The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-04-27
new MAIL ACT
MAY CALL FOR
3-YEAR BIDS
Mcclellan Admits Possibility
Despite Opposition of
Roosevelt.

BIZ Scripps -H0frGrf Newspaper Alliance
WASHINGTON. April 27.-Possi-
bility that provisions permitting
award OF air mail contracts on a
three-year basis may be retained in
the Mcclellan Black bill despite
President Roosevelt's suggestion for
one-year contracts developed today
as the senate was preparing TO vote
on the legislation
Decision on the senate procedure
was expected 10 develop at a con-
ference today between the authors
of the bill Just before this meet
ing Senator Mcclellan Dem. Tenn
admitted that serious consideration
was being given to retaining the
three-year provisions.
The three-year provision would
give the postmaster-general more
leeway and probably be productive
Of lower bids" he said.
Ten days ago Senator Mcclellan
planned TO amend the measure to
conform with administration views
that contracts should not be for
more than a year. However. no such
amendment has been introduced
and should Senator Hugo r. Black
Dem. Ala concur with Mr.. Nc
Kellar none may be.
Lenthy Inquiry Looms
II was understood that postal Of
ficials prefer the three-year pro-
visions
The controversy over the length
of contracts apparently emphasized
the administration feeling that the
adoption Of a permanent aviation
policy. as suggested by the other
principal provisions in the bill, is
Of such magnitude that the proposed
presidential commission may require
much more time for study than was
at first believed
The head air mail bill reported
out by the house postal committee
Monday contains the one-year bid
provisions. While saying he was
not informed on the new develop
ments over the length of contracts,
Representative James Mead Dem,
N. Y today explained he will not
seek a vote in the house until the
senate acts.
Black Demands Prosecution
The new confusion over the con-
troversial air mail legislation arose
at the end of another day of great
activity both in congress and at the
poStoffice department.
Senator Black. chairman of the
Special committee investigating air
mail, concluded a four-hour speech
with a demand for prosecution of
any individuals guilty of fraud or
collision in connection with the
Cancelled contracts. i am not pre-
Senting all of the evidence because
it is my judgment that this evil
dence should be presented to the de-
partment of justice for criminal
prosecutions if advisable" he said.
PostofTice officials today are to
open bids on four additional tenn
porary air mail routes covering 1865
miles. Five bids were received yes
terday, including two filed by E. L.
Cords American Airlines, one by
Kohler Anyways and one by North
west Airlines.
Cord Among Bidders
While expressing disappointment
that more bids were not received,
postal officials said they expected
no questions would arise concerning
the equipment of the bidders as
with one possible exception all have
been operating air mail lines for a
considerable period.
The routes on which bids are to
be opened today include New York
to Chicago. via Buffalo and Detroit;
Fargo to Seattle, Fit Worth to Los
Angeles and Detroit to Milwaukee.
The Cord concern bid was on the
two sections of the southern trans
continental route which it operated
prior to cancellation.