The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-01

the interests of our wl9e-earners, in that It makes possible che payment of wages on the scale to which we are accustomed in this country and thus maintains our American standards of llVlng. Hence the difference in the cost of production here and abroad is the fundamental consideration. But l do not believe in making this policy a cover for exorhitant lates or for obtaining special privileges from the government which are not based upon consideration of the general well ware. I believe that the tariff should be revised And in order to effect whatever readjustment may be neces- sary to make the tariff schedules con- sistent with the principles underlying the protective policy, I favor ,he ap- pointment of an expert commission, sc I that the facts may be ascertained with out delay and that congress may dis pose of the matter in the fairest possi- ble manner.
 Labor Laws.
 So far as the matter is within the power of congress, the interests of la Dor should be safeguarded and the conditions of labor improved. I am in favor of the enactment of law aptly expressed, to apply exclusively to exclusively to interstate commerce. interstate commerce, which would embody the principle of the employers liability bill recently declared unconstitutional because too broad. I also approve the laws which have been enacted with regard to safe ty appliances and hours of labor in railroad service. The matter of raj road accidents deserves special investi- gation, and every effort should hc. k made to obtain adequate measures for the protection of life and limb.
 Wherever the government comes into direct relation to labor, proper Icondi,ions with regard to hours. wages, safety, and compensation for accidents should be provided.
 The Philippines.
 With regard to the Filipinos we are placed under the most sacred oEliga- tions. In justice to them and in justice to ourselves, we must omit no ef- fort to prepare them for self-go, ern- ment. When they are able to govern themselves and are in position to maintain their independence,t the Amer ican people will not deny them the boon which we ourselves have so high ly prized, In the meantime, the work Toe ,;,,tp ceed and everything that can be done consistently with tEe interests of our own people must be done to pro- mote their prosperity.
 Tho Army and Navy.
 We are devoted to the interests of peace and we cherish no policy of az gression. The maintenance of our ideals is our surest protection. It is our constant aim to live in friendship with all nations and to realize the aims of free government secure from the Interruptions of strife and the wastes of war It is entirely con sistent with these aims, and it is our duty, to make adequate provision for uuf ucltllSt dilu tb Hidillldln tllc clll- ciency of our Army and Navy. And this favor.
 Within the limits of this address, it has been possible to touch upon only few subjects which from national standpoint are worthy of considera- tion. But have endeavored to say !. enough to give suitable information of my attitude.
 Our Attitude Toward the Future.
 We have no problems that cannot be solved. Our citizens are intelligent and alert. There are fresh evidences daily of quickened public spirit. The conscience of the people has been aroused ad their. common sense Is not impaired. Through the lavish provision for education and technical training. the unexample opportunities for cultivation and enjoyment and the varied efforts of philanthropy, we are making steady progress in the im- provement of the conditions of our life.
 do not believe in arbitrary action. We desire prosperity. We are anxious that there should be fair opportunities for all the workers of the land, for the , extension of industry and commerce,