Evening star., 1930-12-02
The Presidents Message.

President Hoover today reported to the
Congress on "the state of the Union"
OF necessity the picture presented by
the Chief Executive dealt with eco
nomic depression. But underlying the
whole was a note of hope for the fu-
ture. There was presented also an en-
couraging picture of whole-hearted CO.
operation on the part Of the Federal
Government, the governments of the
States and the municipalities and the
American people.
Mr.. Hoover has undertaken in his
country an estimate, based on reports
Of the Government departments, of the
actual extent Of the depression due to
the falling of Of business and to the
drought which so seriously affected
great areas of the United States last
Summer and Fall. He does not mini
mize the extent of the depression. He
shows that the total decrease of activ-
ity from 1928 runs from is to 20 per
cent in most lines Of activity. He says,
however:
There are many factors which give
encouragement for the future. The
fact that we are holding from 80 to
IS per cent of our normal activities
and incomes; that our major financial
and industrial institutions have come
through the storm unimpaired
all reflect grounds for confidence. We
should remember that these occasions
have been met many times before; that
our country is today stronger and
richer m resources. in equipment, in
skill, than ever in history"
The Presidents recommendations to
Congress for legislation at the present
short session are comparatively few in
number, owing to the fact, probably,
that the time is limited to three short
months. First and foremost he places
measures Of relief to meet the unem-
ployment situation this Winter and to
meet the distressed conditions of the
farmers next year who suffered from
the drought. He proposes an additional
appropriation Of $150,o00, 900 for use
In public construction during the
coming year, bringing the total amount
for such construction UP to approx
m&tely $650.O00,o00. He also pro-
poses loans 10 the farmers for feed
and seed.
OutEide Of these increased appro-
priations for relief Mr.. Hoover urges
upon the Congress the most rigid
economy, and, to back up his demand,
calls attention to the fact that the
Treasury faces a probable deficit Of
$18O, ,000, 900 at the close of :he present
fiscal year. He lightens the picture
somewhat by predicting a probable
surplus Of $4,000, 900 at the close of the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1882. In his
budget message to Congress the Presi-
dent promises to deal with means to
meet the deficit which is staring the
Treasury in the face this year.
The President finds reason for con-
graduation In the fact that during the
period Of depression wages, generally
speaking, have been retained at the
high levels which they reached prior to
the crash Of the stock market. He
finds reason for congratulation, too, in
the fact that organized labor has CO.
operated with the employers of labor
so that there have been no great
strikes, a. have occurred during earlier
periods Of depression. AS the Presi-
dent points out, there are, after all,
many reasons for the American people
to be thankful at this time.
After urging upon the Congress the
need Of dealing finally with legislation
already pending, including Muscle
Shoals, the bus bill, relief of conges-
ton In the courts and law enforcement
In the District of Columbia, the Presi-
dent suggests number of important
subjects which Congress may well study
through committee investigation. Among
these latter subjects is the regulation
Of interstate electrical power, railroad
consolidation. immigration and a.nur1-
Der Of other matters that are pressing
for consideration.
America stands today at peace with
the world, the President points out,
although there has been internal strife
in many Of the foreign nations. In the
cause of international peace he pro-
poses to send to the Senate the pro-
tocols OF adherence by the United States
TO the World Court. He does not say
In his message whether he will urge
that body to dispose Of the protocols at
the present session.