Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-12-08


this service must be clean, must
be prompt and effective, and 1t
must be administered in a spirit
of the broadcast and deepest hu-
man sympathy. If investigation
reveals any present defects OF
administration or need of legis-
lation, orders will be given for
the immediate correction OF adj
ministration, and recommended
tons for legislation should be
given the highest preference.
At present there are $500 va
cant beds in government hos
pitfalls. I recommend that all
hospitals be authorized at once
to receive and care for, without
hospital pay, the veterans OF all
wars needing such care, When-
ever there are vacant beds, and
that immediate steps be taken to
enlarge and build new hospitals
to serve all such cases.
The American Legion will pre-
sent to the congress a leglsla-
tive program too extensive for
detailed discussion here. 1t Is a
carefully matured plan. While
some Of it 1 do not favor, with
much of it I am in hearty ac-
cord, and / recommend that a
most painstaking effort be made
to provide remedies for any de-
fects in the administration of
the present law which their ex-
perience has revealed. The attl-
tude of the government toward
these proposals should be one or
generosity. But I DO not favor
the granting Of bonus.
Coal
The cost Of coal has become I'M
bearably. high. 1t places a great
burden on our industrial and do
nestle life. The public welfare
REQUIRES a reduction in the price
of fuel. With the enormous de-
posts in existence, failure OF
supply ought not to be toler-
ated. Those responsible for the
conditions in this industry should
undertake it's reform and free 1t
from any charge of profiteering.
The report of the coal COM
mission will be before the con-
SIGSSs IL COIIl III clhA LA1O ANNCNS'
1t represents the mature del1b-
erations and conclusions of the
best talent and experience that
ever made a national survey of
the production and distribution
of fuel. I do not favor govern
ment ownership or operation of
coal mines. The need is for &C.
ton under private ownership
that will secure greater con-
tinuity of production and great
err public protection. The federal
government probably has no
peace-time authority to regulate
wages, prices, or profits in coal
at the mines or among dealers,
but by ascertaining and publish
ing facts it can exercise great
influence.
Mine Troubles
The source Of the difficulty in
the bituminous coal fields is the
intermittence of operation which
causes great waste of both capt.
tai and labor. That part of the
report dealing with this problem
has much significance, and is
suggestive of necessary RENE
dies. By amending the car rules,
by encouraging greater unity Of
ownership, and possibly by per-
hitting common selling agents
for limited districts on condition
that they accept adequate regu-
lations and guarantee that COM
petition between districts be UNI
limited, distribution, storage,
and continuity ought to be i'm
proved.
The supply of coal must be
constant. In case of its pros
pective interruption, the presi-
dent should have authority to APP
point a commission empowered
to deal with whatever emer-
gency situation might arise, to
aid Cancellation and voluntary
arbitration, to adjust any exist
ing or threatened controversy
between the employer and the
employe when collective bar
gaining fails, and by controlling
distribution to prevent profiteer-
ing in this vital necessity. This
legislation is exceedingly urgent,
and essential to the exercise Of
national authority for the pro-
lection of the people. Those
who undertake the RESPONSE
bility OF management or employ
pent in this industry do so with
the full knowledge that the pub
lie interest is paramount, and
that to fail through any motive
of selfishness in it's service is
such a, betrayal Of duty as war
rants uncompromising action by
the government.
Reorganization
A special joint committee has
been appointed to work out a
plan for a reorganization Of the
different departments and bu-
reaus Of the government more
scientific and economical than
the present system. With the
exception of the consolidation of
the war and navy departments
and some minor details, the plan
has the general sanction Of the
president and the cabinet. 1t
is important that reorganization
be enacted into law at the pres
ent session.
Agriculture
Aided by the sound principles
adopted by the government, the
business Of the country las had
an extraordinary revival Looked
at as a whole, the nation is in
the enjoyment of remarkable
prosperity. Industry and com.
merce are thriving. For the
most part agriculture is success.
full, eleven staples having risen
in value from about $500
100000 two years ago to about
$1,000, 100000 for the current
year. But range cattle are still
low in price, and some sections
of the wheat area, notably Min.
nesota, North Dakota and on
west, have many cases of actual
distress. With his products not
selling on a parity with the
products of industry, every
sound remedy that can be de-
Vised should be applied for the
relief of the farmer