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REGISTRATION BOARDS. Nothing is so fundamental to the integrity of a republican form of government as honesty in all that relates to the conduct of elections. I am of the opinion that the national laws governing the choice of members of the congress should be extended to include appropriate representation of the respective parties at the ballot box and equality of representation on the various registration boards, wherever they exist.

REFORM OF THE JUDICIARY. The docket of the Supreme court is becoming congested. At the opening term last year it had 592 cases, while this year it had 687 cases. Justice long delayed is justice refused. Unless the court be given power by preliminary and summary consideration to determine the importance of cases, and by disposing of those which are not of public moment reserve its time for the more extended consideration of the remainder, the congestion of the docket is likely to increase. It is also desirable that the Supreme court should have power to improve and reform procedure in suits at law in the federal courts through the adoption of appropriate rules. The judiciary committee of the senate has reported favorably upon two bills providing for these reforms which should have the immediate favorable consideration of the congress.

I further recommend that provision be made for the appointment of a commission to consist of two or three members of the federal judiciary and as many members of the bar to examine the present criminal code of procedure and recommend to the congress measures which may reform and expedite court procedure in the administration and enforcement of our criminal laws.

Pending before the congress is a bill which has already passed one house providing for a reformatory to which could be committed first offenders and young men for the purpose of segregating them from contact with hardened criminals and providing them with special training in order to re-establish in them the power to pursue a law-abiding existence in the social and economic life of the nation. This is a matter of so much importance as to warrant the early attention of the present session. Further provision should also be made, for a like reason, for a separate reformatory for women.

which will permit of the payment of these remaining claims.

AID TO WAGE EARNERS.

Two very important policies have been adopted by this country which, while extending their benefits also in other directions, have been of the utmost importance to the wage earners. One of these is the protective tariff. which enables our people to live according to a better standard and receive a better rate of compensation than any people, any time, anywhere on earth, ever enjoyed. This saves the American market for the products of the American workmen. The other is a policy of more recent origin and seeks to shield our wage earners from the disastrous competition of a great influx of foreign peoples. This has been done by the restrictive immigration law. This saves the American job for the American workman. I should like to see the administrative features of this law rendered a little more humane for the purpose of permitting those already here a greater latitude in securing admission of members of their own famiI believe this law in principle is lies. But necessary and sound, and destined to increase greatly the public welfare. We must maintain our own economic position; we must defend our own national integrity.

It is gratifying to report that the progress of industry, the enormous increase in individual productivity through labor-saving devices and the high rate of wages have all combined to furnish our people in general with such an abundance not only of the necessaries but of the conveniences of life that are by a natural evolution solving problems of economic and social justice.

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These developments have brought about a very remarkable improvement in the condition of the Negro race. Gradually, but surely. with the almost universal sympathy of those among whom they live, the colored people are working out their own destiny. I firmly believe that it is better for all concerned that they should be cheerfully accorded their full constitutional rights, that they should be protected from all of those impositions to which, from their position, they naturally fall a prey, especially from the crime of lynching, and that they should receive every encouragement to become full partakers in all the blessings of our common American citizenship.

CIVIL SERVICE.

The merit system has long been recognized as the correct basis for employment in our third class postmasters and, without covering civil service. I believe that first, second and in the present membership, the field force of prohibition enforcement should be brought within the classified service by statute law. Otherwise the executive order of one administration is changed by the executive order of

Representatives of the international police conference will bring to the attention of the congress a proposal for the establishment of a national police bureau. Such action would provide a central point for gathering, compiling and later distributing to local police authorities much information which would be helpful in the prevention and detection 0 crime. I believe this bureau is needed, and I recommend favorable consideration of this pro-another administration and little real progress posal.

The welfare work of the District of Columbia is administered by several different boards dealing with charities and various correctional efforts. It would be an improvement if this work were consolidated and placed under the direction of a single commission.

is made. Whatever its defects, the merit system is certainly to be preferred to the spoils system.

