I value far beyond the sentiment conveyed by my mere acknowledgment in words the honor that you, in behalf of this historic institution, have conferred upon me today.

It must remain our constant objective to eliminate the causes of depression and the drags on prosperity.

It is the same thought, to put it into naval terms, as to say that the speed of a fleet is the speed of the slowest vessel in the fleet.

The improvement of their hard lot—for they exist in every community—is a definite obligation on all of our citizens.

That is why I know they will go along with my thought of caring first for the great masses of people in this country who are crying for care and who need it now.

You see before you today a monument which is a very definite representation of the national policy of your Government.

This symbol, which we dedicate today, will live all through the years to remind us that we are going to make progress in an American way.

The care of the disabled, the sick, the destitute and the starving in all ranks of our population—that, my friends, is the first thing.

I commend them to your care, and I am very certain that you will give it to them.

I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Title I of the National Industrial Recovery Act, approved June 16, 1933, pursuant to said Code of Fair Competition for the Construction…

Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, pursuant to authority vested in me by said Title I of the National Industrial Recovery Act, and otherwise, do find that said amendment and said Code as constituted…

The district impartial chairman, on petition by the representatives of any employees affected, shall investigate the justifiability of existing labor assignments.

Such recommendations, unless good cause is shown to the contrary, shall include, among other provisions, substantially the following principles:

No employer shall extend the number of similar looms, frames, spindles or other machines or equipment tended by any class of employee unless there is a compensating change in the operation.

No employer shall increase the work assignments of any class of work until he has secured authorization therefor from the district impartial chairman.

The Cotton, Silk and Wool Textile Work Assignment Boards shall study the actual operation of the stretch-out (or specialization) system in a number, of representative plants.

I do hereby further exempt James S. Goldsmith from the provisions thereof and continue him in the service until November 1, 1935.

The Wool Textile Work Assignment Board is hereby charged with the responsibility of administering said paragraph 2 of Section 3 of said Code.