For many years it has been the policy of the Federal Government to encourage and foster the cause of education.  Large sums of money are annually appropriated to carry on vocational training.  Many millions go into agricultural schools.  The general subject is under the immediate direction of a Commissioner of Education.  While this subject is strictly a State and local function, it should continue to have the encouragement of the National Government.  I am still of the opinion that much good could be accomplished through the establishment of a Department of Education and Relief, into which would be gathered all of these functions under one directing member of the Cabinet.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Industrial relations have never been more peaceful.  In recent months they have suffered from only one serious controversy.  In all others difficulties have been adjusted, both management and labor wishing to settle controversies by friendly agreement rather than by compulsion.  The welfare of women and children is being especially guarded by our Department of Labor.  Its Children’s Bureau is in cooperation with 26 State boards and 80 juvenile courts.

Through its Bureau of Immigration it has been found that medical examination abroad has saved prospective immigrants from much hardship.  Some further legislation to provide for reuniting families when either the husband or the wife is in this country, and granting more freedom for the migration of the North American Indian tribes is desirable.

The United States Employment Service has enabled about 2,000,000 men and women to gain paying positions in the last fiscal year.  Particular attention has been given to assisting men past middle life and in providing field labor for harvesting agricultural crops.  This has been made possible in part through the service of the Federal Board for Vocational Education, which is cooperating with the States in a program to increase the technical knowledge and skill of the wage earner.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Construction is under way in the country and ground has been broken for carrying out a public-building program for Washington.  We have reached a time when not only the conveniences but the architectural beauty of the public buildings of the Capital City should be given much attention.  It will be necessary to purchase further land and provide the required continuing appropriations.

HISTORICAL CELEBRATIONS

Provision is being made to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.  Suggestion has been made for the construction of a memorial road leading from the Capital to Mount Vernon, which may well have the consideration of the Congress, and the commission intrusted with preparations for the celebration will undoubtedly recommend publication of the complete writings of Washington and a series of writings by different authors relating to him.