Evening journal., 1919-05-20

sturs on the one hand and explo-
SiNes ana poisonous gases on the
other moreover, has given the In
dustry an exceptional significance
and value. Although the United
states VIII gladly and unhesitating-
ly Join In the program OF interna-
tional disarmament II will, never
theless, be a policy OF obvious pru-
dence 10 make certain OF the sue
cessful maintenance OF many strong
and we'll equipped chemical plants.
The German chemical industray
with which we will be brought into
competition, was and may we'll be
again. a thoroughly knit monopoly
capable OF exercising a competition
Of a peculiarly insldious and dan
gerous kind.
"The United States should, more
over, have the means OF property
Itself whenever our trade Is dis
eliminated against by foreign ma
lions, in order that we may be as
sured Of that equality OF treatment
which we hope 10 accord and TO
promote the world over. Our tariff
laws as they now stand provide no
weapon OF retaliation In case other
governments should enact legislat-
ton unequal on its bearing on our
products as compared with the
products OF the other countries.
Though we are far as possible from
desiring 10 enter upon any course
Of retaliation, we must frankly face
the fact that hostile legislation by
other nations Is not beyond the
range OF possibility, and that Il
may have 20 be met by counter leg
islation. This subject, has. unfortu-
nstely, been exhaustlvely investi-
gated by the United States tariff
commission. A recent report OF
that commission has shown very
clearly that we ought 10 have the
instruments for the assurance OF
equal and equitable treatment. Tho
attention or the Congress has been
called TO this matter on past occa-
sions and the past measures which
are now recommended by the tariff
commission are substantially the
same that have been suggested by
previous administrations. recon-
mend that this phase OF the tariff
question receive the early attention
OF the Congress.
"Will you not permit me, turning
from these matters, 90 speak once
more and very earnestly OF the pro-
posed amendment 90 the constitu-
ton which would extend the suf-
frase TO women and which passed
the House Of Representatives at the
last session OF Congress? II seems
TO me that every consideration calls
for the immediate adoption OF that
amendment and IFS submission
forthwith 20 the legislatures OF the
several states. Throughout all the
world this long delayed extension
OF the suffrage is looked for; In the
United States. longer ] believe. than
anywhere else. The necessity for u,
and the immense advantage OF it 20
the national life, has been urged and
debated, by women and men who
saw the need for IL and urged the
policy Of it when It required stead
fast courage 20 be so much before
hand with the common conviction;
and 7, for one, cOvet for our coun-
try the distinction OF being among
the FIRST 90 act in a great reform.
THE telegraph and telephone lines
viii, OF course, be returned 10 their
owners so soon as their transfer can
be effected without administrative
confusion so soon as the change
can be made with least possible in
convenience 70 The public and 10 the
owners themselves. The railroads
Will be handed over 90 their owners
at the end Of the cslender year. n
] were in immediate contact with
the administrative questions which
must govern the retransfer OF the
telegraph and telephone lines could
name the exact date for their return
also. Until / am in direct contact
with the practical questions involv-
ed, ] can only suggest that I'm tho
case OF the tclegraphs and tele-
phones as in the case Of the rail-
ways, II is clearly desirable in tho
public interest that some iegisla-
ton should be considered which
may tend 70 make OF these indis-
penssble instrumentalities OF our
modern life. a uniform and co-ordl-
mated system which will afford those
who use them a complete and GER
tain means Of communication with
all parts Of the country as has so
long been afforded by the postal
system Of the government and at
rates as uniform and intelllglhle.