ade statistics indicate that this country is
in a state of unexampled prosperity. The figures are almost appalling.
They show that we are utilizing our fields and forests and mines and
that we are furnishing profitable employment to the millions of
workingmen throughout the United States, bringing comfort and happiness
to their homes and making it possible to lay by savings for old age
and disability. That all the people are participating in this great
prosperity is seen in every American community, and shown by the
enormous and unprecedented deposits in our savings banks. Our duty
is the care and security of these deposits, and their safe investment
demands the highest integrity and the best business capacity of those
in charge of these depositories of the people's earnings.

We have a vast and intricate business, built up through years of
toil and struggle, in which every part of the country has its stake,
and will not permit of either neglect or of undue selfishness. No
narrow, sordid policy will subserve it. The greatest skill and wisdom
on the part of the manufacturers and producers will be required to hold
and increase it. Our industrial enterprises which have grown to such
great proportions affect the homes and occupations of the people and
the welfare of the country. Our capacity to produce has developed so
enormously and our products have so multiplied that the problem of more
markets requires our urgent and immediate attention. Only a broad and
enlightened policy will keep what we have. No other policy will get
more. In these times of marvelous business energy and gain we ought
to be looking to the future, strengthening the weak places in our
industrial and commercial system, that we may be ready for any storm
or strain.

By sensible trade arrangements which will not interrupt our home
production we shall extend the outlets for our increasing surplus.
A system which provides a mutual exchange of commodities, a mutual
exchange is manifestly essential to the continued and healthful growth
of our export trade. We must not repose in fancied security that we can
forever sell everything and buy little or nothing. If such a thing were
possible, it would not be best for us or for those with whom we deal.
We should take from our customers such of their products as we can use
without harm to our industries and labor. Reciprocity is the natural
outgrowth of our wonderful industrial development under the domestic
policy