U.S. CONGRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1927, Page 2

U.S. CONGRESS

PR ESIDENT’S MESSAGE. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) WASHINGTON, Dee. 5. When the Congress assembled today, 6000 bills were introduced, varying from a measure “ in loud and unusual tones ” in the national capital; to new measures providing for a 23d million dollar cut in taxes. Tbe Senate did not seat Vare and Smith. Under an agreement the question is to go over until the President’s message is heard. WASHINGTON, Dec. 6. Despite traditional brevity, President Coolidge sent Congress upon its opening, one of the longest messages ever offered president. ' “ During peace time,” he said, “ being a nation not relying on force, but on fair dealing and good will to maintain peace with others, we have provided a moderate military force in ’*'* form adapted solely to defence. The five years programme for our air iorees is in keeping with this policy and commensurate with the notable contributions of America to the science of aeronautics. While our army is small, precedence requires , that it should he kept in a high state of efficiency and provided with such supplies as permit of its immediate expansion. Our navy is likewise a weapon of defence. We have foreign commerce, and ocean lines and trade unsurpassed by any other country. We have outlying territory in two great oceans with the richest cities in the world. We are responsible for the protection of a large population and the greatest treasure ever bestowed upon any people. We arc charged with the international duty of defending the Panama Canal. We need to meet these responsibilities with very substantial sea armament. It needs the aircraft development which is being provided under the five year programme. It needs submarines as soon as the Department decides upon the best type of construction. It needs aeroplane carriers and material in addition to its force of cruisers. We must plan for the future, and begin a moderate building programme. This country has put away the old world policy of competitive armaments, but it can never be relieved of the responsibility of adequate national defence. “ rmo trentv secured bv the

unprecedented attitude of generosity on one part, for the limitation of naval armament. After most careful preparation extending over months, we recently made every effort to secure a three power treaty to the same end. We wore granted much co-operation by Japan, but we were unable to come to an agreement with-Britain. While the results of the conference were of considerable value they were mostly of a negative character. A\e know now that no agreement can be reached which will he inconsistent with a considerable building programme on our part. We arc ready and willing to continue preparatory investigations on the general subject of tbe limitation of armaments, which has been started under the auspices of the League. We have a considerable cruiser tonnage, but part of it is obsolete. Everyone knew that had a three-power agreement been reached, it would have left us with the necessity of continuing our building programme. Failure to agree should not cause us to build either more or less than we otherwise should. Any future treaty of limitation will call on us for more ships. AVe should enter no competition, but we should refrain from no needful, programme. It should be made clear to all tbe world that lacking a definite agreement, tbe attitude of any other country is not permitted to alter our own policy. - It should especially be demonstrated, that propaganda will upt cause us to change our course, where there is no treaty covering tbe limitation of the size of the navy which America is to have. It will be solely for America to determine and no outside influence should enlarge or diminish it; but it should be known to all that our military power bolds no threat of aggrandisement. It is a guarantee of peace and security at home, and when it goes abroad it is an instrument for tbe protection of the legal rights of our citizens in time of disorder; and always tbe servant of tbe world for peace. Wherever our flag goes, the rights of humanity increase.

Among other matters, President C’ooliclge advocated that more attention; should he given to the merchant mar-, ine as an auxiliary of the navy. He pointed out that the National Department had been reduced to 17975 million dollars, and advocated the rapid disposal of the Government owned merchant marine. Since public operation bad not been successful. He disfavoured either Government price fixing or a Government subsidy for agriculture. The present tariff provided (500 million dollars of annual revenue. Any material reduction in the protection ol either manufactures or agriculture products would injure the country. President Coolidge continued: Prohibition is the solemn law of the and all citizens are morally under an obligation to observe it. The Federal Government is making every effort to enforce it.

The President, concerning China, Mexico and Nicaragua, added there » was nothing new since bis speech of April 25. He concluded : “ Our country has made much progress, but it has taken, and continues to take much effort. Competition will be a keen temptation to selfish arrogance, and will be severe and provocations to deal harshly with weaker peoples will be many. America in doing good in walk-; ing humbly, in sustaining its own people, and in ministering other nations, will work out its own mighty destiny.