, 1935-07-22
WASHINGTON
BY Ray Tucker

Norris program for Keeping the
United States out CT airs has struck
several well-placed snags even as
the war drums roll in Europe. It's
sponsors wonder II the aoministra-
ton is quietly needing the protests
OF prospective profiteers.
Despite the revelations Of the Nye
Munitions Committee six measures
to prevent future embodiment
abroad have been cleverly withheld
from the calendar for several
months. without giving any reason
Secretary Hull asked that three
neutrality bills f~avorabiy reported
By the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee be returned 70 that body
for further discussion. The Naval
Affairs committee has given no con-
siderati0n 10 measures designed 70
prevent collision in b~attleship bid
ding among manufacturers.
The keystone bill-the Flynn pro
posal for ending war profits-has
had a curious history. Six weeks
ago II was turned over to q sub
committee headed by Represent
tive BarklLy OF Kentucky an anti
war member Senator Nye complain
ed 10 the White House about the
delay I'm acting on 1t. Then Mr..
Barley begged off from the sub
committee chairmanship. explain
ing that he had TO much other
work. II was Immediately entrusted
to q hostile group chalrmaned by
Ten Connaily OF Texas, an intense
patriot and colleague of Chairman
Morris Sheppard Of the Senate
Military Affairs committee.
Turkey-The three senators sire
loath to believe that President
Roosevelt sanctions this filibuster
behind the scenes. He has promised
cooperation &c the anti-war group
every time they have talked with
him.
But that was before the prospect
Of conflict became so threatening in
Europe. in Asia. in Africa. Ameri-
can manufacturers directly and in
directly concerned in war profits
have made backstage representa-
tons against proposals that our citi-
zens. ship. goods and money be en-
bargoed In the event OF large-scale
hostlities. European nations have
informed us In q diplomatic way
that they may make large purchases
here, II and when
Senator Nye seeks n showdown.
He Is turning on the heat behind
the doors Of the foreign relations
committee. If that doesn't get &C
ton, he and four other senators
Norris, LaFollette, Clark, Bone-will
telephone Secretary MacIntyre for
an appointment with the president.
They viii ask the head man TO tell
them what's what.
SatrapsLAppointment OF Hugo
Johnson as New York City works
progress director relieved the presi-
dent Of an embarrassing friend. But
II has caused more serious trouble
for the White House IN an unfore-
seen way.
Mayor LaGuardia asked for John
sea in order to stave off the pres
sure Of the politicians. State public
works bosses az Albany were in
Sisting on handling the program as
q partisan proposition. So the Mayor
placed johnson In charge on the
theory that the Albany dynasty
would not dare To try to browbeat
4 man with the Blue Eagler's pres
tige. So far the scheme has worked.
But the same conditions exist I'm
many other states. Democratic poll
ticianS are treating large cities like
50 many Satrapies in distributing
Work-rellef funds. And many a
Msyor is bombarding the white
Hous with demands that he too be
exempted from state domination.
zach wants a little Hugh johnson
In his city.
$74.OO0-Texas' bonus 70 the ma
tion-Wright Patman-threatens "a
split the American Legion into
smithereens.
Smartin- because the lepionnaIres
packed the Vinson bonus plan
egainst his. Mr.. Patman is pressing
his charge that the dourhbovs'
chieftains scld out 70 the banking
interests. He has quietly placed in
the Congressional Record a local
posts resolution ALLEGING that the
bankers spent $4,000 to block LEGION
Endorsement Of the bonus NJ recent
conventions. He was careful not 70
~underwrite the r~esoluti-r's cell
for a congressional Investigation.
BIT his flank attack has stirred up
III fer'irr amcnr the veterans.
Leri0n officials ore ray.nv no Pub.
lie attention 10 this Indictment
Thev regard Mr.. Patman rs Tepi1n
Enemy No. I. Put National Com
mander Frsnk Belgrano Is making
a confidential inquiry about that
mysterious $4,000 payment. you
win hear a lot about II later.
Threat?-As WhirNvig predicted.