Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-03
THE M ESSAGE.
Continued from Page One.)

through by a reading clerk to an in
attentive Congress.
There was another contrast conspic-
uously apparent. President Wilson
had read three messages before-on
the tariff, the currency and Mexican
affairs. The first time he addressed a
joint session in person early in his
term, there was an atmosphere of stiff
formality. applause was liberal but
perfunctory and there was an indefin-
able air of a precedent being broken
or century-old custom being revived
Also there was an expectant curiosity
as to how the President would be re-
cefved. Today. the Presidents recep-
ton was warm, almost uproarious as
he concluded his reading.
Later Republicans and Democrats
alike pronounced the message as the
utterance of a statesman.
Il like the idea of the President
coming before Congress-" said Rep.
Mann. Republican House leader, land
reading short message, pithy and to
the point. In the main 1 liked the
message. today. think everybody
will recognize it as the utterance of
statesman, regardless of whether he
agrees with it's Details
OF particular significance was one
demonstration of applause regarded
in the national capital, tonight-the
unmistakable approval that greeted
greeted the Presidents remark:
There can be no certain prospect
of peace in America until Gen. Huerta
hic
in Mexico
Among those who would discuss the
message in Congress- there was a
general Endorsement of the admins
tration's policy toward Mexico.
The scene of todays function was
much the same as on the three previ-
Gus occasions, when President Wilson
has addressed Congress-Galleries
crowded with men and women of i'm
portance in public affairs and men,
bers of the cabinet, the diplomatic
corps and the White House family.
Democratic leaders were enthusiast
tic in their comments on the message
and its recommendations. They liked
the emphasis that had been placed by
the President on the need for early
with monopoly through antitrust leg
islation, the importance of rural cred
it legislation to benefit the farmer OF
this nation, the development of the
nations resources by conservative
policy alike acceptable to the states
and the federal authorities, the enact
ment of employers liability legisla-
ton and the selection of Presidential
candidates by the primary system.
The suggestion of the President that
party conventions as present consti-
tuted be abolished won striking ap-
plause. President Wilson declared
that the party convention should be
held only to ratify the verdict of
preference primaries; that the person
mel of the conventions should be for
the most part chosen from those
members of Congress and Congress
sional nominees upon whom would
devolve the duty of carrying out
platform pledges, there was wave or
handclapping in which Secretary Bry-
an and members of the cabinet joined.
sTt was a fine statesman-like speech,
said Speaker Clark, afterwards, cover
ing points that / have been agitating for
wears. particularly Presidential prima-
ries."
81 think" said Rep. Underwood, ''the
Presidents message was the address OF
n broad statesman, covering the scope
of the necessary legislative action for
this session of Congress. 1t was in ac-
cord with the principles and policies OF
our marty as declared at Baltimore and
7 have no doubt it will meet with favor
able action by the House of Represent
atives."
For nearly all of the legislation out
lined in the message, the groundwork
has been laid, and the President plans
to speak further to Congress with re-
lation to the antitrust reforms. Alaskan
railroad legislation is now before both
houses; a workman's compensation act
has been favorably considered In each
house and other important subjects are
in a position to receive immediate at
tention.
The declaration for legislation to pro-
vide for primary elections for Presiden'
tial nominees without the Intervention Of
nominationg conventions bore immediate
fruit in the House. Representative Ruck'
er of Missouri, chairman of the House
committee on privileges and elections
tonight, began framing bill to cover al
the Presidents suggestions. He will in
troduce 1t Immediately with a view &c
getting action by the committee before
the Christmas holidays If possible. In
terest in this recommendation was man
Tested In both houses. Several bills q