Evening journal., 1912-12-04
WEDNESDAY DEC. a. 1912.
PRESIDENT TAFTs MESSAGE.

FkENiUENI IAfIs MESSATE
N RESIDENT TAFT's annual message to Congress
is an able state paper It breathes the spirit
OF peace and teens with business wisdom He dis
the tremendous growth OF the export trade Of
the United States and says the fundamental policies
Of nation should be raised high above conflict Of
partisanship and wholly dissocated from differences
as 10 domestic policy We feel sure that a vast ma
iority Of Americans will agree with him in what he
says in that regard Attention called by Presi-
dent to the fact that our relations with all foreign
nations remain upon sound. basis of peace harmony
and friendship lie brings forward the fact that
American diplomacy has been conducted upon such
high plane that greater insiHence upon Justice to
American citizens or interests wherever may have
been denied and a stronger emphasis of the need Of
mutuaty in commercial and other relations only have
served to strengthen friendship with foreign
tries by placing those friendships upon firm rounda
ton OF realities wen aspirations.
The President discusses the benefits waich have
accrued from reorganization Of tho staa Depart
meut by his administration. Prior 10 that, he says
the department was archaic and inadequate
chine, lacking most of the attributes of the foreign
Office Of any great modern power The President de-
fends his action in applying the merit system the
consular and diplomatic corps, saying expert lnowl-
edge and professional training evidently must be tho
essence of the reorganization lie cites many In
which reveal the nonpartsan of appoint
ments under the merit system TO assure to tho
business aud other interests of the United States
continuance of the resulting benefits Of the reform
his administration has brought about he his
previous recommendations of Legislation making II
permanent along such lines indicated in bills
now pending in Congress-
Better salaries for foreign representatives aud
larger allowances for the expenses Of proper repre-
sentation recommended He also would have
Government its legation buildings so men OF
moderate wealth may be appointed TO diplomatic Offices
and be assured OF being quartered as we'll the
wealthy men who are appointed In short he thinks
hat afa nho bo
yided with dgnidod and suitable official residences.
Agitation IN that behalf has been in progress for years.
but thus far It has not accomplish much In that direc-
ton The work Of American dipomatisis in the pro-
motion OF peace is auded. the effort Of the
present administration 70 encourage the Of Ameri-
capital in the development of China by the promo
tion OF essential reforms which China is pledged
by treaties with the United States and other powers
overlooked The President adds that Central America
needs help in debt adjustment He says
obvious that tho Monroe doctrine is important In
the neighborhood Of the Panama Canal and the zone
of the Caribbean than anywhere else, and that It is
essential that the countries within that sphere shall
be removed from the jeopardy involved by heavy for
eign debt and chaotic national finances and from ever
present danger of international complications due 20
disorder at home Therefore the United states has
been glad TO encourage American bankers who we're
willing TO lend helping hand TO the financial re-
hablitation of such countries because this financial
rehabilitation and the protection Of their custom
houses tfOni uelnE the prey OF Would-he dlCtatorN
would at one stroke the of foreign
creditors and the Of revolutionary disorder.
Opinion is expressed by the President that the reign
Of terror in Nicaragua last might have been
averted had the Department Of State been permitted
by the Senate to carry out its now well-deycloped
policy of encouraging the extending of financial aid
20 weak Central American States Speaking OF the
of American ports for the outhttng of revolutions
AIRY expeditions against Central South American
States. the President quite sensiby says the question
whether there should be further amendment to the
neutrality laws, whether Il would be better dea
with special cases by special laws is one worthy the
careful consideration of Congress. The cordalit,
with which Secretary Knox was received on his visit
Central and South American countries is cited b,
showing the friendly feeling Of thos,
nations toward the United States.
President Taft defends his policy with respect I,
Mexico He says that throughout the trying perio,
The policy of the United has been one of patien
nonnterveuton steadfast recognition constitute,
authority in the neighboring nation and The exer
tion of every effort to for American interests
The President says hopes Mexico soon may return
The path Of order prosperity and progress He add
that at. the outbreak OF the revolution there wer
10000 10000 American citizens engaged in busnes
in Mexico and s10oo00oOoo of American capital wa
invested there
The responsibility of endeayoring to safeguar
those interests and the dangers inseparable fror
propinquity turbulent situation have been gres
but happy to have been able 70 adhere to III
pOncy anoYe Outlued-a policy which ] hope ma
soon be justified by the complete success of IN
Mexican people in regaining the blessings OF pesc
and good order" the President adds
Other features discussed in his admirable mossar
agricultural credits, the increase Of foreign trad
the advantage Of maximum and minimum tariff pr,
visions and the necessity for supplementary legisls
ton thereon to undue discrimination aesini
American products and business occurred TO our cour
Try By direct ofhcisl effort The President also tell
the satisfactory steps taken for the arbitration