The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-01-04
Fletcher Critical, but Other
Republicans Find 1t
CommendabIe.
By United Press

WASHINGTON, Jan. A.
Bitter differences over polit-
ical and economic policies and
the relationships of big and
little men to government and
to each other emerged today
as a nation expressed its opin-
ion of President Roosevelt's
report on the state of the
Union.
Republican and Democratic cleav-
age was evident. But party al
legiance did not always determine
individual reactions to the Roose-
welt address.
There were dissenters in both
camps. Rep william Lemke
(R., N. d. thought it was "a darned
good speech brought on by ig-
norant opposition of Henry P.
Fletcher" Rep. Martin Kennedy
3D., N. " said he thought it was
"wishy washy speech without
anything constructive in it,"
Rep. Kennedy criticised the Presi-
dent for assuming a supercilious at
titude" and insisted his speech was
for public consumption and ap-
pealed to the lowest instincts rather
than to the lofty ideals which ne
\ procidonf
pected masterpiece but listened &c
claptrap."
Senator Joseph T. Robinson, Sen
ate Democratic leader, said:
The message is confined to dis
cussion of the state of the union,
and leaves for future occasions
specific suggestions touching legis-
lation.
There is an emphatic declaration
for continuing the policy or neu-
trality respecting present and
threatened war between foreign
countries.
Fletcher Is Indignant
"The President also strongly de-
tends the New Deal and challenges
it's opponents in words that ring
with confidence and defiance"
Chairman Henry P. Fletcher OF
the Republican National Committee
said:
Aside from the neutrality feature
of the address, the speech was what
we expected it to be. 1t did not
give to the Congress information
on the state of the Union or recon-
mend to their consideration such
measure as he shall judge necessary
or expedient.'
1T was a political harangue. II
was a challenge to d straw man tc
submit to a subservIent and gagged
Congress the favorite SocialistiC
features Of the New Deal. The Re-
publican party, however, will submit
the New Deal and all its works tc
the whole people in the coming
campaign, and we have no fear Of
the verdict"
Senator Rush D. Holt, junior
Democrat from west Virginia, said
Great stuff"
"A great speech" said Rep. Ed
ward A. Kenney Cd, N. j.. Rep
Carl E. Mapes (R., MichO, saw the
speech as IAN appeal to class
prejudice"
Dramatic, Says McNary
Rep John A. Martin Cd, Colo)
thought there wasn't weak note
in it," but Rep. John w. Martin Jr
(R., Mass) saw it as a defensive
speech" and IAN attempt to stem
the tide against New Deal policies
and a poor one"
Senate Republican Leadel
Charles L. McNary said: 1T was g
dramatic speech, but it did not dis
cuss the pressing problems of the
day"
Speaker Joseph w. Byrns termed
it great speech and and just what
the country needed" Senator Rob
ert Buckley Cd, o. said Fine" anc
Senator Dennis Chavez Cd, N. M
exclaimed Wonderful"
Senator Arthur Capper Or.
Kas) and Senator Robert Carey r..
Wyo) saw it as a political speech
Senator Gerald P. Nye (R., N. d.
however. thought it was "A great
speech and certainly challenge tC
the Republican Party if ever 6
challenge was laid down to it,"
Others Express Approval
The speech lust suited" Senator
Hugo Black 3D., Ala. and Senator
Hattie Caraway 3D. Ark, the only
woman Senator, heartily approved
of it," Senator Robert F. Wagner
Cd, N. " said Splendid" and sc
did Senator James Byrnes ID.
S. c..
Senator Bennett Champ CLARK
Cd, Mo- said 1T represents an ad-
vance in international relations.
Senator James Couzens (R., Mich
thought it "A grand speech. like
his statement that he didn't believe
in retreat"
Senator John G. Townsend (R.
DELI joined Senator Arthur H
Vandenberg (R., Mich in asserting
the speech was IBID for re-elec.
ton" Senator William E. Borah
a possible Republican presidential
candidate, didn't care to comment.
Cabinet Members Pleased
Post Master General James A
Farley, who also is chairman of the
Democratic National Committee
said sit was one of the best speeches
the President ever made"
Other Cabinet comment included
Secretary of State Cordell Hull
who described the speech as excel
lent; Atty. Gen. Homer S. Cum
mings, who SAID it was great" and
Secretary of the Treasury Henry