Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1921-04-22
HARDING READS
FIRST MESSAGE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATION
WOULD "END TECHNICAL
STATE OF WAR"
URGES PRACTICE OF ECONOMY

URGES PRACTICE OF ECONOMY
President Cites After-War Effects and
Asserts Judgment Is Necessary to
Safeguard American lnterests-Aid
for Heroes Is Demanded-Lynchings
Raped.
Washington, D. c., April 12.-In his
message to congress, President War
rem G. Harding said in part:
MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS-You
have been called in extraordinary session
to give your consideration to national
problems far too pressing to be long ne
elected. We face our tasks Of legislation
and administration amid conditions as
difficult as our government has ever con-
templated. Under our political system
the people of the United States have
charged the new congress and the new adj
ministraton with the solution-the read
5uStments, reconstruction and restoration
which must follow in the wake of war.
1t may be regretted that we were so lily
prepared for wars aftermath, so little
made ready to return to the ways of
Indeed, we must be the more firmly re-
solved to undertake our work with high
hope, and invite every factor in our citi-
zenship to join In the effort to find our
normal onward way again.
The American people have appraised
the situation, and with that tolerance
and patience which go with understanding
they will give to US the influence of de-
liberate public opinion which ultimately
becomes the edict of any popular govern
ment. They are measuring some of the
stern necessities. and will join in the give
and take which is the essential to firm re-
establishment.
Home Problems First
First in mind must be the solution of
our problems at home, even though some
phases of them ARE Unexpectedly link ed
with our foreign relations. The surest
procedure in every government is to put
its own house in order.
know of no more pressing problem at
home than to restrict our national ex-
penditures within the limits of our ma
tional income, and at the same time
measurably lift the burdens of war taxa
ton from the shoulders of the American
people.
Our current expenditures are running
at the rate of approximately IS 1000, 900 900
a year, and the burden is unbearable.
There are two agencies to be employed
In correction:
One is rigid resistance in appropriation
and the other is the utmost economy in
administration.
Let US have both.
Must Readjust Taxes.
The first substantial relief from the tax
burden must come for the present from
the readjustment of internal taxes and
the revision or repeal of those taxes
which have become unproductive and are
their own purpose.
A prompt and thoroughgong revision
of the internal tax laws, made with due
regard to the protection of the revenues,
Is in my judgment a requisite to the
revival of business activity in this coun-
try.
The urgency for an instant tariff en-
actment, emergency in character and I'M
derstood by our people that it is for the
emergency only, cannot be too much en-
phasized. I believe in the protection of
American industry, and 1t Is our purpose
to prosper America first.
The maturer revision of our tariff laws
should be based on the policy of protec-
ton, resisting that selfishness which turns
to greed. but ever concerned with that
productivity at home which is the source
Of all abiding good fortune.
A very important matter is the estab-
lishment of the governments business on
business basis.
There can be no complete correction of
the high living cost until government cost
is notably reduced.
Let me most heartily commend the enact
ment of legislation providing for the ma
tional budget system.
One condition in the business world may
well receive your inqdiry. Def1ation has
been in progress, but has failed to reach
the mark where it can be proclaimed to
the great mass of consumers.
Reduced cost of basic production has
been recorded, but high cost of living
has not yielded in like proportion
I have asked the federal trade commits
sion for report of its observations and
1t attributes, in the main, the failure to
adjust consumers cost to basic production
costs to the exchange of information by
''open-price associations" which operate,
evidently within the law, to the very
great advantage of their members and
equal disadvantage to the consuming
public.
Wants Helpful Probe.
Without the spirit of hostility or haste
in accusation of profiteering, some suit
able inquiry by congress might speed the
price readjustment to normal relationship,
with helpfulness to both producer and
consumer. A measuring rod Of fair prices
will satisfy the country and give us g.
business revival to end all depression and
unemployment.
The great interest of both producer and
consumer-indeed. all industrial and COM
mercial life, from agriculture to finance
IN the problems Of transportation will find
its reflex in your concern to aid re-estab-
lishment, to restore efficiency, and bring
transportation cost into helpful relation
ship rather than continue 1t as a hind
rance to resumed activities.
On the subject of railroads the Presi-
dent said in part
Efficient operation cat q cost within that
which the trac will bear. Railway
rates and costs OF operation must be re-
6uced." the remaining obstacles
which are the heritance of capitalistic ex-
ploitation must be removed and labor must
1oin management in understanding that the
public which pays is the public to be
served and simple justice is the right and
will continue to be the right of all the
people,
Roads Trade Arteries.
The highways are not only feeders
70 the railroads and afford relief from
their local burdens; they are actually