The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1910-12-16
SUBSTANCE OF PRESIDENT TAFTs
ANNUAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS

Enforcement of laws now on statute
hooks of the United States-as sharply
contrasted with the congressional pol
icv of new legislation-is the striking
noint in the annual message Of Presi-
dent w. H. Taft. The president de
clares it is time, to stop legislating
with reference to regulation of cor.
norations. He indicates his opinion
that the country and the government
should be given opportunity to apply
laws already in force, in order to
ascertain their fitness or unfitness for
the purposes intended.
He emphasizes this view further by
declaring that the exact limitations
upon business methods imposed by
laws already enacted doubtless will
be made clearer by pending decisions
of the supreme court, thus affording
a working ground upon which really
effective work may be done by Con-
gress at later date.
Time Needed to Recuperate.
1t plainly is the desire of the Presi-
dent to give the country chance to
recuperate from the effects ON doubts
and indecisions, following long agita-
ton, in Congress and Legislatures of
the various states, with reference to
regulation of corporations. He points
out the stupendous value of agricul-
tural products amounting this year to
SS,926,O 100000, and adds that this CON
dition indicates good prospect for
business throughout the country.
At the same time the Taft idea of
pushing cases vigorously with laws at
present in force is emphasized in his
declaration that census padders are
vigorously to be prosecuted.
Vigorously Favors Economy.
. The second big note in the presiden-
tial policy is economy. He says that
just at this time he believes the activi-
ties of the government, in addition to
enforcement of the laws, should be di-
rected toward economy of administra-
ton, enlargement of opportunities for
foreign trade, building up of home in
dustry and Strengthening of the conf
dence of capital and domestic invest
Ment.
Mr.. Taft recommends strongly some
form of a ship subsidy to increase
American shipping, especially to South
America.
The tariff board is not ready to sub
NIT report on any of the schedules
of the Payne law and Mr.. Taft says
he will not recommend any tariff legis-
lation until the new Congress con.
venes in December, 1911.
He urges that the tariff board be
made permanent and that all future
revisions be made schedule by sched-
ule. He vigorously opposes any gen.
eral revision.
Canal Should Be Fortified.
The Panama Canal should be fOrti.
fed. An appropriation of $4,000, OO0
is recommended for this purpose.
There must be no more pork barrel
methods in river and harbOr and pub
lie building bills. The latter should
be based upon the report OF com
mission of experts. In the past Con
gress has appropriated too much for
buildings not needed and not enough
for buildings badly needed.
Recommendation for anti-injunctlOn
and federal Incorporation laws are
renewed
1t is proposed the second class mall
rates shall be readjusted SO as to
charge magazines much higher rate
on their advertising sections.
Strong representations are made fOr
establishment of new banking anO
currency system.
Two new battleships and several
auxiliary vessels are urged for the
navy.
The President recommends tina,
coal, phosphate and oil lands ano
waterpower sites be disposed Of in the
future by leasing.
Immense Amount Saved.
Estimates for government expendi
lures during the next fiscal year have
been cut to $500, 494,013.12, which Is
SCHOLARSHIPS less than the actual ap
Preparations for the current year. Inc
estimated receipts for the next hsca
Year are 100000.
The President urges extension o.
the civil service principle to the dip
lomatic and consular corps and acqui
sltion by the government of residences
and Offices for it's diplomatic ofhcers
Some criticisms of the Payne tarin
act are just, says the President. Du'
more are unfounded.
There should be more omcers -,
the army. The engineer corps snouie
De Increased by sixty u
The fertilization at CorregldQr -
land, Manila Bay and at Pear Harpor
Hawaii, should be carried TO early
completion.
Regarding the Panama Canal. tn
President says:
u,:,, - ~-~lf~sa TivyaA.