The Somerset reporter., 1906-12-06
The Ere d. NJ Message


cl1diDC IN this term all industrial edu-
cation, from that which fits man to
be a good mechanic, good carpenter
or blacksmith to that which fits Il man
to do the greatest engineering feat.
The skilled mechanic the skilled work
man, can best become such by tech
nical industrial education The far
reaching usefulness Of institutes of
technology and schools of mines or of
engineering is now universally ac-
knowledged, and no less far reaching
is the effect of good building or me-
chanical trades school, textile or
matchmaking or engraving school,
In every possible way we should help
! the wageworker who tolls with his
hands and who must 1--WE hope in n
constantly increasing measurel also
i toll with his brain. Under the constitu-
ton the national legislature can do but
| little of direct Importance for his wei
fare save where he is engaged In work
which permits 1t to act under the in
| terstate commerce clause of the constl-
! tuition, and this Is one reason why
so earnestly hope that both the legls-
lative and judicial branches of the gov.
eminent will construe this clause of
the constitution in the broadcast posi-
BILE manner.
The Farmer.
The only other persons whose well
! fare Is as vital to the welfare of the
/ t. 10
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 1t has &C
complished much for good In the world
of 10 Dor. 1t Is no less necessary for
farmers Such n movement as the
grange movement is good in itself and
is capable OF a well nigh infinite fur
Their 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
~ 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.
am well aware of how difficult 1t Is
to pass a constitutional amendment.
Nevertheless. In my judgment, the
whole question of marriage and di-
vorce should be relegated to the au-
thority OF the national congress. The
change would be good from every
standpoint In particular 1t would be
good because 1t would confer on the
congress the power at once to deal
radically and efficiently with polygamy,
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. trust that a law embody-
Ing In substance the views or a major
part of the views expressed In the re
port on this subject laid before the
house at ts last session will be passed.
1t seems to me that the proposed meas
ure Is as nearly unobjectlonable 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 great purpose In aid
Ing the enormous business develop
msnt of the country. and within ten
years there has been an Increase In
circulation per capita from $21.41 to
$3309 For several years evidence has
been accommodating that additional leg
islation 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 leave them as they are means to In
cur liability of business disaster. Since
your body adjourned there has been a
fuctuation In the Interest on call
money from per cent to 80 per cent,
and the fuctuation was even greater
during the preceding six months. The
secretary of the treasury had to step
In and by wise action put a stop to the
most violent period OF oscillation
do not press any especial plan Va
rIous plans have recently been pro-
posed by expert committees of bank
ers. Among the plans which are posi-
bly, feasible and which certainly should
receive your consideration is that re-
peatedly brought to your attention by
the present secretary of the treasury,
the essential features OF which have
been approved by many prominent
Ia nkars and business men. According