The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-11-15
REFORM after
RECOVERY, AIM
OF ROOSEVELT
Avoid Tax Increases. Urges
President, Outlining
Security Program.
MOVE TO RIGHT SEEN
Mind Still Open on Old Age
Pension, Executive
Declares.

~ FF. N""r
WASHINGTON. Nov. I5.-Presi-
dent Roosevelt still has an open
mind on the question of including
old-age pensions and health insur-
anoe IN his economic security pro-
gram. II was learned this afternoon
in high administration circles.
This attitude became known after
the Presidents speech late yester-
day 10 the national economic secur-
itv conference had been Interpreted
as indicating his desire to delay &C
ton on federal Old-age pension and
health insurance legislation.
II was learned that Frances Per-
kins. secretary Of labor, disturbed
by these interpretations, Informed
the economic security advisory
council that the President emphat-
icsllv was ready 10 consider any
recommendations for Incorporation
OF the two social reform measures
in his security program.
President ROosevelt's declaration
yesterday placing recovery ahead OF
reform cleared the way for formula
ton Of an economic security pro-
gram which Will not saddle the
American people with increased
taxes
His stand was taken in speech
before 200 representatives of all
hranches OF American economic life.
II was interpreted by many as
distinct move to the right in the
face Of new congress looming up
with dynamic left wing strength.
Sees New Attack Coming
At the same time. another smash
ing assault on unemployment from
the public works angle was forecast
by Harold L. Ickes. secretary Of the
interior.
As possibilities he suggested huge
rural electriflcation and grade
crossing elimination projects, a
transcontinentsl super highway,
drought. soil and flood control.
The economic security advisory
council of twenty industrial, labor
and social leaders met With a Spe-
cial committee today to whip the
social program into tentative shape.
The group, however. was under an
apparent mandate from the Presi-
dent TO limit its scope.
He was on record as opposed to
new general taxes to cover the cost
OF unemployment insurance. He was
disinclined to include old age PEN
OF unemployment insurance.
The significance OF Mr.. Roose-
velt's apparent limitations on the
prospective social program was en-
phasized by Frances Perkins, secre-
tary of labor. and Daniel Roper. sec
rotary OF commerce, in later ad-
dresses.
Fantastic Schemes" Scored
Miss Perkins said fatty that the
Presidents views would guide the
cabinet committee which is fOrmu-
lsting the security program and that
business revival was imperative TO
the success of this program
Mr. Roper warned against I'M
sound legislative schemes and the
danger Of taxes so heavy on indus
Try that unemployment might be
increased rather than alleviated.
The President warned against
fantastic schemes" Of Old-age pen
sicns in an apparent reference to
the California Townsend plan.
There can be no security for the
individual in the midst OF general
insecurity" nc said. our first task
Is 10 get the economic system TO
function So that there will be
greater general security"
FavorS Contribution Plan
HIS stand that unemployment in
surance must be financed by con-
tributions. not taxes" was inter
prsted as meaning he fsvors en-
ployer-employe contributions to the
insurance fund.
Under this plan. the reserve would
be built I'D through funds directly
contributed by those actually bene-
fling. Suggestions had been made
that the wealthy could be made to
bear the burden through higher in
heritsnce and dividend levieS.
Organized labor. through Presi-
dent William Green Of the Ameri-
car Federation Of Labor was be-
heved ready 10 make a sharp fight
against the contribution system. Mr..
Green has favored the paw roll tax.
a direct levy OF from 3 TO 5 per cent
on emDlOyerS