The new era., 1909-12-16

that this power was rcposcd in the prcsi-
dent with the hope that the maximum du-
ties might never be applied In any case,
but that the power to apply them would
enable the president and the state depart
ment through friendly negotiation to Sc
cure the elimination from the laws and
the practice under them of any foreign
country OF that which Is unduly discrim-
inatory. No one is seeking tariff war
or n condition in which the spirit of re-
taliation shall be aroused
The new tariff law enables me to ap-
point a tariff board to assist me in con-
nection with the department of state in
the administration OF the minimum and
maximum clause of the oct and also to
assist officers of the government in the
administration of the entire law. An ex-
animation of the law and an understand
Ing OF the nature of the facts which
should be considered in discharg-
ing the functions imposed upon the execu-
tive show that l have the power to direct
the tariff board to make a comprehensive
glossary and encyclopedia of the terms
used and articles embraced in the tariff
law. and to secure information as to tho
cost OF production Of such goods in this
country and the cost of their production
in foreign countries. I have therefore ap-
pointed a tariff board consisting Of three
members and have directed them to per-
form all the duties above described. This
work will perhaps take two or three
years. and ask from congress a continu-
ing annual appropriation equal to that al
ready made for Its prosecution. I believe
that the work of this board will be of
prime utility and importance whenever
congress shall deem 1t wise again to re-
adjust the customs duties. If the facts
secured by the tariff board are of such a
character rs to show generally that the
rates of duties imposed by the present
tariff law are excessive under the prin-
ciples OF protection as described in the
platform OF the successful party at the
late election, I shall not hesitate to in
vite the attention OF congress to this fact
and to the necessity for action predicated
thereon. Nothing, however halts busi-
ness and interferes with the course of
prosperity so much as the threatened re-
vision Of the tariff, and until the facts are
at hand, after careful and deliberate In
vestigation. upon which such revision can
properly be undertaken, 1t seems to me
unwise to attempt 1t. The amount of mis-
Information that creeps into arguments
pro and con In respect to tariff rates il
such as to require the kind of investiga-
ton that have directed the tariff board
to make. an investigation undertaken by
1t wholly without respect to the effect
which the facts may have in calling for q
rsadjustment of the rates Of duty.
War Department.
and because of the prospect of q deficit,
have required a reduction in the esti-
mates Of the war department for the
coming fiscal year. which brings the to-
tai estimates down to an amount forty
five millions less than the corresponding
estimates for last year. This could only
be accomplished by cutting on new
projects and suspendins for the period
OF one year all progress In military mat
tiers. For the same reason have direct
ed that the army shall not be recruited
up to its present authorized strength.
These measures can hardly be more than
temporary-to last until our revenues are
in better condition and until the whole
question of the expediency OF adopting
definite military policy can be submitted
to congress, for I am sure that the inter-
ests Of the military establishment are Sc
riously in need of careful consideration by
congress The laws regulating the organ
ization of our armed forces in the event
Of war need to be revised in order that
the organization can be modified SO as
to produce force which would be more
consistently apportioned throughout its
numerous branches. To explain the cir
cumstances upon which this opinion IL
based would necessitate lengthy discus
sion, and I postpone 1t until the first con-
venient opportunity shall arise to send to
congress a special message upon this sub
ject.
OF the changes recommended by
the secretary of war, the president
especially urges the passage Of bill
that will permit the elimination of the
less efficient officers. He concurs in
the opinion of the military and naval
Joint board In favor Of making an ex.
tensive naval base at Pearl Harbor
near Honolulu, and not in the Philip
pines.
The Navy.
The return of the battleship fleet from
Its voyage around the world. in more ef-
ficlent condition than when 1t started. was
a noteworthy event OF interest alike to
our citizens and the naval authorities OF
the world. Besides the beneficial and far
reaching effect on our personal and dip
lomatic relations in the countries
which the fleet visited. the marked sue
cess Of the ships in steaming around the
world in all weathers on schedule time
has increased respect for our navy and
has added to our national prestige.
Early In the coming session compre-
hensive plan for the reorganization of the
officers of all corps Of the navy will be
presented to congress, and 1 hope 1t will
meet with action suited to Its urgency.
Owing to the necessity for economy In
expenditures. I have directed the curtail-
ment of recommendations for naval ap-
preparations so that they are thirty -elght
millions less than the corresponding es-
Inmates of last year. and the request for
new naval construction is limited to two
first-class battleships and one repair ves-
sci.
Mr.. Taft urges upon congress that
the naval observatory be dedicated to
science under control OF some emf
nent astronomer.
Expedition In Legal Procedure.
The deplorable delays In the adminis-
tration of civil and criminal law have re-
ceived the attention of committees of the
American Bar association and of many
state bar associations. as well as the con-
sidered thought of Judges and jurists. In
my judgment change in judicial pro-
cedure. with view to reducing Its ex-
pense to private litigants in civil cases
and facilitating the dispatch of business
and final decision in both civil and Grim
inal caaea constitufea the prea fest need