Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-12-13


Of rharart4r 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
determination. always vigilant to MAIN
tain conditions under which these vir-
tues are most likely to develop and se-
cure recognition and reward. This 10
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.
pae op of eSa
labor. and in all cases under the ex-
elusive jurisdiction OF the federal gov
eminent 9 minimum wage law for WON
Gent power of enforcement In the in-
fiuence OF public opinion.
immigration.
American institutions rest solely on
good citi5 tier They were created ss ~
government New arrivals should be lirn-
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 policy OF
restricted immigration. 1t would be we'll
to make such immigration OF sslactive
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
be supported Rehabilitation and voca-
tional training must be completed. All
of this service must be clean, must be
prompt and effective. and It must be ads
deepest human sympathy. II investiga-
ton reveals any present defects OF adj
ministration or need OF legislation. orders
ton Of administration, and recommends
tons for legislation should be given the
highest preference, But do not favor
the granting Of a bonus
The cost of coal has become unbear-
ably high. 1t places great burden
on our industrial and domestic life.
The public welfare requires reduce
enormous deposits in existence failure
Those responsible for the conditions IN
tnis INDUSTRY SHOULD undertake .s It's re- e,
profiteering.
The report OF the coal commission
will be before the congress. 1t COM
prises all the facts. 1t represents tho
mature deliberations and conclusions
OF the best talent and experience that
ever made national survey of he
do not favor government ownership or
operation of coal mines The need is
for action under private ownership that
wiz secure. greater continuity Of pro-
duction and greater public protection.
Reorganization.
A special joint committee has beNn
appointed to work out plan for re-
organization OF the different Depart
ments and bureaus of the government
more scientific and economical than tho
present system. With the exception OF
the consolidation OF the War and Navy
departments and some minor details,
the plan has the general sanction Ok
the President and the cabinet II Ii
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 extraordinary
revival. Looked at as q whole. the
nbe and
merce are thriving. For the most part
agriculture Is successful. eleven staples
having risen in value from about So
| 300,000.000 two years ago to about ST.
| 100000, 900 for the current year But
| range cattle are still low in price. and
| some sections of the wheat area, not
| west, have many cases of actual dis
| tress. With his products not selling
on q parity with the products OF in
be devised should be applied for the
relief of the farmer
The 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-
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
any permanent value in establishing ag-
ricuture Simple and direct methods put
into operation by the farmer himself are
the only real sources Tor restoration.
Muscle Shoals.
The government is undertaking to de-
velop great water power project known
as Muscle Shoals, on which it has ex-
Is stii i going on. Subject beet 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 bur-
| den Of expense and should return to the
| treasury the largest price possible to So
| cure.
Reclamation.
| BY reason OF many contributing causes,
| occupants of our reclamation projects are
! In financial difficulties. which in some
| cases are acute Relief should be granted
| the secretary Of the interior in his dis
| erection to suspend readtust, and reassess
| all charges against Water users. This
whole question is being considered by ex-
| perts.
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 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 the
national wealth as for building good
1 roads
Reforestation has an Importance far
| above the attention It usually secures A
| special committee OF the senate Ii in
| vestigating this need. and shall well
| come constructive policy based on
| their report
| Monroe Doctrine.
It IL 100 years since our country an
nounced the Monroe doctrine. This prin-
ciple has been ever since. and Ia now one
/ Of the main foundations Of our foreign re-
lations. 1t must be maintained. But in
| maintaining 1t we must not forget that u
| great change has taken place. We are NO
| longer a weak nation, thinking mainly OF
defense, dreading foreign imposition. We
are great and powerful. New powers
bring new responsibilities. Our duty then
|