That is the first that I knew anything about that.

I have not as yet had a report from the Attorney General and the Secretary of War on questions that were propounded by the congressional committee so that I am not able to add anything to that situation today.

In advising upon the divisions into which administrative work should be assigned, it is said that Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of six departments--State, Treasury, War, Justice, Post Office, and Trade.

And its ideals are clear: that by cooperation and not by compulsion it should seek to assist in maintaining and giving the impulse of progress to commerce and industry in a nation whose successful economic life underlies advancement in…

And I may perhaps be pardoned for an especial pride on this occasion, having served for 7 years in the Department, and having had some part in the design and initiation of this building.

This building will be not only the largest single public structure in the city, but in its actual floor space, it is said to be the largest office building in the world.

It represents the most important structure in the new program for better accommodation of our Government and the beautification of our National Capital.

We use today the trowel with which President Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol, 136 years ago.

The beginnings of the idea to create a Department of Commerce are perhaps obscure.

I am condemned to work this summer and stay in Washington so that I expect nothing out of it but Saturday afternoons and Sunday.

I have nothing today of any kind.

The subject involves the transfer of parts of various bureaus and agencies from certain Departments to others and it includes as well the necessity for the unification and strengthening of our border patrols both in connection with…