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

government might well give the
benefit of its counsel and encourage
ment more freely in this direction. IL
anyone DOUBTS the need of concerted
action by the states of the nation for
TINS purpose, 1t is only necessary to
CONSIDER the appalling figures of IL
nteracy representing q condition
parts of the Union. / do not favor
the making of appropriations (rom
the National Treasury to be exiend-
ed directly on local education, but /
90 consider it fundamental require
ment or national activity which, ac-
companted by allied subjects of well
Iare, IS worthy of a separate Depart
ment and a place in the Cabinet.
The humanitarian side Of govern :
ment should not be repHessed, 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 religion. Real education and true
Wel1arc for the people rest inevitably
on this foundation, which the gov
ernment can. approve and commend,
but which the people themselves must
create.
immigration
American insttutiQNs rest solely
on good citizenship. They were
created by people who had a back
ground Of self government New
arrivals should be limited to our ca
pacity to absorb them into the ranks
OF good citizenship. America must
be kept American. For this purpose,
IL is necessary to continue a policy
of restricted immigration. 1t would
be well to make such immigration of
selective nature with some inspec-
ton at the source, and based either
on prior census or upon the record
OF naturalization. Either method
would insure the admission of those
with the largest capacity and best in
tention of becoming citizens. I am
convinced that our present economic
and social conditions warrant limi-
tation of those to be admitted. We
should find additional safety in law
requiring the immediate registration
of all 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 vet
Grams. Those suffering disabilities
lily VI wv III tIt oti i've
sufficient hospital relief and compen-
sation Their dependents must be
supported. Rehabilitation and voca-
tienal training must. be completed.
All of this service must be clean.
must be prompt and effective, and it
must be administered in spirit Of
the broadcast and deepest human SYM
pathy. If investigation reveals any
present defects of administration or
need of legislation. orders will be
given for the immediate correction of
administration and recommendations
for legislation should he given the
highest preference.
At present there are $500 vacant
beds in government hospitals.
recommend that all hospitals be au-
thorized at once to receive and care
for, without hospital pay, the veterans
OF all wars needing such care. when
ever there are vacant beds. and that
immediat, steps be taken to enlarge
and build new hospitals to serve all
such cases.
The American Legion will present
to the Congress a legislative pro-
gram too extensive for detailed dis
cussion here 1t is a carefully ma
turcd plan. While some of it | do not
favor. with much of it | am in hearty
accord. and I recommend that a most
pafnstaking effort he made to provide
remedies for any defects in the ad-
ministration of the present laws
which their experience has revealed.
The attitude of the government to-
ward these proposals should be one
of generosity. But do not favor the
granting of bonus.
Ccal
I,
hearably high. 1t places great bur
den on our industrial and domestic
life. The public welfare requires a
reduction 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 I'M
dertake it's reform and free it from
any charge of profiteering.
The report of the Coal Commission
will be before the Congress. 1t COM
prises all the facts. 1t represents
the mature deliberations and conclu-
sions of the best talent and exper-
fence that ever made n national sur
vey of the production and distribution
of fuel. | do not favor government
ownership or operation of coal mines.
The need is for acton under private
ownership that will secure greater
continuity of production and greater
public protection. The Federal gov
eminent probably has no peace time
authority to regulate wages. prices,
or profits in coal at the mines or
among dealers. hut hv ascertaining
and publishing facts it can exercise
great influence. !
The source of the difficulty in the
bituminous coal fields is the inter
mittence of operation which causes
great waste of both capitol and labor.
That part of the report dealing with
this problem has much significance.
and is suggestive of necessary RENE
dies BY amending the car rules, by
encouraging greater unity of owner
ship, and possibly by permitting COM
mon selling agents for limited dis
trictS on condition that they accept
adequate. regulations and guarantee
that competition between districts be
unlimited, distribution. storage. and
continuity ought to be improved.
Tho supply Of coal must he con-
slant In case Of it's prosnective in
corruption. the President should have
authority to appoint n commission
empowered tn Zeal with whatever
emergency situation miGrt arise. to
aid cancellation and voluntary arbi-
tration, to adjust any existing or
threatened controversy between the
emplover and the emhlovee when
collective boreairinr fails, and nv
controlling distribution to prevent
nroflteerirg in this vital necessitr.
This legislation is exceedingly URGENT,
end essential to the exercise Of ma
tional authority for tho protection of
the peonle. Those who undertake the
responsibility of manaGerncrt or en-
nloyment in this industry % so with
the full knowledge that the rrhlic
interest IS paramount. anil that TO
fail through anv motive Of selfish
ness in its service is such 4 BETRAYAL