Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-12-09

M Washington, Dec. S. President
Harding, in his annual message, de-
livered Friday to congress in person,
deals with nearly a score of subjects,
chief among them prohibition, farm
credits. the transportation problem,
child labor and immigration.
The executive announced his pur-
pose to invite the governors of the
states and territories to a. early con
ference with the federal executive
authorities with a view to adopting the
definite policies of national and state
cooperation in administering the pro-
hibition laws. He says the day is
unlikely to come when the prohibition
amendment will be repealed and that
the nation should adopt its course ac-
cordingly.
President Harding tells congress
that if the statutory provisions for
prohibition enforcement are contrary
to deliberate public opinion, which he
does not believe, the rigorous and
literal enforcement will concentrate
public attention on any requisite modi-
fication.
Such a course" he adds. con
forms with the law and saves the
humiliation of the government and the
humiliation of u people before the
world and challenges the destructive
forces engaged in widespread violation,
official corruption and individual de
moralization."
Discusses Transportation
With regard to the transportation
problem.. Mr.. Harding proposes that
the railroad labor board be abolished
with the substitution of q labor dl-
vision in the i. G. G. with ample
power TO require its rulings to be ac,
cepted by both parties to n disputed
question. The executive also pro-
poses that the law require the carriers
and their employees to institute means
and methods to negotiate betWeen
themselves their constantly arising dlf-
O. f~erences. limiting appeals to the gov
ernment body to disputes OF such
character as are likely to affect the
public welfare.
Coordination of all transportation
facilities is urged by the president.
These would include not only inland
waterways but motor truck trans
portation as well. He inveighs against
the system of paralleling the railroads
with truck roads. thus drawing freight
from the steam lines instead of making
the motor truck a feeder for them.
As to the carriers themselves. Mr.:
Harding suggests as ways of increased
economy and efficiency there be a
merger of lines into systems. inter
change of freight cars, the consoida-
ton of facilities and the economic use
of terminals.
He declared that the majority OF the
lines are without that inter-carrler,
cooperative relationship. 80 highly
essential to the most and best eco
nonical operation" adding that they
could not function in harmony when
the recent strike threatened the
paralysis of all railway transportation.
Urges More Farm Credit
More extended credit for the farm
ers is strongly urged by the execu-
tive. who declares that the very proof
of %helpfulness already given is the
strongest argument for the permanent
establishment Of widened credit. He
saws the farm loan bureau may well
have its powers enlarged TO provide
ample farm production credits as well
as enlarged land credits.
Two constitutional amendments are
proposed. One would give congress
authority over child labor and the other
would restrict the issues of tax exempt
securities. which are declared to be
drying up the sources of federal tax
alton and encouraging u~nproductive and
extravaganza expenditures by states
and municipalities
Enactment of legislation provides