Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-13
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.

The first communication addressed to the new cong
ress by the new president was delivered by Mr.. Harding
in the form Of a personal address. This form was IN
stituted by President Washington. Jefferson adopted
the form Of the written message; and this form was con-
tinued until President Wilson reverted to- the earlier
one. The innovation was looked upon doubtfully: by a
great many, good people who have a holy horror Of any
thing different. BY many it was assumed that because
President Wilson had addressed congress in person,
President Harding would send his communications by
messenger. The subject is one which must be governed
by individual taste, and it does not appear. to be very
important which method is followed. 1t is rather graft
flying to note, however, that Mr.. Harding was not de-
tered from the course which he preferred by the fear
that he might be accused of copying his predecessor.
The fact is that each man chose the method which ap-
pealed to him as the most effective for him to follow,
and the coincidence that both happened to prefer the
same form counts for nothing at all. -e.
President Harding has disposed OF. the subject Of
American participation in the League OF Nations as at
present constituted, as has been forecast. He does not
by any means dispose of the idea of an international COM
pact, and there is nothing in the address prohibiting the
utilization of the steps that have thus far been taken as
the basis for an International association such as he
would approve for this country. =
On the question of peace, he advocates the passage
Of simple peace resolutions, leaving to the executive the
task Of formulating the conditions on which the United
State will resume amicable relations with the nations
with which we have been at war. In the text Of the
message there occurs what will be interpreted as a warn
ing to congress not to undertake to legislate interna-
congress is reminded, is a function of the executive with
which there must be no interference. In the making of
the necessary treaties the president promises to consult
with congress, so that at all times there may be a COM
mon understanding.
The declarations Of the address on the subject Of
international relations will be regarded as among the
most important and interesting Of which mention was
made. On domestic question problems Of the highest
Importance were touched briefly. Specific declaration
is made of the necessity for the removal of the excess
profits tax, a statement which, Of course, will bring an
avalanche of criticism on the speaker. Emergency tar
III legislation as a measure of temporary relief for In
tereStS whose case is urgent, and comprehensive tariff
revision, not to satisfy greed, but to give the American
producer an equitable opportunity in the markets of his
own country, are urged as immediate needs. In the
discussion of the railway situation there is recognition
Of the need for reduced rates in order that the business
of the country may not be impeded. and Investigation is
recommended for the purpose of ascertaining by what
steps this is to be brought about.
The address reveals thoughtful study Of the nations
needs, and a desire to proceed with the immediate carry
ing out Of the pledged made before the last election.
The question Of crop acreage is being settled BY in
~dividuals. acting in accordance with their own judgment.
The labor situation will have an important bearing on it.
The -hisher the farm wages the smaller will be the acre
age planted. ~ "a.
The Courier News boasts that league collections in
the past two weeks have. passed. the two thousand dollar
mark. They would need to. The league campaign can
not be conducted on that basis. Get busy, farmers, and
chip in Is before.
Warehouse receipts on stored liquors are not neeo-
TABLE according to a late court decision. why should
anyone want to negotiate them. Such. a receipt would
merely ssrve ~ . notification to all and sunday a to
where the suff Il kept, and that would be dangerous in
lthess days Of bandits.
What In the world would We do IL consr = passed
al Of TIE $500 bills which our statesmen and near stat&-
men ha,s introduced In the hr't two days Of the, new
l1sMlon.s
North Dakota farmers have begun TO. pillow ma
piant' NJ tho new season. The prosperity VIII follow.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS