Evening star., 1922-12-08
PRESIDENT COVERS
ALL MAJOR ISSUES
CONTINUED from FRS, Pageo

SOhtlnueQ from fiTSt PdBe-D
the investment will be considered by
one branch of the Interstate Com
merce Commission and that another
will fix wages on the basis OF what
the railroads can afford to pay.
This Is where labor enters the
argument with the cry that labor
if there isn't as much profit as the
government now guarantees. Labor
has fought the government theory
of what constitutes a fair return on
railroad investment.
Interstate Commerce Act.
Also there is every reason to be-
lieve that labor is just as much op-
posed to any tribunal which enforces
its DEGREES. whether 1t is called
labor board or a subdivision of the
Interstate Commerce Commission, or
anything else. The present interstate
commerce act has enforceable pro-
visions already. Simple amendment
to include labor disputes would be
easy from a psychological viewpoint,
as it would seem to place carriers
and employees on the same basis, out
labor will fight that tooth and nail.
1t always has insisted on the unre-
stricted right to quit work in body
The President hopes TO soften the
effects of this enforcement policy by
limiting the disputes to be consid-
cred by the national tribunal to those
which are likely 10 affect the public
welfare" Definition of this phrase
Will probably provoke considerable
debate anG controversy.
Mr.. Harding doesn't ignore the
sentiment in favor of a change in
the tariff and promises that the fiexi-
BILE provisions of the law permitting
the executive to proclaim changes
will not become dead letter. Inn
migration is touched on. too, with
the suggestion that quotas be en-
larged ultimately and that aliens be
examined abroad. SO as TO prevent
hardships at ports of entry through
the denial OF admission to applicants
who have already made the voyage to
American shores.
Child Labor LeGtslation.
The proposal to submit constitu-
tional amendment prohibiting child
labor is net unexpected. and will help
friends of the President to point the
progressive" character OF his admin
the progressive" bloc is advancing
such things. Mr.. Harding frankly
tells the American people he isn't op-
posed 20 amending the Constitution
when the changes are for the better.
1t had been reported that he wanted to
stand pat on the Constitution. But
he proposes that all tax-exeEpt Sc
curitics now be abolished Ii will
take many years for an amendment
like that to be submitted to the sew
eral states and ratified. but ultimately
ii will prey all. as IL falls within the
category of progressive" doctrine. On
which the radicals have always thriVed
it is measure aimed AT the
wealthy, something popular with the
radical politicians in the states. 1t
has the support OF Mr.. Harding how
crease government revenues at a time
when the budget sorely neecs added
sources Of income.
The prohibition portions of the
message contain a few surprises The
President had been reported weaken
said he noted a shift of sentiment in
the last elections. He comes out in
his message as favoring a rigorous
enforcement OF the NolStead act. He
frankly says the provisions of the
law are not in his opinion contrary
to puDllc QeSlre- ne predicts tHdt d
repeal of the eighteenth amendment
is not likely and asks for literal
enforcement"
Dry Law Conference.
Besides, Mr.. Harding announces
that he will call the governors of all
the states into conference here to
consider ways and means of enforc-
1ou h.,
increased use OF state machinery. The
message is a complete victory for the
"drys." There isn't hint of wetness
in it. Broadly speaking. this means
that Mr. Harding wants the repub-
lican party to stand pat on the pro-
hibition issue, believing public senti-
ment to be on that side. The demo-
Gratis will naturally discuss whether
to take the other horn of the dilemma.
Their greatest strength in the eastern
states has been acquired through wet
votes.
Some democratic leaders think a
union OF the solid south and the
populous eastern states is enough to
south, which is dry. will not object.
however. to modification of the
Volstead act to permit the sale of
wine and beer. This is all theoretical.
What Mr.. Harding has done. however,
is to align his party on the dry side
by his message to Congress.
As for international affairs, the
President still maintains that America
need not take a concrete part in
European affairs, proposing that
American foreign policy be based so
far as helping Europe is concerned
on sympathy fraternity and the
highest fellowship"
Copyright. 1927