Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1906-12-13

eluding In this term all Industrial edu-
cation, from that which fits q man to
be a good mechanic, a good carpenter
or blacksmith to that which Ats a man
to do the greatest engineering feat.
The skilled mechanic. the skilled work
man, can best become such by tech
meal 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 a good building or me
chanical trades school. a 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 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 a where he is engaged In work
which permits II TO act under the in
terstate commerce clause of the consti-
tuition, and this is one reason why ]
so earnestly hope hat both the legis-
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 wei
fare is as vital to the welfare Of the
whole country as is the welfare Of the
wageworkers are the tilIers 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
the theory of education and the facts
of life.
Organization has become necessary
in the business world, and 1t has ac-
much for good In the world
Of labor. 1t Is no less necessary for
farmers. Such a 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 1t Is
kept TO its own legitimate business.
The benefits to be derived by the as
ISOLATION of farmers for mutual adj
vantage are partly economic and part
ly sociological.
Irrigation and Forest Preservatioa.
Much Is now being done for the
Of the Rocky mountains and
great plains through the development
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 we'll aware Of how difficult 1t Is
to pass a constitutional amendment.
Nevertheless, In my judgment, the
question Of marriage and d.
should be relegated to the au-
of the national congress. The
would be good from every
standpoint. In particular it would be
good because 1t would confer on the
the power at once to deal
radically and efficiently with polygamy.
and this should be done whether or
not marriage and divorce are dealt
1t is neither safe nor proper to
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 on
corning which / have frequently be
fore communicated with them. One Is
the question of developing American
shipping. I 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 its last session will be passed.
seems to me that the proposed meas
ure is as nearly unobjectionable as any
can be.
The Currency.
l especially call your attention to the
second subject, the condition Of u
currency laws. The national bank act
has ably served a great purpose in aid
ing the enormous business develop
ment Of the country, and within ten
years there has been an Increase In
per capita from $21.41 to
For several years evidence has
been accommodating that additional leg
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
.fiuctuation In the interest on call
money from 2 per cent to 30 per cent,
and the ~luctuation 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.
I do not press any especial plan. Va
plans have recently been pro-
posed by expert committees Of bank
ers. Among the plans which are posi-
bly, feasible and which certainly should
your consideration is that re-
peatedly brought to your attention by
the present secretary Of the treasury.
the essential features Of which have
approved by many prominent
bankers and business men. According
to this plan, national banks should be
permitted to issue a specified proper
ton Of their capital In notes Of a given
kind. the issue to be taxed at SO high
q rate as to drive the notes back when
not wanted in legitimate trade. This
plan would not permit the issue Of
currency to give banks additional prof.
Ire huf m moaf tho omorOourv praaanf.