Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1923-12-06
President Goes on Record Fa-
voring Stimulated ConsoI-
idation of Railroad Lines
Is AGAINST PRICE FIXING
Also Pays Tribute to Harding
in Message Read Before
Congress

WASHINGTON, Dec. "a legis-
lative program touching almost
every aspect of national life was
presented by President Coolidge to-
day in his first message to congress.
He endorsed President Harding's
proposal for American membership
with reservations in the world court;
unqualifiedly approved Secretary
Melons tax reduction plan, and an
nounced his opposition to enactment
of soldier bonus legislation.
He also went on record as favor
ing stimulated consolidation of rail-
roads, reorganization of the railroad
freight structure as applied to farm
products; and government assis-
tance in the disposition of export
able wheat. He declared against
price-fixing for farm products;
against repeal of the rate section of
the Transportation Act; and against
revision of the tariff law.
Making his first pronouncement
on many public questions, the Presi-
dent presented a series of succinct
recommendation without attempt
at argument He used exactly nine
words in disposing of the bonus
question. After urging adequate
care for disabled former service
men and generosity in providing
such care, he said: Il do not favor
the granting of a bonus"
The treatment of the world court
and the Mellon tax plan was almost
as brief. In approaching the court
problem he noted that American
foreign policy always had been guild
ed by the principles of avoidance or
permanent political alliances sac
rificing independence and of peace
full settlement of international con-
troyersies. He called attention that
the United States acting on these
principles had for nearly twent-hVe
! years been a member of The Hague
Tribunal and added that the pro
nosed world court was "a new ana
somewhat different plan"
This is not a partisan question,
he added. "It should not assume an
artificial importance. AS I wish to
see a court established and as the
| proposal presents the only practleal
plan on which many nations have
! ever agreed, though 1t may not meet
every desire. therefore commend II
10 the favorable consideration of the
senate with the proposed reserVa-
| tions clearly indicating our retusal
to adhere to the League of Nations.
| The endorsement of the Mellon
| plan was presented in the course OF
| a discussion of the fiscal condition
of the nation, during which the
| President called attention that
through the budget system and econ
omy in expenditures, the necessities
of the government, exclusive of the
postofIice department. had been
brought down to $4,000, 100000
'"It is possible, in consequence, to
make a large reduction in the taxes
of the people" he continued "A
proposed plan has been presented ir
detail in a statement by the secre-
tary of the treasury which has my
unqualified approval. A very
great service could be rendered
| through immediate enactment OF
legislation relieving the peop.e OF
some of the burden of taxation.
OF all services which the congress
can render to the country, I have nc
hesitation In declaring this one to
be paramount"
The President prefaced his mess
age with tribute to President
Harding, declaring "the world knew
his kindness and his humanity. his
greatness and his character and
that "he has made justice more GER
tain and peace more secure"
(Contil.ued on Page y