It is in accordance with this principle that we have enacted laws for the protection of the public health and have adopted prohibition in narcotic drugs and intoxicating liquors.  For purposes of national uniformity we ought to provide, by constitutional amendment and appropriate legislation, for a limitation of child labor, and in all cases under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government a minimum wage law for women, which would undoubtedly find sufficient power of enforcement in the influence of public opinion.

Having in mind that education is peculiarly a local problem, and that it should always be pursued with the largest freedom of choice by students and parents, nevertheless, the Federal Government might well give the benefit of its counsel and encouragement more freely in this direction.  If anyone doubts the need of concerted action by the States of the Nation for this purpose, it is only necessary to consider the appalling figures of illiteracy representing a condition which does not vary much in all parts of the Union.  I do not favor the making of appropriations from the National Treasury to be expended directly on local education, but I do consider it a fundamental requirement of national activity which, accompanied by allied subjects of welfare, is worthy of a separate department and a place in the Cabinet.  The humanitarian side of government should not be repressed, but should be cultivated.

Mere intelligence, however, is not enough.  Enlightenment must be accompanied by that moral power which is the product of the home and of rebellion.  Real education and true welfare for the people rest inevitably on this foundation, which the Government can approve and commend, but which the people themselves must create.

IMMIGRATION

American institutions rest solely on good citizenship.  They were created by people who had a background of self-government.  New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship.  America must be kept American.  For this purpose, it is necessary to continue a policy of restricted immigration.  It would be well to make such immigration of a selective nature with some inspection at the source, and based either on a prior census or upon the record of naturalization.  Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens.  I am convinced that our present economic and social conditions warrant a limitation of those to be admitted.  We should find additional safety in a law requiring the immediate registration of all aliens.  Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.

VETERANS