The Redwood Gazette

"Too Many Laws" Says Frank Clague.

CONGRESSMAN FAVORS DECENTRALIZATION IN TALK TO ST. JAMES CLUB.

"We want to bring self-government back home again to the people," said Congressman Frank Clague, in a recent address at St. James, at a banquet attended by 150 members of the commercial club and farmers of that vicinity.

"There are many local things that you people should do which you are asking the state legislature to do. From St. Paul they are going to Washington to ask for legislation. There are 15,000 employees in the Agriculture department at Washington and this department is constantly reaching out and grabbing more of the things that should be decided locally.

Too Many Laws.
Congressman Clague said there are thousands of laws on the statute books of the state and nation that should be repealed. He expressed himself as desirous of keeping the army down to the lowest possible number, of having a limited navy and of cutting government expenses to the lowest amount.

I am not for having the United States police all Europe, the congressman said in discussing foreign affairs. This would take an army of 1,000,000 men, while 100,000 which we have now costs $400,000,000. We want to give Europe advice and assistance, but no policing.

Immigration Ratio Attacked.
The present immigration ratio of 3 per cent of the nationals here in 1910 is wrong, according to the congressman. More people should be secured from northern Europe and fewer from southern Europe, he said, and added that the United States should select the immigrants, taking only those desiring to become citizens.

Congressman Clague said he does not favor a high tariff. Co-operative marketing with government assistance to help equalize the prices in different parts of the country was suggested as an aid in the present farm situation.

Opposition to the movement to nationalize our educational system, centering it in Washington, was expressed by the congressman. He wanted to give the State department less authority, he said, and bring more of the control of schools to local communities.