Roanoke Rapids herald., 1923-12-14
NEWS REVIEW Of
CURRENT EVENTS
Coolidge in First Message Favors
Tax Reduction, Opposes SOL
dierS' Bonus.
TORIES LOSE IN ENGLAND
By EDWARD W. PIcKARD

BY EDWARD W. PlCkARD
n UR national legislative mill re-
" opened on Monday when the Six
ty-eighth congress began its first ses-
sion. Plenty of grist will be poured
into its hoppers, but few If any laws
will be ground out for several weeks.
So slender is the present Republican
majority that the group of progress
sives was able to block the organiza-
tion of the house until assurance had
been given that there would be oppor-
tunity for revision of the rules. Most
OF the group theyeupon voted for the
reelection of Speaker Gillett and the
deadlock was ended. This took place
on Wednesday, and the next day Presi-
dent Coolidge delivered in person his
first message to the two houses
Clearly and concisely, the President
declared himself in favor Of continu
ing our present foreign policy and
therefore against the ratification of
the covenant of the League of Ma
tions. Said he: "The league exists
as foreign agency. We hope 1t will
be helpful. But the United States
sees no reason to limit its own free
dom and independence of action by
Joining it. We shall do well to recog
nize this basic fact in all national af-
fairs and govern ourselves accord
ingly."
OF the closely related question of
American membership In the world
court he said: "As l wish to see
court established, and as the proposal
presents the only practical plan on
which many nations have ever agreed,
though 1t may not meet every desire,
/ therefore commend 1t to the favor
able consideration of the senate. with
the proposed reservations clearly in
dicating our refusal to adhere to the
League of Nations"
Expressing earnest hope that the
people of Russia will be restored to
their position among the nations of
the earth. Mr.. Coolidge declared fatty
that the soviet government would not
be recognized by the United States so
long as 1t refuses to recognize the
sanctity Of international relations. but
he said he was willing to make large
concessions. and that our government
would offer no objection to the carry
Ing on of commerce by Americans with
the people of Russia. Concerning the
war debts owed us by other nations,
he said he did not favor their cancel
lation, but saw no objection to adjust
ing them as was done In the case Of
Great Britain.
Continuation of the policy of re-
trenchment and economy by the gov
ernment was strongly urged. and SO
was the abolition of the right to issue
tax-exempt securities. The President
asked congress to avoid constant re-
vising of the tariff law, promising to
exercise his power to change the
schedules whenever investigation
showed this to be wise.
As had been predicted, the Presi-
dent whole-heartedly supported Secre-
tary MELONS recommendations for the
reduction of taxes, saying that "of all
services which the congress can rem
der to the country, l have no hesita-
tion In declaring this one to be para
mount" He especially commended
decrease on earned incomes and
further abolition Of admission and
message taxes. He also expressed op-
position to excess-profits taxes
After hearing this, congress waited
. expectantly for the part Of the mes
sage dealing with the care Of the vet
erans of the World war, and was not
surprised when Mr.. Coolidge closed
that section with the words: II do
not favor the granting Of bonus"
However. he declared himself in favor
Of much of the legislative program
which the American Legion will pre-
sent to congress.
Taking up the troubles OF the wheat
farmers. Mr.. Coolidge said:
Indirectly. the farmer must be re-
lieved by a reduction Of national and
local taxation. He must be assisted