The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-12-07
AwFuILy LONG BUT VERY GOOD.

=
gress is very long, but 1t is very good.
1t is a plain, simple, matter-of-fact re-
view of the state of the Union required
by the Constitution. setting forth the
relations of our government with the
nations of the world, the condition of
our domestic affairs, II making such
recommendations as in his Judgment
will contribute to their better admins
tration and promote the general well
fare. There is room for an honest DIFF
ference Of opinion upon some of the
suggestions he makes, as, for example.
in his over-urgen counsel that Con-
rress promote the restoration of our
merchant marine by imposing further
burdens upon the already oVer-taXed
people OF the country; butin the main
the President has discharged his OIL
cial duty in this State paper in a
wholly acceptable manner. 1t VIII be
said that the message does not crack
like a whip; but that, as we under
stand, is not the primary purpose OF
such papers. 1t is not built like the
modern house. with bay windows and
lavish gingerbread work, but with due
regard to the dignity of the Presi-
dental office and the intelligence OF
thoughtful people. n for the reason
that it moves like a great river filled
to the level of its banks and not with
the noise of the shallow stream do we
think that 1T is worthy of the man
and of his great office.
OF course, it is far too long for busy
men. or men who think that they are
busy, to read; but 1t will bear read
ing, because 1t covers in a compre-
hensive way the life of this Nation in
all it's relations at home and through
out the world. We are on excellent
terms with everybody, have settled
our fisheries dispute with Great
Britain, have negotiated several i'm
portant treaties with Great Britain
during the last year, have recognized
the Republic of Portugal. nave COM
posed certain disturbances in Liberia,
nave successfully negotiated with
China for the making OF a loan for the
construction of railway lines in that
empire, rave kept in friendly touch
with Latin America, have conducted
with advantage tariff arrangements
with Canada, have restored orderly
government in Nicaragua, and these
! hin nc ch W fbat II, -pita Of r,,,nI, ,,,t.
understanding, Secretary Knox has not
been a wholly Improbable servant In
the management of the foreign affairs
of the country.
The condition of the treasury IS not
altogether ~discouraging. Against the
estimated expenditures OF over $780,
100000 next year the treasury esti-
mates revenues amounting TO more
than seso.ooc>loo. and with the re-
auctions that are contemplated in the
expense of running the Government bv
the adoption of more businesslike
methods and the discovery of new
sources of revenue, such, for example
as the extra-constitutional tax on cor
porations, it is thought that there may
be a balance in the treasury of some.
thing like $4,000 0 at the close of
the next years operations. In his de
partment. Postmaster-General Hitch
cock has actually accomplished the
notable feat of making the postal SER
vice a revenue producing instead of a
revenue consuming service.
The creates work of the Taft adj
ministration is the building Of Inc
Panama Canal, on which the work has
made such encouraging progress as 10
assure the completion of the great
project within the time fixed.
Among the recommendations made
by the President are: Subsidies, or sub
Yentions, for ships. so that the Ameri.
can merchant marine may be restored.
10 the sea; the continuance of the tar
III commission, so that the tariit can
be dealt With on a scientific and moi
upon a political basis; the consolida-
lion OF customs districts so as to
reduce the expense of collecting the
duties the regulation OF the supplv az
public buildings, so that they win no
limited to the needs Of the Govern.
ment; the adoption of a better ana
more economical ana buslnesslike plan
for the Improvement II the rivers ana
harbors OF the country; the adoption
Of g new banking and currency sys-
tenn and the establishment Of American
banks in the foreign countries With
which we have important commercial
relations, With the object of promot-
Ing the free course of our business
activities; The passage OF a new hiIi
ior The regulation OF the volunteer mil-
itafy establishment so that it would
be made g more effective arm Of tbs
regular aprvice in dine Of war; the
adjustment OF the toll charged by the
Panama Canal when il Is completed. SO
thai tho goose which liz to lay the
golden egg viii not be- regarded as
. hindrance instead of an aid 10 Amer
lean commerce; relief for the supreme
Court in the matter OF appeals from