Speech #610200142

This is to be followed by a plan to drain the swamp lands of the South. (f) Authority and means were given the Tariff Board to investigate the difference between the cost of production here and abroad. looking to possible changes in the tariff on imported articles to meet altered conditions. Such information is necessary for future revisions of the tariff in a wise and scientific manner. (g) Authorization of reorganization of the Navy Department and its bureaus tosecure greater efficiency. (h) A progressive program for the upbuilding of the navy was authorized. directing the immediate construction of two 27.000ton battle ships. and a number of smaller vessels. (i) The LightIouse Board was reorganized along the lines of modern administrative policy. (j) A Bureau of Mines was created. designed to minimize dangers to mine employees. (7.) A law was enacted broadening the requirement of the safety appliances on railroads. (1) The "white slave" traffic was penalized and drastic regulations provided to suppress it. (m) The President was authorized to parole federal prisoners whose conduct warrants clemency. (a) A system of licenses for custom brokers was provided. T (o) Immigration of aliens was further restricted. This Is a most important measure to protect American labor. and also to protect our high standard of citizenship. (p) The seal fisheries of Alaska were further protected to prevent extermination of the seal herds by foreign poachers. (q) Gold coin was prescribed as the medium for paying the public debt. (r) Important amendments to the act creating the government of Hawaii were enacted. (s) A commission of fine arts for civic betterment was provided. (t) Provision was made for raising the battle ship Maine. (u) Provision was made for numerous necessary public buildings. (v) The departments were given additional appropriations for conducting special workthe Department of Justice. for the prosecution of the trusts. the Department of Agriculture. for investigation of substitutes for wood pulp in the manufacture of paper. the Geological Survey. for gauging streams and conserving waterpower sites. (w) The Glacier National Park in Montana was created. and the big trees in California further protected. (x) A law was enacted requiring political campaign committees to publish the source of contributions to campaigns for the election of Representatives in Congress. (y) In addition to the foregoing principal enactments of law there was a great amount of other work. Pension bills. bills to authorize construction of bridges. rights of way. and of a semiprivate character were passed. (z) The session also bore fruit in the partial preparation of laws which will be completed at the next session. bills that passed one house and were not acted upon by the other.