Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-05-22
THURSDAY .........,MAY %, 1919
MESSAGE MEANDERS.

The presidents message IS largeI
perfunctory. Parts have the sam
purpose for which planka are put int
party platforms.
The general tone of the communica
ton indicates that the president wrote
much of ii with the feeling of, "Oh
what's the use" Doubtless he real
lied that he was addressing an audi.
ence which would not be responsive
10 the extent 10 which he had beer
accustomed when the hearers were
mainly of his own familiar cOngrega-
ton. He could not but have felt that
the majority whom he had studiously
ignored and whose advice he never
sought, cares little for his advice. '.
Starting with an excuse for absence
by declaring it to be a duty to stay
abroad to take part in the affairs of
nations, he assigned as 4 reason for
calling congress in session that finan-
cial support must at once be provided
for conduct of government
Admitting that absence prevented
him from being up to date as to home
affairs, he professed himself not
qualified to suggest or press for legis-
lation upon domestic problems, with
out having advice of those who re.
manned AT home in touch with Amer !
lean interests
However, this hesitancy did not
keep the president from making sug-
gestions about some such problems !
As to these, however, he may have
felt that he had been sufficiently adj |
vised Or. in the language of the !
street that he had the right dope. or ,
believed he knew from which way
the wind of public opinion vas blow
ing.
As to the treaty business and cove
nant that keep him so absorbed
abroad that he does not know what
is needed at home. and unable to adj
wise, the president again says it is
premature to make report or TO
have any discussion. Affairs in which
he is participating are not being open
ly arrived at. and pitiless publicity is
not coveted.
When he comes home with COM {
pacts signed, sealed and in escrow. so !
to speak, he promised in this message q
TO tell congress what has been done. I
But while national things are in the i
loing, domestic interests are all that G
ne touches upon. il
Upon most of the topics mentioned o
he president correctly said he was o
nut speaking the thoughts of con-
,ressmen. The republican program r
WIN regard to certain lines Of lcgsla- n
ion to be enacted or repealed had y
'een well defined and the organiya- {
ION OF the congressional bodies in ad Il
ance practically guaranteed early "
cton for reforms and improvements. "
he president was not ont of touch in
UGH matters.
for instance, it was entirely per
hhctorE to recommend the repeal of
ne annoying and Unnecessary luxury m
Ak, taxes on retail business and soda or
'untain transactions, that went into Sc
rect this month, President might ar
veil have had the last con- Al
ress, of which he was tho mostar
void this imposition upon the peo- u
lie and upon business men.
inc advice to return the RAILWAYS WI
owners was also superfluous. Thai tn
zen acton was already assured the lie!
mole country knew. In a farewell rii
TX the president told congress he did TIE
u know what should he done with ad
always. After his departure it was
lhouhced by one Of his spoltesmen
g president authorized the state ev
emf thst he favored retention of the dr.
ads for five years, for experimental in
irposes. NV
the executive has now said that Z, No
ms intention to turn loose the rail co,
tys AT the end of this year, unless tin
rper provision is made by congress to
II he fails TO suggest any line for cal
sulation of the utilities Having No co,
"a OF the wayt to handle the railway an
oniem when he left this country at
mas apparently learned nothing pu,
road or at home that can assist in adj
$, matter. no,
aiter the temper of the country had pei
2 tried to the utmost through mis-.
nagement and wrong policy with \
ard 70 wire lines. in recommending iss,
'ase the president SAID that he am
I'D name the day if he only were ner
and properly informed about por
uS The divorce Of the wire sys- cas-