The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-08
To the Senate and House of
 Representatives:

To the Senate and House Of
 Representatives:
 It is my duty under the Consti- tuition to transmit to the Congress information on the state of the Union and to recommend for it's consideration necessary and exped- tent measures.
 The chief influence affecting the state of the Union during the past year has been the continued world wide economic disturbance. Our na- tional concern has been to meet the emergencies it has created for us and to lay the foundations for recovery.
 If we lift our vision beyond these immediate emergencies we find fundamental national gains even amid depression. In meeting the problems of this difficult period, we have witnessed a remarkable development of the sense of co-op- eration in the community. For the first time in the history of our major economic depressions there has been a notable absence of pub lie disorders and industrial conflict. Above all there is an enlargement of social and spiritual responsibility among the people. The strains and stresses upon business have result ed in closer application, in saner policies, and in better methods. Public improvements have been carried out on a larger scale than even in normal times. The country is richer in physical property, in newly discovered resources, and in productive capacity than ever be- fore. There has been constant gain in knowledge and education; there has been continuous advance in science. and invention; there has been distinct gain in public health. Business depress;ons have been re- current in the life of our country and are not transitory. The nation has emerged from each of them with increased strength and virility because oH the enlightenment they have brought, the eadjustments and the larger understanding of the realities and obligations o1 lire and work which come from them.
 NATIONAL DEFENSE
 Both our Army and Navy have been maintained in a high state of efficiency. The ability and del otion of both officers and men sustain the highest traditions of the serv- ice. Reductions and postponements in expenditures or these ueparl- ments to meet the present emer- gency are being made without re- ducing existing personnel or impair ing the morale of either establish ment.
 The agreement between the lead ing naval powers for limitation oi naval ornaments and establish- ments of their relatives strength and thus elimination of competi. tive building also implies for our selves the gradual expansion of the deficient catagories in our Navy to the parties provided in those treat ies. However, none of the other ma tions, parties to these agreements is to-day maintaining the 1ull rate of construction which the treaty size of fleets would imply.
 Although these agreements se- cured the maximum reduction of fleets which it was at that time possible to attain, l am hopeful that the naval powers, party to these agreements, will realize that establishment of relative strength in itself offers opportunity for further reduction without injury to any of them. This would be the more pos sible if pending negotiations are successful between France and Italy. If the world is to regain its standards of life. it must further decrease both naval and other arms The subject will come beIore the General Disarmament Conference which meets in Geneva on Febru- ary ? next.
 FOREIGN AFFAIRS
 We are at peace with the world. We have co-operated wita Othe.