The Grit-advocate., 1905-12-08

be made on lines beneficial to, or desired
by. one section of one state only There must
be something like general agreement among
the citizens OF the several states. as repre-
sented In the Congress. that the change is
needed and desired in the interest of the
people as a whole: and there should then ss
a sincere, Intelligent. and dsinteres:ee e.ort
far as possible. the maximum OF good to the
people at large with the minimum Of neces.
sary disregard for the special interests OF
localities or classes. But in time Of peace
the revenue must on tho average. taking
series Of years together. equal the expendi-
lures or else the revenues must be increased
Last year there was deficit. Unless our eI-
penditures can be kept within the revenues
then our revenue laws must be readjusted.
what shape such a readjustment should take.
for 1t is as yet too early to say whether
there will be need for it. 1t should be con-
sidered whether i is not desirable that the
tariff laws should provide for applying as
against or in favor of any other nation maxi
mutA and minimum tariff rates established by
procity of treatment between other nations
and ourselves. Having in view even larger
considerations Of policy than those of
judgment, be well to endeavor to bring about
close; commercial connections with the other
people OF this continent. l am HAPPY to be
able 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. I must in no
wise be understood as advocating the false
economy which is in the end the worst ex-
travagance. To cut down on the navy. for
ton. To fail to push forward all work on
tie Panama canal would be as great folly.
Currency.
The currency question is dealt with
as follows:
Every consideration Of prudence demands
the addition of the element OF elasticity to
our currency system. The evil does not con-
sist in an adequate volume of money. but in
respond as 1t should to the varying needs Of
communities and Of seasons. Initiation must
be a. avoided @ 6ut some some provision should be
money during the fall and winter months
than in the less active seasons Of the year;
speculation, and will expand for the needs
OF legitimate business. At present the Treas.
Try department is at irregriarly recurring in
ness world-that Is. in the interests OF tho
american an publsno try to avert hnanei.!
be provided by Congressional action.
Federal Elections.
On the subject OF federal elections,
the President says:
d. The rowe of nc 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
sdous as the corruption of the electorate.
No one defends or excuses corruption. and
it would seem to follow that none would op
recommend the enactment of a law directed
against bribery and corruption in federal
elections. The details of such a law may be
safely left to the wise discretion Of the Con-
gress. but 1t should go far as under the
constitution it is possible to Co. and should
include severe penalties against him who
gives or receives bribe intended to in1u-
ence his act or opinion as an e!ector: and
provisions for the publication not only OF
the tn expenditures P for nominations and cleo
tributions received and eXpendtureS made by
political committees"
| desire to repeat this recommendation. In
political campaigns in country as large
and populous as ours it is inevitable that
there should be much expense Of an entirely
large size. must be made. and. as matter
Of fact, in any big political contest such con-
tributons are always made 10 both sides. It
Is entirely proper both to give and receive
them, unless there is an improper motive
they extorted by any kind of pressure
or promise; express or implied direct or in
direct in the way OF favor or immunity. then
proper but criminal. 1t will undoubtedly be
d,fhcult as matter OF practical detail to
shape an act winch shall guard with reason
aole certainty against such misconduct: but
II It is possible to secure by law the full and
verified publication in detail of all the sums
dates or committees OF any political parties
| the result cannot but be wholesome All con-
tributions by. corporations TO any political
committee or for any political purpose should
be forb lden by law; directors should not
be permitted to use Stockholders money for
such purposes and moreover, a prohibition
OF this kind would be. far as It went an
effective method Of stopping the evils aimed
at in corrupt practices acts. Not only should
both the national and the several state lcsis-
latures forbid any officer OF corporation
from using the money OF the corporation in
or about any election. but they should also
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 a nucleus for an army in
time of trouble, and that maneuyers
of a practical kind should be under
conditions Of warfare. An increase in
the artillery force SO that the coast
Notifications can be adequately man
ned is also recomEl ended, with lib
eral appropriations for the building
and bringing to state OF perfection
of the United States navy.
Naturalization Laws.
OF our present naturalization laws,
the message says:
During The past year evidence has accu-
muated to confirm the expressions con-
tanned in my last two annual messages as
10 the importance of revising by appropriate
legislation our system of nauiralzing aliens.
| appointed last March commission to make
careful examination of our naturalzng
laws and to suggest appropriate measures
to avoid the notorious abuses resulting from
the lmprovident or unlawful granting of cit
izenship. This commission, composed of an
Ofiif er OF the Department Of State. of the
ment Of Commerce and Labor. has dis
charged the duty imposed upon it, and has
submitted IL report. which will be transmitted
to the Congress for its consideration, and. l
hope, for its favorable action.
The distinguishing accommodations Of the
commission are:
First. A federal bureau of naturalization
to be established in the Department OF Com
merce and Labor, to supervise the adminis-
tration of the naturalization laws and to re-
ceive returns of naturalizations pending and
accomplished.
Second. Uniformity Of naturalization cer-
tiHcates. fees to be charged and procedure.
Third. More exacting qualifications for cit
Fourth The preliminary declaration Il In
teption to be abolsheA and no alien 10 be
naturalised until at least ninety days after
the ming Of his petition.
to be confined to United States district courts
and to such State courts ss have Jurisdiction
" civil actions In which the amount IN con-
tssver.y is unlimited: in eities Of over leo.-
eourts TO havs exclusive Jurisdiction in the
naturalisatieu Of the alien residents Of such
eittss.