Evening star., 1933-03-24


was willing to have the bill amended TO
make it clear this is voluntary propo-
sition."
Recognizes Considerations.
Green said he recognized "the human
considerations of those sponsoring the
measure" but voiced unyielding opposi-
ton.
Would it not be possible to make
the language more specific SO that it
would apply to competitive work."
Senator Copeland, Democrat. New York,
asked.
That would be great improvement"
Green said. Il hope if the bill finally
passes, those changes will be made"
The labor spokesman asserted the
plan was not primarily relief project,
but an employment measure. Secretary
Perkins had put the opposite interpre-
tation on it yesterday.
'As sure as this bill Is passed. this
Congress will go down in history as the
Congress that set the 81 day standard
for public projects" Green added.
you would never get away from
that No fair-minded man would defend
such rate of wages"
Allotment Criticized.
Green also criticized the provision for
"an involuntary allotment" out Of the
workers pay for support Of his family"
Even If all the pay were sent to the
family, he said, it would be inadequate.
Green also objected to the use OF
funds that were appropriated for public
works at regular wages. He expressed
fear that the money would not be
replaced
syrpJor M ,iro,r,etopcae Erae, nm
tinued, should this money appropriated
for the employment of free labor be
taken away, and If you are going to
launch this project, find new money"
THE President pointed out it would
give work to four men in the place OF
one" some one suggested.
YES" Green replied. but where Is
the purchasing power? You can't re-
store prosperity by paying men below q
subsistence level.
'They regiment labor in Fascist Italy,
IN Hitler Germany. in Soviet Russia. but
it seems to me the spirit of America is
not in favor of the reorganization Of
labor here.
Let us do it in a way that is in ac-
cord with the spirit of America Let
labor work, but let it work voluntarily
and freely"
Copeland Impressed.
Senator Copeland, Democrat, of New
York, said he was impressed by Green's
statement, but asked what the public
effect would be if the bill were turned
down by Congress.
Green said he was not opposed TO
the work. but to the wage level. and
suggested the bill could be amended
Chairman Connery then repeated
proposal he made at the White House
Wednesday night that men be enlisted
men paid $50 month and married men
$50. They would not be employed
on public construction work.
Green did not commit himself to
this suggestion. He expressed conf
dence in President Roosevelt's intention
Il am sure" he said. the President
IS affected by humane considerations.
If some authority were to be set up
to administer relief, can think of no
better person to do it than the Presi-
dent of the United States.
':His purpose is fine, the plan is the
objection, and I do not believe its
sponsors grasp the full significance
Of it."
Charles Lathrop Pack. president Of
the American Tree Association, has sent
letter to Green and Connery express
ing "astonishment" at the attitude they
had taken and asserting that the plan
would allow the men to sustain them
selves and retain their self-respect."
1.-THE outstanding fact is, this is
relief measure, pure and simple. and
not in conflict by any stretch of the
imagination with standard wage scales"
he said.
Predicts Early Passage.
Meanwhile, Representative Byrns Of
Tennessee, the Democratic leader, told
newspaper men "the House will pass
the Presidents employment bill Monday
or Tuesday"
He said Chairman Connery. who OPP
poses the $1-a-day pay for "conserva-
ton corps workers. had assured him
that committee would bring out SOME
kind of bill Monday morning"
II expect. the bill we pass will be
Just about like the President proposed"
Byrns continued
eff the committee changes 1t mate
rally, the action Of the House Demo-
cratic majority will depend on the
Presidents attitude"
Democratic leaders are contemplating
letting members have an opportunity
for freer action on the employment bill
than on any other presidential propoS-
ais that have been jammed through.
Miss Frances Perkins. Secretary Of
Labor, and Secretary of War Dern yes
terday explained that it was relief
rather than unemployment measure,
with the chief aim the removal of the
jobless from big cities.