The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-12-07
President Harding Given Hearty
Reception By One of Largest
Audiences Ever Had in
House.
ny The Associated Press,

K
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-Launching
of the new session OF Congress was
completed today with delivery by Pres
ident Harding of his opening address
at a joint session Of the senate and
house, made notable by the presence
Of delegates to the armament limitation
conference.
! Proposals for flexible tariff, adjust
able by the president or the tariff COM
mission; for an Industrial tribunal and
for a constitutional amendment to stop
the flood of tax free securities, We're
the presidents outstanding statement
on domestic affairs. Turning to the
international field, the president said Of
the armament limitation conference
that "a most gratifying world accom-
! plishment is not improbable" He also
urged enactment of tho measure for
funding the allied debt, proposed food
relief for starving Russia. expressed
satisfaction over the nations being at
peace. and held out promise of aid to
the world in war restoration.
A hearty reception was given the
president by what was said to be one
of the largest audiences ever Jammed
into the house chamber. Demonstra-
tions of a fun minute each occurred
when ne entered at 1890 o'clock and
again when he concluded at 1920, the
entire audience standing and applaud
ng. Applause also broke into his ad-
lress frequently, especially from house
members when he discussed topics Of
administration policy. and with es-
pecial volume when he advanced his
plan for a tribunal to weigh disputes
between capital and labor, and de-
clared that lSbor organizations should
not be permitted to exact unfair terms
Of employment or subject the public to
actual distress.
The audience, which included the
cabinet, diplomatic corps and many
high officials, besides the foreign dele
gates, also responded warmly when,
with manifest feeling, the president
urged aid for starving peoples of Rus
sia and proposed q. gift OF 100000
bushels and corn and 100000 bushels
Of seed grains.
Presentation later OF more detailed
views on the shipping situation was
promised by the executive in declar-
ing that he opposed abrogation of COM
mercial treaties, provided by the Jones
act, such abrogations he said, would
cause chaos, and suggestion for plan
for reimbursement" to ship operators
was accepted as an advance statement
Of his previously announced views as
to ship subsidies.
The presidents recommendations
We're received by republican leaders
with widespread expressions of ap-
proval. although some declared that
one or more of the executives propos-
ais would be difficult if not impossible
Of early enactment.
Prompt response came to portions
of the presidents recommendations:
Immediately after the joint session, the
senate passed a bill, urged by Secre-
tary Hoover of the department OF com
merce, as head of the American Relief
Administration authorizing donation of
the administration of surplus medical
and other stares Of the army.
Legislation to meet the presidents
recommendation for a flexible tariff
also was proposed Immediately by
Senator smoot, republican. Utah. He
introduced amendments to the pending
tariff bill which would authorize the
president, by proclamation, to reduce
or increase tariff rates based upon
American valuation. Hearings on the
tariff bill viii be resumed tomorrow
by the senate finance committee.
In accord with the presidents re-
Iuest for prompt action on the allied
debt funding bill the senate finance
committee held two meetings today in
an effort to get the bill before the SEN
ate Immediately.
The president, in his message, also
emphasized need for agricultural re-
lief. He urged improved methods of
distribution and marketing of farm
products. advocating legislative assis-
tance to co operative marketing. Rail
road freight rates, the executive added,
were subjects OF just complaint by
farmers.
other recommendations of the presi-
dent included reclamation and irTega-
ton departments especially OF south
ern swamp lands; highway improve
ment and measures to aid the unem-
ployment situation.
The president expressed satisfaction
over the tax revision law, enacted IN
the closing hours Of The extra session.
and is billion dollar reduction in the
tax draft on the people" and, urging
economy and efficiency. declared the
budget system ''the greatest reforma-
ton in governmental practices since
the beginning OF the republic"
Party responsibility in government
was stressed by the president in what
some Of his hearers regarded as thinly
yeiled dislike over the .bloc" develop
ment ii congress.