Evening star., 1924-12-03

latter, however, he makes it clear,
cannot be undertaken until the repara-
tfons plan has been carried out in
Europe and settled policy created
In that continent. Further, IL will be
necessary to wait until the European
conference, initiated by the League of
Nations. has been held. The President
makes 1t very clear that the United
States Government Is not to be Off
cially represented in that conference.
In another part of his message, the
President says:
II want the armed forces of the
United States to be considered by all
peoples not as enemies, but as friends,
as the contribution which Is made by
this country for the maintenance of
the peace and security of the world"
While declaring his belief in the
Army and Navy and in adequate de-
fense and preparation, the President
says:
But I am opposed to any policy of
competition in building or maintaining
land or sea armaments."
He makes it clear that he does not
intend to be stampeded into engaging
in competitive armaments by reports
of the magnitude of the military
strength of other nations.
The President indicates. however,
that the Army and Navy are not neg
lecting the proper problems of ma
tional defense. He has praise for the
aviation services, commentator for
the defense test of the Army General
staff, made September IL last. He
promises the Navy shall work toward
it's full strength under the naval limi-
tatlon treaty, and calls attention TO
the fact that efforts are being made
to conserve the fuel oil supply for the
Navy.
His program OF legislation for the
most part Is limited to projects al
ready advanced. including tho con-
solidation of the railroads into larger
systems, the reorganization of the
Government departments, the anti
lynching bill, reclamation legislation,
the sale or lease of the Muscle Shoals
plant for the fixation of atmospheric
nitrogen and the extension of the life
OF the Foreign Debt Funding Commits
sion.
The provision of the new revenue
law for publicity of income tax re-
turns the President strongly recon-
mends be repealed. It's continuation,
he says, would lie detrimental to the
public welfare and bound to decrease
public revenues. This recomm enda-
tion Of the President will receive
strong support among many members
Of Congress, hut will he so stoutiy
resisted that there is grave doubt as
to & repeal at this time, at least.
Discusses Ship Board.
a new legislative recommendation,
which conforms with the Presidents
effort 10 solve the administrative
problem of the Government merchant
vessels is contained in his discussion
cf the Shipping Board He proposes
that steps he taken to transfer from
the board 10 the Emergency Fleet
Corporation the whole responsibility
of operation of the merchant fleet
and other property. He would leave
to the Shipping Board solely the duty
Of determining certain major poll
cies, requiring deliberatiye acton, and
regulation of rates Apparently the
President has recognized that leEis-
lative action in this matter is neces
saTy, although a enforcement of the
operation OF the fleet from the board
has been attempted during the past
year under kind of working agree
ment between the board and fleet
corporation.
His recommend tion of legislation
regarding the farmer the President
announces he will send to Congress
after the agricultural conference, re-
Gently convened by him, has made
its report TO him.
Opposes Price Fixing.
In time for action at this ses-
sion, I hope TO report to the Con-
gress such legislative remedies as the
conference may recommend" says
the President, who rejoices that dur
ginning of a restoration Of agricUl-
ture to a prosperous condition." He
declares against attempt to bring
prosperity to the farmer or any one
else through governmental price fix
ing. But he pledges the Government
to work toward a permanent estab-
lishment Of agriculture on a sound
and equal basis with other business"
Tho value of tho crop this year the
President estimates at $4,000. GOO. 600,
an increase Of over $4,000, GOO, 900 in
thr e years. The country, he says.