Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-12-06
Wednesday, December 6, 1905

elsewhere the Journal publishes


gress. This document is exceptionally
long, and doubtless is one of the long
est ever submitted to Congress by a
President, but from the nature of the
many important matters discussed and
from the fair, vigorous and compre-
hensive manner in which the President
discusses each of them, it deserves a
careful reading by every intelligent
American citizen. 1t is a most impor-
tant state paper and only by thor
ough reading Of it can one understand
the work which lies before Congress at
the present session.
Although the United States Is at
peace with the world and is enjoying
unprecedented prosperity, it, neverthe-
less, faces many difficult problems
which must be solved in the near fu-
ture, and upon whose solution depends
vastly more than the average man
stops to realize. These great problems
are discussed in this message by Presl-
dent Roosevelt in the frank and fair
minded style so characteristic OF him,
and with the far-sightedness and mas
terly grasp which have made our Presl-
dent recognized, today, as most inn
portant factor in the management or
the worlds great affairs. No edi-
torial comment can give satisfactory
summary or an adequate abstract of
this message, and in this column the
Journal can do little more than urge
its readers to look it over and study it
for themselves. They will be more
ton gained on the great issues of the
day, but also by the enjoyment of the
way in which President Roosevelt
handles every subject which he writes
upon.
After a few opening comments upon
the prosperity of the country and its
causes, the President at once takes up
the important and complicated subject
OF the regulation of railroad rates. TO
this is devoted much more space than
any other subject is given in the mes
sage. The problem is treated in the
broadcast ard most conservative spirit,
and vet the President makes it plain
that he is emphatically in favor of
law which will put n complete stop to
rebates in every shape and form. he
says "this power to regulate rates. like
all similar powers over the business
world. should be exercised with mod
Grafton, caution and self-restraint, but
il should exist SO that it can be safely
exercised when the need arises" He
urges that the power should be
affirmative and be given to some ad-
ministrative body created by Congress.
He also insists on the publicity of the
account books of railroad corporations.
The subject of labor is next consid-
cred. To this also is devoted much
space and shows the Presidents active
sympathy with the working man and
everything which will tend to better his
to the subject of revenues, it is made
plain that the President will not urge
any radical revision of the tariff at the
present session of Congress. Economy
in national expenditures is urged with
much emphasis. but the President
makes it plain that he does not mean
that false economy which is in the end
the worst extravaganza, such as cut
ting down the navy or failing to push
the work of the Panama canal. He
urges laws which will allow more
elasticity in the currency system, and
laws which will give the federal gov
eminent more control over elections.
In connection with this latter matter
he recommends laws which will pre-
vent contributions by corporations for
political purposes. The effect of the
New York insurance Investigations is
seen in President RoCsevelt's recon-
mendation for national laws aimed al
stricter and more uniform regulation OF
the vast insurance interests of the
country. A goodly amount of space is
devoted to the general subject of peace
and the high place which this country
has taken and will continue to TAX.
towards the preservation of the peac,
Of the world. The Monroe Doctrine
one of the most effective instrument:
for peace, is reaftirmed with charac
teristic emphasis.
In speaking of certain breaches o
trust in the public service which hav,
been given much prominence of late
President Roosevelt declares that "a
no time in the nations history has tn
pubilc service of the nation, taken as ;
"hoie. stood on a higher plane tina,
i'oW' aiike as regards honesty and a
regards efficiency" The immirra flo,
problem is discussed at length and tn
PRESIDENTS utterances on this subiec
Dlrtic.l1Df- int.