One way to save public money would be to pass the pending bill for the reorganization of the various departments. This project has been pending for some time and has had the most SPOLIATION CLAIMS. careful consideration of experts and the During the last session of the congress legis- thorough study of a special congressional com lation was introduced looking to the payment mittee. This legislation is vital as a comof the remaining claims generally referred to panion piece to the budget law. Legal au as the French spoliation claims. The congress thority for a thorough reorganization of the has provided for the payment of many similar federal structure, with some latitude of action claims. Those that remain unpaid have been to the executive in the rearrangement of seclong pending. The beneficiaries thereunder ondary functions, would make for continuing have every reason to expect payment. These economy in the shift of government activities claims have been examined by the Court of which must follow every change in a deClaims and their validity and amount developing country. Beyond this many of the inmined. The United States ought to pay its dependent agencies of the government must be s. I recommend action by the congress placed under responsible cabinet officials if we

are to have safeguards of efficiency, economy and probity.

ARMY AND NAVY.

Little has developed in relation to our national defense which needs special attention. Progress is constantly being made in air naviand degation and requires encouragement velopment. Army aviators have made a sucfor which around the world. cessful trip suitable recognition through I recommend provisions for promotion, compensation and retirement. Under the direction of the navy a new Zeppelin has been successfully brought from Europe across the Atlantic to our own country.

Due to the efficient supervision of the secretary of war the army of the United States has been organized with a small body of regulars and a moderate national guard and reThe defense test of Sept. 12 demonstrated the efficiency of the operating plans. These methods and operations are well worthy of congressional support.

serve.

Under the limitation of armaments treaty a large saving in outlay and a considerable decrease in maintenance of the navy has been accomplished. We should maintain the policy of full treaty constantly working toward the strength of the navy. Careful investigation is being made in this department of the relative importance of aircraft, surface and submarine vessels in order that we may not fail to take advantage of all modern improvements for our national defense. A special commission also is investigating the problem of petroleum oil for the navy, considering the best policy to insure the future supply of fuel oil and prevent the oil reserves. of naval threatened drainage Legislative action is required to carry on experiments in oil-shale reduction, as large deposits of this type have been set aside for the use of the navy.

We have been constantly besought to engage Frequent reports in competitive armaments. will reach us of the magnitude of the military equipment of other nations. We shall do well to be little impressed by such reports or such actions. Any nation undertaking to maintain a military establishment with aggressive and imperialistic designs will find itself severely handicapped in the economic development of the world. I believe thoroughly in the army and navy, in adequate defense and preparation. But I am opposed to any policy of competition in building and maintaining land or

sea armaments.

Our country has definitely relinquished the old standard of dealing with other countries by terror and force, and is definitely committed to the new standard of dealing with them through friendship and understanding. This new policy by the should be constantly kept in mind guiding forces of the army and navy, by the congress and by the country at large. I believe it holds a promise of great benefit to humanity.

I shall resist any attempt to resort to the old methods and the old standards. I am especially solicitous that foreign nations should sincerity with the candor and comprehend which we have adopted this position. While we propose to maintain defensive and supplementary police forces by land and sea and to train them through inspections and maneuvers upon appropriate occasions in order to maintain their efficiency, I wish every other nation to understand that this does not express any unfriendliness or convey any hostile intent. I want the armed forces of America to be considered by all peoples not as enemies but as friends, as the contribution which is made by this country for the maintenance of the peace and security of the world.

CARE OF VETERANS.

With the authorization for general hospitalization of the veterans of all wars provided during the present year, the care and served their treatment of those who have country in time of peril, the attitude of the government toward them is not new So much one of needed legislation as one of careful, generous and humane administration.

It will ever be recognized that their welfare is of the first concern and always entitled to the most solicitous consideration on the part of their fellow citizens. They are organized in various associations, of which the chief and most representative is the American Legion. Through its officers the Legion will present to the congress numerous suggestions for legislation. They cover such a wide variety of subjects that it is impossible to discuss them within the scope of this message. With many of the proposals I join in hearty approval and commend them all to the sympathetic investigation and consideration of the congress. FOREIGN RELATIONS.

