The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-04-15
ton under existing laws made es :
tablished service impossible.


tablished service impossible.
The president devoted a portion of
his address to wireless and cable de-
velopments, declaring for prohibition
of private monopolies tending to pre-
vent development of needed facilities.
Especially desirable" he said, were
ample service at reasonable rates
from the transmission Of press mat
ter so that the daily press OF all coun-
tries well may be put in position to
contribute to international under
standings by the publication of in
teresting foreign news.
Iident declared for its encouragement
for military and civil purposes; rec
commended the establishment of a
bureau of aeronautics in the navy de-
partment and continuation of the ar
my air service as "a coordinate COM
Blatant Of the army" to be used in CO.
operation with other agencies to es-
tablish national transcontinental air.
ways.
Welfare of Service Men.
In recommending an efficient CO.
ordination of the various agencies
having to do with the welfare and as
sistance of soldiers and sailors, the
president made no mention Of the bo-
nus question. He recommended the
creation of a department of public
welfare, making 1t plain there was no
invade fields which the states have
occupied"
In recommending speedy consider
alton of the army and navy appropri-
alton bills the president declared that
while the government was in accord
with the wish to eliminate the burden
of heavy armament and was ready to
CO. operate with other governments to
approximate disarmament, it would
defense until there is removed the
need to defend" He made no specific
declaration as I'd the size of the army
or the navy except to say that the ma
val program, could Garry no threat
after the latest proof of our national
unselfishness."
The remaining portions Of the pres
ident's address were devoted to the
discussion of foreign affairs.
Great Demonstration.
President Harding's declaration in
his first message to congress today
that the United States would have no
part in the present League of Nations
was received with great demonstra-
ton. Republican members of the SEN
ate and house, who, with members Of
the cabinet, crowded the house cham
DcT u near the pTeSlueuI denver MS
message In person, applauded yigor-
ously. The demonstration quickly
grew into cheerings, the republican
members standing. The galleries Join
ed in the demonstration and it was
some minutes before quiet was re-
stored. :.
The democratic members, many
with stolfd faces and folded arms, did
not join in the demonstration. Sena-
tor Hitchcock of Nebraska, who led
the long fight in the senate in favor
of the league, smiled broadly however.
Frequent applause from the republican
side interrupted other portions of the
presidents statement. The league
peace by congressional resolution al
so met with demonstrations of ap-
prevail, but there was no applause for
the suggestion that the peace terms of
the treaty of Versailles be ratified
with safeguarding reservations.
The presidents address contained
about $500 words and fifty-fi min
utes were required for its reading.
HIS concluding statement regarding
the peace and the league was deliv-
cred slowly with solemn emphasis.
The audience rose and cheered as
the president finished, tucked his nose
glasses in his pocket, shook hands
with Vice President Coolidge and
Speaker Gillett.