o were becoming hopeless under the long-drawn-out reign of
privilege.

To the big burden of suggestions that you are receiving, may I add
these small ones?

1. Call Congress in extra session mainly to revise the tariff and
incidentally to prepare the way for rural credit societies.

Mr. Taft set the stage admirably in 1909 when he promptly called an
extra session; but then he let the villain run the play. To get the
main job in hand at once will be both dramatic and effective and it
will save time. Moreover, it will give you this great tactical
advantage--you can the better keep in line those who have debts or
doubts before you have answered their importunities for offices and
for favours.

The time is come when the land must be developed by the new
agriculture and farming made a business. This calls for money.
Every acre will repay a reasonable loan on long time at a fair
interest rate, and group-borrowing develops the men quite as much
as the men will develop the soil. It saved the German Empire and is
remaking Italy. And this is the proper use of much of the money
that now flows into the reach of the credit barons. This building
up of farm life will restore the equilibrium of our civilization
and, besides, will prove to be one half the solution of our
currency and credit problem. . . .

2. Set your trusted friends immediately to work, every man in the
field he knows best, to prepare briefs for you on such great
subjects and departments as the Currency, the Post Office,
Conservation, Rural Credit, the Agricultural Department, which has
the most direct power for good to the most people--to make our
farmers as independent as Denmark's and to give our best country
folk the dignity of the old-time English gentleman--this expert,
independent information to compare with your own knowledge and with
official reports.

3. The President reads (or speaks) his Inaugural to the people. Why
not go back to the old custom of himself delivering his Messages to
Congress? Would that not restore a feeling of comradeship in
responsibility and make the Legislative branch feel nearer to the
Executive? Every President of our time has sooner or later got away
with Congress.

I cannot keep from saying what a new thrill of hope and tingle of
ex