The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-12-03
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

hN AA~SSGlS ~ SOAIesIGlo " Et5L-
dent Wilson, looked forward to with
the greatest interest by the entire
country, contained nothing seslsa-
tional, and in fact was very tame
for him. Naturally he had plenty of
reason for congratulating the coun-
try. the soldiers and sailors and the
folks back home" for gallantry in
arms and for the perfect support
given the administration and the
troops over sea, but beyond that
lplans for reconstruction, embodying
IaM the issues and fabrics pertaining
Ito war, built up as necessities for
winning a victory.
Aside from again urging woman's
fssiffrage, ratification of the Column
tbsan treaty, reclamation Of lands
Efor returning soldiers, all OF which
ihad been treated OF in other adj
dresses, the only real new points
OF, interest in the address were
}fhose that pertained to his policy
regarding control of the railroads
land cables. The statement that he
twas disposed to turn the railroads
hack to their owners, even before
tfFie time limit placed on national
keontrol by congress-, is gratifying,
Eeverybody agreeing with him that 1t
twill be impossible for them to be re-
burned to the old system Of ruinous
lcoTurretition and restraints imposed
Eby congress.
Government control has demon
lsfrated that efficient railroad SER
vice cannot be rendered under the
many prohibitions that existed be-
fore the war, because the admins
E4ration had no sooner taken over the
roads than a clean sweep was made
lof the laws that bound them hand
and foot. The Presidents appeal
IT'D congress for earnest considera-
btions of the problems involved in a
return Of the railroads to private
ownership undoubtedly has not fal-
lien on deaf ears. and undoubtedly
comprehensive laws for the general
conduct of the railroad business on
bread and sane lines will be evolved
Lorit of the chaos now existing.
me Presidents explanation of the
reasons for tnking over the cable
Tines seems plausible If correct IN
their premises. but inrorder to con-
ltrul them and direct the speedy
transmission Of messages so that
public business may not be delayed
st does not seem necessary TO
scramble the business systems Of the
various companies, considering the
short line indicated by the President
tas necessary for their control. Nor
kToaa IL seem a necessary corollafy
THAT the managers Of one OF the
IeouYpanies he removed for differ
Iences of Judgment, If the lines are
10 be restored in a few months.
The Presidents opinion that taxes
be reduced as rapidly as possible
land that business be informed Of
hygrat it may expect in that direction
lat the earliest moment will meet
with hearty approval, but when 1t
&HbYlGE 10 pIVNIu ISA
eral years in advance, the executive
zeeYns to forget that undoubtedly
e91e voters looked ahead somewhat
when they decided they preferred
khose issues to be settled by other
shan the Presidents party.
| On the whole the message Is con-
s.sliatory in tone. and all will agree
with many Of the recommendations
knd with all the praise bestowed on
Ahe victorious troops, the faithful
work of American women, Of labor
and the people Of the country gener-
mYyy. but it was lacking almost en-
irefy- in information as to the real
REASONS for his attending the peace
A.nnncll other than that he desired
NJ see those things he had promul-
wsSea carried out as the acme in
solution Of the problems before that
body.