davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

Smuggling has been greatly cut
down, the larger sources of sup
ply for illegal sale have been
checked. and by means of in
junction and criminal prosecution
the process of enforcement IL
being applied. The same vigilance
on the part Of local governments
would render these efforts much
more successful. The Federal
authorities propose to discharge
their obligation for enforcement
to the full extent of their ability.
Welfare OF the Negro
History does not anywhere
record so much progress made in
the same length of time as that
which has been accomplished by
the negro race in the United
states since the Emancipation
Proclamation. They have come
up from slavery to be prominent
IN education. the professions, art.
Continued on Page IS. Column H.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
PRESIDENT COOLIDGE

Government price fixing is known
to be unsound and bound to result
in disaster. A Government sub
sidy would work oct in the same
way. 1t cannot be sound for all
the people to hire some of the peo-
pie to produce a crop which neither
the producers nor he rest OF the
people want.
Price fixing and subsidy will
both increase the surplus, instead
Of diminishing it. Putting the Gov
eminent directly into business is
merely a combination of subsidy
and price fixing aggravated by
political pressure. These expedi-
ents would lead logically tc telling
the farmer by law what and how
much he should plant and where he
should plant 1t. and what and how
much he should sell and where he
should sell it. The most effective
means of dealing with surplus
crops is to reduce the surplus acre
age. While this cannot be done by
the individual farmer, it can be
done through the organizations al
ready in existence, through the in
formation published by the De-
partment of Agriculture and espe-
ciaIly through banks and others
who supply credit refusing TO
finance an acreage manifestly too
large.
Assistance in Marketing
1t is impossible to provide by
law for an assured success and
prosperity for all those who en-
gage in farming. II acreage he.
comes overextended. the Govern
ment can not assume responsible
ity for it. The Government can.
however, assist cooperative asso-
Citations and other organizations
in orderly marketing and han
ding a surplus clearly due to
weather and seasonal conditions,
in order to save the producer from
preventable loss. While it is
probably impossible to secure this
result at single step, and much
will have to be worked out by
trial and rejection, beginning
could be made by setting up a
Federal board or commission of
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
Pledges Rigid Dry Enforcement

After more than two genera.
tions OF constant debate, our
country adopted a system of ma.
tional prohibition under all the
solemnities involved in an amend
ment to the Federal Constitution.
In obedience to this mandate the
Congress and the States. with one
or two notable exceptions, have
passed required laws for its ad.
ministration and enforcement.
This imposes upon the citizenship
of the country. and especially on
all public officers. not only the
duty to enforce, but the obliga-
ton to observe the sanctions of
this constitutional provision and
it's resulting laws. If this condi.
ton could be secured, all question
concerning prohibition would
cease. The Federal Government
is making every effort to accom-
plish these results through care
full organization. large appropria-
tons, and administrative effort.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
Boulder Dam Project Is Endorsed

The Congress in it's last session
authorized the general improve
ments necessary to provide the
Mississippi waterway system with
better transportation. Sterilization
Of the levels of the Great Lakes
and their opening to the sea by
an effective shipway remain to be
considered. Since the last session
the Board of Engineers of the War
Department has made a report on
the proposal for a canal through
the State Of New York, and the
Joint Board Of Engineers, repre-
senting Canada and the United
States, has finished a report on
the st. Lawrence River. Both Of
these boards conclude that the st.
Lawrence project is cheaper, af-
fords a more expeditions method
of placing western products in Eu.
ropean markets, and will cost less
to operate. The State Department
has requested the Canadian gov.
eminent to negotiate treaties nee.
essary 10 provide for this improve.
ment. 1t will also be necessary to
secure an agreement with Canada
to put in works necessary to pre-
vent fluctuation in the levels of
the Great Lakes.
A National Problem
Legislation Is desirable for the
construction of a dam at Boulder
Canyon on the Colorado River, pri-
marily as a method of flood con-
troll and irrigation. A secondary
result would be a considerable
power development and a source
Of domestic water supply for
Southern California. Flood con.
troll is clearly a national problem,
and water supply is a Government
problem, but every other possi-
bility snoud be exhausted before
the Federal Government becomes
engaged in the power business.
The States which are interested
ought to reach mutual agreement.
This project is in reality their
work. If they wish the Federal
Government to undertake it, they
should not hesitate to make the
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

