Evening journal., 1914-12-09
WEDNESDAY DEC. Q 1914.
THE PREsIpENT,s MEssAGE.
% RESIDENT WILSON has delivered his m


however that is as far there be any unanimity
OF American sentiment with respect IT, There are
declarations in It upon which practically all will
agree. BY the token there other declara
uons which will give rise to controversy both within
and without Congress. There also are silences par
tcularly with respect to Mexico that cannot fail TO
arouse American wonder and resentment.
We think most men will agree with the President
when he says the United States has erred grossly
in the way in which it has stunted and hndered the
development Of It's merchant marine There is wide
divergence OF opinion, however, the praccabiity
Of the Presidents plan for the upbuildng OF
chant fleets may have fair share OF the
carrying trade Of the world While the experience Of
the great maritime nations the earth is that the
best practical way for getting merchant marine Of
magnitude is by a comprehensive system of subsidies
no such plan proposed by the President His solu-
on of the matter Is through the passage of his ship
ping bill. discussed at the last session but not yet
passed by either House. He depends upon the
chant marine which he proposes the government shall
establish to open the gates of trade before alto
gether profitable to them or altogether reason
able ask private capital to open them at venture
It is denied by the President that It is a question Of
the government monopolizng the field. He insists that
should take action TO make It certain that trans
poration at reasonable rates will be provided prompt
ly where the carriage is not at first profitable,
and them when the carriage has become sufficiently
profitable to attract and private capital and
engage II IN abundance the government ought TO With
draw. No doubt there ar millions of men in the
United who think It would be much better for
the nation the Democratic administration to de-
clare for subsidies for privatey-owned lines han to
embark upon the enterprise OF running government
lines a loss In other words It should forget the
Democratic policy Of the past with respect 10 sub
sdies and meet the merchant marine upbuildng issue
fair and square way and according TO the worlds
best experience.
The executive intimaiion is that there will be
ther Democratic warfare upon American business
late and after much has been done; but
reaHsurinE and doubtless inspired by the Novem-
Der election returns.
In view OF the Unprecedented extrayarance Of the
Democratic majority in the Congress he address,
lng the Presidents declaration that government eco
nomy very imperative both timely and signih-
cant
we trustees and responsible stewards in the
spending be said
The trouble Is that he did not impress fact upon
ms Democratic supporters IN the House
ri tine great bulk of the spending had been done H.
a. the President said the duty adminiEtra-
tor exercise ECONOMY in government expenditure
anf the question of that duiy nor dshatatle then
THAT part 81 hf meHsare relating 70 economy must
sounded lite executive Lecture 10 The Demo
cratic maloritef ir fhs Houses fis accompany
ur decarstiur ttsi fhe people of fhs United STATES
nor Jealous of me aourg their aoFernent costs - they
ffat fney what they need and desire Tor
~ rct they approve and that a. is being applied with
good Business sense and management may have been
- soften ne lecture. Neither he the Demo
cratic members - Congress unawsre. however OF
re fac that the present administration has de-
nou1csd from end 10 end land for unparalleled
srtrzvsssnre Something had 10 be said in effort 10
soften public opinion. that too without giving
much ofense 10 the Democratic members OF Congress
The Presidents declaration against a large standing
army and his assertion that this country must depend
In time Of national peril upon citzenry trained and
accustomed to arms will surprise one, notwth-
standing the belief entertained by very many Amer
leans that, in view of the developments in Europe
United States should lose time in placing IT,
self upon proper defensive basis both with respect
to the army and the navy He reerates his assertion
that the young Of land should be encouraged
go under military training and that the National
Guard OF States should be developed and strength
oned by every means which is not inconsistent with
our obligations to people or with the estab-
lished policy Of government Mr. Wilson deprecates
the thought that there danger this country any
quarter of the GLOBE but insists that if dan
ger arise. this country viii meet IL successfully as
from acceptable to those Americans who In
shifting that preparedness for war is nations
most pressing need
Nor does the President view with favor the sug
gestons that immediate steps shall be taken t.
strengthen the American navy. admits that Amer
leans always have regarded a strong navy ou
proper and natural Of defense. He insists how
that in the matter of deciding what units ou
navy sh aid consist, should place ourselves in
position to profit by the experience gained as resu
of the present European war Speaking of the large
navy issue, the President sa Y.
we shall not alter attitude toward II beoaus
some among are nervous and excited We sha
easily and sensbly upon a policy of defense I'll
question has not changed its aspects because the tim,
are not normal Our policy will not be for an occ
sion II will be conceived permanent and setti,
thing, which we will pursue at all seasons wtho
haste and after fashion perfectly consistent wi
the peace of the world, the abiding friendship
states and the unhampered freedom of all with who
we deal. Let there be misconception We have n
been negligent Of national defense We are not u
mindful Of the great responsibility resting upon
We shall learn and profit by the lesson of every