Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-08

be wished, despite that expenditures of
Federal, State and local governments
last year for such purpose aggregated
81, $3.50, 100000. Federal aid in the
construction of the highway systems in
conjunction with the States has proved
beneficial. We must ultimately give
consideration to increase of our con-
tribution to these systems, particularly
with a view to stimulating the improve
ment Of farm-to-market roads"
IL. Since aviation development Is
perhaps at once the most important Of
latter day developments and the most
dif1icult to keep in touch with, quote
at length the admirable section on COM
mercial aviation:
During the past year progress In
civil aeronauticS has been remarkable.
This is to a considerable degree due to
the wise assistance of the Federal Gov
eminent through the establishment and
maintenance Of airwayS by the Depart
ment of Commerce and the mail con-
tracts from the Post once Department
The Government-improved airwayS now
exceed $4,000 mileS-more than $4,000
miles of which will be lighted and
equipped for night-fying operations by
the close of the current year. Airport
construction through all the States is
commercial and municipal airportS in
operation, with an additional 1900
proposed for early development.
Through this assistance the Nation
is building a sound aviation system,
operated by private enterprise. Over
$500 planes are in commercial use, and
9,400 pilots are licensed by the Govern
ment. Our manufacturing capacity has
risen to $500 planes per annum.
The aviation companies have in
creased regular air transportation until
1t now totals 90, 900 miles per day-one
fourth of which is flown by night. Mail
and express services now connect our
principal cities, and extensive services
for passenger transportation have been
inaugurated, and others of Importance
are imminent. American airltnes now
reach into Canada and Mexico, to Cuba,
Porto Rico, Central America, and most
OF the important countries of South
America"
The President recommends that Con-
gresS consider the ACCESSIBILITY of au-
thorizing further expansion of the air
mail services to South America.
IL. "As whole, the railroads never
were in such good physical and finan-
c1al condition. We have, however, not
yet assured for the future that adequate
system of transportation through con-
solicitations which was the objective of
the Congress in the transportation act.
Legislation to simplify and expedite
consolidation methods should be
enacted"
IS. Under the impulse Of the mer-
chant marine act of 1928 the transfer
to private enterprise of Government
owned steamship lines is going forward
with increasing success. The Shipping
Board now operates about 10 lines,
which is less than half the number
originally established. Construction
loans have been made to the amount
revolving fund authorized by Congress
and have stimulated the building Of
vessels In American yards" The PreSi-
dent notices with approval the recent
recommendation by his "interdepart-
mental committee" (the Secretary OF
Commerce, the Secretary OF the Navy,
the Postmaster General and the chair
man of the Shipping BoarD looking
to the establishment of II additional
routes, involving the construction of
40 vessels at the cost approximately Of
$3.50, 000, 900, toward which assistance
from the revolving fund should be
forthcoming.
H. The President suggests q Joint
commission to consider the advisability
CT certain notifications of banking
legislation. in view especially of the
of group" and chain" banking and
of the proposal that national banks be
authorized to engage in branch banking.
is. The Federal Power Commission
is now composed of three cabinet ON
GERS. who cannot spare the time for the
onerous duties involved The President
recommends congressional authority for
appointment of full-time commissioners
to replace them. Re also recommends