STATE OF THE UNION

Fashions in presidential speeches change with about the same speed as fashions in men's clothes. But they do change. State of the Union messages were delivered in person by Washington and John Adams; Jefferson established a new tradition of sending them to Congress to be read by a clerk. Woodrow Wilson, a forceful speaker, revived the personal appearance. This week Harry Truman went back to the conventional Jefferson style. But he set a precedent of his own by sending Congress the longest such document on record--25,000 words;

The President had fully stated his domestic program in a New Dealing message to Congress last Sept. 6. His foreign policy was outlined in his Navy Day address seven weeks later in Manhattan. These policies, said the President, still stand. This week's message amplified them and offered some observations on how Harry Truman views the nation and the world. Significant excerpts:

The U.S. in the World. The power which the United States demonstrated during the war is the fact that underlies every phase of our relations with other countries. We cannot escape the responsibility which it thrusts upon us. What we think, plan, say and do is of profound significance to the future of every corner of the world.

Peace & UNO. The great and dominant objective of United States foreign policy is to build and preserve a just peace. It will be the continuing policy of the United States to use all its influence to foster, support and develop the United Nations Organization in its purpose of preventing international war. If peace is to endure it must rest upon justice no less than upon power. We know from day-today experience that the chance for a just solution is immeasurably increased when everyone directly interested is given a voice. That does not mean that each must enjoy an equal voice, but it does mean that each must be heard.

Peace & U.S. Interests. When difficulties arise among us, the United States does not propose to remove them by sacrificing its ideals or its vital interests. Neither do we propose, however, to ignore the ideals and vital interests of our friends.

The Bomb. I believe it possible that effective means can be developed through the United Nations Organization to prohibit, outlaw and prevent the use of atomic energy for destructive purposes.

Economics Abroad. The foreign economic policy of the United States is designed to promote our own prosperity, and at the same time to aid in the restoration and expansion of world markets and to contribute thereby to world peace and world security. We shall continue our efforts to provide relief from the devastation of war, to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons, to assist in reconstruction and development, and to promote the expansion of world trade.

Loan to Britain. The proposed loan to the United Kingdom . . . will contribute to easing the transition problem of one of our major partners in the war ... I consider the progress toward multilateral trade which will be achieved by this agreement to be in itself sufficient warrant for the credit.

Demobilization. The cessation of active campaigning does not mean that we can completely disband our fighting forces. The War and Navy Departments now estimate that by a year from now we still will need a strength of about two million. ... In case the campaign for volunteers does not produce that number, it will be necessary by additional legislation to extend the Selective Service Act beyond May 16.

The Domestic Economic Future. Any precise appraisal of the economic outlook at this time is particularly difficult. In general, the outlook for business is good, and it is likely to continue to be good--provided we control inflation and achieve peace in management-labor relations.

Wages. Most industries and most companies have adequate leeway within which to grant substantial wage increases. These increases will have a direct effect in increasing consumer demand to the high levels needed. Substantial wage increases are good business for the country because capacity production means an active citizenry enjoying the benefits of democracy under our free enterprise system.

Government's Role. There is no question in my mind that the Government, acting on behalf of all the people, must assume the ultimate responsibility for the economic health of the nation. There is no other agency that can.

The Objective. Our basic objective --toward which all others lead--is to improve the welfare of the American people. We seek to assure that all who will may work toward their own security and the general advancement; that we become a well-housed people, a well-nourished people, an educated people, a people socially and economically secure, an alert and responsible people. Our nation has always been a land of great opportunities for those people of the world who sought to become part of us. Now we have become a land of great responsibilities to all the people of the world.

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