Another preventive measure of great economic and sanitary importance is the eradication of tuberculosis in cattle.  Active work is now in progress in one-fourth of the counties of the United States to secure this result.  Over 12,000,000 cattle have been under treatment, and the average degree of infection has fallen from 4.9 per cent to 2.8 per cent. he Federal Government is making substantial expenditures for this purpose.

Serious damage is threatened to the corn crop by the European corn borer.  Since 1917 it has spread from eastern New England westward into Indiana and now covers about 100,000 square miles.  It is one of the most formidable pests because it spreads rapidly and is exceedingly difficult of control.  It has assumed a menace that is of national magnitude and warrants the Federal Government in extending its cooperation to the State and local agencies which are attempting to prevent its further spread and secure its eradication.

The whole question of agriculture needs most careful consideration.  In the past few years the Government has given this subject more attention than any other and has held more consultations in relation to it than on any other subject.  While the Government is not to be blamed for failure to perform the impossible, the agricultural regions are entitled to know that they have its constant solicitude and sympathy.  Many of the farmers are burdened with debts and taxes which they are unable to carry.  We are expending in this country many millions of dollars each year to increase farm production.  We ought now to put more emphasis on the question of farm marketing.  If a sound solution of a permanent nature can be found for this problem, the Congress ought not to hesitate to adopt it.

DEVELOPMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

In previous messages I have referred to the national importance of the proper development of our water resources.  The great projects of extension of the Mississippi system, the protection an development of the lower Colorado River, are before Congress, and I have previously commented upon them.  I favor the necessary legislation to expedite these projects.  Engineering studies are being made for connecting the Great Lakes with the North Atlantic either through an all-American canal or by way of the St. Lawrence River.  These reports will undoubtedly be before the Congress during its present session.  It is unnecessary to dwell upon the great importance of such a waterway not only to our mid-continental basin but to the commerce and development of practically the whole Nation.  Our river and harbor improvement should be continued in accordance with the present policy.  Expenditure of this character is compatible with economy; it is in the nature of capital investment.  Work should proceed on the basic trunk lines if this work is to be a success.  If the country will be content to be moderate and patient and permit improvements to be made where they will do the greatest general good, rather than insisting on expenditures at this time on secondary projects, our internal Waterways can be made a success.  If proposes legislation results in a gross manifestation of local jealousies and selfishness, this program can not be carried out.  Ultimately we can take care of extensions, but our first effort should be confined to the main arteries.