Evening star., 1931-12-08
4 Message Of Confidence.


President Hcover's annual message is
pitched upon the key of confidence in
the recovery Of the country from its
present tribulatiens He says at the
outset:
The chief influence affecting the state
Of the Union during the past year has
been continued worldwide economic
disturbance. Our national concern has
been to meet the emergency it has Gre
ated for us and TO lay the foundations
for recovery. If we lift our vision be-
yond these immediate emergencies, We
will find fundamental national gains
even amid depression.
The President notes that for the first
time In the history of our major eco
nomic depressions there has been a
notable absence Of public disorders and
industrial conflict, an enlargement CT
social and spiritual responsibility among
the people, closer application, saner pol
icies and better methods.
A survey Of the world at large shows
that within two years nineteen coun-
tries have suffered revolutions or acute
social disorders, embracing over half
the population of the world, ten coun-
tries failing TO meet their external obli-
cations, fourteen countries temporarily
abandoning former monetary standards.
These disturbances, in large part reac-
tions from the World War, have sharply
affected the markets and prices of our
products, have increased unemployment
and greatly embarrassed our financial
and credit system.
Reviewing the steps taken to alleviate
these conditions, the President notes
the speeding up OF the grest Federal
construction program, organized unity
OF action on the part OF States and
municipalities, and anticipatory and In
tensive construction on the part OF in
dustries. A large majority of indus
trial concerns have organized to spread
available work among employees instead
OF reducing forces, have maintained
wages at as high level rs the safe
conduct OF business has permitted. This
course has saved us from industrial
conflict and disorder which have char
acterized sll previous depressions."
Reviewing the financial conditions
and the measures adopted to relieve
them, the President expresses the belief
that they are designed TO and will have
the effect Of strengthening financial,
industrial and agricultural life in
America.
Noting the fact that increased
revenues are necessary In the face OF
sn indicated deficit In the current
fiscal year of more than 81 400 900 900,
the President notes that "ye must have
nsistent and determined reduction In
Government expenses" He adds: I'VE
must face q temporary increase In
taxes" This increase. he goes on TO
say, should be imposed solely as an
emergency measure, terminating def
nitely two years from July next"
Thus does he specifically indicate the
temporary nature of the increase of
taxes which he will recommend in an
Immediately forthcoming message, ac-
companytns the presentation of the
budget.
Various miscellaneous recommends
tions are laid before Congress. Others
are to come, including particularly one
for the further reorganization and con-
solidation of Federal administrative
functions. The President is opposed TO
"any direct or indirect Government
dole" He is opposed to any extension
Of appropriations for the benefit and
relief Of veterans until the country has
recovered from the present situation. {"
Holding that the work OF the Tariff
Commission is adequate to effect in
creases or decreases necessary to pro-
tect agriculture and industry from the
effects Of lowered foreign costs, the
President is opposed to any general
congressional revision of the tariff,
which would disturb business, industry
and agriculture and prolong the
depression"
No recommendation is made in regard
10 an extension Of the moratorium of
the war debts. The President merely
reports that the years postponement
was brought about. In later message
he will deal at greater length with our
foreign relations"
The significance of this message lies
in its expression of confidence that
America is weathering the economic
storm. 1t proposes no departures from
established policies. 1t is a report OF
progress against difficulties as great as
any that have ever beset this country
In all its history.