The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-12-14

| for the people the inevitab burdens of
existence. This is no methed/by which
| we can either be relieved or 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-ccntrol. These do not come from
the government. but from the people
| themselves. But the government can and
| 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
| tional uniformity We ought to provide,
| by constitutional amendment and appro-
pirate legislation. for limitation Of child
| labor, and in all cases under the ex-
| elusive jurisdiction of the federal gov
eminent a minimum wage law for wom
en-. which would undoubtedly find sufH-
| cent power of enforcement in the in
| nuence Of public opinion.
| immigration.
| American Institutions rest solely on
| good citizenship. They were created by
| people who had q background OF self
! government New arrivals should be lin
tb s to our capacity 70 absorb them into
must be kept American. For this purpose
| it is necessary to continue policy of
| restricted immigration. 1t would be well
nature with some Inspection atthe source.
and based either on prior census or
upon the record of naturalization
Veterans.
No more important duty falls on the
government of the United States than the
adequate care of its veterans. Those
suffering disabilities incurred In the serv-
ice must have sufficient hospital relief
and compensation. Their dependents must
he supported. Rehabilitation and voca-
tional training must be completed All
of this service must be clean, must be
prompt and effective. and IL must be adj
ministered in spirit of the broadcast and
deepest human sympathy. If investiga-
ton reveals any present defects of adj
ministraton or need of legislation orders
will be given for the immediate correc-
ton of administration. and Recommended
tions for legislation should be given the
highest preference. But do not favor
the granting of a bonus. :.
Coal.
The cost of coal has become unbear-
ably high. 1t places a great burden
on our industrial and domestic life.
The public welfare requires reduc-
ton in the price of fuel. With the
Of supply ought not to be tolerated.
Those responsible for the conditions in
this industry should undertake its re-
form and free il from any charge of,
The report of the coal commission
will be before the congress. II 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. |
operation of coal mines The need is,
for action under private ownership that
will secure greater continuity Of pro-
'duction and greater public protection.
N Reorganization.
A special joint committee has been
appointed to work out plan for 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
departments and some minor details.
the plan has the general sanction of
the 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 extraordine ~
revival. Looked at as a whole the
able prosperity. Industry and COM
merce are thriving For the most part
agriculture is successful. eleven staples
having risen in value from about S. :
100000. 900 Two years ago to about 81
600. 100000 for the current year. But
range cattle are still low in price. and
Some. sections Of the wheat area. not
ably Minnesota. North Dakota. and on
west. have many cases Of actual dis
tress. With his products not selling
on q parity with the products Of in
he devised should be applied for the
relief of the farmer. He represents a
chara S,; type Of citizenship. and
served and afforded every facility for
regaining prosperity.
fhe distress is most acute among
those wholly dependent upon one crop.
Wheat acreage was greatly expanded
and has not yet been sufficiently re-
duced. A large amount is raised for
export which has to meet the compe-i
amounts raised on land much cheaper
and much more productive.
No complicated scheme of relief, no
resort to the public treasury will be of
any permanent value in establishing ag
riculture Simple and drec! methods put
into operation by the farmer himself are
the only real sources for restoration.
Muscle Shoals.
The government is undertaking to de-
velop great water power project known
as Muscle Shoals. on which 1t has ex-
pended many million dollars. The work
Is still going on. Subject to the right
that this property with a location for
auxiliary steam plant and rights of way
be sold. This would end the present bur-
den of expense and should return to the
treasury. the largest price possible to Sc
cure.
Highways and Forests.
Highway and reforestation should con
tinue to have the interest and support of
the government. Everyone is anxious for
good highways. have made a liberal
proposal in the budget for the continuing
payment to the states by the federal gov
eminent of 1t share for this necessary
public Improvement. No expenditure OF
public money contributes so much to tho
national wealth as for building good
roads.
Reforestation has an importance far
above the attention 1t usually secures A
special committee of the senate is in
vestigating this need and shall well
come a constructive policy based on
their report.
Monroe Doctrine.
It is 100 years since our country an
nounced the Monroe doctrine. This prin-
ciple has been ever since. and is now. one
of the main foundations of our foreign re-
'lations. 1t must be maintained. But In
maintaining 1t we must not forget that a
great chanQa IA IN MIN 20 We ~,