The Alaska daily empire., 1921-03-01

and hamlet in this broad land all the quali- ties and forces which would constitute a progressive State l have desired to see the development of those virtues and strong qualities which exist in boys and girls in all of the communities of our land, and not have them submerged by mighty Federal force set in motion in Washington and preserved by Federal appropriations and Fed eral influences. l have believed in the people in their capacity for self-government, in their ability to fashion their own des- tinies, in their competency to work out the problems-social, economic, and otherwise that come to strong and virile communi- tes
 repeat that the progress and educa- ton of the people depend upon the forces operating in local communities and the de- velopment ofthose individual virtues and characteristics which richly endow the sons and daughters of Commonwealths. 2 plead today not alone for the rights of the States but for the rights of individuals, and in pleading their cause I am advocate of the cause of true education and of genuine progress. l grant that if millions are wrung from the people by taxation and garnered into the Federal Treasury and then disbursed among the people there would be benefits; there would be superficial growth, exotic plants would be produced, temporary improvements and advancements would be witnessed But I am looking beyond that l see what would follow Individual, initiative and the spirit of self reliance would be dwarfed, those strong and vitalizng elements which found expression
 in the New England communities and which have manifested themselves in our local com munties and in State life would be atro- phied. More and more the States as sov- ereign nations, functionins political organ isms, would become debiiitated aLd finally the absorptve process would be so complete that the Federal Government would take over the functions responsibilities duties rightss' authorities, and powers of the con- munties and of the States ** #
 We not, of course, secure all of the advantages that flow from society in day. The progress of this Republic has been re- markable Every American should be proud of what has been done by the States of this Union. l ask Senators to look at 'the new commonwealths carved out of territory some of which was acquired asalate the treaty of alupe-Hidalgo. The great desert wastes beyond the Mississippi Valley which Daniel Webster denounced as of no value, now possess mighty commonweaths There the seats of learning are found, civilza- tion fourshes, peace and prosperity abound, and millions of strong, progressive Christian people are devoting themselves to the econ omic, social and political problems with which they are confronted. They are soly- ing these problems, and in their solution they are developing character, strength. manhood, and womanhood, and those virtues which come from God himself Measures like this and similar ones operate as an injustice to this vigorous and mighty people It is declaration of their lack of compet- ence to govern themselves and to discharge the high responsibility resting upon them as soveregns in sovergn States. *
 MT. President, let the States alone Let the people in happy rivalry discharge the duties of American citizens Do not destroy State pride; rather let us cultivate it and encourage it. Already there is splendid and progressive rivalry between the States to see which can do the most for education for public health, and for those enterprises and movements which are indicative of social progress. The records of some States are su- perior in one line, but not in all lines; but the success of one Commonwealth in any social or educational movement becomes an inspiration for all other States. The spirit of competition makes for progress and growth Individuals compete, States compete and we should not adopt course that will emasculate or weaken the spirit of independ- ence which should be the of glory of all Commonwealths in this Republic