Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-12-13


dividual This is not a suggestion that
the government should, or could, assume
for the people the inevitable burdens OF
existence. This is no method by which
we can either be relieved OF the results
of our own folly or be guaranteed a SIC
cessful life There is an unacceptable par-.
sonal responsibility for the developmel
of character, of industry, of thrift ald
of self-control. These do not come from
the government. but from the people
themselves. But the government can ard
should always be expressive of SteadfaSt
determination, always vigilant, to MANI
tain conditions under which these vir-
tues are most likely to develop and Sc
cure recognition and reward. This is
the American policy.
It 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,
by constitutional amendment and appro-
pirate legislation, for limitation of child
labor, and in all cases under the ex-
elusive jurisdiction of the federal gov
eminent a minimum wage law for wom-
en-. which would undoubtedly find suff1-
cient power of enforcement in the in
fluence of public opinion.
immigration.
American institutions rest solely on
good citizenship. They were created by
people who had a background of self
government. New arrivals should be linn
tied 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
nature with some inspection at the source,
and based either on a prior census or
upon the record of naturalization
Veterans.
No more important duty falls on the
government of the United States than the
r1k1xa tn rNf fnTpr GO
suffering disabilities incurred in the serv-
ice must have sufficient hospital relief
and compensation Their dependents must
be supported Rehabilitation and Voca-
tionaI training must be completed. All
of this service must be clean, must be
prompt and effective, and it must be adj
ministered in spirit of the broadcast and
deepest human sympathy. If investiga-
ton reveals any present defects of adj
ministration or need of legislation, orders
will be given for the immediate correc-
tons for legislation should be given the
highest preference But do not favor
the granting of a bonus.
Coal.
The cost of coal has become unbear-
ably high. 1t places a great burden
on our Industrial and domestic life.
The public welfare requires reduc-
ton in the price of fuel. With the
enormous deposits in existence, failure
of supply ought not to be tolerated
Those responsible for the conditions in
this industry should undertake it's re-
form and free 1T from any charge of
prOfiteering u
The report of the coal commission
will be before the congress. It COM
prises all the facts. 1t represents the
mature deliberations and conclusions
Of the best talent and experience that
ever made a national survey of the
production and distribution of fuel /
do not favor government ownership or
operation of coal mines. The need is
fA7 fiFNHa to h hot
will secure greater continuity of pros
duction and greater public protection.
Reorganization.
A special joint committee has been
appointed to work out plan for a re-
organization of the different depart
more scientific and economical than the
present system With the exception of
the consolidation of the War and Navy
departments and some minor details,
the plan has the general sanction of
the President and the cabinet. 1t is
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 a whole, the.
nation is in the enjoyment of remark.
able prosperity. Industry and COM.
merce are thriving. For the most part
agriculture is successful eleven staples
having risen in value from about $751;
800 900 two years ago to about ST.,
900 100000 for the current year. But
range cattle are still low in price. and
some sections of the wheat area. not
ably Minnesota. North Dakota, and on
west. have many cases of actual dis
on nis pnoaupls o 81 fn
.1..sesy,. every sound remedy that can
relief of the farmer. He represents a
character. a type of citizenship and
a public necessity that must be pre-
served and afforded every facility for
regaining prosperity
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-
titfon in the world market of large
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
riculture. Simple and direct methods put
into operation by the farmer himself are
the only real sources for restoration.
Muscle Shoals.
The government is undertaking to de-
velop great water power project known
as Muscle Shoals, on which it has ex-
pended many million dollars. The work
is still going on. Subject to the right
to retake in time of war, / 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 Sc
cure.
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 a liberal
proposal in the budget for the continuing
payment to the states by the federal gov
eminent of it share for this necessary
| public Improvement No expenditure of
| public money contributes so much to the
national wealth as for building good
| roads.
Reforestation has an Importance far
] above the attention it usually secures A
| special committee of the senate is in
vestigating this need. and I shall well
come a constructive policy based on
| their report.
Monroe Doctrine.
1t is 100 years since our country an
nounced the Monroe doctrine. This prin-
| ciple has been ever since. and is now, one
! of the main foundations of our foreign re-
/ lationS. 1t must be maintained But in
| maintaining it we must not forget that a
i 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
was to protect ourselves. Added to that,
our duty now is to help give stability to
4 the world We want idealism. We want
/ that vision which lifts men and nations
above themselves. These are virtues by
reason of their own merit. But they must
not be clustered; they must not be i'm
practical; they must not be ineffective.
America has taken her place in the world
j as a republic-free, independent power
! host thof - \