Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-12-06
COMPLETE TEXT OF The PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

ton that the government should,
or could, assume for the people h
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
a successful life. There is an in
escapable personal responsibility for
the development of character, of in
dustry, of thrift, and of ~self-control.
These do not come from the govern
ment, but from the people them
selves. But the government can and
should always be expressive of stead
fast determination, always vigilant,
to 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 and have adopted prohibit
ton in narcotic drugs and intoxicat-
ing liquors. For purposes of nation
| al uniformity we ought to provide,
by constitutional amendment and
appropriate legislation, for a limi-
tation of child labor, and in all
cases under the exclusive jurisdic-
ton of the federal government, a
minimum wage law for women,
which would undoubtedly find suf-
fieient power of enforcement in the
influence of public opinion.
Having in mind hat education is
peculiarly a local problem, and that
it should always be pursued with the
largest freedom of choice by stu
dents and parents, nevertheless, the
federal government might well give
he benefit of its counsel and en-
enlargement more freely in this di-
rection. If anyone doubts the need
of concerted action by the states of
the nation for this purpose, it is only
necessary to consider the appalling
figures of illiteracy representing a
condition which does not vary much
in all parts of the union. I do not
favor the making of appropriations
from the national treasury to be ex-
pended directly on local education,
but L do consider 1t a fundamental
requirement of national activity
which, accompanied by allied sub
Jects of welfare, is worthy of a sep
arate department and a place in the
cabinet. The humanitarian side of
government should not be repressed
but should be cultivated.
Mere intelligence, however is not
enough. Enlightenment must be
accompanied by that moral power
which is the product of the home
and of religion. Real education and
true welfare for the people rest in
evitably on this foundation which
the government can approve and
commend. but which the people
themselves must create,
immigration
h-a-r,a,. ..-a...L. /
on good citizenship. They were
created by people who's had a back
ground of self-government. New
arrivals should be limited to our
capacity to absorb them into the
ranks of good citizenship, America
must be kept American. For this
purpose, it is necessary to continue !
a policy of restricted immigration.
1t would be well to make such i'm
migration of a selective nature with
some inspection at the source, and
based either on a prior census or
Upon the record of naturalization.
Either method would insure the adj
mission of those with the largest
capacity and best intention of be-
coming citizens. ] am convinced
that our present economic and social
conditions warrant a limitation of
those to be admitted. We should
find additional safety in a law re-
curing the immediate registration
OF all aliens. Those who do not
want to be p%artakers of the Ameri-
can spirit ought not to settle in
America.
Veterans
No more important duty falls on
the government of the United States
imam the adequate care of it's vet
erans. Those suffering disabilities
incurred in the service must have
sufhclent hospital relief and COM
~pensation. Their dependents must
be supported. Rehabilitation and
vocational training must be COM
pleted. All of this service must be
clean, u be prompt and effective,
ana 1t must be administered in a
spirit of the broadcast and deepest
human sympathy. If investigation
reveals n present defects of adj
mlnlstratlon or need of legislation.
orders will be given for the imme-
dlate correction of administration.
and recommendations for legislation
should be given the highest prefer
ence.
AT present there are $500 vacant
beds in government hospitals. rec
ommend that all hospitals be an
lhorlzed at once to receive and care
Tor, without hospital pay, the vet
efans of all wars needing such care.
whenever there are vacant beds. and
that immediate steps be taken TO en-
large and build new hospitals TO
serve all such cases.
The American Legion will present
to the congress a legislative program
TOO extensive for detailed discussion
here. 1t Is a carefully matured plan.
While some of it l do not favor, with
much of it / am in hearty accord
and l recommend that a most pains
taxing effort be made to provide
remedies for any defects in the adj
m~lnlstratlon of the present laws
which their experience has revealed.
The attitude of the government to-
ward these proposals should be one
OF generosity. But l do not favor
the granting of a bonus.
Coal
The cost of coal has become I'M
~bearably high. 1t places a great
burden on our industrial and domes-
tic life. The public welfare REQUIRES (
a reduction in the price of fuel.
With the enormous deposits in exist
ence, failure of supply ought not to
be tolerated. Those responsible for
the conditions in this industry should
undertake its reform and free IL
from any charge of profiteering.
The report of the coal commission
Will be before the congress. 1t COM
prises all the facts. 1t represents
fha anFrYHA 1zIst.--