Such a solution will involve complicated negotiations, and there is no authority for that purpose.  I therefore recommend that the Congress appoint a small joint committee to consider offers, conduct negotiations, and report definite recommendations.

RECLAMATION

By reason of many contributing causes, occupants of our reclamation projects are in financial difficulties, which in some cases are acute.  Relief should be granted by definite authority of law empowering the Secretary of the Interior in his discretion to suspend, readjust, and reassess all charges against water users.  This whole question is being considered by experts.  You will have the advantage of the facts and conclusions which they may develop.  This situation, involving a Government investment of more than $135,000,000, and affecting more than 30,000 water users, is serious.  While relief which is necessary should be granted, yet contracts with the Government which can be met should be met.  The established general policy of these projects should not be abandoned for any private control.

HIGHWAYS AND FORESTS

Highways and reforestation should continue to have the interest and support of the Government.  Everyone is anxious for good highways.  I have made a liberal proposal in the Budget for the continuing payment to the States by the Federal Government of its share for this necessary public improvement.  No expenditure of public money contributes so much to the national wealth as for building good roads.

Reforestation has an importance far above the attention it usually secures.  A special committee of the Senate is investigating this need, and I shall welcome a constructive policy based on their report.

It is 100 years since our country announced the Monroe doctrine.  This principle has been ever since, and is now, one of the main foundations of our foreign relations.  It must be maintained.  But in maintaining it we must not be forgetful that a great change has taken place.  We are no longer a weak Nation, thinking mainly of defense, dreading foreign imposition.  We are great and powerful.  New powers bring new responsibilities.  Our ditty then was to protect ourselves.  Added to that, our duty now is to help give stability to the world.  We want idealism.  We want that vision which lifts men and nations above themselves.  These are virtues by reason of their own merit.  But they must not be cloistered; they must not be impractical; they must not be ineffective.