The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-04-15

Washington.-A flood of mail pro-
tests. a considerable percentage OF
which criticized President Roose-
velt's lack of action sharply, is what
precipitated all the recent talk
about a white House conference
on the sit-down strike situation.
Most of the senators and represent
atives who began talking about this
conference knew perfectly well
that there was nothing the federal
government could do, within the
Constitution, unless movement OF
the mails or interstate commerce
were directly affected.
But they also knew that some
thing should be done for reasons
of political expediency. Some OF
them hoped to wiring from Presi-
dent Roosevelt scathing denuncia-
ton of this method of forcing deci-
sions in labor disputes. That seemed
to be what most OF the letter writ
ers thought he should have done
long since.
Failing this, at least the idea that
the President was taking an in
terest-was holding conference on
the subiect-would be partial re-
ply te~the criticism that was pour
ing in from men and women known
| in many instances to the senators
and representative as hitherto ar
dent Roosevelt supporters.
It just so happened, OF course,
that these complaints from DEM
ocrats throughout the country CO
incided in many instances with the
views~ct the congressman getting
thefletteAs. There has been very lit
tie sympathy on Capitol Hill with
the sit-down strike, and many ar
| IDENTIFY pro Roosevelt legislators
thought the President would lose
nothing and gain great deal by
coming out strongly against this
new labor weapon.
The situation was aggravated by
Secretary of Labor Frances Per-
kins.
Miss Perkins Annoys
Rightly or wrongly, Miss Per-
kins' Breakdown" In her letter to
Representative John w. McCor-
mack of Massachusetts was hailed
as d victory by congressional lead
ers who had been transmitting pro-
tests from constituents to the Pres
ident. They believe firmly that this
letter was ordered by the chief ex-
ecUtive.
Incidentally it gave considerable
satisfaction to other cabinet mem
bers, and quite few high admin
istration officials, with whom the
i first lady cabinet member is none
too popular.
| 1t seems that Miss Perkins has
been annoying some of her fellow
New Dealers not only by her ac-
tions, but by her lack of terminal
facilities in conversation. Washing
ton society has heard descriptions
of cabinet meetings at which the
secretary OF labor rambled on anc
on, with not soul present save the
President himself who dared in.
terrupt her.
Just recently a group OF impor-
tant personages, about to visi'
Washington, wished q round table
luncheon with group of govern
ment officials. Presence of the gov
eminent officials at the meeting was
approved and arranged for in ad
vance by the White House. The
agenda called loudly for representa-
ton of the Department of Labor
as well as other departments.
!. simultaneously came highly TN
official grapevine suggestions from
five OF the other agencies to be
represented. Couldn't this lunch
con be held at the metropolitan
club"
1t was. The Metropolitan club
does not admit women.
Snarling Question
The same question that snarls uT
the Wagner labor relations act
does the federal government have
power to regulate something wholly
within state because the effect.
of that regulation would be i'm
portant In interstate commerce.
is of the essence in every propose
for the federal government to dea
with the sit-down strike situation
Some very learned constitutions
authorities believe that the fedora
government does have the power
without changing the Constitution
to regulate factory in Detroit o.
a coal mine in West Virginia or |
steel works in Pennsylvania, on thu
theory that stoppage of any one 0
them affects Immediately and di
rectly the flow of interstate com
merce.