The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1909-12-17

NAT this power was reposed IN the nresi-
dent win the hope that the maximum du-
Ties might never be applied In any case,
hui ihai ihe power 20 apply them would
enable the president and the state depart
ment through friendly negotiation 10 Sc
cure the elimination frrm the laws and
'he practice under them ~ any foreign
country ~ That which Is unduiy discrim-
lnhtory no one Is seeking a tann war
Or condition IN which the spirit Of re-
ialiation shall be aroused
Tile new tariff law enables me 10 an
point a tariu board 10 assist me In con-
nection with the department. OF state in
the administration OF the minimum and
maximum clause % the act and also 10
assist officers ~ the government in the
administration ~ the entire law An ex-
animation ~ the law and an understand
ing of me nature OF the facts which
should ne considered In dlschare-
ing the functions imposed upon the eNecu-
tive show that have tie power to direct
the tarln hoard 20 make a comprehensive
glossary and encyclopedia OF the terms
used and articles embraced in the tariff
law. and 10 secure information as TO the
cost Of production OF such goods In this
country and the cost OF their production
In foreign countries. l have therefore APP
pointed tariff board consisting OF three
members and nave directed them 10 per-
form all the duties above described This
work Will perhaps take two or three
years. and ] ask from congress continu-
ing annual appropriation equal TO that al
ready made for its prosecution. | believe
that the work Of this board will be Of
prime utility and Importance whenever
congress shall deem Il wise again TO re-
adjust the customs duties. IL the facts
secured by the tariff board are OF such a
character as 10 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 81 the successful party at the
late election. ! shall not hesitate TO in
Nte the attention Of congress TO this fact
and TO the necessity for action predicated
thereon. Nothing however. halis bust
ness and interferes with the course OF
prosperity 50 much as the threatened re-
vision o. the tariff and until the facts are
at hand. after careful and deliberate in
vestigation. upon which such revision can
properly be undertaken. IL seems 70 me
unwise 20 attempt II. The amount OF mis-
Information that creeps into arguments
pro and con IN respect 10 tariff rates is
such as 70 require the kind OF investiga-
ticn that have directed the tariff board
10 make. an investigation undertaken by
II wholly without respect 10 the effect
which the facts may have in calling for a
readjustment OF the rates Of duty.
War Department.
In the interest Of immediate economy
and because Of the prospect Of a dehcit.
! have required a reduction in the est-
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 of new
projects and suspending for the period
Of one year all progress in military mat
ters- For the same reason ! have direct
ed that the army shall not be recruited
up 10 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
70 congress. for 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 10 be revised in order that
the organization can be modified so as
20 produce a force which would be more
consistently apportioned throughout its
numerous branches To explain the cir
cumsfances upon which this opinion Is
based would necessitate lengthy discus
sion. and postpone II until the first con-
venient opportunity shall arise 10 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. lie 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-
ficient condition than when il started was
a noteworthy event OF interest alike TO
our cifizens and the naval authorities OF
the world Besides the beneficial and far
reaching effect on our personal and dip
lomauc 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 10 our national prestige
Early in the coming session a compre-
hensive plan for the reorganization Of the
officers Of all corps Of the navy will be
ifFHft nhtu 10 congress- ana l nope TX Will
meet with action suited 10 its urgency.
owing 10 the necessity for economy in
expenditures. I have directed the curtal-
ment Of recommendations for naval APP
propriations 50 that they are thirty-eight
millions less than the corresponding es-
Inmates OF last year. and the request for
new naval construction Is limited 20 two
frst-class battleships and one repair yes
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 81 civil and criminal law have re-
ceived the attention OF committees or the
American Bar association and Of many
state bar associations. as well as the con-
sdered thought OF judges and Jurists. In
my judgment change In judicial pro-
cedure. with a view TO reducing It's ex-
pense 70 private litigants in civil cases
and facilitating the dispatch Of business
and final decision in both civil and Grim