ton. Under the present circum-
stances it would be far better to
leave the rates as they are than
to enact bill CARRYING the peril
of deficit. This is not a prob
lem to be approached in narrow
or partiSan spirit. All of those
who participate in finding a rea-
sonable solution will be entitled to
participate in any credit that
accrues from it without regard to
party. The Congress has already
demonstrated that tax legislation
can be removed from purely politi-
cal consideration into the realm
of patriotic business principles.
Any bill for tax reduction
should be written by those who
are responsible for raising, man.
aging, and expending the finances
of the Government. If special
interests, too often selfish. al
ways uniformed of the national
needs as a whole. with hired
agents using their proposed bene-
ficiaries as engines of propaganda,
are permitted to influence the
withdrawal of their property from
taxation, we shall have law that
is unbalanced and unjust, bad for
business, bad for the country.
probably resulting in a deficit,
with disastrous financial conse.
quences. The Constitution has
given the members of the Con.
gress sole authority to decide
what tax measure shall be pre-
sented for approval. While wei.
coming information from any
quarter. the Congress should con.
tinue to exercise it's own iudg.
ment in matter so vital and i'm
portant to all the interests of the
country as taxation
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
Aid for Good Roads Movement

The Importance and benefit of
good roads is more and more com.
ing to be appreciated. The Ma
tional Government has been max.
ing liberal contributions to en-
courage their construction. The
results and benefits have been
very gratifying. National par.
ticipation, however, should be
confined to trunk-line systems.
The national tax on automobiles
is now nearly sufficient to meet
this outlay. This tax is very
small, and on low-priced cars is
not more than 81 or So each
year.
While the advantage of having
good roads is very large, the de.
sire for improved highways is not
limited to our own country. 1t
should and does include all the
cipal points in Canada are al
ready accessible. We ought to
lend our encouragement in any
way we can for more good roads
to all the principal points in this
hemisphere south of the Rio
Grande. 1t has been our prac-
tice to supply these countries with
military and naval advisers, when
they have requested it, to assist
them in national defense. The
arts of peace are even more i'm.
portant to them and to us. Au-
thority should be given by law to
provide them at their request
with engineering advisers for the
construction of roads and bridges.
In some of these countries al
ready wonderful progress is being
made in road building, but the
engineering features are often
very exacting and the financing
difficult. Private interests should
look with favor on all reasonable
loans sought by these countries
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

to open such main lines of travel.
This general subject has been
promoted by the Pan American
Congress of Highways, which will
convene again at Rio de Janeiro
in July. 1928. 1t is desirable that
the congress should provide for
the appointment of delegates to
represent the Government of the
United States.
Cuban Parcel Post
We have a temporary parcel
post convention with Cuba. The
advantage of it is all on our
side. During 1926 we shipped IL
times as many parcels, weighing
"a times as much, as We re-
ceived. This convention was
made on the understanding that
We would repeal an old law pro.
hibiting the importation of cigars
and cigarettes in quantities less
than 5000 enacted in 1855 to
discourage smuggling, for which
1t has long been unnecessary.
This law unjustly discriminates
against an important industry of
Cuba. Its repeal has been recon-
mended by the Treasury and
Postoffice- departments. Unless
this is done our merchants and
railroads will find themselves de.
prived of this large parcel post
business after the 1st of next
March, the date of the expiration
Of the convention, which has
been extended upon the specific
understanding that it would ex-
pire at that time unless this
legislation was enacted. We pur-
chase large quantities of tobacco
made in Cuba. It is not prob
able that our purchases would be
any larger If this law was re-
pealed, while it would be an ad.
vantage to many other indus
tries in the United States.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

