Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-12-05

COnyrcSs Convened MOndayI Sends in His Final McSSagc

establishment OF peace and order cleo
tions have been held amid conditions of
quiet and tranquility. Nearly all the
American marines have now been
withdrawn.
Our Mexican Policy.
For two years revolution and counter
revolution have distraught the neigh
boring republic Of Mexico. Brigandage
has involved great deal OF depreda-
ton upon foreign interests. There nave
constantly recurred questions Of ex-
treme delicacy. On several occasions
very difficult situations have arisen on
our frontier. Throughout this trying
period the policy of the United States
has been one of patient noninterven-
ton, steadfast recognition of constitut-
ed authority In the neighboring ma
ton and the exertion Of every effort
to care for American interests. ! pro-
foundly hope that the Mexican nation
may soon resume the path of order.
prosperity and progress To that ma.
ton in its sore troubles the sympa-
thetic friendship Of the United States
has been demonstrated to high de
gree.
There were in Mexico at the begin
ming Of the revolution some 10000 or
10000 American citizens engaged i'm
enterprises contributing greatly to the
prosperity OF that republic and. also
benefiting the important trade between
the two countries. The investments of
American capital In Mexico has been
estimated at 81 ,000OOO,00 The respon-
sibility Of endeavoring to safeguard
those interests and the dangers insep-
arabic from.propinqulty TO so turbulent
situation have been great, but am
happy to have been able 10 adhere TO
the policy above outllned-a policy
which hope may soon be justified by
the complete success Of the Mexican
people In regainng the blessings of
peace and good order.
Agricultural Credits.
A most important work accomplished
in the past year by the American dip-
lomatic officers in Europe is the inves
tigation Of the agricultural credit sys
tenn in the European countries. Both
as a means to afford relief to the con
sumers Of this country through a more
thorough development Of agricultural
resources and as means of more suhi-
ciently maintaining the agricultural
population, the project to establish
credit facilities for the farmers is Il
concern of vital Importance to this ma
ton.
No evidence of prosperity among well
established farmers should blind us to
the fact that lack of capital is prevent
ing a development of the nations agri
cultural resources and an adequate in
crease of the land under cultivation;
that agricultural production is fast fall
Ing behind the increase In population
and that, in fact, although these well
established farmers are maintained in
increasing prosperity because of the
natural increase in population, we are
not developing the industry Of agricul
ture
Advantage of Maximum and Minimum
Tariff Provision.
The importance which our manufac-
lures have assumed in the commerce
of the world in competition with the
manufactures of other countries again
draws attention to the duty of THIS
government to use it's utmost endeav
ors to secure impartial treatment for
American products in all markets
Healthy commercial rivalry in interna
tional intercourse is best assured by
the possession of proper means for
protecting and promoting our foreign |
trade. 1t is natural that competitive |
countries should view with some con
cern this steady expansion Of our com
merce. If in some instances the meas
ures taken by them to meet 1t are not |
entirely equitable a remedy should be |
found.
In former messages | have described |
the negotiations Of the department of
state with foreign governments for the
adjustment of the maximum and mini
mum tariff as provided in section of
the tariff law Of 1909. The advantages |
secured by the adjustment Of our trade |
relations under this law have contin |
ued during the last year. and some al
ditional cases Of discriminatory treat
ment Of which we had reason to com |
plain have been removed. The depart
ment of state has for the first time In
the history of this country obtained |
substantial most-favored-nation treat
ment from all the countries of the
world.
There are, however, other instances |
which, while apparently not constitut
ing undue discrimination in the sense
of section 2, are nevertheless excep.
tions to the complete equity Of tariff
treatment for American products thai |
the department of state consistently
has sought to obtain for American
commerce abroad.
Necessity For supplementary LegisIa-
tion.
These developments confirm the opin-
ion conveyed to you in my annual mes.
- Al II.