Evening star., 1928-12-04
SOURCE OF PROSPERITY
HELD INTEGRITY OF PUBLIC
Four Tax Reductions and Cut of
One-Third in Debt Cited i'm
Statement to Congress.

u AOnSftss'
its government dispatched our Marine
forces there to protect the lives and
interests of our citizens. To compose
the contending parties, / sent there
Col. Henry L. Stimson, former Secre-
tary of War and now Governor Cen
eral of the Philippine Islands, who Sc
cured an agreement that warfare
should cease, a national election should
BE- held and peace should be restored.
Botn parties conScientiously carried out
this agreement, with the exception of
a few bandits, who later mostly sur
rendered or left the country. President
Diaz appointed Brig, Gen. Frank r.
Mccoy United States Army, president
of the election board. which included
also one member of each political party.
A free and fair election has been
held and has worked out so success
fully that both parties have joined in
requesting like cooperation from this
country at the election four years hence,
to which have refrained from max
ing any commitments. although our
country must be gratifled at such an
exhibition of success and appreciation.
Nicaragua is regaining its prosperity
and has taken a long step in the direc-
ton of peaceful self-government.
Tacna- africa Dispute
Nearing Final Settlement.
"The long g-standing differences be-
tween Chile and Peru have been suffi-
ciently composed so that diplomatic
relations have been resumed by the
exchange of ambassadors. Negotia-
tions are hopefully proceeding as this
is written for the final adjustment of
the differences over their disputed terri
tory.
Mexico Relations on
Satisfactory Basis.
"Our relations with Mexico are on a
more satisfactory basis than at any
time since their revolution. Many mis-
understandings have been resolved.
and the most frank and friendly nego-
tiationS promise a final adjustment of
all unsettled questions. 1t is exceed
ingly gratifying that Ambassador Nor
row has been able to bring our two
neighboring countries, which have so
many interests in common, to posi-
ton of confidence in each other and
of respect for mutual sovereign rights
Chinese Government
Recognized by America.
THE situation in China, which few
months ago was SO threatening as TO
call for the dispatch of large addi-
tional force has been much composed.
The Nationalist government has estab-
lished itself over the country and pro-
mulgated new organic law announc-
ing program intended to promote the
political and economic welfare of the
people. We have recognized this gov
ernment. encouraged its progress, and
have negotiated a treaty restoring to
China complete tariff autonomy and
guaranteeing our citizens against dis
ordinations Our trade in that quar-
ter is increasing and our forces are be-
ing reduced. 7*
Greek and Austrian
Debt Settlement Urged.
Pending before Congress is a recon-
mendation for the settlement of the
Greek debt and the Austrian debt.
Both OF these are comparatively small
and our country can afford to be gen.
erous. The rehabilitation of these coun-
tries awaits their settlement. There
would also be advantages to our trade.
We could scarcely afford TO be the only
nation that refuses the relief which
Austria seeks. The Congress has al
ready granted Austria longtime mo-
ratoriun, which it is understood will be
waived and immediate payments begun
On her debt on the same basis which
we have extended to other countries.
Kellogg Treaty
Held Important Step.
lone of the most important treaties
IniI I%NF@ - 1E 81
United States will be that which the
Is nations recently signed at Paris, and
to which A other nations have de-
ciared their intention to adhere, re-
nouncing war as national policy and
agreeing to resort only to peaceful
means for the adjustment of interna-
tional differences. 1t is the most
solemn declaration against war, the
most positive adherence to peace, that
it is possible for sovereign nations to
make. 1t does not supersede our IN
alienable sovereign right and duty of
national defense or undertake to COM
NIT us before the event to any mode of
action which the Congress might decide
to be wise If ever the treaty should be
broken. But 1t is new standard in
the world around which can rally the
informed and enlightened opinion of
AlltAOi&o " Pl~NC41O
from being forced into hostile action by
the temporary outbreak of international
animosities. The observance of this
covenant, so simple and SO straightfor-
ward. promises more for the peace of
the world than any other agreement
ever negotiated among the nations.
Need More Cruisers
For National Defense.
THE first duty of our Government to
its own citizens and foreigners within
its borders is the preservation of order
Unless and until that duty is met a
government is not even eligible for
recognition among the family of ma
tions. The advancement of world CIV
iiization likewise is dependent upon that
order among the people of different
countries which we term peace. To
insure our citizens against the infringe
ment Of their legal rights at home and
abroad. to preserve order, liberty and
peace by making the law supreme, we
have an Army and Navy.
Both of these are organized for de-
fensive purposes. Our Army could not
be much reduced, but does not need to
be increased. Such new housing and
repairs as are necessary are under way,
and the flve-year program in aviation
is being put into effect in both branches
of our service.
Our Navy, according to generally ac-
cepted standards, is deficient in cruisers.
We have 10 comparatively new vessels,
% that are old, and 8 to be built. It
is evident that renewals and replace
ments must be provided. This matter
was thoroughly canvassed at the last
session of the Congress and does not
need restatement. The bill before the
Senate with the elimination of the time
clause should be passed. We have no
intention of competing with any other
country. This building program is for
necessary requirements and to meet our
needs for defense.
The cost of national defense is stu
pendouS. 1t has increased $4,000, 600
in the past four years. The estimated
expenditure for 1880 is $668 900, 900.
While this is made up of many items,
it is. after all, mostly dependent upon