The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-12-07

is not possible to lay down any general rule
by which to determine the moment when the
reasons for will outweigh the reasons against
such change. Much must depend not merely
on the needs but on the desires of the people as
whole; for needs and desires are not necessar-
lily Identical. OF course no change can be made
on lines beneficial to, or desired by, &c section
or one state only. There must be something like
a general agreement among the citizens of the
several states, as represented In congress, that
the change is needed and desired in the interest
of the people as whole; and there hOuld then
be a sincere intelligent and dsinteresled effort
to make it in such shape as will combine SO far
as possible the maximum OF good to people
at large, with the minimum OF necessary disregard
for the special interests of localities sections
The president says that of course the income must
equal the expenditure, or else the revenues must
be increased, saying unless our expenditure can
be kept within the revenue, then our revenue
laws must be readjusted." He adds: 1T is as yet
too early to attempt to outli--e what shape such
a readustment should take, for 1t Is as yet too
early to say whether there will be need for 1t.
1t should be considered whether it is not de-
sirable that the tariff laws should provide for APP
plying against or In favor of any other nation
the maximum and minimum tariff rates estab-
lsbed by the congress, SO as to secure certain
reciprocity of treatment between other nations
and ourselves. Having In view even larger con-
sideratiOns Of policy than those of purely
economic nature, 1t would, in my judgment, be
well to endeavor to bring about closer CONNER
continent happy to be able to announce
to you that Russia now treats upon the most
favOred-natiOn basis"
Calling attention to the need of economy the
president recommends "a rigid scrutiny OF APP
preparations" He says that all unnecessary
Offices should be abolished, and particularly rec
Ommends the adjustment of what is known as
the Office of receiver of public moneys for United
Sta. land Offices. He says this will effect a
saving of about $250,000 year He al. says
that considerable money may be saved the
public printing Off }, where there is constant
ly growing tendency to publish masses I'M
important information" He warns the congress
against what he calls false economy" explain
ing " cutting down of the navy for instance,
would be crime against the nation To fail to
push forward all work on the Panars" canal would
be as great folly"
On the currency question the president says
that there should be "the element of elasticity
to our currency system" While Imitation must
be avoided" he says some provision sht Id be
made that will insure larger volume of money
during the fall and winter months than in the
less active seasons of the year" wants
currency that will contract against speculation
and will expand for the needs of legitimate
business
Referring to federal elections the presi ont
renews the recommendation made in the last
nuaI message concerning the enactment of law
directed against bribery and corruption IN cleo
TONS On tnis point he says:
In political campaigns in country as large
and populous as ours 1t Is inevitable that there
should be much expense of an entirely legitimate
kind. This of course, means that many contribu-
tons and some of the of / RE size, must
be made, and, a matter of fact In any big
political contest such contributions are always
made to both Sides 1t Is entirely proper both
to give and receive them, unless there Is an i'm
proper motive connected with either gift or
ception. III they are extorted by any kind OF pres
sure promise. express or implied, direct or in.
direct. In the way Of favor or immunity, then
the giving or receiving becomes not only Inn
proper but criminal 1t will undoubtedly be lifii-
cult as a matter of practical detail TO shape
act which shall guard with reasonable certainty
against such misconduct: but II II IL possible
to secure by law the full and verified blication
In detail of all the sums contributed 10 and
pended by the candidates or committees OF any
political parties tho result can not but be whole
some Al contributions by corporations TO any
political committee or for any political purpose