Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 May 1944 — Page 6

@- RILEY 81

@ive Light end the People Will Pind Their Own Way

JOB FOR STATES AND CITIES

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President Eric Johnston of the U. Commerce tells the house post-war committee, is a return _ by state and local governments to the practice of financing their own public works. They are better able than they have been for years to resume this responsibility. Their debts have been reduced, their tax collections are at record levels, their relief charges are low, their credit position is good, and many are accumulating large reserves. They should not expect the debt-load-ed, problem-ridden federal government to borrow more money te aid them in constructing public works. Furthermore, as Mr. Johnston says, it is more expensive to finance local improvements through the federal government than through local agencies—and the local citizens bear the expense in both cases. It's merely an illusion that federal aid costs the people of states and cities nothing. But it's a hardy illusion, fostered by Washington for years, and we suspect a great many people still want to believe in it. According to Mr. Johnston, recent surveys indicate that municipalities alone are blueprinting post-war improvements valued at some $3,700,000,000. We hope they are, but we hear of many, many communities that are doing nothing along that line. They're waiting to see what congress will do—waiting to find whether the federal govern‘ment will aid them in carrying out public works or, as’President Roosevelt has urged, in making plans.

» ” = » » ~ CONGRESS SHOULD not keep them in doubt. We think it should tell them, promptly and firmly, that there will be no federal aid for these purposes. The Washington government will have all it can do to finance its own activities, including necessary federal construction projects. State and local public works, well considered and so planned that they can supplement rather than compete with private job-making activities during the transition from war to peace, are highly desirable. But the state and local ‘governments should be given to understand that the planning and the financing are their obligation, not Uncle Sam's

GOOD WORK IN THE SENATE

HE Murray-George bill, passed unanimously by the senate Thursday, presents a formula for speedy and final settlement of cancelled war contracts. -. Each hour of delay in writing such a formula into law is, as Bernard M. Baruch has said, “an hour that invites vast adventures in adversity.” It is essential that the country’s industries swing rapidly into high production of civilian goods, providing jobs for demobilized soldiers, sailors and war workers, when their war contracts are completed. This they cannot plan with certainty to do until they are assured that they will receive and be able to use the money the government will owe them, and that their plants can be cleared promptly of government-owned machines and materials. . We congratulate the senate, and we hope its example will inspire the house to similarly decisive action. We hope, also, that the promise made by senators who “urged priority for the Murray-George bill—the promise to give other problems of demobilization and reconversion early and earnest consideration—will be kept to the letter.

A CHECK ON EXECUTIVE LAWS

EP. DISNEY of Oklahoma proposes that congress review all directives, executive orders; rules and regulations every two years, and determine which shall stand and which fall. Why not? ' Ours is supposed to be a representative government. Congress is supposed to be the law-making body of our government. Yet what has happened in the Montgomery Ward case is an example of how “laws” are created of which congress never dreamed. ~ ber compared to the torrential volume of directives, orders, rules and regulations issuing daily from scores of govern- . ment departments, bureaus, boards, commissions and other agencies, and which are drafted and enforced by thousands of high and low executive officials, none of whom—the President alone, excepted—is elected by the people. Most of the rules, regulations, etc., are designed to carry out the laws of congress. Others are hased on vague, implied powers. All have the effect of law-—unless and until they are . proved in court to be contrary to the laws of congress or * to the constitution. 3 ® = = ® * =»

enators every six years—and any one of the 435 lower members or 96 upper house members can be retired

rats in the executive agencies—they are not answerable the people, and some of them serve for life. Some rules and regulations—as of the treasury on and customs—are a hundred years old. They are and accepted, and no one wants to change them. there are other orders and directives, some designed nsitory emergencies, some apparently perverting the of congress—and of such multitude that no one man ever read all of them. These executive-made laws | be weeded out every so often by congress, the good ifirmed and bad ones set aside. Mr. Disney's prothe review come every two years—the life of a is wise, Such procedure would check the law-

THE SURPLUS Food Administration people are familiar with

REPRESENTATIVES ARE elected every two years;

the people at the end of his term. Not so the bureau-.

unconvetitional ways, they shouldn't have

apparently are far out of touch with their home office which has crossed them up repeatedly. Naturally, they will raise a fuss for the President because he is so good to them on the home front, per-

can be suge that if and whan Dewey should take over he would give the entire government a thorough delousing of .the fellow-travelers in all departments, including the D. of J. In a way, this is foreign intrusion in our internal politics, for the Communists and fellow-travelers are loyal to Moscow, not to the United States, and don’t like our form .of government.

