The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-09
Transportation Chief Issue
Before the Country, Harding
Tells Congress in Message.
Advises Abolition of U. S.
Railroad Labor Commission
IlRGEc TWn CHANGES I'M
URGES TWO CHANGES IN
FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
President Answers Critics
of His Foreign Policy and
Claims Credit For Benefits
Coming From Arms Farley.
Asks Aliens Registration

Washington, December o.--Pres-
dent Harding, addressing Congress
today on the state of the union,
placed the transportation situation,
prohibition enforcement and farm
credits in the forefront of the ma
tons problems pressing for solu-
ton.
Also he took occasion to reply di-
rectly to those whom he said had as
sumed that the United States had
taken itself "aloof and apart, I'M
mindful of world obligations. He
declared these gave "scant credit
for the helpful part" America had
assumed in international relations,
referring particularly to the arms
conference.
On the prohibition situation, the
executive asserted there we're con-
ditions of enforcement (which SAVIOR
of nationwide scandal" He made
no recommendation but announced
his purpose to call an early confer
ence of the governors of the states
and territories with the federal
! authorities to formulate definite
/ policies of national and state CO.
operation in the administering of
the laws.
Declaring there was no problem
exceeding in Importance the one Of
transportation, Mr.. Harding told
Congress there was need to begin
on plans to coordinate all transport
tation facilities-rail, water and
motor. AS to the relief of the rail
road problem he suggested merger
of lines into systems, facilitated
interchange of freight cars and
consolidation Of facilities generally.
Abolish Rail Labor Board
Turning to the recent railroad
strike, the President proposed that
the federal tribunal dealing with dis
putes between the carriers and their
workers be given ample authority
to enforce its decisf6 ms. lie voiced
preference for abolition Of the rail-
road labor board and the placing OF
its functions under the enlarged in-
terstate commerce commission should
the decision be t. continue this
| board in existence, however. he
suggested that the partisan member
ship be abolished to the end that the
tribunal be impartial and the head
quarters moved from Chicago to
Washington so there might be d.
rect contact with the commission.
The only specific recommendatit
of the executive for enactment of
legislation at this. the short ses-
sion OF Congress- related 10 the per-
manent establishment of widened
farm credits. He urged both ample
farm production credits and enlarged
land credits through enlargement
cf the powers of the farm loan board
and reminded Congress that special
provision must be made for livestock
production credits. other recommen-
dations includeda
Register Aliens
Registration OF aliens.
More rigid examination of emi-
grants at embarkation ports.
Federal assistance in the education
OF aliens.
A constitutional amendment Civ
| ing Congress authority over child
| labor.
| A constitutional amendment re-
| stricting the issue of tax exempt
securities by the federal govern
ment, the states, municipalities and
counties.
A study by Congress of the wide
spread difference between production
&C SITS and prices to consumers.
The survey of plan 70 draft all
the resources OF the nation, human
and material. for national defense.
A fostering interest by the ma
tional government in constructive
measures calculated TO promote the
unification of steam. water and cleo
trio powers in the eastern Industrial
regicn.
Favorable Consideration of reclama-
ton and irrigation projects where
waste land may be made available
for settlement and aid productivity.
Cooperation between the federal
government, the various states and
the owners of forest lands to the
/ end that protection from fire should
! be made more effective and re-plant.
!; ing encouraged.
May Call Extra Session
With this session limited to less
! than three months. there was a gen
| eral realization thatiCongress could