The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-12-05

the wacewor6cr who tolls with his
hands and who must 1--WE hope in a
constantly increasing measure) also
toll with his brain. Under the constitu-
ton the national legislature can do but
little of direct importance for his vel
fare save where he is engaged in work
which permits IT to act under the in
terstate commerce clause Of the consti-
tuition. and this is one reason why /
so earnestly hope that both the legis-
lative and judicial branches Of the gov
eminent VIII construe this clause Of
the constitution In the broadcast posi-
bic manner.
The Farmer.
The only other persons whose well
fare Is as vital to the welfare OF the
whole country as IS the welfare of the
wageworkers are the tillers of the soil
the farmers.
Several factors must cooperate in
the improvement OF the farmers con-
dition. He must have the chance to
be educated in the widest possible
sense, in the sense which keeps ever in
view the intimate relationship between
the theory of education and the facts
Of life.
Organization has become necessary
in the business world. and it has &C.
complished much for good in the world
Of labor. 1t is no less necessary for
farmers. Such movement rs the
grange movement is good in itself and
is capable Of well nigh infinite fur
ther extension for good so long as it is
kept to its own legitimate business.
The benefits to be derived by the as
ISOLATION OF farmers for mutual ad-
vantage are partly economic and part
ly sociological.
Irrigation and Forest Preservation.
Much is now being done for the
states Of the Rocky mountains and
great plains through the development
of the national policy of irrigation and
forest preservation. No government
policy for the betterment of our inter-
nal conditions has been more fruitful
Of good than this.
Divorce Legislation.
I am well aware OF how difficult Il Is
10 pass a constitutional amendment.
Nevertheless, in my Judgment, the
whole question of marriage and d.
vorce should be relegated to the au-
thority of the national congress. The
change would be good from every
standpoint. In particular It would be
good because 1t would confer on the
congress the power at once to deal
radically and efficiently with polyga
and this should be done whether or
not marriage and divorce are dealt
with. 1t is neither safe nor proper to
leave the question Of polygamy to be
dealt with by the several states.
Merchant Marine.
Let me once again call the attention
OF the congress to two subjects con-
corning which | have frequently be-
fore communicated with them. One is
the question of developing American
shipping. l trust that law embody-
ing in substance the views or major
part of the views expressed in the re-
port on this subject laid before the
house at its last session will be passed.
II seems to me that the proposed meas
IRE is as nearly understandable as any
can be.
The Currency.
especially call your attention to the
second subject, the condition of our
currency laws. The national bank act
has ably served a great purpose in aid
ing the enormous business develop
meDt Of the country. and within ten
years there has been an Increase In
circulation per capita from SPILL to
$33.OS. For several years evidence has
been accommodating that additional leg
islatlon Is needed The recurrence Of
each crop season emphasizes the de-
fects OF the present laws. There must
soon be a revision of them, because
to lcave them as they are means to In
cur liability Of business disaster. Since