Evening star., 1939-01-09
THREE CENTS.
W.P.A. Heariinq
|CompIetedby
House Group
Presidents Estimate
40 Million Too Low,
La Guordio Says
BY the Associated Press.

La Guordio Says
BY the Associated Press
A House Appropriations Subcom-
mittee completed hearings today on
President Roosevelt's proposal for
a s875, 100000 appropriation to
Finance w. P. A. until June 80.
Representative Woodrum, Demo-
crat, of Virginia, who will handle
the appropriation measure on the
House floor, said the subcommittee
would meet tomorrow afternoon to
discuss the bill and probably submit
it to the full committee Wednesday.
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia Of
New York, representing the United
States Conference of Mayors, told
the subcommittee the S875 ZOO, 900
figure was $4,000 short of w. P. A.
needs. while Ralph Hetzel, C. I. o.
unemployment director, and David
LASER, president of the Workers
Alliance, suggested S1OO0,OOO 900
and sl,050,000 900, respectively.
Mayor La Guardia said a s915.-
100000 supplemental appropriation
would bring the total outlay for the
relief agency for the year ending
June 80 to s2,340, 100000 sum sug-
gested by the Mayors last April.
No Opposition to Fund.
just before closing its hearings
the subcommittee recalled Col. F.
c. Harrington, w. P. A. administra-
tor, who said afterward he "hoped"
the Appropriations Committee would
approve the S875,00O,o00 the Presi-
dent requested.
Col. Harrington told reporters the
figure Mayor La Guardia mentioned
contemplated continuing w. P. A,
rolls at their present size until June,
whereas the amount sought by the
president was based on plans for
reductions in April, May and June.
There was some sentiment in the
committee, however, for reducing
the amount.
Asked what he could say about
the situation, Representative Wood
rum smiled and remarked:
We'll, it being somewhat of a
judicial matter, I think I ought to
be little cautious about it,
He added that no testimony had
been given in opposition to a sup
Elementary w. P. A. fund.
When Mayor La Guardia left. he
said the Mayors Conference looked
at relief realistically because "the
Mayor is closer to it than any other
official.
Granted an upturn in business"
he asserted, "it is not reflected i'm
mediately in the w. P. A. or on
business pay rolls"
Regarded Realistically.
Mr.. LASER asked for 25-cent-an-
hour minimum wage in the South,
a guarantee against the discharge
OF any w. P. A. workers who cam
not find private employment at ex-
listing wages, opening w. P. A. rolls
to all needy unemployed, and the
establishment of bureau within
w. P. A. to act on appeals of work.
ers against coercion, discrimination
or unjust actions of supervisors.
Mr.. Hetzel, the c. l. O.'s unem-
ployment director, said he told the
committee that changes we're needed
in w. P. A., but that the additional
funds should be appropriated now,
the agency continued on its pres
ent basis, and the changes worked
out later.
State Allotments Studied.
Relief problems also were under
consideration by the Senate Unem-
ployment Committee, which is try.
ing to develop some State-by- State
formula for distribution of funds.
The arrangement would be designed
to strip the w. P. A. Administration
of most discretionary powers.
Some committee members said
ultimately it might be necessary to
set up form of direct dole instead
OF work relief. This, they added.
would be bulwarked by job-creat-
ing public works program.
Sharp criticism of Mr.. Roosevelt's
budget recommendations was voiced
yesterday by Ernest Angel, chair
man of the EXECUTIVE Committee of
the National Economy League. He
said in a statement that the spend
ing prospects came las a profound
shock" to millions of Americans
who are vitality concerned over the
impending tax load the citizens must
bear and over the future of their
| dollar"
Besides relief, several other con-
troversies were developing in both
House and Senate. Chairman Dies,
Democrat, of Texas, of the House
Committee on Un-American Activi-
ties, called on the administration to
quit pussyfooting" and make known
| its attitude toward continuing the
inquiry for two years with a Sl50,0OO
appropriation.
Some administration spokesmen
have opposed granting the money,
but have conceded that Mr.. Dies has
considerable support. There were
indications that an effort might be
made to reduce the requested ap-
preparation and limit the committee
to an additional four months.
Both House and Senate marked
time on several major legislative
issues pending disposition of the
relief question. Only routine ses-
sion were on today's calendar.
Senate leaders said 1t was up to
the House to revive Mr.. Roosevelt's