‘Communists Are Gluttons for Punishment’

NOR DO I accept as a fact the pretense that the international Communist organization has been dissolved or that Stalin has abandoned the old custom, admitted in our treaty of recognition, of maintaining agents among us to promote his interests. It is just that this is a normal condition among us, encouraged by the New Deal for all these years, and not a special impudence in this election year. The Communists are gluttons for humiliation. Stalin boots them around, slams doors an them and leaveg them out on a limb every few weeks, but they love the guy with the suffering submission of a drunkards dog and whimper for more of the same. So far we have always handled this Communist interference like an easy infleld out, and their noisy support of Mr. Roosevelt's more outrageous moves, such as the Montgomery Ward case, probably makes more votes for Dewey than for their man. Churchill is one who really knows what foreign interference is. He was a victim of it himself back in ‘the 30s when his anti-Nazi potboilers pecked out in the role of journalist had earned him a high priority on Hitler's black-list and he couldn't get anything to do in the government lest this be taken by the fuehrer as a deliberately unfriendly act. He is in no position to try anything like that on us in this campaign, but there is no reason why any Englishman shouldn't say he hopes President Roosevelt will be re-elected, as most of them do, and Churchill knows us too well to offer us any advice himself,

‘Republicans Should Be Last to Complain’

THAT WE should be sensitive about such expressions will seem inconsistent to other peoples who see us now in Italy fumbling around trying to invent some new form of government for the lower part of the boot and hear our pundits muttering about the re-education of the Germans toward democracy and freedom which they hate. We are even going to try the miracle of unifying France, whether with a club or through bribery we haven't yet made up our minds, and not merely intrude in their domestic politics but, if possible, run their elections. Just so they say what they have to say in their own countries, our gallant allies should have our permission to sound off at will. And Republicans should be the last to complain, because such expressions are sure to favor Mr. Roosevelt and the more emphatic they are the more sales resistance they arouse to the detriment of their own purpose, '

We The People

By Ruth Millett

QUITE SOME TIME ago I wrote an article suggesting that women's clubs, looking for a worth-while war project, could make life easier for soldiers’ wives traveling with babies and small children if they would set up nurseries in railroad stations, The first such nursery T've heard about—sponsored by a local organization — is in Memphis, Tenn. But it isn't the work of a woman's organization. The Junior Chamber of Commerce started it. Here is the set-up for the nursery at Memphis union station, in case you are interested in getting something like it for your town: . The station provided two beds, and the sponsoring organization asked citizens who had baby beds in their attics to donate the others. The nursery is in a corner of the ladiés’ lounge— and it Is supervised by the Travelers’ Aid ‘society,

Nurseries Needed in Every City

city of any size in the country—and there will be a need for thém so long as mothers travel with small children under the crowded conditions we have today. Why don’t women’s clubs get busy and see that such nurseries are organized? Surely as women their members know how hard it is for war wives to travel with children these days. * Can it be that the reason such schemes don't appeal to club women is because they find it more excite

in uniform than to do something for the wives who have to cross the country with babies in their arms— in order either to be with their husbands or to get back home to mother for the duration,

So They Say—

WE HAVE no intention of throwing the British Commonwealth of Nations overboard to satisfy a section of the American press—or anyone else.— Emmanuel Shinwell, British Laborite M. P.

. «No»

stiffest kind of opposition when they think the emergency impels their use.—Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. :

IN FIGHTING this war, it is well to keep in mind that if freedom fails here, it cannot be secured any‘where In the world.—James A, Farley.

mitting them to dirty up, our labor relations and they |

THERE IS a crying need for such nurseries in every |

ing or more glamorous to hand out doughnuts to men |

THE GERMANS have plenty of planes to offer the

The Hoosier Forum

I wholly disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.—Voltaire.

