The classification act of 1923, with the subsequent legislative action providing for adjustment of the compensation of field service positions, has operated materially to improve employment conditions in the Federal service.  The administration of the act is in the hands of an impartial board, functioning without the necessity of a direct appropriation.  It would be inadvisable at this time to place in other hands the administration of this act.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

The proper function of the Federal Trade Commission is to supervise and correct those practices in commerce which are detrimental to fair competition.  In this it performs a useful function and should be continued and supported.  It was designed also to be a help to honest business.  In my message to the Sixty-eighth Congress I recommended that changes in the procedure then existing be made.  Since then the commission by its own action has reformed its rules, giving greater speed and economy in the disposal of its cases and full opportunity for those accused to be heard.  These changes are improvements and, if necessary, provision should be made for their permanency.

REORGANIZATION

No final action has yet been taken on the measure providing for the reorganization of the various departments.  I therefore suggest that this measure, which will be of great benefit to the efficient and economical administration of the business of the Government, be brought forward and passed.

THE NEGRO

Nearly one-tenth of our population consists of the Negro race.  The progress which they have made in all the arts of civilization in the last 60 years is almost beyond belief.  Our country has no more loyal citizens.  But they do still need sympathy, kindness, and helpfulness.  They need reassurance that the requirements of the Government and society to deal out to them even-handed justice will be met.  They should be protected from all violence and supported in the peaceable enjoyment of the fruits of their labor.  Those who do violence to them should be punished for their crimes.  No other course of action is worthy of the American people.

Our country has many elements in its population, many different modes of thinking and living, all of which are striving in their own way to be loyal to the high ideals worthy of the crown of American citizenship.  It is fundamental of our institutions that they seek to guarantee to all our inhabitants the right to live their own lives under the protection of the public law.  This does not include any license to injure others materially, physically, morally, to Incite revolution, or to violate the established customs which have long had the sanction of enlightened society.