At no period in the last twelve years have our foreign relations been in such a satisfactory condition as they are at the present time. Our actions in the recent months have greatly strengthened the American policy of permanent peace with independence. The attitude which our government took and maintained toward an adjustment of European reparations. by pointing out that it was not a political but a business problem, has demonstrated its wisdom by its actual results. We desire to see Europe restored that it may resume its prosupport in the advance of civilization. ductivity in the increase of industry and its We look with great gratification hopeful prospect of recuperation in Europe can be given through the action of the pubthrough the Dawes plan. Such assistance as lic authorities and of our private citizens, through friendly counsel and co-operation and through economic and financial support, not for any warlike effort but for reproductive enterprise, not to provide means for unsound government financing but to establish sound business administration, should be unhesitat ingly provided.

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Ultimately nations, like individuals, cannot must depend depend upon each other but upon themselves. Each one must work out its own salvation. We have every desire to help. But with all our resources we are powerless to save unless our efforts meet with a constructive response. The situation in our country and all over the world is one that can be improved only by hard work and selfdenial. It is necessary to reduce expenditures. increase savings and liquidate debts. It is in and international this direction that there lies the greatest hope tranquility of domestic peace. Our own country ought to furnish the leading example in this effort. Our past adherence to this policy, our constant refusal to maintain a military establishment that could be thought to menace the security of others, our honorable dealings with other nations whether great or small, has left us in the almost constant enjoyment of peace.

It is not necessary to stress the general desire of all the people of this country for the promotion of peace. It is the leading principle of all our foreign relations. We have on every occasion tried to co-operate to this end in all ways that were consistent with our proper independence and our traditional policies. It will be my constant effort to maintain these principles and to re-enforce them by all appropriate agreements and treaties. we desire always to co-operate we are equally determined to he and free. Right and truth and

humanitarian efforts will have the moral support of this country all over the world. But we do not wish to become involved in the political controversies of others. Nor is the country disposed to become a member of the league of nations or to assume the obligations imposed by its covenant.

America has been one of the foremost nations in advocating tribunals for the settlement of international disputes of a justiciable character. Our representatives took a leading part in those conferences which resulted in the establishment of the Hague tribunal, and later in providing for a permanent court of international justice. I believe it would be for the advantage of this country and helpful to the stability of other nations for us to adhere to the protocol establishing that court upon the conditions stated in the recommendation which is now before the senate, and further that our country shall not be bound by advisory opinions which may be rendered by the court upon questions which we have not voluntarily submitted for its judgment. This court would provide a practical and convenient tribunal before which we could go voluntarily, but to which we could not be summoned, for a determination of justiciable questions when they fail to be resolved by diplomatic negotiations.

DISARMAMENT PARLEY.

LATIN AMERICA. While we are desirous of promoting peace in every quarter of the globe we have a special interest in the peace of this hemisphere. It is our constant desire that all causes of dispute in this area may be tranquilly and satis factorily adjusted. Along with our desire for peace is the earnest hope for the increased prosperity of our sister republics of Latin America and our constant purpose to promote co-operation with them which may be mutually beneficial and always inspired by the most cordial friendships. WAR DEBTS.

