The Bismarck tribune., 1933-06-16

attitude toward MS proposals.
On the other hand, he manifested
his independence by choosing some Of
his most intimate advisers outside
congress and party ranks. Some leg
islators liked it none too well, but all
they did was to make an occasional
satirical reference to the brain
trust"
Long before the president told con-
gress flatly he had veto ready II
there were further liberalization OF
veterans compensation. he had proved
he could be Just as insistent and un-
yielding as men who grew red In the
face over fundamental differences.
Essentially, however, the Roosevelt
strategy has been one Of persuasion,
though congress has been so willing
that hint sufficed in most instances.
The president has demonstrated, too,
that he could change tactics quickly
to reach q desired objective.
Like Football Quarterback
Once, at q press conference. ne
smilingly told newspapermen tnat ne
was like q quarterback who knows
what he wants to do but whose choice
of the next play depends upon the
success of the last one,
Prior to March 4, there were a sue
cession of reports that the president
elect hoped there would be no neces-
sity for special session and that ne
would have time to study the situa-
ton and draw his program before
congress met.
He took the oath at a time when
almost every bank in the country was
closed. He had to do something about
it and it was apparent he intended to
in his inaugural promise OF direct
and vigorous action
Even so, it is doubtful that Roose-
velt then envisioned the sequence OF
measures which became law before
the middle Of June.
Tn days in March on which re-
quests were made for legislation show
the swift succession: March 9-emer-
gency banking bill; March 1o-tne
economy measure; March 1Ftne
beer bill; March 16-the farm bill;
March 21-civilian conser t n
CORPS: March 29-securities regulation
act.
Offers Revolutionary Idea
Others followed until, on May II,
the president launched the revolu-
tionary industrial control p u lic
works proposal.
Naturally, the question arises: How
did he find time for all that?
The simplest and most complete
answer Is that he worked three-quar-
tiers around the clock. He began early
in the morning. He quit late at
night.
A typical Roosevelt day began with
conferences while he breakfasted in
bed. Among those likely to be present
were Louis M. Howe. his secretary,
Secretary Woodin, Assistant Secretary
RAYMOND Moley of the state depart
ment and Lewis Douglas, director OF
the budget.
A tentative program for the day
was decided upon. About 10:30 ROO
sevelt went to hts office. There were
further conferences on many subjects
throughout the day. He went back to
the white house proper in late after
noon and frequently held further con-
ferences at night. That was . favor
ite time for seeing congressional lead
erS.
Two Main Advisors
Two Of the men he saw most freq
uently were Moley, member OF the
so-called PROFESSIONAL brain trust, .
and Douglas, former member OF the
house from Arizona.
A Roosevelt aim was substantial
incease in commodity prices. He felt
initiation, or the threat Of initiation,
would bring it, even II the cherished
gold standard were laid aside. He
broke with Senator Carter Glass OF
Virginia on this issue, but he got the
power to issue greenbacks and reduce
the content Of the gold dollar with
out difficulty. Prices mounted on the
threat Of imitation and they have re-
manned higher.
The administration attitude was
that war debtors were expected to
pay on June IS, although the pros
pect Of widespread default grew.
Roosevelt had In mind at one time
a message requesting additi
authority to reduce tariffs and he also
considered q communication to con-
gress on the debts also. But he let
the extraordinary session end without
word from him on the subjects.
They remain, along with unsettled
domestic issues, to make certain that
the next session beginning in January
will not lack work to do or something
to talk about.