To the extent that these things were done in the 1972 campaign, they were serious abuses, and I deplore them.

While the judicial and legislative branches resolve these matters, I will continue to discharge to the best of my ability my constitutional responsibilities as President of the United States.

We cannot let an obsession with the past destroy our hopes for the future.

I also invite the people of America to set aside this day for appropriate ceremonies in honor of the memory of General Casimir Pulaski and his dedication to the defense of liberty

I direct the appropriate officials to display the United States flag on that day on all Government buildings

In tribute to the achievement of Columbus, the Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), as modified by the act of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250), requested the President to proclaim the second Monday in October of each year as Columbus Day.

Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday, October 11, 1973, as General Pulaski's Memorial Day

Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Monday, October 8, 1973, as Columbus Day.

Under this act, for the first time, States and localities will have the flexibility they need to set their own transportation priorities.

The legislation I sign today represents an important forward step for our country, not only in providing for better and more balanced transportation but also in related fields such as environmental protection, highway safety, energy conservation, and community development.

I sign S. 502 with confidence that it will contribute significantly to the strength of our American economy and the quality of American life.

One of its most significant features is that it allows the Highway Trust Fund to be used for mass transit capital improvements.

I am particularly pleased to sign this legislation.

I am willing to accept a temporary return to 'in-kind' benefits as provided in this act as a stopgap measure, but I continue to believe that our long-term goal should be to provide income assistance in cash, rather than in food stamps or other forms of in-kind assistance that rob the individual of the chance to make his own spending decisions.

Thus, it will encourage full production and dampen inflationary pressures without risking a market disaster for America's farm families as they respond to new demands.

Today I am approving the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, which sets our national farm policy for the next 4 years.

As consumers, Americans are the most fortunate people in the world.

While it is generally agreed that people should not lose benefits in shifting from the present welfare program to the Supplemental Security Income program, it is unfortunate that the Congress has chosen this method of maintaining assistance levels.