The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-12-24
BY C. z. HoNcE
Associated Press News Editor


stories of the twelve-month in
the making, although still not
clearly defined-the business re-
cession and current administra-
tive steps to scotch it.
Such a story-first brought to
sharp general attention by anoth-
er severe stock market drop-re-
ally is difficult to fit into any cut
and-dried list of the "ten biggest
stories of the year."
It hardly can be placed first
because presently the recession
may peter out and in future years
| become little more than foot
note in history; likewie it cannot
be placed last because of its po-
tentia1ities.
Therefore it seems best to list
it in a special tentative category
as something still in the lap of the
gods.
When the story finally is told
there viii be with it one equally
as interesting-the extent to
which the New Deal foe of eco
nomic royalism." will have co.
operated with big business in re.
coyerv moves.
Supreme Court Fight
Leaving the sphinx to answer
this riddle, there is little diff
Guilty in picking the outstanding
story of the year on which the
curtain already has gone down af-
ter some of the most dramatic,
colorful, and sensational scenes
the American public ever has wit
messed.
The Supreme Court struggle
and its incredible aftermaths are
history that will occupy many
pages in the future story of
America. When PRECEDENT Roose-
welt in February presented his
program for court revision
court packing his opponents inn
mediately termed it-skies were
clear and fair sailing appeared
ahead.
But as week succeeded week
the skies clouded, presaging not a
squall but a veritable hurricane.
Democratic ranks were split
while Republicans contentedly re-
manned in the background twidd-
ling thumbs. Staunch liberals such
as Senator Burton K. Wheeler
abandoned the ship. The pilot,
Senator Joseph T. Robinson, was
struck down. Finally came disas-
| ter.
But there was still more to
come During the months the bat
tie was on, the Supreme Court,
which Mr.. Dooley said follows
/ the election returns" was hand
ing down decisions about which
not even a New Dealer could
complain-the upholding of the
Wagner labor relations act was
one.
Labor AT War
/ It appeared Roosevelt had won
without court reorganization. In
addition, Justice Van Devanter
had retired, and Senator Robin.
son, New Deal leader, was slated
for the supreme bench. When
Robinson died the plum went to
Senator Hugo L. Black, and new
climax was provided as Senator
Black returned from abroad to
tell the world in a radio address
of his one-time connection with
the Klu Klux Khan.
Running concurrently with the
Supreme Court drama was an
other sensational play of many
scenes, this time in the economic
field, and affecting millions OF
Americans whether participants
or merely lockers on.
This was the tremendous labor
battle, both external and inter
necine. Backed by the Wagnel
act, labor took to the field with
banners, but it was a divided la
Dor.
Two Wars Connected
The Committee for Industrial
Organization, led by battling
John L. Lewis, broke with tbs
American Federation of Labor
went out to unionize horizon
tally the mass production indus
tries; called, sometimes won and
sometimes lost strikes in ths
steel, automobile and other huge
businesses; perfected lhe sit-dowT
strike as labor weapon; signee
a contract with Big Steel, ane
ended the year fencing with AT
& in peace maneuvers. Strikes of al
kinds earlier in the year produces
bitterness and hloodshed. particu
larry in the Chicago steel district
but comparative calm ruled as III
year ended.
Nations AZ War
America is far from war ans