Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1935-03-14

The reader OF this column. we as
sumo, Is an average American citi-
zen. He Is becoming a little confus-
ed over the perplexing problems that
are being debated In Washington
and he is wondering just where the
nation stands as the New Deal shows
signs Of weakness, Is Congress bucks
the President and as critics OF the
administration begin to press more
vigorously to the attack
Undoubtedly, there has been a
sagging OF public support behind the
President and the thought arises In
many minds that Mr.. Roosevelt Is
about to lose his grip upon public
affairs. His personal popularity re-
mains as millions admit their ad-
miration for his courage and express
appreciation of the great service he
has already rendered his country,
but. all the same, some glimmer Of
doubt has arisen as to where and
how the thing will end.
1t Is not the purpose OF this writer
to take up the cudgels for or against
the President. Regardless OF every
thing else, we intend to write what
we think OF national events, to anal
we, II possible, current trends and to
advise u readers of probable de-
velopments. Space will not permit
any thorough review Of what has
been done or an extended exposition
Of the present picture. For the same
reason it is necessary, very often, to
briefly chronicle situations, acts and
consequences without being able to
give full expression to qualifying ex-
plantations. Our best judgment, each
week is all that we offer and that
will change as rapidly as the circum
stances upon which 1t Is based.
In glancing at the present situation
In the United States we must report
considerable gains since the day, In
1888, when Franklin DelanO ROose-
welt assumed office. Whether due to
government spending OF other caus-
es, business is improving, banking is
sounder, confidence Is stronger and
the basis for super-abundant credit,
upon which our national economy
feeds, is ample. The worst part of
the picture is the stagnant capital
goods industry, with much of the
present unemployment attributable
to its plight.
The millions OF unemployed con-
tinued to complicate the problems OF
government, making necessary the
expenditure Of billions In various re-
lief measures. The complaint of
small business men against the pres
sure Of big business competition In
dictates a needed reimbursement and
the fact that laborers and farmers
are not recovering" in the same
proportion as capital demonstrates
clearly the necessity for a further
effort to secure parity" for both
classes.
The political picture of the admin
istration Is clouded by the hostile at
titude Of many congressman, includ-
ing Democrats as well as Republi-
cans. and an intention on the part Of
Congress, 1t seems, to have Its say
In national affairs. Leadership from
the administration Is not now as pos
tive and the huge Democratic major
tiles in both Houses show signs OF a
runaway. Republican opposition Is
consolidating. Criticism is frequent
and more sustained as the extrem-
lists on both TANKS harass the middle
OF the road contingent.
Differences of opinion exist upon
almost every point in the great de-
bate over the depression, its causes
and whether 1t IL, at last, over Eq-
ually diverse are the voices discuss
ing national recovery. with gloomy
prophets insisting that apparent pro-
gress is but the prelude to a worse
collapse. Mixed In the argument Is
the mooted questions OF reform, with
the same widely variant views. No
patent answer is at hand. Certain
progress is clear and some reforms
are plain but the answer to the riddle
is locked up In future events which
no mar can predict
What OF the future? Hazarddng a
guess, 1t Is our idea that q major
showdown Is certain between the
President and his opposition. Mr..
Roosevelt Ia determined and courag-