The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1925-12-10

America are held by their fellow cltl'
zens. It is but necessary to remember
that the current budget calls for an
expenditure Of about S650,00O,0OO In
their behalf.
Agriculture.
No doubt the position of agriculture
as a whole has very much improved
since the depression of three n TOUR
years ago. But there are many local.
tiles and many groups of individuals,
apparently through no fault of thel
own, sometimes due to climatic CON
ditions and sometimes to the prevail
ing price of a certain crop, still In a
distressing condition. This is prob
ably temporary, but it is none the less
acute. National government agencies,
the Departments of Agriculture n
Commerce, the farm loan board, the
intermediate credit banks, n the
federal reserve board are all cooper
ating to be of assistance and relief.
On the other hand, there are local.
ties and individuals who have had one
of their most prosperous years.
Muscle Shoals.
The problem of Muscle Shoals seems
to me to have assumed a place all
out Of proportion with its real .impor-
lance. This property ought to be
transferred to private management I'M
der conditions which will dedicate IL
to the public purpose for which 1t was
conceived.
Reclamation.
The national government is commit
ted to a policy Of reclamation and IT.
rigation which 1t desires to establish
on a sound basis and continue in the
interest Of the localities concerned.
Shipping.
The maintenance of a merchant ma
rine is of the utmost Importance for
national defense and the service OF
our commerce. We have a large num-
Der of ships engaged in that service.
We also have a surplus supply, costly
to care for, which ought to be sold.
Coal.
The perennial conflict in the coal in
dustry is still going on to the great
detriment of the wage earners, the
owners, and especially to the public.
The industry could serve the public
much better and become subject to a
much more effective method of control
f regional consultations and more
freedom in the formation of market
ne associations, under the supervision
# the Department of Commerce, were
permitted.
Prohibition.
Under the orderly processes OF our
fundamental institutions the Constl-
.ution was lately amended providing
or national prohibition. The congress
passed an act for its enforcement, and
imilar acts have been provided by
most Of the states. 1t is the law OF
he land. 1t is the duty of all who
ONE under it's jurisdiction to observe
he spirit of that law. and it is the
uty of the Department of Justice and
he Treasury department to enforce 1t
Waterway Development.
For many years our country has
cen employed in plans and opera :
ions for the development of our In
racoastal and inland waterways. This
,ork along our coast is an important
diunct to our commerce. 1t will be I
arried on. together with the further c
up of our harbors, as our ]
asources permit.
Along with the development of navl' {
alton should go every possible en- /
Ouragement for the development OF :
ur water power. 4
Railroads. (
The railroads throughout the coun 9
are in a fair state Of prosperity 4
heir service is good and their supply :
E cars is abundant. Their condition
ould be improved and the public bet Z
served by a system of consolida 9
ons. l recommend that the congress Y
lthorize such consultations. {
Civil Service. !
In 1883 the congress passed the z
vii service act, which from a modest Q
eginning of l4,OUU employees mas Y
until there are 10Y 425,GO0 IL Z
classified service. This has re y
owed the clerical force of the natior z
the w~asteful effects of the =
,oils system and made it more stable b
Id efficient. The time has come tt z
classifying all postmasters Q
electors of customs, collectors of in Y
rnal revenue and prohibition agents =
an act covering those at present Y
office, except when otherwise pro q
.ed by executive order. q
1t is apparent that we are reaching v
to an era of great general prosper {.
'. 1t will continue only so long al O
shall use it properly. If the people n
Ill continue industrious and thrifty Y
ntented with fair wages and mod Z
ate profits, and the returns which Y
crue from the development Of oul y
Ltural resources, our prosperity will 4
tend itself indefinitely. q
CALVIN COOLIDGE. Z.