The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-04-15
JOBS BIGGEST
NEED, IS VIEW
OF ROOSEVELT
Put Men Back to Work.
Is Cry Pounding at
Presidents Ears.
INITIATION PLEA GAINS
Executive Likely to Add
Far Reaching Action to
His Program.
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press staff Correspondent

BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press STAFF Correspondent
Copyright. 1893. by United Press
WASHINGTON, April 15.-Fresh
demand for some infationary &C
ton that will put men back to work
is pounding against the ears of
President Roosevelt in swelling
chorus that grows more imperative
every hour.
Industry is demanding action to
start consumer buying.
Labor is calling frantically for a
stop to mounting unemployment,
if it takes a bond issue of $6,000,-
100000, or even government control
of some basic industries, to do it.
Farm leaders say that the price
raising allotment bill is not enough,
and that there must be initiation.
Leaders in congress are declar-
ing that unless the White House
acts quickly, congress will, as one
Democratic leader puts it, Jam in
hation down the Administrations
throat"
Far-Reaching Action Seen
A senate vote impends on direct
currency expansion amendments to
the farm bill. Democratic chief
tains expect to turn back these pro-
posals at this time, but many of
them are converted to the necessity
of some inf1ationary measure.
Even from inside the Presidents
official family comes word that more
far-reaching action than hitherto
has been proposed in the emergency
program must be taken quickly.
Within a few days the President
is expected to move toward setting
up a national co-ordinator for the
railroads, which will involve prac-
tically governmental supervision of
their operation.
Expected Limited Initiation
Other proposals receiving serious
consideration at the White House
are these:
/. Limited imitation through a
public works bond issue of probably
Sc, 900 900, 900.
2. Launching of vast program
OF government-financed construc-
ton of low cost dwellings. flood con-
troll, seawayS systems, water works
and grade crossing elimination.
5. Enforcement of minimum
wages either by federal or state
action, or self-regulation within
various industries.
4. A shorter work week to spread
employment.
The administration now regards
Unemployment as the most pressing
problem of the moment. Imitation,
public works and all other proposals
are aimed at this.
JObless Ranks Growing
Just six weeks ago today, Presi-
dent Roosevelt's promise Of action
rang out from the inaugural balcony
and a burst of acclaim echoed
across the country.
But unemployment continued ia
increase until now it is estimated
by some at more than 100000. the
largest in history.
Probably 1000 banks still are
closed. Many communities are al
most without banking facilities
Possibly $4,000, 100000 is tied I'D.
The government has decided not
to call $6,0OO,O00, in Liberty
bonds that would be retired in six
months notice. Reasons are not
given, but it is understood that the
bond market is not considered pro-
pitiouS for selling the vast issue
that would be necessary to replace
these Al per cent bonds at lower
interest rate.
Urge Public Works
Proposed public works bonds
would be disposed of largely through
the federal reserve system. as banks
could draw currency up to face value
against them.
Some members of the cabinet
strongly are urging the President tc
launch public works program al
once. Labor Secretary Perkins saws
this would put many men to work
within few months, clearing slums
setting poles for electric lines into
rural communities, providing small
cities and towns with sewerage
systems, eliminating grade crossing
and the like.
This work, it is pointed out, would
not only help the steel. brick and
building industries, but at the same
time through wages would prove
buying power for consumers goods
such as clothing and household
equipment.
Wage Total Drops Billions
The country's annual wage total
has dropped SIS 600, 600, OOo Women
are working for as low as a dollar
a day. Cotton labor is getting SIS
cents uay IN some places.
President Roosevelt is understood
to feel that the wage cutting prCb-
lef is traceable to a few pirates n
each industry who refuse to plSy
fair.
When 80 or 90 per cent of the
manufacturers in a given industry
are willing to maintain a reason
able wage and the remaining ones
refuse, they demorallze the whole
industry with unfair competition.
If industries will not police them
selves, the administration is sympa-
/ thetic to having this job done by
the states, or, if necessary, by the
federal government.