St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1910-12-14
Pres. Taft's Position.

In MS message TO congress AT It's open
ing last week Pres. Taft again declared
his policies to the country.
First he makes it plain that he intends
to continue the practice of economy in
the matter of government expenditures.
The final estimates of the ordinary ex-
penses-of the government, including ap-
preparations for public buildings. rivers,
harbors, and the navy building program
for the year ending June 80, 1912 are
$50, 964. $3.50 less than for the pre-
vious year. This means the suppression
of many pet schemes but we believe has
not necessitated the abandonment of
any real necessary government under
takings. 1t is brought about by deter
mined business policy of treating govern
ment expenditures that does not attract
much attention among the masses bat
does save the government large sums of
money. The revenue from the present
tariff bill is sufficient no meet the or
binary expenditures of the government
and provide $40, Ooo,o 900 for the fortif-
cations of the Panama canal. The claim
that the country is getting good bust
ness administration seems well founded.
On the tariff the president makes it
plain that he believes any further changes
should be made one schedule at a time
and only after thorough investigation
of that schedule by the tariff board
which he has appointed. He further
states that he does not expect any re-
port from that board during the present
session of congress but hopes to have
report ready at the opening of, or at the
latest during the first session of the next
Congress. This means no tariff changes
at present and is not in accord with
some of the insurgent members. Con-
gresham Murdoch of Kansas, for in
stance, declares that the country wants
the wool schedule revised at once with
tariff board and then wait for the board
on other schedules. The president would
seem to have the stronger position.
There is no evidence that congress can
give the country speedy relief in regard
to woolens and if we are to change the
ule would seem to be as good schedule
as any to begin on. Certainly exact
knowledge here can harm no one. We
endorse the presidents purpose to have
the tariff board so we'll informed that
whenever change is thought to be
necessary in the tariff law this office is
the source of the most reliable informa-
ton as to the propriety of the change
and its effect"
In the matter of conservation he de-
clares again his belief of the principles
laid down in his address before the con-
servation congress at St. Paul last Sept
ember and asks that the limitation on
reserving more forest lands in certain
states be removed, that the government
be empowered to lease it's coal lands.
prospectors licensed to prospect on gov
eminent oil lands and the lease of oil
that may be discovered, and the direct
lease of the water powers by the federal
government or upon application of the
authorities of any state in which the
water power is located the power be
it will lease the power on the same terms
as outlined for the general government
and enforce the terms. Here the presi-
dent stands for proper amount of con-
servation by the federal government and
a proper use of the natural wealth of the
lands so conserved. No more sane and
safe system of conservation suggests
| itself to US.
These are but three of the policies out
| lined by the president in his message but
| possibly they are the the three most i'm
portant ones before the country. In his
declarations regarding them Pres. Taft
has shown himself to be level headed
| business man, ready for tariff changes as
fast as their necessity and propriety are
proven and genuine conservationist.
In none of his positions does he show
himself radicalist appealing to popular
| clamor but a man determined to effect
| the right as far as he can do so within
the law and the powers of his high Office
In these things President Taft deserves
the support of all good citizens and we
believe in the end will receive it.
Now comes the announcement that
Hon. Eugene N Foss, member of congress
and governor elect of Massachusetts,
desires to be United States senator to
succeed Henry Cabot Lodge, hoping to
secure it as the. result of a deadlock.
Foss must be a great money maker. He
has just secured the governorship at a
cost of $27, 900 or more and before he
assumes the duties of the Office he is
looking for a place that generally costs
more than the governorship. We think
Foss ought to be investigated and the
| public informed as TO the number Of