“SHOULD ELECTION BE DELAYED?” By Kay Ackermann, 5858 Dewey ave. In answer to “Election Should Be Delayed” by Mrs. Walter Haggerty, I'd like to express the feelings of quite a few mothers and wives I know. You certainly are correct when you say we have no rights. But it isn't because of the war, It's because we, our own selves, have given our President the power to become almost a tyrant and because there are so many parasites, such as the OPA, AAA, etc, living off the people. Perhaps if we were bombed it might awaken us, but hot the way you were speaking of. It might make us realize what our boys are going through over there to give us the rights we no longer have. While in Michigan I interviewed several wounded men who were just back and were being treated at the Percy Jones hospital in Battle Creek. Nine of these boys out of 10 couldn't figure out what they are trying to do over there. They agree that enough men: were stationed in the proper places and this war could be settled within six months at the longest, , Should the election be delayed? Yes, if you want the war to continue for years and have a second Hitler over us. No, if you want our boys back home and have peace as God willed, » » - “I'D LIKE TO SHAKE THEIR HANDS” By H. W. Garner, 630 E. 25th st.

The attacks being made through the press upon our President for his recent action in the Montgomery Ward case are to be expected \coming from the source that they are. If you were ever on a farm did you notice that when one hog squeals the other hogs run to his rescue? I notice one letter of protest in the Forum for the Coal Trade Association of Indiana whose members claim to produce 90 per cent of the coal which is produced in Indiana. I thought all the time that the coal diggers produced the coal, and it gives me pleasure to know that the men who really mine the coal have an entirely different view point than yours, Mr. Lydick. Others have tried to compare the Ward incident with naziism. The only comparison would necessarily be a comparison of the opposites such as a comparison of daylight to darkness if such comparison were possible, Let's not forget that fascism or naziism does not and

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious controversies excluded. Because of the volume received, letters should be limited to 250 words. Letters must be signed. Opinions set forth here are those of the writers, and publication in no way implies agreement with those opinions by The Times. The Times assumes no responsibility for the return of manuscripts and cannot enter correspondence regarding them.)

cannot tolerate any labor unions, Mussolini and his Fascist masters rode into power by crushing the Italian labor movement. One of the first acts of Hitler and his Naz hordes was to crush the German labor’ unions thereby destroying all means of resistance on the part of the German worker. We have in America certain groups and interests who would also crush the American labor unions, and for very much the same reason. However, there was an attempt at dictatorship in the Montgomery Ward plant, but the dictator was carried out, “kicking and squirming,” as the press reports stated it. They didn’t kick and squirm prior to 12 years ago when czars of industry maintained .a dictatorship over the lives of millions of workers, maintaining their stool pigeon and espionage systems and throwing workers out of their jobs, blacklisting and jailing them because they dared to organize to resist the bosses and their dictatorship.-How-ever, those conditions have been changed, thanks to the awakening of the American people. We have in the last 12 years come a long way toward realizing that “government of the people, by the people and for the people,” that we used to read about when kids in school. I remember what a pleasure it was for me to read about Lincoln saying “since all good things are produced by labor they rightfully belong to labor” and “good government should seek to do the greatest good for the greatest number” or words to that effect, but that is all radical and un-American so we are told. . I still think I am only one of the millions of American workers and farmers, the real producers, Who will

Side Glances—By Galbraith

say that a President and an attorney general who take that “government of the people, by the peopie and for the people” seriously enough and have the courage to toss the dictators out and stop them in their efforts to again dictate the lives of the real worthwhile people is good enough for me. As far as two soldier boys who carried out the non-essential, kicking-and-squirm-ing, would-be dictator, so the workers who make the Ward institution possible can carry on their work in the war effort without fear, I would like to shake the hands of those two boys; but, of course, I would want to know that they had washed their hands thoroughly, which I have no doubt they did and as quickly as possible, - » ” “NEW DEALERS WILL STOP AT NOTHING” By Edward F. Maddex, Indianapolis.

