The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-21
PRESIDENT TAFT
RETURNS TO DESK
Begins Substantial Work of
His Administration
POLICIES OF ROOSEVELT
In His Forthcoming Message to Con-
gress He viii Probably Go Even
Further Than His Prede-
cessor in Office.
POLICIES of ROOSEVELT
BY JONATHAN WINFIELD.

Washington, November 20.-(Speciai)-
/ When President Taft returned from his
/ continent-gi rdling trip November 49, the
! solid substantial work of his administra-
ton began, according to its supporters
The executive has entered seriously
upon his task of "clinching the Roose-
Welt policies" to which he pledged HIM
| self with such emphasis in the campaign
/ a year ago. That he means to carry out
this pledge, and to completely dispel the
| forecast of those who profess to see the
fine Italian hand of the reactionary in
! his acts. is not doubted by those who are
! in touch with his advisers Some ques-
ton his methods. but none disputes his
/ intentions.
President Taft is determined upon a
more rigid control by the federal govern
ment of corporations. This will be the
keystone of his policies. Now that the
tariff is out of the way. for the time at
least he is prepared to concentrate his
energies upon this propaganda.
In his forthcoming message to Congress
/ he will make It clear that he desires to
| go further than even President Roose-
welt intended doing. He hopes to have
! the record of his administration go down
into history as that which tanned and
subdued the predatory corporate interests,
but he will conduct his fight through the
channels of legislation, and not by spas
modio agitation.
This means, of course, that the control
of corporations will be the subject upper
most in the coming session of Congress,
and consequently that another hot and
thrilling struggle between the radicals
and the conservatives, such as took place
when the Hepburn rate law was passed,
is likely to electrify the country.
When the corporation tax was under
discussion. during the. fight over the tariff
bill, the President referred to 1t as the
'irst step" in the control of corporations.
The next step, 1t is understood, will be
the control of the issue Of stocks and
bonds of interstate corporations.
Cabinet of Lawyers.
Just where the President intends to vest
this control is not definitely known but
his cabinet of lawyers" with the able
assistance of Senator Root of New York,
has had the question under considera-
ton. and 1t IS not doubted that the right
path out of the labyrinth will be found.
ident will go far enough to please the
radicals and the extremists IN Congress.
Predictions are plentiful that in steer
ing a middle course he will make more
enemies than friends. He would be the
last to avow hlmmself an enemy Of cor
porations. He has the highest possible re-
gard for the rights of private property.
The federal control will in time be REQ
ognized as the true protection and safe
5orJ Of fnr,a In h lie ha1f Af
in presenting his programme to Congress-
he is certain to insist upon adequate reg
ulation without any compromise.
President Taft will probably displease
the radicals by recommending an amend
ment to the Sherman antitrust law. He
will urge that the general prohibition of
the present law against all combinations
and contracts in restraint of trade be lin
tied to such as constitute conspira Giles
with intent to restrain trade.
The radicals and insurgents are said to
be unalterably opposed to this amend
ment, and have already communicated
their displeasure to the President al
though with what effect remains to be
seen. They insist that It is a practical
impossibility to prove the criminal in
tertion of the trade restrainers and the
trusts.
In close relation to this recommends
ton will be that regarding a change in
the administration of the interstate COM
merce law.
The President aims at restricting the
commission to the proper functions of a
quasi-judicial body It will hear and de-
terrnne complaints and other causes
coming to 1t from the Bureau of Corpo-
rations, which win have the general adj
ninistration of the commerce law to look
after, and the preliminary investigation
of complaints of its violation.
style Of Prosecution.
Prosecutions In the counts for such vio-
lations will be undertaken by the pro-
posed Bureau of the Department of Jus
tice. and appeals from the Interstate
Commerce Commission VIII be taken d.
rectly to the proposed commerce court,
I instead of to any one of the various dis
trict courts. as at present. This new
court would tend to lessen delay in reach
ing decisions, and to simplify and unity
the practice
That the strongest kind OF opposition
to this plan viii be manifested in Con-
gress is not doubted The insurgents and
radicals will fght to the last ditch against
1t. although the President believes that
II will strengthen the administration of
commerce laws instead of weakening It,
If the commission Is to be restricted to
hearing only such complaints as come
10 II from the Bureau of Corporations,
/, the insurgents will be absolutely uncom-
/ promising In their attitude toward the
| legislation.
! There Is little chance of the proposed
| commerce court being established, be-
cause both factions are against encum-
| herring the law with further courts and
/ commissions.
The President will probably recommend
| the establishment OF postal savings banks
| and ship subsidies. There will be long
! debate about the constitutionelity Of the
| former. because many members OF Con-
! Rress, who favor the principle of the pos
! tai bank, are certain that the legislation
| would be thrown out by the supreme
| court.
They say that the bank would inter-
| fere with the control now exercised over
! property by the states so that, for In
stance, a man might deposit his savings
| in the government bank and avoid pro-
cess for collection Of debt In his state.
On the question Of ship subsidies, Pres
ident Taft advocates the establishment
of regular lines to South American ports.
An important feature of the message
will be that asking for an amendment Of
the procedure regarding the issue of In
functions. This was promised in the re-
publican platform and the President will
insist on having the pledge made good.
What he says on this subject will be Of
vital interest to laboring men throughout
/ the country.
v. v. Florerce. Dentist, 900
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