necessary concessions to each
other. This subject is fully dis
cussed in the annual report of the
Secretary Of the Interior. The Co.
lumbia River Basin project is be-
ing studied and will be one to be
considered at some future time.
The Inland Waterways Corpora
ton is proving successful and es.
pecially beneficial to agriculture.
A survey is being made to deter
mine its future needs. 1t has
never been contemplated that il in.
land rivers were opened to naviga.
ton it would then be necessary
for the Federal Government to
provide the navigation. Such q
request is very nearly equivalent
OF a dec:ara ton that their naviga.
ton is not profitable, that the
commodities which they are to
carry can be taken at a cheaper
rate by some other method, in
which case the hundreds of mill
lions of dollars proposed to be ex-
pended for opening rivers to navi-
cation would be not only wasted.
but would entail further constant
expenditures to carry the COM
modities of private persons for less
than cost.
For Use OF Public
The policy is well established
that the Government should open
public highways on land and on
water. but for use of the publis
in their private capacity. It has
put on some Representation barge
lines, but always with the ex.
pectation that if they prove
profitable they would pass into
private hands and if they do not
prove profitable they will be with.
drawn. The problems of transpor-
tation over inland waterways
should be taken up by private
enterprise, so that the public will
have the advantage of competi.
ton in service. 1t is expected
that some of our lines can be
sold. some more demonstration
work done, and that with the
completion of the Ohio projects a
policy of private operation can be
fully developed.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

agricultural products are increas-
ing; its treasury position, which
has gwen much concern, shows
Improvement. I am advised by
the governor that educational IA
cilities are still lacking. Roads
are being constructed, which he
represents are the first requisite
for building schoolhouses. The
loyalty of the island to the
United States Is exceedingly graf
flying. A memorial will be pre-.
sented to you requesting author
ity to have the governor elected
by the people of Porto Rico. This
was never done in the case of our
own Territories. It is admitted
that education outside of the
towns is as yet very deficient.
Until it has progressed further
the efficiency Of the government
and the happiness of the people
may need the guiding hand of an
appointed governor. AS it Is not
contemplated that any change
should be made Immediately, the
general subject may we'll have
the thoughtful. study of the Con-
gress.
Panama Canal
The number of commercial
ships passing through the Pan
anna Canal has increased from
1857 in 1923 to 5,475 in 1927. The
total amount of tolls turned into
the Treasury is over $166,000, 600,
while all the operations Of the
canal have yielded a surplus of
about $4,000 900. In order to
provide additional storage of wa.
ter and give some control over the
floods of the Chagfes River, it is
proposed to erect dam to cost
about $12 900, 900 at Alhajuela. 1t
will take some five years to com.
Meta $hio 1rorlr
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
Must Maintain National Defenses

Being a nation relying not on
force, but on fair dealing and
good will, to maintain peace with
others, we have provided a mod
crate military force in form
adapted solely to defense. 1t
should be continued with a very
generous supply of officers and
with the present base of person
mel, subject to fluctuations which
may be temporarily desirable.
The five-year program for our
air forces is in keeping with this
same policy and commensurate
with the notable contributions of
America to the science Of aero
nautics. The provisions of the law
lately enacted are being executed
as fast as the practical diff
culties of an orderly and stable
development permit.
While our Army is SMALL, pru-
dence requires that it should be
kept in high state of efficiency
and provided with such supplies
as would permit OF its immeii-
ate expansion. The garrison ra-
ton has lately been increased.
Recommendatio ns for an apprpri-
alton of S6,166,000 for new hous-
ing made to the previous Con-
gress failed to pass. While most
of the Army is we'll housed, some
Of it which is quartered in war
time training camps is becoming
poorly housed. In the past three
years $12 1913 900 have been APP
propriated for reconstruction and
repairs, and an authorization has
been approved of $22, 1901 900 for
new housing, under which 5000
600 has already been appropriated.
A law has also been passed, COM
plying with tho request of the
War Department, allocating funds
received from the sale of build
ings and land for housing pur-
poses. The work, however, Is not
completed, so that other appropri-
atoms are being recommended.
A Weapon of Defense
Our Navy is likewise a weapon
of defense. We have a foreign
commerce and ocean lines of
trade unsurpassed by any other
country. We have outlying terri
tory in the two great oceans and
long stretches of seacoast studded
with the richest cities in the
world. We are responsible for the
protection of a large population
and the greatest treasure ever be.
slowed upon any people. We are
charged with an international duty
of defending the Panama Canal.
To meet these responsibilities we
need very substantial sea arma-
ment. 1t needs aircraft develop
ment. which is being provided
under the five-year program. 1t
needs submarines as soon as the
department decides upon the best
type of construction. 1t needs
airplane carriers and a material
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

