The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-07
lpon Congress By President Zn First M

has expended many million dollars. The work is still going on. Subject to the right to retake in time of war. I recommend that this property with location for auxiliary steam plant and rights-of-way be sold. This would end the present burden of expense and should return to the treasury the largest price possible to secure.
 While the price is an important element, there is another considera- tion even more compelling. The ag- riculture of the nation needs a greater supply and lower cost of fertilizer. This is now imported in large quantities. The best informa- tion I can secure indicates that pres ent methods of power production would not be able profitably to mes'. the price at which these imports eau be sold. To obtain a supply from this water power would require long and costly experimentation to perfect a process for cheap production. 9th erwise our purpose would fail com pletely. It seems desirable. there fore, in order to protect and pro- mote the public welfare, to have adequate covenants that such experi- mentation be made and carried on to success. The great advantage of low-priced nitrates must be secured for the direct benefit of the farmers and the indirect benefit of the pub lie in time of peace and of the gov ernment in time of war. If this main object be accomplished, the amount of money received for the property Is not primary or major considera- tion.
 Such solution will involve com plieated negotiations, and there is no authority for that purpose. 1 therefore recommend that the Con gress appoint small joint commit tee to consider offers, conduct nego- tiations, and report definite recom- mendations.
 Reclamation.
 By reason of many contributing causes, occupants of our reclamation projects are in financial difficulties, which in some cases are acute, Re lief should be granted by definite at thority of law empowering the Sec retary of the Interior in his discre- tion to suspend readjust and re assess all charges against water users. This whole question is being considered by experts. You will have the advantage of the facts ant conclusions which they may develop This situation, involving govern ment investme of more than $l35,- 100000, and affecting more than 5o,- 900 water users, is serious. While relief which is necessary should be granted, yet contracts with the gov ernment which can be met should be met. The established general policy of these projects should not be aban- doned for any private control
 Highways And Forests.
 Highways and reforestation should continue to have the interest and sup port of the government. Everyone is anxious for good highways. l have made a liberal proposal in the budget for the continuing payment to the states by the federal government Of its share for this necessary public improvement. No expenditure or public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads.
 Reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually se- cures A special committee of the Senate is Investigating this need. and I shall welcome a constructive policy based on their report.
 It is 100 years since our country announced the Monroe doctrine. This principle has been ever since, and is now one of the main foundations of our foreign relations. It must be maintained But in maintaining 1t we must not be forgetful that great change has taken place. We are no longer a weak nation, thinking main ly of defense, dreading foreign im- position. We are great and powerful. New powers bring new responsibili- ties. Our duty then was to protect ourselves. Added to that, our duty now is to help give stability to the world. We want idealisn-. We want that vision which lifts men and na- tions above themselves. These are virtues by reason of their own merit. But they must not be cloistered; they must not be impractical;. they must not be ineffective.
 The world has had enough of the curse of hatred and selfishness, Of destruction and war. It has had enough of the wrongful use of ma terial power. For the healing of the nations there must be good will and charity, confidence and peace. The time has come for a more practical use of moral power, and more re- liance upon the principle that right makes it's own might. Our authority among the nationsE must be repre- sented by justice and mercy. It Is necessary not only to have faith, but to make sacrifices for our faith. The spiritual forces of the world make all its final determinations. It Is with these voices that America should speak. Whenever they de- clare & righteous purpose there need be no doubt that they will be heard. America has taken her place in the world as republic-free. independ- ent, powerful. The best service that can be rendered to humanity Is the assurance that this place will be maintained.