Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-02
Green Asks President
To Give Us Facts on
Need Of Consumption
Labor Hos No Confidence
In Bill or Its Sponsor,
A. F. L. Chief Declares
BY the Associated Press.

by lnt hSsUCldleQ FIeSo.
DENVER, Sept. 2.-President viii.
liam Green of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor urged today that
President Roosevelt tell Congress
what "the man power of the Ma
tons military forces" are and rec
ommend "a definite program to full
fill these needs" before further &C
ton is taken toward CONSUMPTION.
Mr.. Green proposed short-term
voluntary enlistments and higher
military pay to build the Nations
armed forces 'in the traditional
American way" CONSUMPTION he
added, should be employed only II
those eXpedients fail.
eve say to our Government: We
do not know what this is all about.
We are not obstructionists. We are
patriotic Americans. Give us the
facts. Show us frankly why con-
scription is needed"
Asks Help for Britain.
Mr.. Green made that assertion in
his annual Labor Day address at
the Western Conference of the In
ternational Transfers Union, larg-
est of A. F. L. affiliates. The ad.
dress was broadcast.
The labor leader coupled his at
tack on consumption with a plea
for all possible American help to
Britain short of entry into the
war" He pledged that the feder-
alton, realizing that at a time like
this industrial conflict would be
stupid and dangerous" would as
sumo its full responsibilities in the
defense program. He also renewed
charges that Communists exercised
influence and power in the rival
Congress for Industrial Organiza-
ton.
Mr.. Green assailed the pending
Burke-Wadsworth CONSUMPTION bill
as a measure sponsored by men
who do not enjoy the full confidence
Of organized labor"
ut was not drafted by the admin
istration, but by men who have con-
slstently opposed the administra-
ton he said.
The bill has been so widely
amended from day to day that the
American people have not been able
to keep up with its manifold
changes. -
Lack Confidence in 1t and Sponsors.
I'VE have no more confidence in
1t than in its sponsors. -.
On a matter as vital as this
to the Nations welfare, we feel that
1t is the duty of the President of
the United States to send a message
to Congress stating the manpower
needs of the Nations military forces
and recommending a definite pro-
gram to fulfill these needs"
He predicted that thousands who
are now hesitant would flock 70 the
colors" if they were offered enlist
ment for a year or year and O. half.
a guarantee that recruits will not
De called upon to serve in a Euro
pean war" and reasonable increases
In military pay.
AT any rate, the position Of Or
gained labor is that voluntary en-
llstment should and must be given a
fair trial first then, if this
system fails, the Nation will without
hesitation agree that the final ex-
pedlent OF compulsory CONSUMPTION
in time of peace is sound and iusti-
ned and patriotic
Demonds Ban on Profiteering.
BY aiding Britain, Mr.. Green
contended, I'VE are strengthening
our own national defense.
If Great Britain succumbs, the
United States and her sister repub-
hes in the Western Hemisphere may
be the next targets Of the European
dictators.
I'VE may face immediate war. The
war may be an economic one at first,
but it will be bitter and costly"
Mr.. Green insisted that in the
defense program "profiteering and
exploitation must be prohibited
and the creation of war millionaires
must be prevented"
The Government, he said. had
made solemn pledge" that la
boris gains will not be scuttled to
satisfy the greed Of war profteers."