I know that, because I was Mayor of Northampton [1910-11], and after I had given a very excellent administration for a year there was a division of opinion as to whether I ought to be re-elected.

Since then I have received a number of communications, not exactly in the nature of charges, but in the nature of protests that I thought perhaps I ought to clear up before I sent the names up, and for that reason I am obliged to take a…

I don't think they really amount to anything.

I inquired of them if they would be willing to serve, if I should make up my mind to appoint them.

It is a matter of such imminent importance that I have no hesitation in recommending that the public welfare would be much advanced by temporarily laying aside all other legislation and enacting a resolution for this purpose, which ought…

It would be a positive step in the right direction, which is much needed at this time to justify the confidence of the people that the Government is intent solely on the promotion of the public welfare, without regard to any collateral…

I think at the last conference we had, I indicated the very unanimous endorsement that had come from the many different organizations in Washington of the two City Commissioners.

The taxpayers, the business interests, agriculture, industry, finance; in fact all the elements that go to make up the economic welfare of the people of America would be greatly benefited by such action.

I do hereby determine and proclaim that the increases and decreases in the rates of duty provided in said Act shown by said ascertained differences in said costs of production necessary to equalize the same, are as follows:

An increase in said duty on wheat flour, semolina, crushed or cracked wheat, and similar wheat products not specially provided for from 78 cents per hundred pounds to $1.04 per hundred pounds;

An increase in said duty on wheat from 30 cents per bushel of sixty pounds to 42 cents per bushel of sixty pounds;

A decrease in said duty on bran, shorts, and by-product feeds obtained in milling wheat (within the limit of total decrease provided for in said Act) from 15 per centum ad valorem to 7½ per centum ad valorem.

Shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment

I do hereby proclaim, declare and make known that nothing contained in this proclamation is intended to remove, or to authorize the removal of, any charge of desertion

I do hereby declare and grant amnesty and pardon to all persons who have heretofore been or may hereafter be convicted of desertion from the military or naval service of the United States in time of war

Done at the City of Washington this fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty-four

I have an inquiry here about the McNary-Haugen bill.

I am in entire sympathy with the objects of this bill, which is to benefit the wheat raisers.