THE NATION: For the Common Good

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From the radio and television room in the White House, the President of the U.S. this week delivered his first message of 1954. It was beamed at the American people through every major radio and television network. Its aim was clear: Dwight Eisenhower was attempting to rally behind his legislative program the great popular support that swept him into the White House in 1952.

While he did not offer a preview of his State of the Union message, the President did call public attention to his forthcoming recommendations to Congress. He outlined the accomplishments and restated the aims of his Administration, speaking largely of principle rather than of detail, but in crisp, direct terms.

The Accomplishments: What has the Administration done? The President listed "a few" of the accomplishments:

1. "The fighting and the casualties in Korea mercifully have come to an end . . .

2. "Our own defenses and those of the free world have been strengthened against Communist aggression.

3. "The highest security standards are being insisted upon for those employed in Government service.

4. "Requests for new appropriations have been reduced by $13 billion.

5. "Tax reductions which go into effect this month have been made financially feasible by substantial reductions in Government expenditures.

6. "Strangling controls on our economy have been removed.

7. "The fantastic paradox of farm prices, on a toboggan slide while living costs soared skyward, has ceased.

8. "The cheapening by inflation of every dollar you earn, every savings account and insurance policy you own, and every pension payment you receive has been halted.

9. "The proper working relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal Government has been made effective.

10. "Emergency immigration legislation has been enacted.

11. "A strong and consistent policy has been developed toward gaining and retaining the initiative in foreign affairs.

12. "A plan to harness atomic energy to the peaceful service of mankind, and to help end the climate of suspicion and fear that excites nations to war, has been proposed to the world."

The Aims. Taking note of widespread talk about a business recession, the President spoke sternly of the "self-appointed peddlers of gloom and doom." Assuring the people that his Administration is deeply concerned with "the realities of living," he said: "Groundwork . . . has been laid by this Administration in the strong belief that the Federal Government should be prepared at all times—ready, at a moment's notice, to use every proper means 'to sustain the basic prosperity of our people.

"I therefore give you this assurance: every legitimate means available to the Federal Government that can be used to sustain that prosperity is being used and will continue to be used as necessary. This Administration believes that we must not and need not tolerate a boom-and-bust America."