The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-01
CONGRESSIONAL
 VIEWS REVEALED
Amendment of w Wagner Act, Old Age Pension In=
 crease, Better Defenses
By HARRISON SALISBURY

Copyright, 1888, by United Press)
 Washington, Dec. 1.-(UP)-A poll of congressional views by the United Press today revealed that the new congress contains considerable sen- timent for amendment of the Wag- ner labor act, for an increase in the amounts of old age pensions and for . larger national defense budget.
 The sampling covered house and senate members who were willing to commit themselves on nine major issues. Returns from as many as two-thirdS of the new house were received in response to several queS- tions. Senate replies were scattered but indicated virtually the same trend as replies from new house members.
 Wagner Act Is Target
 The poll, although not conclusive, indicated that a strong move to amend the Wagner labor act could be expected, although members were not agreed on the exact form such amendments shall take.
 Sentiment for larger old age pen SionS was such as virtually to in- sure consideration for more liberal grants. The same was true of the larUer national defense program nov being prepared by the admins tration.
 Other replies revealed no conclu- Siye trend of Democratic opinion with regard to a third term for MT. Roosevelt. Opposition was noted to plans for a national referenda be- fore declaring war on a foreign power. Democrats generally sup ported the present WPA set-up. Re- puhlicans urged return of relief to the states.
 Anti Trust Laws
 Both parties revealed sentiment for Stricter antitrust laws. Repeal of the controversial neutrality act was opposed. Congressional oppo- sition to President Roosevelt's gov ernment reorganization plan con- tinueS.
 On the Wagner act, Republicans who expressed opinions were vir- tually unanimous for amendment. Democrats were divided and of the small group willing to commit them selves, two favored change for each one supporting the act as now writ ten.
 
 Of 122 congressman replying to the question of lberalized pensions only II favored lower pensions while III supported larger ones. Republi- cans were virtually unanimous for higher pensions with GA supporting and only 4 opposing. Of small group of senators expressing them selves on this issue, all favored larger pensions.
 Stronger National Defense
 Sentiment for stronger national defense was so general as apparent ly to assure congressional approval.
 Few Democratic expressions on the desirability of President Roose- welt running for a third term were received. Republicans opposed a third term unanimously. Among the handful of Democrats the vote was 2 to l in favor af a third term.
 Comparatively few congressman expressed themselves specifically on the desirability of strict anti monopoly laws. Of those taking a stand . substantial majority favored stricter laws. This bloc was divided about equally between Democrats and Republicans.
 Widest divergence was encounter ed on the question of repeal of the present neutrality act. Responses were scattering in both houses and most of them were qualified. A small plurality opposed repeal but the balance was held by bloc sup porting various amendments to the act.