its relief. Most Of the depart.
ments OF the Federal Government
have been engaged in the same
effort.
The governments Of the afflicted
areas. both State and municipal,
can not be given too high praise
Tor the courageous and helpful
way in which they have come to
the rescue Of the people. II the
sources directly chargeable can
not meet the demand, the National
Government should not fail to
provide generous relief. This,
however, does not mean restora.
ton. The Government is not an
insurer Of its citizens against the
hazard OF the elements. We shall
always have flood and drought,
heat and cold, earthquake and
WIND. lightning and tidal wave,
which are all too constant in their
aftlictions. The Government does
not undertake to reimburse its
citizens for loss and damage in.
Cured under such circumstances,
1t Is chargeable, however, with
the rebuilding of public works
and the humanitarian duty of
relieving its citizens from distress.
The people in the flooded area
and their representatives have an.
preached this problem in the most
generous and broad-minded way,
They should be met with a like
spirit on the part of the National
Government. This is all one
country. The public needs of each
part must be provided for by the
public at large. No required re-
lief should be refused. An ade-
quate plan should be adopted to
prevent a recurrence of this dis.
aster in order that the people
comfort their fields and their
towns.
Definite Federal Program
Legislation by this Congress
should be confined to our prin-
cipal and most pressing problem,
the lower Mississippi. considering
tributaries only so far as they
materially affect the main flood
problem. A definite Federal pro-
gram relating to our waterways
was proposed when the last Con-
gress authorized a comprehensive
survey of all the important
streams Of the country in order
to provide for their improvement.
including flood control, naviga-
ton. power and irrigation. Other
legislation should wait pending a
report on this survey. The recog-
nized needs of the Mississippi
should not be made vehicle for
carrying other projects. All pro-
posals for development should
stand on their own merits. ANY
other method would result in i'll.
advised conclusions. great waste
of money, and instead of promot-
ing would delay the orderly and
certain utilization of our water
resources.
Very recently several Of the
New England States have suf-
fered somewhat similarly from
heavy rainfall and high water.
No reliable estimate OF damage
has yet been computed, but it is
very large to private and public
property. The Red Cross is gen.
erously undertaking what 10
needed for immediate relief, re-
pair and reconstruction Of houses,
restocking of domestic animals
and food, clothing and shelter. A
considerable sum Of money will
be available through the regular
channels in the Department OF
Agriculture for reconstruction Of
highways. 1t may he necessary
to grant special aid for this pur-
pose. Complete reports of what
is required will undoubtedly be
available early in the session.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

The United States Government
fleet is Transporting a large
amount Of freight and reducing
its drain on the Treasury. The
Shipping Board is constantly UNI
der pressure, to which it too
often yields, to protect private
interests, rather than serve the
public welfare. More attention
should be given to merchant ships
as an auxiliary of the Navy. The
possibility Of including their mas
tiers and crews in the Naval
Reserve. with some reasonable
compensation, should be thor
oughly explored as method
Of encouraging private operation
of shipping. Public operation is
not success. No investigation,
of which l have caused several
to be made. has failed to report
that it could not succeed or to
recommend speedy transfer to
private ownership. Our exporters
and importers are both indiffer-
ent about using American ships.
1t should be our policy to keep
our present vessels in repair
and dispose Of them as rapidly as
possible, rather than undertake
any new construction. Their
operation Is a burden on the
National Treasury, for which
we are not receiving sufficient
benefits.
Commercial Aviation
A rapid growth is taking
place in aeronautics. The De.
partment of Commerce has charge
of the inspection and licensing
system and the construction of
national airways. Almost 5000
miles are already completed and
about 1000 miles more contem-
The Washington times., 1927-12-06

