The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-12-05
President Roosevelt's
Message to Congress.

AeOOSCNSlI mCSoeit0C W
the last session of the 59th congress
is one of the strongest, most virile de-
liverances ever presented to that body
and in most respects it forms an ex-
cellent democratic document.
Probably the most striking feature
of the message is the position the
president takes with reference to an
inheritance and an income tax. While
something along this line was expect
ed, it was not believed that he would
go so far as to advocate a graduated
tax in both instances. This was Il
part of the doctrine of the Populist
party and the Farmers Alliance
twelve or fifteen years ago and, while
It would not have appeared strange
coming from a democrat, it is rather
remarkable deliverance from the lead
er of the Republican party
The presidents reference to the
supreme courts past decision, declar-
ing an income tax unconstitutional, is
80 delicately wcrded and carefully
guarded that ii is almost laughable
1t is very evident that in President
Roosevelt's own opinion. either the
present or a future supreme court
might easily reverse the old opinion.
but he is careful not to say so in that
many words. That, however, reading
between the lines i'm what he does
say, Is really what the following from
his message means:
The question is undoubtedly very
intricate, delicate and troublesome.
The decision of the court was only
reached oy one majority. 1t is the
law of the land and of course is &C
cepted as such and Loyalty Obeyed by
all good citizens Nevertheless the
hesitation evidently felt by the court
as a whole in coming to q conclusion.
when considered together with pre-
yiOuS decisions on .ne subject, may
perhaps idicate the possibility of de-
vising a constitutional income tax law
which shall substantially accomplish
the results aimed at. The difficulty
of amending the constitution is so
great that only real necessity can JUS
tify a resort thereto. Every effort
should be made in dealing with this
subject, as with the subject of the
proper control by the national govern
ment over the use Of corporate wealth
in interstate business, to devise Iegis-
lation which without such action
shall attain the desired end. but if
this fails there will ultimately be no
alternative to a constitutional amend.
ment.
The president again urges the en-
actment of a law prohibiting corpora
tons from contributing to campaign
funds and measure comforting upon
the government the right of appeal
in criminal cases upon questions of
law.
The proper use of iniunctions in la
Dor cases is discussed briefly and a
law is suggested that will prevent
abuse of the power similar to that ad.
vocated by the president last year.
Lynching and mob violence are de-
precated in the strongest terms. and
in this connection Mr.. Roosevelt says:
There is but one safe rule in dealing
with black men as we'll as white men.
II is the same law that must be an.
Piled in dealing with rich men and
poor men--that is, to treat each man.
whatever his color, his creed or his
social position, with even handed Jus.
tice, on his real wort has a man"
In dealing with the question of CAPT,
tai and labor the president pays his
respects, in no uncertain terms. to
preachers of mere discomfort" who.
he AYERS, are the cause of much of
the trouble. Such men, the president
says, are sinister demagogues and
foolish Missionaries" who are really the
worst enemies of the cause they pro-
less 10 advocate.
The need of law limiting the mum.
Der of hours of employment of rail-
way employees is advocated as a step
in the direction of a general eight
hour day. In this connection the
president claims that an eight hour
day on the lsthmus of Panama would
be absurd as conditions there are in
every way different from what they
are in the states. II would be eoually
absurd. says Mr.. Roosevelt. to bother
as to whether the necessary work is
done by alien black men or by alien
yellow men.
"A commission OF Cancellation and
arbitration, Tor the settlement of