Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-05-21
THE PRESIDE MIS- MESSAGE

S " d pEeSA0cuL temporarily ~ q
foreign country. In sending this communication to con-
which he labors by reason of his absence from the coun-
try, the need which he has to rely more than usual on
the judgement of congress, and the need which impells
him to postpone consideration of some domestic matters
until he can give them closer personal attention. This
feature Of the address is likely to revive some comment
which was formerly made on the alleged. undesirabnity
of the presidents journey abroad. That subject, however.
has almost passed out Of public interest and it is not
likely to command very close attention at this time.
The one recommendation Of the president which is
likely to cause the greatest surprise is that with reference
to prohibition. On other important subjects discussed
either his attitude was already we'll known or it could
safely be predicted because Of the surrounding circum-
stances. On the matter of prohibition he had given no in
dication OF his views, at least to the general public. and
the general impression seems to have been that he would
not recommend the cessation OF what has come to be
known as war time prohibition during the period which
must intervene before the prohb' ton constitutional
amendment goes into effect. The president treats the re-
strictions placed upon the manufacture and sale of alco-
holic drinks under recent legislation as a war measure
pure and simple. Obviously his Interpretation is correct.
The restrictions were provided for solely upon the basis
of war needs. With the passage of the war the needs
president recognizing this fact the repeal of
legislation made because of it. There can be no question
that his action in this particular is logical, neither need
there be any question that he will be vigorously condemn
ed by many persons who have sought to make war time
necessities the basis for the adoption of a permanent pol
icy so long as that policy happens to coincide with their
own views
The recommendations with reference to the return
of railroads and the telegraph and telephone systems to
private ownership need cause no surprise. In his mes
sage Of last December the president made it clear that he
vonld mt 1o0E WITH ,por ~ tao<;o >f 49, ,oi1
roads by the government longer than was necessary to
able conditions. He has given indication of no change of
opinion on the subject since that time. The principle
underlying the railroad business is exactly that which
underlies telegraph and telephone service and the pres
ident has quite recently made known his conviction that
the wire systems ought to be returned to their owners at
the earliest possible time. This again is logical, though
it will be the cause of bitter comment from those who
have sought to build a structure of public ownership upon
a foundation Of war necessities.
The president renews his former recommendation
with reference to woman suffrage. On this subject his
attitude has changed from that of a few years ago when
he expressed his belief that woman suffrage was a mat
ter for the consideration Of the states. rather than of the
nation: But from this position he has passed to one of
advocacy Of nation wide equal suffrage, and during the
past year he has been quite insistcnt upon its adoption.
The recommendation with reference to taxation will
be read, we believe with general satisfaction. Money for
the support of the government and for the payment of
its accumulated debts must be raised. therefore the peo-
pie must be taxed. But it is essential if the work of the
country is to go forward that taxation shall bear as light
ly as possible upon the productive and constructive work
Of the people and also that taxes shall be levied in such
a manner as to produce the largest amount of net reve-
nue. with the least annoyance and inconvenienS, to the
general public. The taxes on retail purchases now in
vogue are annoying and inconvenient to everyone As the
president points out, these taxes are costly to collect,
and evasion of them is easier than evasion of almost any
other form of tax. The president lays down as a general
principle that our main reliance for the extra revenue
needed must be on income tax, excess profits tax, and
inheritance tax. And his analysis of the situation seems
likely to commend itself to mos: people.
The presidents discussion Of the tariff question. is
q reminder, in addition to many which have been given
in recent years, that the levying Of a customs tariff is
not in fact, as it ought not to be, a party question. In
f7rmer years the dividing line between the two great
parties followed the tariff quite closely. The Republican
party was to all intents and purposes a high protection
larty, the Democratic party a low tariff, or so-called free
trade party. That difference has disappeared. The Re-
publican party of today is full of low tariff men, and
rrott ton Democrats are not rare. In his message, while
otscountenanclng any marked departure from the pres
ent tariff law, the president applies to the subject two
principles recognized as distinctly protective in their ma
tue. Referring to the dye industry as typical of a class
the president urges in substance that sufficient duties
lie levied to protect it from foreign competition. In
discussing the possibility of the levying by other nations
OF tariffs discriminating against the United States he
urges that provision be made for retaliation by this
c ."n'ry. The most ardent protectionist could not ask
for a more complete acceptance of his doctrines.
a considerable portion Of the message is given owe,
to TIE discussion Of labor questions. In this, except N
enc Instance. specific recommendations are not made,
but The facts as to the Importance Of these questions and
the need that exists for an early solution Of the many
labor rroblems arising are certainly impressive enousal
% commend the close and careful attention Of congress
1ne situation Is one calling for prompt action and con-
sres' can De engaged in no better business than that Of
pfOVtIt:S the labor 1ARia1nftnn -hSol a.. as ~