About $12.000.000,000 is due to our govern ment from abroad, mostly from European gov. ernments. Great Britain, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania and Poland have negotiated settlements amounting close to $5.000.000.000. This represents the funding of over 42 per cent of the debt since the creation of the spe cial foreign debt commission. As the life of this commission is a out to expire its terms should be extended. I am opposed to the cancellation of these debts and believe it for the best welfare of the world that they should be liquidated and paid as fast as possible. I do not favor oppressive measures, but unless money that is borrowed is repaid credit cannot be secured in time of necessity and there exists besides a moral obligation which our country cannot ignore and no other country Many times I have expressed my desire to can evade. Terms and conditions may have see the work of the Washington conference on to conform to differences in the financial abillimitation of armaments appropriately supple-ities of the countries concerned, but the prinmented by further agreements for a further ciple that each country should meet its obreduction and for the purpose of diminishing ligation admits of no differences and is of the menace and waste of the competition in universal application. preparing instruments of international war. It has been and is my expectation that we might hopefully approach other great powers for further conference on this subject as soon as the carrying out of the present reparation plan as the established and settled policy of Europe has created a favorable opportunity. But on account of proposals which have already been made by other governments for a European conference it will be necessary to wait to see what the outcome of their actions may be. I should not wish to propose or have representatives attend a conference which would contemplate commitments opposed to the freedom of action we desire to maintain unimpaired with respect to our purely domestic policies.

Our country should also support efforts which are being made toward the codification of international law. We can look more hope. fully, in the first instance, for research and studies that are likely to be productive of re sults, to a co-operation among representatives of the bar and members of international law institutes and societies than to a conference of those who are technically representative of their respective governments, although when projects have been developed they must go to the governments for their approval. These expert professional studies are going on in certain quarters and should have our constant encouragement and approval.

It is axiomatic that our country cannot stand still. It would seem to be perfectly plain from recent events that it is determined to go forward. But it wants no pretenses, it wants no vagaries. It is determined to advance in an orderly. sound and commonsense way. It does not propose to abandon the theory of the declaration that the people have inalienable rights which no majority and no power of government can destroy. It does not propose to abandon the practice of the constitution that provides for the protection of these rights. It believes that within these limitations, which are imposed not by the fiat of man but by the law of the Creator, selfgovernment is just and wise. It is convinced that it will be impossible for the people to their own government unless they provide continue to own their own property.

These are the very foundations of America. On them has been erected a government of freedom and equality of justice and mercy of education and charity. Living under it and supporting it, the people have come into great possessions on the material and spiritual sides of life. I want to continue in this direction. I know that the congress shares with me that desire. I want our institutions to be more and more expressive of these principles. I want the people of all the earth to see in the American flag the symbol of a government which intends no oppression at home and no aggression abroad, which in the spirit of a common brotherhood provides assistance in time of distress. CALVIN COOLIDGE.

Much interest has of late been manifested in this country in the discussion of various proposals to outlaw aggressive war. I look with great sympathy upon the examination DEATH OF MRS. WARREN G. HARDING. of this subject. It is in harmony with the traditional policy of our country, which is Florence Kling Harding, widow of President against aggressive war and for the main- Warren G. Harding, died in Marion. O., Nov. tenance of permanent and honorable peace. 21, 1924. She had been ill for several weeks While, as I have said, we must safeguard our with a kidney complaint from which she had liberty to deal according to our own judgment suffered for years. She was born in Marion in with our domestic policies, we cannot fail to 1860 and was married to Mr. Harding in w with sympathetic interest all progress to 1891. After leaving the white house Mrs. desired end or carefully to study the Harding lived at the home of Dr. Carl W. Sares that may be proposed to attain it, I Sawyer.

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Sixty-Eighth Congress.

From March 4. 1923. to March 3, 1925.

SENATE.

MONTANA.

Republicans. 51: democrats, 42: farmerlabor, 2; vacancy, 1; total, 96. Compensation Burton K. Wheeler. Dem.. of senators. $7,500 a year; term six years. Thomas J. Walsh, Dem...

ALABAMA.

NEBRASKA.
Oscar W. Underwood. Dem..Birmingham..1927 Robert B. Howell, Rep..
James T. Heflin, Dem..... .Lafayette..1925 George W. Norris, Rep..
ARIZONA.
Henry F. Ashurst, Dem...
Ralph H. Cameron, Rep...

ARKANSAS.

Prescott..1929
..Phoenix..1927

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NEVADA.

Tasker L. Oddie. Rep.
Key Pittman, Dem..

