Mr. Roosevelt's Presidential Message was delivered to the Senate and
House of Representatives at Washington on Tuesday. It is of extraordinary length, and took about three hours to read. No less than fifty subjects are dealt with. The Message is both defensive and explanatory ; but those who expected Mr. Roosevelt to withdraw any part of his " policies " were disappointed. The Message repeats all the principles with which Mr. Roosevelt has identified himself during the past year, and in many cases they are argued in the same words which he has already used publicly in speeches and writings. We discuss the Message elsewhere, but may mention here the chief points. Mr. Roosevelt recommends the issue of emergency currency under strict conditions to check financial panics. Trusts must be more strictly super- vised, and should be forced to publish their accounts and open their books to inspection at all times. Postal savings-banks should be established. Railways must come further under Government control. A graduated Income-tax and Death- duties ought to be introduced. The degree of employers' liability to their workmen ought to be raised to the European standard. The Regular Army should be increased, and four new battleships should be laid down next year. It is noticeable that American relations with Japan are not mentioned, except for a very friendly wish that the Americans will do their best to make the Japanese Exhibition of 1912 a success.
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