Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

the platform on which president
Coolidge will seek reelection next
scar will be found in his message.
the timber is there, sound, seasoned
apd admirably put together. It will
bear the weight of congressional hard
usage and yet be firm in principle
1mpressively expressed. 1t Is q
strong, convincing, logical statement
that does credit to Mr.. Coolidge, Of
whom much was expected. The poll
eies therein ayowed are in keeping
with the obligations which have fall
On to his lot. After the people have
had opportunity to consider the mes
sage their support will be sought.
They will have time to think it over.
10 make comparisons and we have
faith to believe will approve 1t by a
good majority.
At this time, when the news from
across the water feature in the
newspapers, when we are being &C
eused of selfish isolation, of evasion
and uncertainty, the President states
his position so that none may mis-
understand, none may have excuse
for further conjecture concerning
the foreign policy Of the Coolidge Ad-
ministration. We all know that the
eountry did not favor ratification of
the League of Nations, and the Presi-
dent adds: Il am not proposing any
change in this policy" OF the World
Court the terse expressiveness so
characteristic of his words leaves no
room for doubt: "Ths is not par
tisan question. 1t should not assume
m artificial Importance. The court
u merely a convenient instrument of
adjustment to which we could so, but
10 which we could not be brought. 1t
should be discussed with entire can
dor, not by a political but by a judi
cial method, without pressure and
without prejudice. Partisanship has
no place in our foreign relations. AS
wish to see court established, and
rs the proposal presents the only
practical plan on which many nations
have ever agreed, though it may not
meet every desire, l therefore COM
mend it to the favorable considera-
ton of the Senate, with the proposed
reservations clearly indicating our
eefusal to adhere to the League Of
Nations"
Eminently sensible, fair and inyit-
ing sane conclusions. Compare 1t
with that proposed by opponents and
take your choice.
The President Is aware of the
enormous pressure for favors which
will he brought to bear on Congress
approaching a congressional election.
Those of the federal employees who
would be deprived of a government
job if the budget policy be consis
tently carried out all have friends
may he expected to exhibit any
shrinking modesty in presenting their
claims or in magnifying their politi-
cal influence. All sorts of promises
VIII pc Ilduc, diIeduy are UclIlS luduCs
We are told that taxes may be re-
duced and money spent for this or
that, told so by persons who are not
under obligations to verify their
statements. The President bases his
conclusions on the findings Of the
secretary of the treasury who is UNI
der obligation to tell the truth and
who knows whereof he speaks.
Financial stability is the first req
, quisite of sound government" In
disputable. This is being accom-
plished by drastic but orderly re-
trenchment. which Is bringing our
expenses within our means. The
origin of this has been the American
people, the main support has been
the courage of those in authority, and
the effective method has been the
budget system" True, every word
of it, and we must not forget 1t, as
SO many would like to have us do.
4 big fight is coming on this very
matter. The country should be
thankful that it has at the head of
. Ats administrative affairs q man who
dares to tell the truth and support
those who do, who does not attempt
to- ride two horses going in opposite
directions. Candidates who attempt
that feat are better fitted for a circus
than for the executive chair at Wash
mgton.
So we might take up one by one
the recommendations of that mes
sage, but they are so clearly stated.
they may so readily be understood
by all intelligent people, the message
is so short, so concise it should be
read by all who are able to read the
English language, and, If read, the
average person should have little
dihculty in comprehending. A
President thinking rather of his own
political fortunes than of the country
to the leadership of which he has
been called by destiny might bubble
over the bonus, might hesitate to say
that the field force for prohibition en-
forcement "be brought within the
classified civil service without cover
ang in the present membership" bu,
mot so President Coolidge and we re.
i. ooice that he is that type of Presi.
cent. We do not expect to be alone
IN this impression of hs service Of
ARich he is capable, -