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

1or medical, courses at Howard Uni
versity to help contribute to the edu-
cation of 500 colored doctors needed
each year. On account OF the migra-
| ton of large numbers into industrial
centers. it has been proposed that a
commission be created. composed of
members from both races, to formu-
late better policy for mutual under
standing and confidence. Such an ef-
fort is to be commended. Everyone
would rejoice in the accomplishment
of, the results which it seeks. But it
Is well to recognize that these diff
cultfes are to large extent local
problems which must be worked out
by the mutual forbearance' ard human
kindness Of each community. Such a
method gives much more promise of a
real remedy than outside interference.
Civil Service
The maintenance! and extension of
| the classified civil service is exceed
ingly important. There are nearly
$4,000 persons in the executive civil
service drawing about $700,000,000 of
yearly compensation. Four fifths of
these are in the classified service.
This method of selection of the EN-
ployeeS of the United States is es-
pecially desirable for the Post Office
Department. The Civil Service Com
| mission has recommended that post
| masters at first, second, and third
class Offices be classified. Such ac-
ton, accompanied by repeal of the
four-year term of office, would I'M
doubtedly be an Improvement. l
also recommend that the field force
fore prohibition enforcement be
brought within the classified civil
service without covering in the pres
| ent membership. The best method
for selecting public servants is the
merit system.
Public Buildings
: Many of the departments in Wash
ington need better housing facilities.
Some are SO crowded that their work
is impeded, others are so scattered
That they lose their identity. While
l do not favor at this time a general
public building law, l believe it is
now necessary, in accordance with
plans already sanctioned for a unified
and orderly system for the develop
ment of this city, to begin the carry
ing out of those plans by authorizing
the erection of three or four build
ings most urgently needed by an an
| nual appropriation of $5.O00,O0O
Regulatory Legislation
Cooperation with other maritime
powers is necessary for complete pro-
lection Of our coast waters from pol
luton. Plans for this are under wav.
but await certain experiments for ref
use disposal. Meantime laws pro-
hlbiting spreading oil and oil refuse
from vessels in our own territorial
waters would be most helpful against
| this menace and should be speedily
enacted.
Laws should be passed regulating
aviation.
Revision is needed of the laws
regulating radio interference.
Legislation and regulations es-
tablishing load lines to provide safe
loading of vessels leaving our ports
are necessary and recodification OF
out navigation laws is vital.
Revision of procedure of the
Federal Trade Commission will give
| more constructive purpose to this
department.
III our Alaskan fisheries are to be
saved from destruction, there must
De further legislation declaring a
general policy and delegating the
authority to make rules and regula-
tons to an administrative body.
Army and Navy
For several years we have been de-
creasing the personnel of the Army
ana Navy, and reducing their power
10 the danger point. Further re-
auctions should not be made. The
army Is a guarantee, of the security
OF our citizens at home; the Navy
| Is guarantee of the security of our
citizens abroad. Both of these SER
vices should he strengthened rather
than weakened. Additional planes
are needed for the Army, and add
tlonal submarines for the NAVY
The defenses of Panama musts be
perfected. We want no more com
petltive ornaments. We want no
more war. But we want no weak
ness that invites imposition. A
people who neglect their national de-
tense are putting in jeopardy their
| national honor.
lnsu!ar Possessions
conditions in the insular posses
SONS on the Whole have been good.
Their business has been reyivine.
They are being administered accord
| ing to law. That effort has the
full support of the administration.
Such recommendations as may come
from their people or their govern
ments should have the most con-
slderate attention.
Education and Welfare
our National Government is not
DONG as much as 1t legitimately can
90 to promote the welfare of the peo-
pie. Our enormous material wealth.
our institutions, our whole form of
society. can not be considered fully
successfW until their benefits reach
.ne merit OF every individual. This
| is not a suggestion that the Gov
eminent should, or could. assume for
!. the people the inevitable burdens of
existence. There is no method by
which we can either be relieved of
the results of our own folly or be
guaranteed successful life. There
is an unacceptable personal RESPONSE
bility for the development of char
acter. of industry, of thrift. And of
self-control. These do not come from
the Government. but from the people
themselves. But the Government can
ana should be expressive of stead
last determination. always vigilant.
10 maintain conditions under which
these virtues are most likely to de-
| Velop and secure recognition and re-
ward. This is the American policy.
1t is in accordance with this prin-
ciple that we have enacted laws for
the protection of the public health
ana nave adopted prohibition in
narcotic drugs and Intoxicating LID
uors. For purposes of national uni
formity we ought to provide, by con-
stitutional amendment and appro-
Pirate legislation, for a limitation of
child labor, and in all cases under
the exclusive jurisdiction of the Fed
eral government a minimum wage
law for women, which would un-
doubtedly find sufficient power of en-
forcement in the influence of public
| opinion.
| Having in mind that. education ia
peculiarly a local problem. and that
| 1t should always be pursued with the
largest freedom of choice by students
and parents. nevertheless, the Federal