THE UNITED STATES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2370, 10 December 1908, Page 5

THE UNITED STATES.

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE.

AN UNSENSATIONAL DOCUMENT

United Press Association. Copyright (Received Dec. 10, 12.20 a.m.)

NEW YORK, Dec. 9

President Roosevelt’s message to Congress was not sensational. It recommended reform of tlio currency, and the adoption of a law which, while avoiding an unwise attempt to prohibit all combinations, would expressly permit combinations which are in the interest of the public, but would give some agency of the National Government full executive control over them. Railways should be removed from the domain of the antitrust law,, and put under an interstate Commerce Commission. Likewise should telegraph 'and telephone companies engaged in inter-Stato business. Stock watering should be prohibited and stock gambling as far as possible discouraged. The message recommended a progressive inheritance tax on large fortunes, favored strengthening old age pensions by private initiative, a strict employers’ liability law, covering Government and inter-Stato business, and careful safeguards in connection with the power of granting temporary injunctions in labor disputes. The President described the extreme labor leaders’ demands in regard to this matter as class legislation of the most brutal form, seeking to legalise bladelisting and boycotting. President Roosevelt warmly acknowledged the hospitality everywhere extended to the battleship fleet, and dwelt on tho increased and efficiency of the fleet. He recommended as a corollary to the voyage the establishment, before the Panama Canal is opened, of satisfactory ocean lines to South America, Asia, the Philippines, and Australasia. He announced that the occupation of Cuba would cease two months hence.