The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-12-07


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 proprlety OF the change
and its effect. ] am strongly convinced
that we need in this government just such
| an Office, and that it can be secured by
making the tariff board already appoint
| ed a permanent tariS commission. with
such duties, powers, and emoluments as
II may seem wise to Congress TO give.
| 1t has been proposed to enlarge the board
/ from three to five. The present number is
| convenient. but ! do not Know that an
increase OF two members would be OBJ
| jectionable.
whether or not the protective policy
is to be continued. and the degree OF pro-
lection TO be accorded TO our home in
dustrics are questions which the people
must decide through their chosen repre-
| sentatves; but whatever policy is adopt
| ed, it is clear that the necessary legisla-
ton should be based on an impartial.
| thorough, and continuous study of the
| facts"
Under the head of Banking and Cur
rency Reforms the President speaks of
the work of the monetary commission and
urges upon Congress the Importance OF
la nonparusan and disinterested study
and consideration Of our banking and
| currency system.
| Recommendation that a commission be-
| established TO determine a policy for the
| organization. mobilization. and admin
| istration of the regular and volun-
teer armies in case OF war. Is an impor-
tant feature Of the Presidents remarks on
| the War Department An Increase IN
| the number Of officers is urged, and spe-
| cial emphasis is directed toward the en-.
/ largement of the Engineer Corps. Sixty
additional men are wanted. and the bill
to this end is urged upon Congress. as
| these officers have much 10 DO with ex-
pendituTes of moneys appropriated in the
rivers and harbors bill
Army Estimates Approved.
Approval OF the War Department esti-
mates for fortiications in the Philippines
is given and their passage urged. The
condition of the islands Is reported as
| tranquil and prosperous.
| An account OF his recent trip TO the
Panama Canal and his views on its oper-
alton when completed. cover several
pages in the Presidents message. lie
| says he work should be done on time
January l. 1915: urges the fertilization OF
the canal as protection 10 our own prop
| erty; a fair toll, he says. 81 per ton, on
| traffic through the canal: the mainte-
nance of public, as well as naval supply
and repair stations; and the placing %
| the administration of affairs into the
| hands OF a trained body who know the
| Canal Zone conditions and can give the
| government the hes, return for its in
| vestment
/ Z
| brought 10 the attention OF Congress the
proprety and wisdom Of enacting a gen
eral law providing for the Incorporation
OF Industrial and other companies en-
| gaged in interstate commerce, and I re-
new my recommendation in that behalf"
| the President says.
Cheaper Litigation Needed.
zone great crying need in the United
States is cheapening the cost Of litiga-
ton by simplifying judicial procedure and
expediting final judgment. Under pres
| ent conditions the poor man is at a woe
| full disadvantage in a legal contest with
Ia corporation or a rich opponent The
| necessity for the reform exists both in
United States courts and in all State
courts. IN ordeato bring it about. how
|
government by It's example 10 furnish a
model TO all States. A legislative COM
mission appointed by joint resolution Of
| Congress 10 revise the procedure in the
| United States courts has as yet made no
| report
The President urges the relief Of the
| Supreme Court justices from the hearing
| of unnecessary appeals, and makes the
| following recommendation regarding sal
aries:
Il further recommend to Congress the
passage of the bin now pending for the
increase IN the salaries OF the Federal
| judges, by which the Chief Justice OF the
Supreme Court shall receive 1880 and
the associate justices $l7.o00; the Circuit
judges constituting the Circuit Court of
| Appeals shall receive $1,000, and the Dis
trict judges 5000"
Urges Parcels Post.
The first postal savings banks win be
| in operation January ], the message says.
| Postmaster General Hitchcock is COM
mended for his work in reducing the pos
tai deficit S1l.O00,OO0. and his system Of
promoting efficiency in his department.
The extension Of the classified service
so as to include all assistant postmasters
and remedies for the abuse Of the mail
franking system are dweh upon.
That mazazine owners. in taking advan-
| tage of the secOnd-class matter. are get
| ting a service worth millions more than
they pay. is the argument OF the Presi-
dent in asking for a reform The in
crease in postal receipts resulting from
such a change might be used for the es-
adjustment Of q parcels post, and allow
the lowering of the first-class rate to
! cent. The adoption OF the parcels post
| on rural delivery routes with a limit of
eleven pounds for carriage, is recon-
| mended. A general parcels post would in
volve much greater outlay.
After speaking of the beneficial reor-
ganizaton Of the aids to the Secretary of
the Navy, the President concurs in that
| officials recommendations for the ap-
pointment of a major general comman-
dant Of the Marine Corps for term OF
four years. and for tie reorganization OF
the navy line officer so that more rapid
promotions will result Concurrence Is
also expressed In the Secretary's report
on the naval supply fund and the return
of this sum TO the Treasury. The Presi-
dent gives his approval to the building
programme for the year.
In line with his plan for certifying the
Panama Canal, the President approves
Mr. Meyers recommendation for the es-
Establishment of a naval base at Guanta-
namo, the money for this purpose being
saved by the abolition Of useless yards
at other ports. Recognition is given
Commander Peary's discovery of the
north pole, and the President joins with
the Secretary OF the Navy in recommend
ing his retirement with the rank and pay
of Rear Admiral.
Appeals in Land Gases.
''The Secretary of the Interior recon-