able and experienced men in mar +
keting, granting equal advantages
under this board to the various
agricultural commodities and Sec
tions of the country, giving en-
couragment to the cooperative
movement in agriculture, and pro-
viding revolving loan at a mod
crate rate of interest for the neces-
sary financing. Such legislation
would lay the foundation for A
permanent solution of the surplus
problem.
This is not proposal to lend
more money to the farmer, who is
already fairly well financed, but to
lend money temporarily to expert
mental marketing associations
which will no doubt ultimately be
financed by the regularly estab-
lished banks, as were the tempo
rary operations of the War Finance
Corporation. Cooperative market
ing especially would be provided
with means of buying or building
physical properties.
A GrievOus Burden
The National Government has
almost entirely relieved the farmer
from income taxes by successive
tax reductions. but State and
local taxes have increased. put
ting on him a grievous burden.
A policy of rigid economy should
be applied to State and local ex-
penditures. This is clearly within
the legislative domain of the
States. The Federal Government
has also improved our banking
structure and system of agricul-
tural credits. The Department of
Agriculture is undergoing changes
in organization in order more COM
pletely to separate the research
and regulatory divisions. that each
may be administered. More en-
phasis is being placed on the re-
search program. not only by en-
larging the appropriations for
State experiment stations but by
providing funds for expanding the
research work of the department.
It is in this direction that much
future progress can be expected.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
full TEXT OF PRESIDENT C00LlDGE'S MESSAGE TO con
Would Sell Government Vessels

plated. Nearly 4,40O miles are
now equipped and over 1900
miles more will have lighting
and emergency landing fields by
next July. Air mail contracts
are expected to cover "a of
these lines. Daily airway fly.
ing is nearly $4,000 miles and
is expected to reach $4,000 miles
early next year.
Flights for other purposes ex.
coed $4,000 miles each day. Over
900 airports, completed and un.
completed, have been laid out.
The demand for aircraft has
greatly increased. The policy
adopted by the Congress is pro.
ducing the sound development
of this coming industry.
Western Hemisphere Air Mali
Private enterprise is showing
much interest in opening up
aviation service to Mexico and
Central and South America We
are particularly solicitous to have
the United States take a leading
part in this development. 1t is
understood that the governments
of our sister countries would be
willing to cooperate. Their ply
steal features. the undeveloped
state of their transportation
make an air service especially
adaptable to their usage. The
Post Office DEPARTMENT should be
granted power to make liberal
long-term contracts for carrying
our mail, and authority should be
given to the Army and the Navy
to detail aviators and planes to
cooperate with private enterprise
in establishing such mail service
with the consent of the countries
concerned. A committee of the
Cabinet will later present a re-
port on this subject.
The Washington times., 1927-12-06
Members Of the Congress:


It is gratifying to report that for
the fourth consecutive year the
state of the Union in general is
good. We are at peace. The
country as whole has had q
prosperity never exceeded. Wages
are at their highest range, employ
ment is plentiful. Some parts of
agriculture and industry have
Jagged: some localities have suf-
fered from storm and flood. But
such losses have been absorbed
without serious detriment to our
great economic structure. Stocks
of goods are moderate and a whole.
some caution is prevalent. Rates
of interest for industry, agricul-
ture and government have been
reduced. Savers and investors are
providing capital for new construc-
ton in industry and public works.
The purchasing power of agri-
culture has increased. If the PEG.
pie maintain that confidence which
they are entitled to have in them
selves, in each other, and in Amer
lea, comfortable prosperity will
continue.
Constructive Economy
Without constructive economy
In; Government expenditures we
should not now be enjoying these
results or these prospects. Be-
cause we are not now physically