.