The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04

policy should be constantly kept in mind by the guiding forces of the army and navy, by congress and by the country at large. believe it holds a promise of great benefit to humanity. shall resist any attempt to resort to the old meth- ods and the old standards. am espe- cially solicitous that foreign nations should comprehend the candor and sin cerity with whcih we have adopted this position. While we propose to main- tain defensive and supplementary po- lice forces by land and sea, and to train them through inspections and maneuvers upon appropriate occasions in order to maintain their efficiency, I wish every other nation to understand that this does not express any unfriendIi- ness or convey and hostile intent. I want the armed forces of America to be considered by all peoples not as enemies but as friends, as the con- tribution which is made by this country, for the maintenance of the peace and security of the world.
 Veterans
 With the authorization for general disqualification of the veterans of all wars provided during the present year, the care and treatment of those who have served their country in time of peril and the attitude of the govern ment toward them is not now so much one of needed legislation as one of care- full, generous and humane administra- tion. It will ever be recognized that their welfare is of the first concern and always entitled to the most solici- tous consideration on the part of their fellow citizens. They are organized in various associations, of which the chief and most representative is the Amer ican Legion. Through it's officers the legion will present to the congress numerous suggestions for legislation. They cover such wide variety of sub- Jects that it is impossible to discuss them within the scope of this message. With many of the proposals I join in hearty approval and commend them all to the sympathetic investigation and consideration of congress.
 Foreign Relations
 At no period in the past 12 years have our foreign relations been in such a satisfactory condition as they are at the present time. Our actions in the recent months have greatly strengthened the American policy of permanent peace with independence. The attitude which our government took and maintained to- ward an adjustment of European separations, by pointing out that it was not political but business prob lem, has demonstrated it's wisdom by its actual results. We desire to see Europe restored that it may resume its productivity in the increase of industry md sfc. fh. <Ne civilization. We look with great srati- fication at the hopeful prospect of re- cuperation in Europe through the Dawes plan. Such assistance as can be given through the action of the public authorities and of our private citizens, through friendly counsel and cooperation, and through economic and financial support, not for any warlike effort but for reproductive enterprise, not to provide means for unsound gov ernment financing but to establish sound business administration, should be un- hesitatingly provided.
 Ultimately nations. like indi- viduals, can not depend upon each other but must depend upon them-
 selves. Each one must work out its own salvation. We have every de- sire to help. But with all our re- sources we are powerless to save unless our efforts meet with con- structive response. The situation in | our own country and all over the
 world is one that can be improved only by hard work and self.denial. It is necessary to reduce expendi-
 lures, increase savings and liquid
 ate debts. It Is in this direction that there lies the greatest hope of
 domestic tranquility and inter.
 national peace. Our own country ought to furnish the leading ex-
 ample in this effort. Our past ad- horence to this policy, our constant refusal to maintain military
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