Evening star., 1932-07-31
Text of Roosevelt Speech
Principal Platform Pldnks Analyzed by Democratic
Presidential Candidate in Radio address From
His New York Home.

worlds inhabitants who are on silver
basis, and to exchange views regard
ing governmental finance. 1t is obvious
that sound money is an international
necessity, not domestic consideration
for one nation alone. Nothing Is more
needed. than such an exchange OF
opinion; nothing could do more 10 ere
ate stable conditions in which trade
could once more be resumed.
We face a condition which at nrst
seems to involvs either an unbalanced
budget and an unsound currency OF
else failure of the Government TO as
sumo its just duties-the relief OF dis
tresS and protection against Joss OF
savings built up through many years by
numberless small investors This con-
Germs you, my friends, who managed
to lay aside few dollars Tor rainy
day.
This dilemma can be met by saving
in one place what we would spend In
others; or, by acquiring the necessary
revenue through taxation. revenues
must cover expenditures by one means
or another. Any Government, ike any
family, can for a year, spend little
more than it earns. But you and
know that a. continuation OF that habit
means the poor house.
Heavy Burden FOreSeen.
At best the Federal Government will
necessarily bear a heavy burden. II
has been the theory OF Republican lead
ers that relief is a local responsibility
a theory stated repeatedly and modified
only with the greatest reluctance. The
Democratic platform was framed with
an eye to actual human needs. what
could be finer than that bold and hu-
manitarian statement pledglng 'cont1n-
uous responsibility Of the Government
(meaning the Federal GovernmenD fol-
human welfare, especially for the pro-
lection of children"
In view of this statement the plank
concerning relief for the unemployed
becomes significant:
I'VE advocate extension OF Federal
credit to the States to provide un-
employment relief wherever the dimin-
ishing resources Of the States make II
impossible for them to provide for the
needy; expansion of the Federal pro-
gram of necessary and useful construc-
ton affected with a public interest
such as flood control and waterways
including the ST. Lawrence. Great Lakes
deep waterways; the spread OF employ
ment by a substantial reduction in tn;
hours of labor. the encouragement ol
the shorter week by applying that prin-
ciple in Government service; advance
planning Of public works"
Following this there is the party
declaration concerning agriculture.
Credits for Agriculture.
eve advocate for the restoration oi
agriculture, the Nations basic industry
better financing of farm mortgages
through reorganized farm bank agencies
at low rates of interest, on an amortiza-
ton plan. giving preference to credits
for the redemption of farms and homes
sold under foreclosure; extension and
development of the farm cooperative
movement and effective control Of CROP
surpluses so that our farmers may have
the full benefit of the domestic market
Enactment of every constitutions!
measure that will aid the farmer to
receive for basic farm commodities
prices in excess of cost Of production
I'VE condemn: The extravaganza OF
the Farm Board, its disastrous action
which made the Government a specu-
lator in farm products and the unsound
policy Of restricting agricultural pro-
duction to the demands Of domestic
markets"
The platform contains admirable
statements about a group Of subjects
which logically go together-the tariff
and foreign policy. The tariff plank
reads as follows:
I'VE advocate:
"a competitive tariff for revenue, with
a faCt-finding tariff commission free
from executive interference, reciprocal
tariff agreements with other nations,
and an international economic confer
ence designed to restore international
trade and facilitate exchange.
1--WE condemn:
"The Hawley-Smoot tariff law, the
prohibitive rates of which have re-
suited in retaliatory action by more
than 40 countries. created international
economic hostilities. destroyed interna-
tional trade, driven our factories into
foreign countries, robbed the American
farmer Of his foreign markets and in
creased his cost of production"
Would Limit Tariff Rates.
A tariff is tax laid on certain goods
passing from the producer to the con-
sumer. 1t is laid on these goods rather
than other similar ones, because they
originate abroad This is obviously
protection for the producers of COM
peting goods at home. Peasants who
live at lower levels than our farmers
workers who are sWeated to reduce costs
ought not to determine prices for Amer
which we desire to set for ourselves
Tariffs should be high enough to main.
tain living standards which we set fol
ourselves. But If they are higher they
become a particularly vicious kind OF
direct tax which is laid doubly on the
consumer. Not only are the prices Of
| foreign goods raised, but those of do
mestic goods also.
1t is a difficult and highly technica
matter to determine standards and cost;
| of production abroad and at home. A
| commission of experts can be trusted tc
| find such facts, but not to dictate pol
| icieS. The facts should be left to SPEAK
fer themselves, free from presidential
| interference.
! One of the great needs Of the worlc
| Is to set international trade fioWinf
again. The proper procedure Is Il
ascertain all the pertinent facts to pub.
| lish them widely and then to negotiate
with each country affected. Trade
barriers Of all kinds ought to be lowered
| not by rule of thumb but with due
regard to safety and justice-lowered
/ nevertheless, as quickly and as definite
ly as possible. Policy needs to bt
dominated by the realities We discovei
and by the national purposes we seek
Other Policies Involved.
This tariff policy, however, cannot
! be separated from our other relation.
with foreign countries; the whole thint
ties in together. The platform is ex.
plicit here also:
| I'VE advocate:
! "a firm foreign policy. including peace
with all the world and the settlement
/ of international disputes by arbitration
no interference in the internal affair.
of other nations; the sanctity of treatie.
and the maintenance of good faith anc
! of good will in financial obligations
| adherence to the World Court with the