The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-12-05
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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To those who expect something sensational when
ever the president addresses congress, President Will
sons address will be disappointing. There isn't
thrill in it.
But to those who believe that at this particular time
In the affairs of nations clear thinking, far SEEING
craftsmanship, based upon reason and logic is the
thing most to be desired in the who has been chos
en- to guide our destines, the message will make a
strong appeal.
The address is notable for it's brevity clarity and
drectness.
The president urges congress to complete at it's
short session. which ends automatically March 4, the
forward-lookng legislation which was initiated but
left unfinished at the long session, ending in Septem
ber
We think the country will agree with the president
that there will be time enough to start things
when the partly finished ones have been enacted into
law.
The most significant recommendation of the presi-
dent and the which shall hear the most about
during the next few months is that the existing fed
cra statutes be amended so as to provide for FULL
PUBLIC INVESTIGATION OF THE MERITS OF
DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EN-
PLOYES in business engaged in interstate commerce,
before strike or lockout shall be attempted
This was part of the presidents original program
for preventing railroad strikes and was urged upon
congress at the time the eight-hour law was
passed.
1t will be noted that this is NOT A RECOMMEND
ALTON FOR COMPULSORY ARBITRATION a
upon.
The president does not favor compulsory arbitra-
tion for the that no one who approaches
the subject with open mind favors it; it is abso
utely contrary to the spirit of democracy and could
not be enforced without creating a condition of IN
DUSTRIAL SLAVERY.
There is very great difference between saying to
railway employees: "You must not strike until after
the public has had chance to decide to the merits
of your demands" and saying to them 'You must
submit your demands to arbitration and continue to
work. whether you want to not under the terms and
conditions laid down by the arbitrators."
The first is reasonable proposition and we in
clined to think that the WORKERS WILL AT
LEAST BE WILLING TO HAVE 1T TRIED. The
second is nothing more nor less than an attempt by
capital to create condition of involuntary industrial
servtude in this country and to deprive labor of its
most potent weapon-the right to stop work, either
as individuals or in body.
The president asks for law lodging In his hands
the right to take and operate the railroads and
draft train crews in case Of military necessity. We
cannot how anyone can object to this without rails
ing question as to his patriotism
The president shows that he is just keen for strik
ing of the shackes off of legitimate business
he before election by renewing and emphasizing
his recommendation for law giving greater freedom
of combination to those engaged in promoting foreign
commerce, than is now thought by to be legal
4 der the terms of the law against monopoly.
There will probably be objection to this by certain
demagogues who will try to make it appear that it is
against the interest of the people, but we
inclined to think that the majority of the folk have
fears that Woodrow Wilson will betray them to the
business interests.
If congress will adopt the presidents suggestions,
pass the necessary appropriation bills and then ad-
journ, it will merit the country praise
has strength seems
Y to grow right along.
Having priced nghtshirt yesterday prepared