The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-11-02
COughlin Protest
 Gets Lyrical Reply


 Nov. And, 1o06. To The Editor of The Waterbury
 Evening Democrat:
 Dear Sir:
 With your kind permission, I would like to submit my humble protest against many statements, (some of which I believe to tbe un- fair, many others which I know to be untruel. made especially by Rev. Charles E. Coughlin, first against our honorable distinguished preSi- dent, Franklin D. Roosevelt: and secondly against those whom I con- sider the most loyal self.sacrificing, God fearing and liberty loving Cath olic Clergy, the Cardinals, Bishops and Priests of the United States. When drowning men for aid implore; Some people run along the shore, And watch, and pray, and hope. Til others with some common sense, Are sent as if by Providence; They throw Q saving rope. When our gallant ship-of-State was floundering on the rocks of des- pair, and the Anchor of Security seemed far of, and almost consid- cred an impoesibility; a cry arose for true, tried and fearless leader to make an attempt to steer us If possible, and save at least Q part of the struggling and bewildered crew who had lost faith, and given up hope of survival.
 The Democratic party in National convention assembled endorsed as their standard bearer, the friend of the forgotten man, the humane and liberty loving crusader and eman. cipator, the Hon. Franklin D. Roose- welt.
 This selection was submitted to the people for their approval or rejection. Did the selection meet with approval? Vest not by thou sands, but by millions of our coun- trymen. Forty-two states for ap- proval, 6 for rejection, 472 electoral votes for approval, 80 for rejection.
 Had this great man, the almost u- unanimous choice of a foresaken and bewildered people. any right to as- sume leadership and submit to con- gress what he considered needy legislation? Rev. Charles Y. Cough lin says no, that Is dictatorship.
 Rev. Father Coughlin dictates 1e points to the members of Social Justice to be accepted in their en- tirety by the whole body. Does not that sound dictatorial? From whom did he receive this mandate? Father Coughlin demands that the presi- dent of the United States accept his ideas on legislation, If not, is a scab president. Don't you think that sounds and bears Q strong resemb- lance of dictatorship on the part of the Rev. Clergyman?
 Father Coughlin bewails the fact that future posterity. not yet born will have to shoulder the monstrous burden of taxation. Yet tho Rev. Clergyman was willing and insistent that an additional load of three bil- lion dollars be imposed to pay o1 the mortgages of the farmers, but failed to include the countless num- bers throughout the nation who are struggling to save then homes from foreclosure. The president, in con- juction with John OConnor, was accused of obstructing the Fraser Lemkc bill, and preventing congress from acting on that measure; finally the bill came out of committee, was acted on, and we all know the re- suit.
 We can tolerate an underhanded campaign, as after election day there will be happy reunion; and new alignments will be made for the next campaign, old tactics will be discarded and new drill masters selected for Q future onslaught; but there will remain an unwar- ranted attack on the honesty and inactivity of about 29,oo9 God fear ing, liberty loving, self-sacrificing and fair play adherents), Catholic Cardinals, Bishops and Priests who do not agree with the activities Of their accuser and refuse to subscribe to his tactics. Alfred E. Smith claims he left the Democratic party because MT. Roosevelt ignored the Democratic platform. MT. Roosevelt was unanimously endorsed by the delegates the Democratic party In convention assembled, as & leader who was successful, he had turned gloom into sunshine, and defeat into victory.
 Governor Smith took . walk long before Mir. Roosevelt had a chance to raise his hand or voice against the Democratic platform. on the night of Mr. Roosevelts nomination Inc left rather hurriedly, and some say in the heat of disappointment he even forgot his brown derby. and that he now strictly adheres to his high hat. I believe MT. Smith was slightly, if not entirely, jealous; he probably could not bear to look up- on one who was once his subordin- ate, now true and tried, and the idol of the American people-Frank- lin D. Roosevelt, at whose advent, many Q bleared eye, pinched face, and long drawn sigh was vanished. My dear Father Coughlin, You are writing gospel, . chapter
 each day. | by deeds that you do, By words that you say. Men read what you write. Whether
 faithless or true.
 Say! What are the ClergyS Accord ing to you. Now dear Father Coughlin, your
 pardon l crave.