The Coconino sun., 1923-12-14

the navy. The defenses of Panama
must be perfected. We want no more
competitive armaments. We want no
more war. But we want no weakness
that invites imposition. A people who
neglect their national defense are put
ting in jeopardy their national honor.
Child Labor
For purposes of national uniform
ity we ought to provide, by constitu-
tional amendment and appropriate
legislation, for limitation Of child
labor, and in all cases under the ex-
elusive jurisdiction of the federal gov
ernment, a minimum wage law for
women, which would undoubtedly find
sufficient power for enforcement in
the influence of public opinion.
Education
Having in mind that education is
peculiarly local problem, and that
it should always be ursued with the
largest freedom of choice by students
and parents, nevertheless, the federal
government might well give the. bene-
fit Of its counsel and encouragement
more freely in this direction. If any,
one doubts he need of concerted
action bv the states Of the nation for
this purpose, it is only necessary to
consider the appalling figures of illit-
eracy representing condition which
does net vary much in all parts of the
union. I do not favor the making of
appropriations from the national
treasury to be expended directly on
local education, but / do consider it a
fundamental requirement of national
activity which, accompanied by allied
subjects Of welfare, is worthy of a
separate 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 ac-
companied by that moral power which
is the product Of the home and of re-
ligion. Real education and true well
fare for the people rest inevitably on
this foundation, which the government
can approve and commend, but which
the people themselves must create.
Immigration
American institutions rest solely
on good citizenship. They were Gre
a|ed by people who had background
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 re-
stricted immigration. 1t would be
well to make such immigration of
select:ve nature with some inspection
at the source, and based either on a
prior ceneus or upon the record Of
naturalization. Either method would
insure the admission of those with
the largest capacity and best inten-
ton of becoming citizens. am con-
yinced that our present economic and
social conditions warrant limitation
of those to be admitted. We should
find additional safety in law re-
quiring the immediate registration of
aliens. Those who do not want to be
partakers of the American spirit
ought not to settle in America.
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 service must have sufficient
hospital relief and compensation.
Their dependents must be supported.
Rehabilitation and vocational training
must be completed. All of this service
mrt;t be clean, must be prompt and
effective, and it must be administered
in a spirit of the broadest and deep
est sympathy.
The American Legion will present
to the congress legislative program
too extensive for detailed discussion
here. 1t is carefully matured plan.
While some of it / do not favor, with
much Of it / am in hearty accord, and
I recommend that most painstaking
effort be made to, provide remedies
for any defects in the administration
of the present laws which their ex-
perience has revealed. The attitude
of the government toward these pro-
rosals should be one of generosity.
But | do not favor the granting Of
bonus.
Coal
The cost of coal has become un-
bearably high. 1t places great bur
den on our industrial and domestic