Twin-City herald., 1940-05-25


Despite the fact that the spread of
the European war was not unexpected
in informed quarters here, Washing
ton has been a scene of considerable
confusion recently However, some
light has begun to shine through and
certain trends seem fairly clear.
Third Term Prospects Enhanced.
First reaction here is that extended
German operations, affecting indirect
ly as they do Netherland possessions
in the Atlantic and Pacific, will be
final impelling motive for President to
accept third term nomination. Po-
litical dopesters agree that FDR could
be reelected. There is not the slight
est doubt that Roosevelt can have the
nomination as l have repeatedly as
serted for over a year.
War Preparations Speeded.
Neither the public debt situation,
fear of added taxes, nor domestic Prob
lens will alter the decisions made and
in the making to strengthen this coun-
try's defenses. Despite the already
authorized spending of eight and one
half billion dollars for all forms of de-
tense during the last six years, the
United States is long way from be-
ing prepared to resist foreign military
aggression, although administration
officials agree that there is no inn
mediate danger in that direction.
Danger of Involvement Not to be
Overlooked.
The present Admins even
before the November election, can be
expected to take increased steps to
bolster the Allies. The proposal of "all
methods short of war; still holds, but
even among some so-called isolation
lists in Congress there is a growing
feeling that Uncle Sam will "have to
pay the bill eventually" This imple-
ments the feelers that have already
been made regarding financial and
commodity aid to the Allies without
strings and without thought of pay
ment. Even naval and airplane par
ticipation by this country and probab-
ly without the previous consent of
| Congress, are not improbable eventual
tiles if the situation demands it.
Early Adjournment May Go by the
Boards.
Congressional adjournment by early
June may now have to be revised No
body knows yet but neither the po-
litical conventions nor the election year
would be major factors against keep
| ing Congress in session. Moreover,
even if the Administration did not
think it advisable for Congress to re-
main in session, there are many leaders
in both houses of Congress who be-
lieve Congress must remain in WASH
ington during the foreign crisis. 1t is
too early to say yet, but the odds are
definitely in favor of longer session,
or at most, short recess and an un-
derstanding that the Congress will re-
turn after the conventions, or be pre-
pared for special session call.
Trade Barrier Controls to be Studied.
An investigation of Federal legisla-
tion with view to using it to COM
bat interstate trade barriers will get
under way shortly. The study will be
in the hands of subcommittee of the
lnterdepartmental Committee on Trade
Barriers. The investigation will also
go into the problem of determining
what steps the Federal Government
can take to combat the evils of trade
barriers through new legislation.
Food Stamp Plan Extension Assured.
Extension of the Food Stamp Plan
to additional cities an broadening of its
base, is due following House approval
of the Senate Amendment adding S85.
100000 for this program. If finally ap-
proved, and indications are that it will
be, it will mean that the Surplus COM
modities Corporation will have approx
imately $lS5.000,0O0 available for this
purpose during the next fiscal year.
FSCO officials already have plans for
operation of the program in upwards
OF 100 cities and with the additional ap-
preparation, which is $l3O00,COO over
buget estimates, these plans will be ex-
panded to include additional coni1nun-
ities. The cotton plan, which has been
announced for Memphis, Tennessee, is
still in process of development. Other
cities are being considered for this pro-
gram on the basis of the experience in
Memphis.