The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1927-06-11

EgTyE 49, it yet are the flood victims them
----7hs1as-ln selves and their real friends all
over the country. The Coolidge administration, as
well as all capitalist politicians are fully conscious
Of the political meaning of the flood situation and
are acting in strict accord with the gbest" inter-
ests of the big banker merchants and industralists
Why does Coolidge refuse the demand of the flood
victims for an extra session of congress? For
while it looked if the political opponents of the
Coolidge administration in the capitalist camp
would, upon this occasion continue to "embarrass"
the president and support the demand for an extra
session of congress. But this did not happen AS
the days went by, the following fact became clearly
established, namely, that all capitalist politicians
regardless of party, and all big capitalists are ir
recencilaby opposed to the calling of an extra ses
sion of congress and to any kind of governmental
interference" in the relief and rehabilitation of the
flood area.
The meaning of this opposition to congressional
action became still more obvious, when upon the
initiative OF Hoover big business began to speak
on the matter. 1t then developed that our big bank
ers, merchants and ndustralists have very definite
ideas of their own to how the flood sufferers
should be helped" These ideas are first that
congress and the government keep their hands off
the whole matter; second, that whatever funds NAV
be necessary for flood rehabilitation these be sun
piled by bankers and other capitalists in the form
of loans to those capable of being rehabilitated.
and third, that the big bankers be given full liberty
to handle the whole matter in a regular business
as will be possible.
AS a matter of fact, the United States Chamber
OF Commerce is already proceeding to act on this
theory. According to press reports, the executive
committee Of the United States Chamber of Com
merce held meeting at which plans were laid out
for the raising of several million dollars (from two
to fourteen millions) to be advanced to certain
groups in the flood area as loans
President Coolidge refuses to appeal to congress.
but he willingly makes his appeal to Louis E. Pier
son, president of the United States Chamber of
Commerce; and Mr.. Pierson is quite willing and
agreeable. Why, not? Here is swell" opportun-
ity for enterprising big business. Large sums Of
capital needed for rehabilitation Tens of thous
ands of people are in urgent need of funds to re-
build their homes If congress were to come forward
with large appropriations assisting the homeless in
their present hour of need, there would be small
opportunity left for business sharks to enrich them
selves at the expense of the flood victims But as
matters stand now, the road is clear for the big
capitalists to step in and take charge of the situa-
ton.
This they are proceeding to do The voices Of the
flood victims are stifled and ignored. The demands
of the farmers. workers and small business men are
dismissed as of no consequence. All capitalists and
all capitalist politicians are united on this pont.
exploit the flood disaster and the consequent misery
of nearly million people for the greater glory Of
American capitalism.
As to the Flood Control Conference held in Chi
cago June PA, some very interesting developments
took place there. Mayor Thompson of Chicago had
good deal to do with the calling of the confer
ence. In point of attendance, and the volume of
publicity that it called FORTH the conference was
undoubtedly great success. The Chicago press re-
ported the arrival of 10000 delegates from 81 states
But what did it produce in terms of effective relief
action? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Here is the essence Of the decisions adopted by
the Flood Control Conference:
BE it resolved that we urge immediate and
effective relief be extended to all present suf-
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