Evening star., 1939-11-17
Ickes' Attack
On Truckers
Called Comica|
Lawrence Urges
Study Before Curb on
Weekend Operations

dS COIIllC llltcIluuc, IeIlcIdl
Manager John v. Lawrence, of the
American Trucking Associations, to-
day continued his reply to the
cabinet members indictment of the
Nations trucking industry in an ex-
change of views with R. w. Peterson,
chairman of the Wisconsin Public
Service Commission.
The speeches featured morning
session of the American Automobile
Associations 37th annual convention
being held in the Mayflower Hotel
Departing from his prepared talk,
Mr.. Lawrence said he had learned
more and more about less and less"
while Secretary Ickes attacked
trucks, their operators and drivers,
before the conclave.
The trucker organization eXecu-
tive warned that the effect on con-
sumers and industry should be con-
sidered carefully before enactment
of legislation restricting weekend
and holiday truck operations. He
added that thought should be given
as to whether 'it Is in fact safety
measure or whether it is a so-called
safety measure designed to aid
one form of transportation at the
expense of another" declaring rail-
roads have sponsored most move
ments for such control.
Backs Restrictive Laws.
Mr.. Lawrence said perishable
commodities and certain other ship
ments must be moved constantly,
but that truckers voluntarily have
been taking steps to reduce truck
traffic loads at times of peak pas
senger car travel.
In supporting restrictive laws, Mr..
Peterson said the commission con-
troll pattern, used by Wisconsin, a
pioneer in the field, should be fol-
lowed to permit flexibility. He
pointed out the Wisconsin Public
Service Commission had made nu-
merouS amendments to its regula-
tions and granted many special per-
mits for weekend and holiday
trucking since it was granted au-
thority in 1884.
Mr.. Peterson said full co-opera-
ton had been received from truck
operators.
Talks were followed by discussion
from the floor.
Rebuttal to Ickes.
Mr.. Lawrence issued statement
last night in rebuttal of Mr.. Ickes,
declaring:
"Mr. Ickes' statement on trucking
and truck drivers is unbecoming
member of the Cabinet, because it
Is not based on historical or cur
rent facts. His sarcastic broad
side against an industry that pays
annually more than half billion
dollars in taxes and employs more
than 100000 persons displayed a
lack of the slightest familiarity with
an important phase of today's freight
transportation"
Mr.. Lawrence contradicted Sec
retary Ickes' view that truck traf-
fic was infringing on the rights of
pleasure vehicle drivers, saying,
"From the very beginning of this
country, statesmen of other gener-
ations, in and out of Congress, ad-
vocated the construction of turn
pixies to promote the commerce of
the Nation and increase its national
defense"
Cites Objection to Trains.
The trucking organization official
said Diesel-powered trucks, called
''peregrinating pests" by the In
terror Department head, probably
will be on our highways long after
Mr.. Ickes is gone" pointing out
railroads we're objected to in the
early days as smoke -belching jug
gernauts"
Mr.. Lawrence said National
Safety Council studies indicated
truck drivers generally are not
guilty of poor road manners. He
also called attention to a recent
statement of Secretary of Agricul-
ture Wallace indicating the Federal
Government might become obliged
to take action in regard to State
trade restrictions, particularly those
aimed at truck commerce.
The trucking discussion today was
followed by talk on "Streamlining
Our Highways" by former Repre-
sentative Frank E. Whittemore of
Ohio, chairman of the A. A. A..
Highway and Legislative Commit
tee. At luncheon meeting United
States Commissioner of Public Roads
Thomas H. Macdonald called for
"a truly national highway program
as the objective of the combined
Federal, State and local efforts"
Hits High Specialization.
He criticized the high specializa-
ton he said has been evident in
road program administration as
among Federal, State and local
agencies. Capitalization of control,
with the State highway departments
as the key, is imperative to the sue
cess of long-range highway plan
ming and integration of city, subur-
ban and rural traffic aid schemes,
Mr.. Macdonald added.
Pyke johnson, vice president of
the American Automobile Manufac-
turers' Association, emphasized "the
manufacturers stake in the con-
sumer's welfare" and said, THE
future of the automobile industry
rests today upon the continuance of
the competitive drive" for better
cars and increasing development of
facilities to make their operation
desirable.
The association elected Is new
directors and reelected 20 incum-
bents. Included among the new
directors were John L. Vandergrift
and George w. Offutt of Washing
ton. Stanley H. Horner, also Of
Washington, was among those re-
elected.
Thomas P. Henry, A. A. A. presi-
dent, presided during the morning
session. He introduced Edgar F.
zelle of Minneapolis, Mimi, repre-
senting the National Association of
Motor