The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-19

Now. these problems we have been talk
ing about as long as l can remember
and l suppose longer than that But the
growth of this centre and the needs OF
commerce have gone way beyond any
thing that has been done 10 solve them
Il am very glad that we are now to
have constructive programme outlined
by the commission which has been study
ing the port problems. | cannot speak
for the Governor of New Jersey, espe-
cially in view OF the ambiguity of his
party platform. but / congratulate the
state of New Jersey. however. that II
now has Its own Governor. and / am
sure there are problems enough in the
State of New York for one Governor to
deal with. But speaking for the State Of
New York. as ! shall have the right
probably officially to speak after Janu-
airy /, | can assure you that the State
OF New York and the Governor of the
State OF New York will give all the aid
which the State can give in cooperation
with the local government OF the State
of New Jersey and the New York gov
eminent to secure practical results In
this great port problem upon which not
merely the future developments Of the
city, but the commerce of this entire
nation depends.
Now, these problems which I have
referred to. many of them, are some
what local In a sense and yet they are
of Statewide concern, and problems
such as your port problem are. of cource,
of national concern, involving the eXer-
else of local, State and Federal power.
/ may say that l believe in the maxi
mum exercise of the power of home
rule but to justify that maximum eXer-
niua ha 1aI tt ha taf "a
to the municipality must be exercised in
the public interest. We need to have
these problems studied precisely as.
take it. the port problem has been stud
led. We need to find out what action
needs to be taken and then we need to
see that that action is taken.
"Of course the State makes rules 10
govern the conduct of that business, and
in our scheme of government the func-
ton of the State is to see that the bust
ness Is conducted on the level-that the
great principle of equality OF opportu-
nifty is maintained, which does not mean
equality Of rewards but only rewards
commensurate with deserts And /
think that some of the discomfort and
unrest. or at least some OF the causes
of 1t, would be removed by closer at
tention of the public officials TO the bust
ness of government and a more honest
and faithful and economical and efficient
administration Of the public business
rather than the attempt 10 govern prl-
vate business
"a government, in other words, of the
things which it is the business of the
State to concern itself with without fear
and with absolute impartiality, which
means without favor to any individual or
class of individuals in the community.
II am very glad of this opportunity TO
meet with the members of the Chamber
of Commerce Of this city. | have broken
a rule which l made that I would accept
no engagements OF this kind until at
least could see a breathing space ahead
of me which for the next few weeks or
months | do not expect to have. but my
friend. Mr.. Kingsley persuaded me to
make an exception. which l have done.
and II has given me great pleasure to
come here and to meet you and to say
just this word to you"