Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-12-04
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

who desire 10 keep posted on the at-
fairs OF their country, can proftably
take time to read II carefully. 1t
treats on nearly every subject of public
interest.
After briefly referring to the era Of
prosperity the country enjoys. Pfesi-
dent Roosevelt recommends a law pro-
hbltIng corporations from contributing
TO the campaign expenses of any po-
lltical party. individuals may con-
tribute, but not corporations.
His next recommendation Is that
bill, which has passed one house OF
Congress, be enacted into law confer
ring upon the government the right
OF appeal IN criminal cases In questions
OF law. 1t seems an absurdity he
says, to permit district judge 70 de-
clare law unconstitutional and then
deny the government the right to have
the Supreme court decide the question
The Importance Of the enactment into
law OF this bill is further shown by
the fact that the government is resort
ing TO the criminal law In It's proceed
ings against certain vIolators OF the
interstate commerce law.
In connection with this matter, at
tention Is called to the habit OF set
ting aside Judgments OF inferior courts
on technIcallties, and the recommended
ton is made that no judgment be set
aside, unless It shall appear that the
error complained Of has resulted In
miscarriage Of justice.
The next recommendation deals with
injunctions. President Roosevelt ex-
presses the belief that II would be
wrong to prohibit the use of injunc-
tons entirely, but that the power OF
The courts should not be abused. He
also points out that judges do not
claim Immunity from criticism but that
the opportunity to criticise judicial ac-
ton Is of vastly more Importance than
the immunity from unjust asperslons
and attacks.
on the question OF tresspass by Jap
anese vessels engaged In pelagic seal
ing. the President explains that the
Japanese government has given as
surapce that measures will be taken to
prevent recurrence OF such trespasses,
and that the American guard VIII be
Increased. Efforts are further being
made to secure the cooperation OF
Great Britain for the protection OF the
seals
Referring 10 the second Hague con-
ference, the message explains why IT
was postponed TIL some future date
This leads to q dissertation upon peace
and war, In which the opinion is
expressed that war IL sometimes neceS-
sary, and that 1t Is criminal not 10 DC
prepared TO fight for the right.
This leads to recommendations con-
cernIng the navy and army, Tne
United States navy is the surest guar
antor of peace which the country pos
sesses. cBut the President docs not
ask that we continue to Increase H.
but that we maintain It's present
strength. As TOR the army onicers
they should be given opportunities TO
perfect themselves as commanders, by
permitting troops TO be massed III
body and exercised in maneuvers par
ticularly In marching.
on the race problem the President
gives excellent advice to the negroes
and denouncos lynching as one OF
the crimes against both present and
future generations. Justice, he says,
should be sure and swift. but under
the law.
Dealing with the subject OF capital
and labor, the message points out the
infinite harm done by the preachers
of discomfort. These" the President
says. "arc the men who seek to ex-
cite violent class hatred against all
men OF wealth. He goes on to de-
nounce demaSogucs and asitators IN
plain terms that are sIngularly apple
able TO all individuals OF that pes
iiferous class, and not only to those
who infest the labor field
Recommendation is made for the
passage OF an eight-hour bill for the
benefit OF railroad employees, and other
lahOrers as far as practicable. An ex-
ception Is made for Panama, where an
elght-hour day would be an absurdlty.
1t Is also urged that Congress pro-
vide for an investigation Of the CON
ditions under which women and chill
dren are employed. The rights of
states 10 settle this matter Is recog-
nized, but an investigation would
greatly aid IN the solution OF the
problem.
Passing on to the question OF labor
disputes, compulsory Investigation OF
controversies between employers and
employees IS recommended. Statistics
are given TO prove the enormous losses
caused by strikes,
The President recommends legisla-
ton providing that all coal lands be
Withdrawn from entry and that the
title TO such lands remain In tho gov.
eminent. They could then be worked
by individuals under royalty sys-
tenn, the government seeing that no
excessive price be charged the CON
sumers This would include super.
vision of the rates to be charged by
the common carriers.
Further extension Of government con.
troll Of corporations .s thought neces-
sary. but Il ls suggested that the laws
already enacted regarding interstat,
eommercr, pure food. and railroad rates
he tested before further ste9s are taken
Come method, It is said. must be found
whereby a stop VIII be nut to the secur.