The Kevin review. [volume] (Kevin, Mont.) 1922-1929, 1923-12-13

we can either be relieved of the results
of our own folly or be guaranteed a sue
~cessful life. There is an unacceptable per-
sonal responsibility for the development
Of character, of industry, OF thrift, and
of self-control. These do not come from
the government, but from the people
themselves. But the government can and
should always be expressive of steadfast
determination, always vigilant. to main
tain conditions under which these vir-
tues are most likely to develop and Sc
cure recognition and reward. This is
the American policy.
1t is in accordance with this principle
that we have enacted laws for the pro-
lection Of the public health and have
adopted prohibition in narcotic drugs and
intoxicating liquors. For purposes of ma
tional uniformity we ought to provide,
by constitutional amendment and appro-
pirate legislation. for a limitation of child
labor, and in all cases under the ex-
eminent a minimum wage law for wom-
en-. which would undoubtedly find sufi-
Gent power of enforcement in the in
fuence Of public opinion.
immigration.
American institutions rest solely on
good citizenship. They were created by
people who had a background of self
government. New arrivals should be linn
tied to our capacity to absorb them into
the ranks of good citizenship. America
must be kept American. For this purpose
1t is necessary to continue a policy of
restricted immigration. 1t would be well
l ~ iilhC SdNl dliOl VI a oCic(ll|C
nature with some inspection at the source,
and based either on a prior census or
upon the record of naturalization
Veterans.
No more important duty falls on the
government of the United States than the
adequat care of its veterans. Those
suffering disabilities incurred in the serv-
ice must have sufficient hospital relief
be supported. rehabilitation and voca-
tional training must be completed. All
of this service must be clean, must be
prompt and effective, and 1t must be ad-
ministered in a spirit of the broadcast and
deepest human sympathy. If investiga-
ton reveals any present defects of ad-
ministration or need of legislation. orders
will be given for the immediate correc-
ton of administration, and recommends
tons for legislation should be given the
highest preference; But I do not favor
the granting of a bonus.
The cost Of coal has become unbear-
IDLY high. 1t places a great burden
on our industrial and domestic life.
The public welfare requires a reduc-
ton in the price of fuel. With the
enormous deposits in existence, failure
of supply ought not to be tolerated.
Those responsible for the conditions in
this industry should undertake it's re-
form and free it from any charge of
prOfiteering.
The report of the coal commission
will be before the congress. 1t COM
prises all the facts. 1t represents the
mature deliberations 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 government ownership or
operation of coal mines. The need is
for action under private ownership that
will secure greater continuity of pro-
ductton and greater public protection.
Reorganization.
A special joint committee has been
appointed to work. out a plan for a re-
organization of the different depart
ments and bureaus of the government
more scientific and economical than the
present system. With the exception of
the consolidation of the War and Navy
the plan has the general sanction of
lie President and the cabinet. 1t is
important that reorganization be en-
acted into law at the present session.
Agriculture.
Aided by the sound principles adopt
ed by the government. the business of
the country has had an extraordinarily
revival. Looked at as a whole. the
nation is in the enjoyment OF remark-
merce are thriving. For the most part
agriculture is successful. eleven staples
having risen in value from about So
600. 600. 900 for the current year. But
range cattle are still low in price. and
sections of the wheat area. not
ably Minnesota. North Dakota, and on
west, have many cases of actual dis
With his products not selling
on a parity with the products Of in
be devised should be applied for the
relief Of the farmer. He represents a
charaeter. 2 type Of citizenship and
served and afforded every facility for
regaining prosperity.
Ihe distress is most acute among
those wholly dependent upon one crop;
acreage was greatly expanded
and has not yet been sufficiently re-
duced, A large amount is raised for
which has to meet the compe-
tition In the world market of large
amounts raised on land much cheaper
and much more productive.
No complicated scheme Of relief, no
plan for government fixing Of prices. no
resort to the public treasury will be of
my permanent value in establishing ag-
Simple and direct methods put
nto operation by the farmer himself are
he only real sources for restoration. 8
Muscle Shoals.
The government is undertaking to de- !
yelop a great water power project known
Is Muscle Shoals, on which 1t has ex- [
pended many million dollars. The work
o retake in time of war. I recommend
hat this property with a location for
steam plant and rights OF way
De sold. This would end the present bur-
len of expense and should return to the
reasury the largest price possible to Sc '
,ure. I
highways ana FORESTS. =
Highway and reforestation should con- -.
to have the interest and support Of .
he government Everyone is anxious for q
rood highways. I have made a liberal >
proposal in the budget for the continuing I
'ayment to the states by the federal gov c
rnment of it share for this necessary g
'ublic improvement. No expenditure of >
public money contributes so much to the d
wealth as for building good q
u
Reforestation has an Importance far Il
hove the attention it usually secures. A
pecial ommitt of the senate Is in {
-estigating this need. and I shall well
.ome a constructive policy based on
heir report.
Monroe Doctrine.
1t is 100 years since our country an c
lounced the Monroe doctrine. This prin- .
iple has been ever since. and is now, one y
t the main foundations of our foreign re- q
atoms. 1t must be maintained. But in n
maintaining it we must not forget that a v
reat change has taken place. We are no a
onger a weak nation. thinking mainly of -
efense, dreading foreign imposition. We 3
re great and powerful. New powers
ring new responsibilities. Our duty then 4
yas to protect ourselves. Added to that, .
ur duty now is to help give stability to 4
he world. We want idealism. We want =
L y