The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-12-07

ton the national legislature can do but
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 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
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 ac-
complished much for good in the world
Of labor. It is no less necessary for
farmers. Such movement as the
grange movement is good in itself and
is capable Of we'll 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 adj
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 we'll aware of how difficult it is
to pass a constitutional amendment.
Nevertheless, in my judgment. the
"hOiC QuCotlOH VI blutIloSC anu vi
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 I have frequently be-
fore communicated with them. One is
the question of developing American
shipping. l trust that a 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 unobjectionablea 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
ment Of the country, and within ten
years there has been an increase in
circulation per capita from $21.41 to
$330S. 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
fluctuation in the interest on call
money from 2 per cent to 80 per cent.
and the fluctuation 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 a specified proper
ton of their capital in notes of a given
kind, the issue to be taxed at so high
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. l 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 favoritism.
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