The New York herald., 1921-04-13


the Government must. in the inter
ests of national defence. encourage
its development for military and
civil purposes.
The encouragement of the civil
peciaily desirable as relieving the
Government largely OF the expense
OF development. and OF mainte-
nance of an industry. now almost
entirely borne by the Government
through appropriations for the mill
itary, naval and postal air services.
The air mail service is an important
initial step IN the direction of COM
mercial aviation.
II has become pressing duty
OF the Federal Government to pro-
vide for the regulation of air navi-
CATION; otherwise independent and
conflicting legislation will be en-
acted by the various States which
will hamper the development Of
aviation. The national advisory
committee for aeronautics in a
special report on this subject has
recommended the establishment Of
q bureau of aeronautics in the De-
partment of Commerce for the
Federal regulation of air navigation.
which Recommendation ought to
have Legislative approval.
Navy Air Bureau Urged.
recommend the enactrnent Of
legislation establishing a bureau Of
aeronautics in the Navy Depart
ment to centralize the control of
naval activities in aeronautics, and
removing the restrictions on the per-
sonneI detailed to aviation In the
navy.
The army air service should be
continued as a coordinate com batant
branch of the army, and its exist
ing organization utilized I'm coopera-
tion with other agencies of the Gov
crnment in the establishment Of ma
tionRl transcontinental airways and
in cooperation with the States in tho
establishment of local airdromes and
landing fields.
The American people expect Con-
gress unfailingly to voice the graft
tude OF the Republic in a generous
and practical way to its defenders
in the world war. who need the
supporting arm of the Government.
Our very immediate concern is for
the crippled soldiers and those
deeply needing the helping hand of
government. Conscious of the gen.
erous intent Of Congress and the
public concern for the crippled and
dependent, invited the services Of a
volunteer committee to inquire into
the administration of the Bureau OF
War Risk Insurance, the Federal
Board Of Vocational Training and
other agencies of government in
caring for the ex-soldiers, sailors
and marines of the world war.
This committee promptly reported
the chief difficulty TO be the imper-
feet organiza tion of governmental
effort, the Same lack Of coordina-
ton which h1hders Government eff
noticed because the need for prompt
service is less appealing.
This committee has recommended.
and convey the recommendations
to you with cordial approval, that
all Government agencies looking to
the welfare of the ex-service men
should be placed under one direct
ing head. so that the welfare of
these disabled saviors of our civili-
cation and freedom may have the
most efficient direction. 1t may be
well to make such an official the
Director General of Service to
War Veterans and place under his
direction all disqualification voca-
tional training. war insurance, re-
Mobilization and all pensions.
The immediate extension and
utilization of the Governments
hospital facilities III the army and
navy will bring relief TO the acute
conditions most complained OF. and
the hospital building programme
may be worked out to meet the
needs likely to be urgent at the time
of possible completion.
The whole programme requires
the best thoughtful attention of
Congress. for we are embarking on
the performance of a sacred obliga-
ton which involves the expenditure
of billions in the half century before
US. Congress must perfect the policy
of generous gratitude and consci-
entious administration must stamp
out abuses In the very beginning.
We must strengthen rather than
weaken the moral fibre of the bene-
ficiaries, and humanizc all efforts
so that rehabilitation shall be at
tended by capitalization.
welfare Department Favored.
During the recent political can
vass the proposal was made that
should be created. It was indorsed
IL n
venture TO call ii TO your attention
and TO suggest favorable legislative
consideration.
The Governments obligation af-
frmatively to encourage develop
ment OF tho highest and mostsefii-
cient type OF citizenship is modernly
accepted almost universally. Gov
ernment rests upon the body of citi-
zenship: II cannot maintain itself on
a level that keeps 1t out OF touch
and understanding with the COM
munity X serves.
Enlightened Governments every
where recognize this and are giving
their recognition effect in policies
and programmes. Certainly no Gov
ernment is more desirous thar our
own TO reflect the human attitude.
the purpose OF making better citi-
zens--physicaily intellectually. spir-
ituslly. TO this end ! am convinced
that such department In tho Gov
ernment would be OF real value. II
could be made 10 crystallize much of
rather vague generalization about
social justice into solid accomplish
ment Events OF recent years have
profoundly impressed thinking peo-
pie with the need 70 recognize new
social forces and evolutions, TO
equip our citizens for dealing rightly
with problems of life and social
order.
In the realms of education, pub
lie health, sanitation, conditions OF
workers In industry. child welfare.
proper amusement and recreation.
the elimination Of social vice and
many other subjects. the Govern
ment has already undertaken con-
siderable range Of activities. I as
sumo the maternity bill, already
strongly approved. will be enacted