At the present time the National Government has little or no authority to deal with this vital necessity of the life of the country.  It has permitted itself to remain so powerless that its only attitude must be humble supplication.  Authority should be lodged with the President and the Departments of Commerce and Labor, giving them power to deal with an emergency.  They should be able to appoint temporary boards with authority to call for witnesses and documents, conciliate differences, encourage arbitration, and in case of threatened scarcity exercise control over distribution.  Making the facts public under these circumstances through a statement from an authoritative source would be of great public benefit.  The report of the last coal commission should be brought forward, reconsidered, and acted upon.

PROHIBITION

Under the orderly processes of our fundamental institutions the Constitution was lately amended providing for national prohibition.  The Congress passed an act for its enforcement, and similar acts have been provided by most of the States.  It is the law of the land.  It is the duty of all who come under its, jurisdiction to observe the spirit of that law, and it is the duty of the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department to enforce it.  Action to prevent smuggling, illegal transportation in interstate commerce, abuse in the use of permits, and existence of sources of supply for illegal traffic is almost entirely imposed upon the Federal Government.

Through treaties with foreign governments and increased activities of the Coast Guard, revenue agents, district attorneys and enforcement agents effort is being made to prevent these violations.  But the Constitution also puts a concurrent duty on the States.  We need their active and energetic cooperation, the vigilant action of their police, and the jurisdiction of their courts to assist in enforcement.  I request of the people observance, of the public officers continuing efforts for enforcement, and of the Congress favorable action on the budget recommendation for the prosecution of this work.

WATERWAY DEVELOPMENT

For many years our country has been employed in plans and M for the development of our intracoastal and inland waterways.  This work along our coast is an important adjunct to our commerce.  It will be carried on, together with the further opening up of our harbors, as our resources permit.  The Government made an agreement during the war to take over the Cape Cod Canal, under which the owners made valuable concessions.  This pledged faith of the Government ought to be redeemed.