The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-26
ROOSEVELT TO
OPPOSE BONUS
AND INITIATION
Refuses to Compromise on
Two Issues as Congress
Maps Program.
BIZ United Press

By JHited Press
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.-Legisla-
tive programs for the session of
Congress beginning a week from to-
morrow began to take form today.
Left" and right" wing groups
each mapped out courses to be fol-
lowed on proposed legislation while
President Roosevelt was represented
as planning a middle course" stand.
The President, it was indicated,
will be more inclined to string along
with the conservative element, but
may be willing to make compromise
concessions on some of the less rad
ical proposals.
Battle lines were drawn for
showdown" fight over imitation
schemes. On this issue, it was re-
ported, the President plans to give
no ground. With economic condi-
tons showing improvement, the
President believes this is no time 20
disturb the currency.
Another major issue in which he
has indicated he will stand firm is
that of the soldier bonus. Sources
close to the President said he is in
no mood to compromise with bonus
advocates and that he believes a
veto can be sustained.
Leaders Devise Strategy
Congressional leaders for two
weeks have been comforting almost
daily with Mr. Roosevelt in devising
strategy to head off any major Ad-
ministration program upset by in
flation and bonus proponents. Judi
! cious use Of parliamentary rules may
afford a weapon.
Plans for a meeting Of senators
and representatives with members
of the Sound Money League, the
Committee for the Nation, and
others, on Jan. 16, to discuss infla-
ton proposals were disclosed by Sen.
Elmer Thomas 3D., OklaD 1t is
planned as pep" meeting for in
! flatiOniStS.
At the same time, Sen. Burton K.
Wheeler Cd, MontO, will gather
senators for a discussion of the silver
issue, with especial emphasis on a
possible inquiry as to what the
Treasury has done about the Pres
ident's silver monetization orders.
The two conferences were taken
as the first indication of impending
congressional bolts on several i'm
portant issues, ranging from bank
ing and monetary reforms to class
legislation. Administration leaders
expect stiff fight to keep a safe
majority in line with the Presidents
program.
Roosevelt Prepares Message
Administration leaders plan to
strike first in their efforts to keep
the left wing" group from passing
legislation opposed by the President.
A special House rules sub commit
tee may recommend revoking of
the famous discharge rule" under
which any 145 petition signers can
call a bill out of committee and
bring it to vote in the House.
The subcommittee is expected to
bring a report recommending the
rule be changed to require 218
signatures, or a ma icrity of the
membership, before a vote can be
had. Many members, it was be-
lieved, would vote against certain
proposals opposed by the Admins
tration in secret petitions but would
feel obligated to vote for them if
they were brought to an open vote
on the floor.
President Roosevelt, in his mes
sage which he is now preparing for
opening Of Congress, is expected to
attempt to shape the course Of leg
islation away from a stampede on
the bonus, radical farm legislation
of an expansionist character, GER
tain silver and labor reform
measures.
The Presidential message, eX-
pected to run about $500 words, will
be of a general nature and is eX-
pected to strike an optimistic note.
Subsequently other messages will be
sent on specific legislation, includ-
ing unemployment insurance and the
public works relief program.