It is for these reasons that our country, like any other country, proposes to provide itself with an army and navy supported by a merchant marine.  Yet these are not for competition with any other power.  For years we have besought nations to disarm.  We have recently expressed our willingness at Geneva to enter into treaties for the limitation of all types of warships according to the ratio adopted at the Washington Conference.  This offer is still pending.  While we are and shall continue to be armed it is not as a menace, but rather a common assurance of tranquility to all the peaceloving people of the world.  For us to do any less would be to disregard our obligations, evade our responsibilities, and jeopardize our national honor.

VETERANS

This country, not only because it is bound by honor but because of the satisfaction derived from it, has always lavished its bounty upon its veterans.  For years a service pension has been bestowed upon the Grand Army on reaching a certain age.  Like provision has been made for the survivors of the Spanish War.  A liberal future compensation has been granted to all the veterans of the World War.  But it is in the case of the, disabled and the dependents that the Government exhibits its greatest solicitude.  This work is being well administered by the Veterans’ Bureau.  The main unfinished feature is that of hospitalization.  This requirement is being rapidly met.  Various veteran bodies will present to you recommendations which should have your careful consideration.  At the last session we increased our annual expenditure for pensions and relief on account of the veterans of three wars.  While I approve of proper relief for all suffering, I do not favor any further extension of our pension system at this time.

ALIEN PROPERTY

We still have in the possession of the Government the alien property.  It has always been the policy of America to hold that private enemy property should not be confiscated in time of war.  This principle we have scrupulously observed.  As this property is security for the claims of our citizens and our Government, we can not relinquish it without adequate provision for their reimbursement.  Legislation for the return of this property, accompanied by suitable provisions for the liquidation of the claims of our citizens and our Treasury, should be adopted.  If our Government releases to foreigners the security which it holds for Americans, it must at the same time provide satisfactory safeguards for meeting American claims.

PROHIBITION