St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1906-12-05
of good than this.
Divorce Legislation.


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 it would be
good because it 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 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.
1t seems to me that the proposed meas
ure is as nearly unobjectionable 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 d great purpose in aid
ing the enormous business develop
ment of the country, and within ten
years there has been an increase in
circulation per capita from S21.41 to
$33.0S. 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 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
fuctuaton in the interest on call
money from per cent to 30 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 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
bankers and business men. According
to this plan. national banks should be
permitted to issue specified proper
ton of their capital in notes Of given
a 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
its, but to meet the emergency present
ed by times of stringency.
do not say that this is the right sys-
tenn | only advance it to emphasize
my belief that there is need for the
adoption Of some system which shall
be automatic and open to all sound
banks so as to avoid all possibility Of
discrimination and fayoritism.
The law should be amended so as
specifically to provide that the funds
derived from customs duties may be
treated by the secretary of the treas
Try as he treats funds obtained under
the internal revenue laws. There
should be considerable increase in
bills of small denominations. Permis
sion should be given banks, If necessa
ry under settled restrictions, to retire
their circulation to larger amount
than three millions month.
Our Outlying Possessions.
most earnestly hope that the bill ia
lutte free trade In Philippine products
will become law. No harm will come
to any American industry. and, while
there will be some small but real mate
rial benefit to the Filipinos, the main
benefit will come by the showing made
as to our purpose to do all in our power
for their welfare.
Porto Rican Affairs.
American citizenship should be con
ferred on the citizens of Porto Rico.
The harbor of San Juan, in Porto Rico.
should be dredged and improved. The
expenses of the federal court of Porto
Rico should be met from the fedora.
treasury.
| Hawaii.
The needs Of Hawaii are peculiar
Every aid should be given the islands
and our efforts should be unceasing tC
develop them along the lines of com
munity of small freeholders, not Of
great planters with cody titled es
tates.
| Alaska.
Alaska's needs have been partially
met, but there must be complete re
| OrSdHlAdlion vi Tie SONeTumcHlal SyS
TEN, as have before indicated to you
l ask your especial attention to this
Our fellow citizens who dwell on the
shores of Puget sound with character
lstic energy are arranging to hold in
Seattle the Alaska Yukon Pacific ex
position. This exposition in Its pur
poses and scope should appeal not only
| "a II.