MRS. HOOVER and I are deeply grieved to learn of the death of your distinguished husband and send you our profound sympathy and prayers that you may be given strength to bear this affliction.

I am sure the sentiments expressed by Congress in this token are shared by the whole American people.

It was the view of the Conference that the burden of effective organization to meet the situation over the winter in the acutely affected counties rests primarily upon the counties and the States themselves, supplemented by such…

This relief can be achieved justly and effectively only upon, first, a determination of the counties where such assistance is required, and second, upon an accurate determination of the needs of each family.

While the extent of the damage cannot yet be determined, it is certain that there are at least 250 counties most acutely affected where some degree of relief must be provided.

We have canvassed the information secured by State and national surveys as to drought conditions.

I have a number of questions about my trip to the West, and in view of the drought situation and the feeling that I can perhaps be of greater service here, I do not propose to go west--at least during the next month or two.

The fifth of the commissions that have been appointed to determine the fact and to advise upon or negotiate special problems has now completed its report and secured a very admirable result.

After several years of delay in settlement of a site for a much needed bridge across San Francisco Bay, due to disagreements between the naval authorities, the Army engineers, the municipal and State authorities, the Commission…

I do not propose to go west--at least during the next month or two.

The bridge will be constructed by local authorities.

It involves no participation by the Federal Government other than the granting of certain rights-of-way.

The example set by you is commendatory and will go a long way toward stimulating that spirit of good will and cooperation so necessary in the conduct of our great industrial enterprises.

I have decided to ask the Governors of the States most acutely affected to meet with us here next Thursday afternoon with view to developing definite plans of relief.

Secretary Hyde has instructed the county agents this week to make a resurvey of the entire situation, both as to the further development of drought in this acute area--this report being as of August 1--and to make some sort of…

In any event, in the most acute areas we should now lay the foundation for effective local and State organization, the object of which is to prevent suffering amongst farm families deprived of support, and to prevent the sacrifice of…

The final ratification and signing of this agreement comprehends that spirit of joint relationship and cooperation between management and men so essential in productive endeavor, and, especially, in the anthracite industry.

I now have the preliminary survey of the Department of Agriculture of the situation as of August 1.