Friends, fellow citizens, here is the political problem you and I must solve. We now have a New Deal President, a New Deal attorney general, a New Deal supreme court, New Deal judges in many federal courts, and New Deal appointees in most key positions of power in federal bureaus, commissions and cabinet posts, so the $64 question is what do you expect if you continue them in power for a fourth term? You can't beat the New Dealers in courts. They now have control of the supreme court and the department of justice. The court of last resort is in their hands. Only congress and the ballot box can save “We, the people, of the United States,” from complete New Deal regimentation. The Southern Demotrats hold the balance of political power in the New Deal coalition of Socialists, Communists, dupes and Democrats, and are on the point of secession, not from the Union, but from the New Deal party! The New Dealers have arrogated to themselves so much power to interfere with the rights of the states and the people that even honest Democrats cannot any longer submit to their high-handed domination of the party of Jefferson. So, look for a third party. There will be ‘a Southern revolt against New Dealism. That would cook the New Deal's goose. It would restore the Democratic party to the Democrats and elect the Republican presidential candidate and return the sovereign power to the people and their elected representatives where it belongs. That's what real Americans want. The New Dealers plan to create 12 federal districts which would destroy the Tights of the states and a national conscription law which would destroy the rights of the people. These laws have already been proposed. The New Dealers have tried to discredit congress, as Senator Barkley has pointed out. The New Dealers will stop at nothing to stay in power!

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make outstanding vice presidents and the Republican party will name just that kind of a man. You may that our vice presidential candidate will not merely for the purpose of attracting the of a radical minority. ie “Our Republican vice presidential candidate may t be able to give away American goods in as many languages as the New Deal candidate, but he will-be able to say ‘no' in understandable language when necessary to protect American interests.”

Many Feel Halleck Meets Specificati ith 7

8

loved ones. A plan for a fair and lasting peace. Ades quate benefits for members of the armed forces: productive jobs and opportunities for all, at the earliest possible moment, in an expanding and ever

developing free enterprise system under a free government.”

Hope of World

By William Philip Simms

, May 6—~The poste war organization of Europe and in fact of the world, President Edward Benes of Czechoslovakia sald in an interview here today, de-

spheres of influence or return to the old war-provoking balance of power system. In either event, I added, the chances were that the United States would refuse to under~ write the arrangement. “My answer to that" the president replied, “is that what happens depends most of all on America, If she’ turns isolationist again as she did in 1920 the international lineup after the war will take one dis rection. If she decides to collaborate along the lines

Fulbright, resolutions it will take quite another;

‘Not Criticising American Policy’

“I AM NOT criticising American policy,” he cone tinued. “America’s refusal to enter the League of Nations was a great disappointment to me, but I have never criticised her action. If after this war we are to have a new league or a new international organiza tion we must profit by the mistakes of the old, “As for European spheres of influence or balances of power, Czechoslovakia has everything to lose by such an arrangement and nothing to gain,” Mr. Benes said. He rose and crossed the room to a large map of Europe. With a pencil he tapped Czechoslovakia. “Look at our geographical position,” he said. “We are in the center of Europe. If there is a balance of power we should be ground to pieces like grain bee tween the stones of a mill. The same would be true if Europe divided into spheres of influence with Great Britain dominant in the west and Russia in the east. “No, Czechoslovakia's interest like the interest of all Europe and the rest of the world depends on tHe peace being based on the widest possible foundatidn. We have strong and intimate ties with the Soviet Union. But we also have equally strong ties with Britain and the nations of the west. Should Europe be divided into spheres of influence, to which sphere should we belong?”

'Wishes to Remain Sovereign and Free'

“CZECHOSLOVAKIA HAS been one of the most democratic nations in the world and that is what she wishes to remain—sovereign and free. And in such a position she wishes post-war collaboration bee tween Russians and Anglo-Americans with Ciechoe slovakia collaborating with all three.” “Do you think Russia will play ball with Britain and America?” he was asked. “Russia's politicians” the president replied, “are wise and realistic statesmen, They know and have said that any peace which does not have the full sup« port of America, Britain and Russia cannot endure,

system of balance of power in Europe. “The. nature of world collaboration after the war? President Benes concluded, “is largely up to. th United States. Neither Britain nor Russia wishes to set up an exclusively European arrangement, Amer ica’s influence on the shape of the world~can be enormous. In fact, it ‘can be decisive.” -- :

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