National Affairs: Candidate Coolidge

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Foreign Policy. "The foreign policy of America can best be described by one word—peace. . . . We have sought to promote peace not only by word but by appropriate action. We have been unwilling to surrender our independence. We have refused to ratify the Covenant of the League of Nations. But we have coöperated with it to suppress the narcotic trade and promote public health. . . .

"We have observed with sympathy the continuing difficulties of Europe. . . . The Reparation Commission appointed a committee of experts of which three were Americans, one of whom, Charles G. Dawes, was chosen Chairman. A report has been made which received world-wide approbation and has been accepted in principle by the Governments interested. ... I believe the substance of the plan ought to 'be adopted. . . . If Europe should agree to this proposal, then a private loan should be made by our citizens to Germany for the financial support of this undertaking. ... In my opinion such action, by stabilizing Europe, would result in improving our own economic condition. . . . Our country has always been against aggressive war and for permanent peace. Those who are working out detailed plans to present such a policy for consideration have my entire sympathy. . . . "We helped the Government of Mexico protect Itself against domestic violence. . . . We also indicated the adoption of a policy of making it worth while for a Government so to conduct itself as to merit our recognition."

Protective Tariff. "America opposes special privilege for anybody and favors equal opportunity for everybody. . . . The Republican Party supports the policy of protection as a broad principle, good alike for producer and consumer."

Agriculture. "I confess that my inheritance and personal experience have bred in me a keen interest in the welfare of agriculture. ... As many as 15 laws have been passed to assist and support this fundamental industry. Through the War Finance Corporation it has been extended credits of between $300,000,000 and $400,000,000.

"In addition to this, Government activity provided about $50,000,000 from private sources for the relief of the cattle industry; and, in the early Spring of this year, a $10,000,000 corporation was formed, which, it was estimated, could furnish $100,000,000 for diversification and financial relief in the Northwest. The Intermediate Credit Banks have loaned over $86,000,000 to individuals and coöperative marketing associations, which assisted directly and indirectly over 500,000 farmers. . . ."

Labor. "Under the policy of protection and restrictive immigration no deflation of wages has occurred. While the cost of living has gone down, wages have advanced. The twelve-hour day and the seven-day week have practically been abolished."