The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-01-09
APPEAL SEEN
SPUR TO BILLS
FOR U. S. AID
Democratic Conservatives
Are Cautious, However,
in Their Comment.
PROGRESSIVES REJOICE
La Toilette LaudS Former
New York Governor in
His COURAGE.

By Scripps-Hotcord Newspaper AlHqnce
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.-Senti-
ment that sprung spontaneously,
but in some instances cautiously,
Friday night in favor Of AL Smiths
plan for direct federal relief of un-
employment WIS gathering strength
in congress here today.
Smiths program-a big bond
issue to provide actual work on pub
lie buildings and highways-was
offered, he declared, with a vehem-
ence that stilled for a moment the
app ause and cheers, to lift the op-
preston from people at home, so
this nation may furnish leadership
for the world.
II was evident today that Smiths
program, which follows the La Fol-
lette bills and other similar plans
discussed there, would meet oppo-
sition in conservative Democratic
quarters in congress.
II will not, of course, have the
support of the administration
President Hoover having spoken
several times against direct federal
relief, and being cold toward a big
federal bond issue for public works
Bankhead Cautious
But to counteract this, it will
have support of Progressives in
congress.
Senator La Toilette (Rep., Wis.,
declared, for instance:
Il am very gratihed that former
Governor Smith has had the cour-
age to speak in support of legisla-
ton which provides federal as
sistance to cities, counties and
states, and also that he advocates
enactment of a measure for expan-
sion of public works"
Comment like that of Representa-
tive William Bankhead Dem, Ala0 =,
a close friend Of Speaker Garner
and a power in the house, who said
the Smith program is worthy OF
consideration indicated the eau
ton with which the Smith plan
was received by some,
Considered as Smiths answer to
dry Democrats that the economic
issues must be put ahead OF the
prohibition issue, his program was
the talk wherever congressman met
today in capitol corridors and
cloa.Uooms.
senator Wagner Dem, N. "
praised Smiths plan highly. FOR
months he has urged counter de
fation by big federal bond issue
for public works. s.
Dill Extremely Gratified"
Senator Dill Dem., Wash) was
extremely gratif1ed," he declared,
that Governor Smith has Endorsed
the relief principle for which l
have contended for so long.
Senator Wheeler (Dem.' MONT
was pleased equally. Il think ne
said chat Governor Smiths attl-
Jude in regard to federal relief and
public works is splendid. 1t JuStlfleS
NV contention all along that ne
would have made a fine President
That the plan would have the
sunrort of other Republican Pro-
ores ;ives was indicated by the fact
hat Senator Norris rep, Neb)
himself proposed large federal
bond issue for a public works pro-
cram to relieve unemployment. The
same plan has been sponsored by
many in the house, as we'll
Way Is Prepared
If congress is inclined toward en-
actrlent of the Smith program or
something similar, the way already
is porpared. For the senate, at least
has conducted, through Subcommlt-
tees. several hearings wherein the
federal bond issue plan has been
advanced. and facts on the sugges-
ton readily are available to the
lawmakers.
Among other Democratic COM
merits were these:
Senator Pittman (Nev0-I am
thor oughly in accord with Governor
Smith when he advocates an eX-
tensive public works program. 1t
is the only constructive way OF
meeting the problem.
Senator Costigan (Colo)-I con-
sidered Governor Smiths address
fore eful and helpful. was inn
pressed particularly with his advo-
cacy of federal relief and public
works program.
Senator Black (Ala)-I liked
Governor Smiths talk as it related
to his federal public works program
Senator Halves (Mo)-A charac-
teriStic Smith speech, with much
thought and constructive states
manship in II"