The New York herald., 1921-12-07
SreciG! Despatch to TIE NEW York HERALD,
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. c., Dec. 8.


Washington, d. G., Dec. 8.
President Harding, In his annual
message, delivered in person before a
Joint session of the House and SEN
atc to-day, outlined a definite policy
on vital domestic problems, including
tho adoption Of a permanent tariff
lew, and indicated his belief that the
arms conference viii accomplish re-
suits which will crafty the whole
world.
The Presidents message was heard
not alone by members OF Congress and
citizens Of this country. Many foreign
diplomats, including all the delegates
TO the armament conference. were
present in the House chamber. The
message dealt in part with questions
which affect European nations, espe-
cially the plan of funding the war
method by which this nation hopes to
spur on the war torn nations toward
normal conditions. 80
Because of it's far reaching effect on
all industries the President is anxious
to have the new tariff bill adopted as
speedily as possible. He threw out the
suggestion that as means to avoid the
delays and vexations In Congress Incl
dent to the passage OF such measure 1t
would be a wise plan to grant more
power to the Tariff Commission. He
argued that that body could prepare
scientific tariff schedule, but owing to
the unsettled condition of the business
world not only in this country but In
Europe. he urged that the Executive be
empowered to raise or lower the tariff
schedules within specified limits to
stabilllze business and avoid injustices.
suggestions of Importance.
In addition to the tariff recommended
lions there are three suggestions of
greatest Importance to the nation. These
are the Presidents proposal for the con-
trol Of national strikes and Federal
sctivity in dealing with Industrial war
iaro; lending a strong arm to American
shipping and creating cooperative and
distributing agencies for helping the
American farmer.
The Presidents comment on the
American valuation plan was followed
with keen interest. His qualified ap-
proval of the idea has seriously en-
dangered its chance of adoption.
While Mr. Harding did not discuss in
detail the plan to fund the foreign war
debt, his suggestions that the President
DC authorized to go ahead with negotia-
lions probably will be carried out at an
early date by Congress, and that mooted
subject will be started on the way to a
satisfactory solution.
Applause from both Democrats and
Republicans greeted the Presidents pro-
posal for constitutional amendment to
end the issue Of tax free Federal, State
and municipal bonds.
His recommendation that Congress
appropriate literally for food and seed
wheat to be sent to the starving millions
in Russia also stirred his audience to
enthusiastic handclapping.
The scene in the House chamber when
the President delivered his message was
Inspiring and unusual. In the front row
sat the foreign diplomats and delegates
TO the arms conference. In a small Sec
ton to themselves on the Republican
side were seated the members of the
cabinet. and the members of the Senate
occupied the seats right back of the
foreigners.
Establishing a precedent, fifty foreign
CORE SpondentS attending the arms con-
ference occupied chairs on the floor in
the vacant space back of the regular
seats on the Democratic side.
women Dominate Galleries.
The galleries were filled to overflow
Ing by an animated group 6 ,xeously
gowned women predomlnating. giving
color and picturesqueness to the scene.
OF course, the gallery occupied by Mrs.
Harding was the cynosure of all eyes.
She was accompanied by the Under Sec
yr;taf, vf State and Mrs. Henry p.
Fletcher. Brighten. and Mrs. Sawyer.
Miss Laura Harlan and Judson c. Weili-
yer. Mrs. Alice Longworth sat a few
scats RACK Of Mrs. Harding.
Pr4<-- tiy at IL O'Clock the gallery
doors were thrown open and there was a
grand rush for seats by the holders of
tickets. Soon every available seat war
taken and crowds stood at the open
doors. The Cabinet members. headed Nv
Secretary OF State Hughes, arrived pt
12:15 and received q royal welcome
from the members Of the House and the
crowd in tho galleries. A few minutes
later the foreign diplomats and dele
gates TO the arms conference arrived.
which was the occasion for another out
burst Of applause.
Senator Cummins (iowa). president
Continued ON Page Seven.