.Butte..1929 .Helena..1925

Omaha..1929 ..McCook..1925

Reno..1927 Tonopah..1929

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

George H. Moses, Rep..
Henry W. Keyes. Rep.

Concord..1927 .Haverhill..1925

NEW JERSEY.
Walter E. Edge, Rep.. Atlantic City..1925
Edward I. Edwards, Dem.... Jersey City..1929
NEW MEXICO.

Andreius A. Jones, Dem... E. Las Vegas..1929
Holm 0. Bursum. Rep..
.Socorro..1925

NEW YORK.

James W. Wadsworth. Rep... Groveland..1927
Royal S. Copeland, Dem.... New York..1929
NORTH CAROLINA.

Lee S. Overman. Dem...... Salisbury..1927
F. M. Simmons. Dem...
New Bern..1925

NORTH DAKOTA.

Thomas F. Bayard, Dem.... Wilmington..1929
L. Heisler Ball, Rep......Marshalltown..1925 Lynn J. Frazier, Rep., Nonp....Hoople..1929

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James E. Watson, Rep.. ...Rushville..1927 Peter Goelet Gerry, Dem...... Warwick..1929
Samuel M. Ralston, Dem... Indianapolis..1929 Jesse H. Metcalf, Rep...... Providence..1925
IOWA.

SOUTH CAROLINA.
Albert B. Cummins, Rep...Des Moines..1927 Ellison D. Smith, Dem.
Smith W. Brookhart, Rep..Washington..1925 Nathaniel B. Dial, Dem..

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Ovington E. Weller. Rep.....Baltimore..1927 Porter H. Dale, Rep..
Island Pond..1927
William C. Bruce, Dem.... .Baltimore..1929 | Frank L. Greene, Rep. ...St. Albans..1929
MASSACHUSETTS.
William M. Butler, Rep.....
David I. Walsh, Dem..

MICHIGAN.

VIRGINIA.

Boston..1927 Claude A. Swanson, Dem.....Chatham..1929
Fitchburg..1925 Carter Glass, Dem..
.Lynchburg..1925

WASHINGTON.
Woodbridge N. Ferris, Dem..Big Rapids..1929 Wesley L. Jones. Rep..
James Couzens, Rep..
Detroit..1925 Clarence C. Dill, Dem.

MINNESOTA.

Seattle..1927 .Spokane..1929

WEST VIRGINIA.

Henrik Shipstead, Far.-Lab..Minneapolis..1929 Matthew M. Neely, Dem.... Fairmont..1929 Magnus Johnson, Far.-Lab.. .Kimball..1925 Davis Elkins, Rep.. Morgantown..1925

MISSISSIPPI.

WISCONSIN.

.Madison..1929

Hubert D. Stephens, Dem..New Albany..1929 Irvine L. Lenroot. Rep.. ..Superior..1927
Pat Harrison, Dem..
.Gulfport..1925 Robert M. LaFollette, Rep..
WYOMING.
John B. Kendrick, Dem.
Sheridan..1929
Francis E. Warren. Rep....... Cheyenne..1925

MISSOURI.
Selden P. Spencer. Rep..
St. Louis..1927
James A. Reed, Dem........Kansas City..1929

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1. W. J. Driver, Dem...

2. William A. Oldfield,_Dem.. 3. John N. Tillman," *

Dem...

4. Otis Wingo,* Dem..
5. Heartsill Ragon. Dem..
6. James B. Reed, Dem..
7. Tilman B. Parks, Dem..

CALIFORNIA.

1. Clarence F. Lea.* Dem....
2. John E. Raker.*
3. Charles F.
4. Julius Kahn, Rep..

Dem..
Curry, Rep...

