The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-10-09
Stresses Economy in Govern
ment and FavOrs CONSUMPTION
Of Wealth for War

the people of the nation as well. Both
those who heard and those who read
the presidents speech are firmly con-
vineed that he has given much thought
to the welfare Of the nation and that
he entertains a hope that Americas
example to the rest of the world will
prove Of much benefit to mankind
universally Important programs for
the advancement Of our people are
shown to have been carried to sue
eessful conclusions, while other sug-
gestions which, if followed, would
bring additional happiness and pros
perity to the country, we're made. ...
Primary National Duty
Speaking Of matters affecting our
own welfare and domestic problems
which resulted from the war, Mr..
Coolidge said that the chief Of these
was the care and relief Of the af-
ficted and their dependents. He said
that this is a tremendous task, on
which about three billion dollars has
already been expended.
Touching upon the next most pres
sing problem, VIZ, the better ordering
of the finances Of the nation, the
president said:
"Our government was costing al
most more than it was worth. It
had more people on the pay roll than
we're necessary, all Of which had
made expenses too much and taxes
too high" He said that government
expenditures have been almost cut IN
two; that taxes have been reduced,
and that the incoming congress will
provide further reductions.
The Road to Peace
Regarding disarmament, the presi-
dent was equally explicit. "We have
been attempting to relieve ourselves
and other nations from the old theory
Of competitive ornaments. In spite
of all the arguments in favor Of
great military forces, no nation ever
had an army large enough to guaran-
tee it against attack in time Of peace
OF to insure its victory in time Of
war. No nation ever viii. Peace and
security are more likely to result
from fair and honorable dealings, and
mutual agreements for a limitation
of ornaments among nations, than by
any attempt at competition in squad
rons and battaliOns. No doubt this
country could, if it wished to spend
more money, make a better military
force, but that is only part Of the
problem which c%onfronts our govern
ment. The real question is whether
spending more money to make a bet
ter military force would really make
a better country.
II would be the last to disparag'
the military art. It is All honorable
and patriotic calling Of the highes
rank. But I can see no merit in an
unnecessary expenditure Of none!
to hire men to build fleets and carr,
muskets when international relation
and agreements permit the turing o
such resources into the making 0
good roads, the building of bette
homes, the promotion Of education
and all the ether arts Of peace whic
minister to the advancement Of huma
welfare. Happily, the position Of OF
country is such among the other ne
lions of the world that we have bee
and shall be warranted in prOceedin
in this direction. Our people hay
had all the war, all the taxation, an
all the military service that they wan
They have therefore wished to en-
phasize their attachment to our al
cient policy Of peace. They have il
sisted upon economy. They have sul
ported the principle of limitation
ornaments"
Civil Authority Supreme
In speaking Of military problem
the president pointed out that the
is one principle exceedingly impC
tant, and that is that cur institutiO
are founded not on military pow'
but on civil authority; that we are
r~evocably committed to the theory
a government by the people; TIL
while we have our constitution and o
laws, our executives, our legislaturl
and our courts, ultimately we
governed by public opinion. Spea
ing Of m~ilitarism, Nh. Coolidge sa'
'Whenever the military pow
starts debating to the civil authD
ity, by whatsoever means adopted, {
liberties Of the country r beg.
ming to end. National defense sho'
at all times be supported, but a
form Of militarism should be resiste
To C0nscript Wealth
In regard to the matter Of natiol
defense the chief executive said u
one Of the most important provisi'
in the preparation fer national
tense is a proper and sound select
service act. He said that such q
ought to give authority for 9 Y
broad mobilization Of all the resour
Of the country, both persons and =
t~erials, and that there is little
Tense which san be made Of 2 syst
which puts some men ia the ral
on very small pay and leaves 9th