The Washington times., 1931-12-11
LaCuardia Steps Forward

that time the question of the organization of the House
still in doubt The Republicans still had numerical
of several votes The progressive bloc controlled the
situation and the Republican leaders were profoundly con-
cerned over the progressives' attitude
The situation presented striking opportunity for de-
mand for drastic revision of the obstructive rules OF the
House under which the Republicans had controlled the
chamber long But of the recognized progress
sves uttered word about this issue
this point that there stepped forward and def
ntey assumed the of commander of the progressive
sentiment in the House. of the picturesque and
Independent figures in both branches OF Congress
Fioreo LaGuardia represents poygot district in New
York CITY, His liberalism not grounded IN agrarlan dis
affection. He moved by profound and abiding sympathy
for the underdog.
his many years the House his wide and sensitive
humantariansm has taken him far afield from the i'm
mediate interests of his district Several years when
the labor troubles of the Pennsylvania miners
the heart of the country LaGuarda spent week in the
coal region unheraded personal investigation of
dons and then appeared in the House and in of the
most dramatic addresses the chamber had heard in many
years painted the pictures of the tragic conditions he had
Forces Vote on Bills
When the four dered on Christmas Eve several years
ago and desperate efforts failed it's enombed
LaGuardia quietly made underseas trip in the sister
of submarine operation.
Last season. when the President ordered the Republican
leaders of the House to kill the Wagner unemployment
change bill and the Norris 'lame duck session" BILL
the floor bosses pgeonhoed the in the Rules Com
mee, LaGuardia sngehandedy forced them allow the
bills to come to vote and put the Wagner bill through
despite bitter attack The President later vetoed the
Throughout the fighting these
he had only the passive support Of the progressive bloc The
initiative and leadership he had to supply entirely.
Triumphant in his fight against the Republican House
chine LaGuardia determined to continue his warfare
against it. and all other voices failing he spoke up
demand for reform of the rules. He announced that
when Congress reconvened in December he would lead
movement to revise the rules.
Has Bloc of 8 Members
Events during the and fall months strengthened
his position In Wisconsin special election fill the
cancy of deceased veteran Progressive resulted in the
election Of Representative Thomas Amle youthful
getc and militant.
Two other youthful MEMBERS Representative Paul
Kvae of Minnesota and Representative Gerald Brleau of
Wisconsin, arrayed themselves under LaGuarda standard
and with this small group nucleus he moved to organize
definite Progressive bloc.
Several weeks before Congress convened he issued
partisan call for House Progressive conference and five
members Democrat responded. This turnout greatly
encouraged LaGuarda and plans agreed upon for
other conferences.
Today, LaGuardia has definite bloc of eight members,
two of whom Democrats 1t is inntesma compared
to the total membership of 435 in the House. but in the
close party alignment that exists in the chamber the bloc
WELD great influence