....Allgood
Tuscumbia

Phoenix

Osceola
Batesville

.Fayetteville
De Queen
.Clarkesville
.Lonoke
Hope

.Santa Rosa
.. Alturas
Sacramento

18. William P. Holaday. Rep..
19. Allen F. Moore. Rep........
20. Henry T. Rainey, Dem..
21. J. Earl Major, Dem..

.Aledo .. Galesburg Peoria

.Bloomington

Danville

Monticello

Carrollton

.Hillsboro

Robinson

..Marion

22. Edward E. Miller, Rep...... East St. Louis
23. William W. Arnold, Dem..
24. Thomas S. Williams. Rep.....Louisville
25. Edward E. Denison. Rep...

INDIANA.

1. William E. Wilson, Dem......Evansville
2. Arthur H. Greenwood, Dem.... Washington
3. Frank Gardner, Dem..
4. Harry C. Canfield, Dem..
5. Everett Sanders.* Rep.

6. Richard N. Elliott. Rep...
7. Merrill Moores, Rep...
8. Albert H. Vestal. Rep..
9. Fred S. Purnell. Rep..
10. William R. Wood. Rep.....
San Francisco
11. Samuel E. Cook. Dem....
5. Mrs. Mae E. Nolan, Rep..
12. Louis W. Fairfield.*
.San Francisco
13. A. J. Hickey.
6. James H. McLafferty. Rep.........Oakland
7. H. E. Barbour,* Rep...
8. Arthur M. Free.* Rep.

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6. C. William Ramseyer," * Rep.... Bloomfield
7. Cassius C. Dowell, Rep.
8. Hiram K. Evans, Rep..
9. William R. Green. Rep....Council Bluffs
10. L. J. Dickinson, Rep..
11. W. D. Boies, Rep..

KANSAS.
1. Dan'l R. Anthony, Jr..'
2. U. S. Guyer, Rep....
3. W. H. Sproul. Rep..
4. Homer Hoch. Rep..
5. J. G. Strong. Rep.
6. Hays B. White, Rep.
7. J. N. Tincher. Rep..
8. William A. Ayres, Dem..

Algona Sheldon

Rep..Leavenworth
. Kansas City
.Sedan
..Marion
.Blue Rapids
Mankato
Medicine Lodge
Wichita

KENTUCKY.

1. Alben W. Barkley, Dem.
2. David H. Kincheloe, Dem...Madisonville
3. Robert Y. Thomas, Jr., Dem..Central City

.Statesboro 4. Ben Johnson, Dem..
Sylvester 5. M. A. Thatcher, Rep..

.Americus
.Newnan
Atlanta
Fayetteville
Chickamauga
..Athens
Gainesville
.Milledgeville

Douglas
........Dublin

1. Burton L. French,t Rep...... Moscow 2. Addison T. Smith,*t Rep.......Twin Falls

ILLINOIS.

Richard Yates. Rep..
Henry R. Rathbone.t_Rep..

1. Martin B. Madden. Rep.
Morton D. Hull, Rep..

67

Elliott W. Sproul, Rep..
Thomas A. Doyle, Dem..

Springfield
Kenilworth

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Paducah

.Bardstown

Louisville

Burlington

Newcastle

Shelbyville

.Louisa Pikeville .Barbourville

6. Arthur B. Rouse. Dem.. 7. Joseph W. Morris. Dem. 8. Ralph Gilbert. Dem.. 9. Fred M. Vinson. Dem.. 10. John W. Langley.* Rep. 11. J. M. Robison. Rep... LOUISIANA. 1. James O'Connor, Dem.. 2. J. Z. Spearing. Dem... 3. Whitmell P. Martin, Dem....Thibodaux 4. John N. Sandlin, Dem... 5. Riley J. Wilson, 6. George K. Favrot, 7. Ladislas Lazaro, 8. James B. Aswell.

Dem......

New Orleans New Orleans

Minden Harrisonburg Dem......Baton Rouge Dem...... Washington

Dem......Natchitoches

MAINE.

Chicago 1. Carroll L. Beedy. Rep..
Chicago 2. Wallace H. White, Jr.. Rep..
Chicago 3. John E. Nelson. Rep..
Chicago 4. Ira G. Hersey. Rep..

. Portland

. Lewiston

.Augusta
Houlton

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