Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-07-03
Legislators
After Scalp Of
Henderson
u. S. Price Fixer Trying
Soviet Plan. Says One
By PAUL MALLON

HENDERSON, the price re-
strainer, was put through a
wringer with thistles on il at a
private protest meeting of con-
gressmen engineered by Senator
Cotton Ed Smith of South
Carolina.
The high point was a speech
by non-New Dealing Rep. Gene
Cox Of Georgia. who said Hen
derson lis trying TO Russianize
the United States" This proved
strong for Staunch New Dealing
Senator Scott Lucas Of Illinois
who bowed himself out of the
gathering, explaining:
II must he In the wrong
ROOM"
There were % senators and
representatives when the meet
ing started. But congressional
doubts about Henderson and all
his price-fiXing formulate extend
far beyond this group.
In fact there is reason to be-
lieve Speaker Rayburn has in
formed Henderson and the White
House that strong presidential
message will be necessary to
furnish the push for any price
fixing legislation. A majority of
the lower House, though per-
haps not of the Senate, is at
present dead set against firm
tactics now on prices.
THE leaders have understood
Il the necessary presidential
push will be forthcoming imme-
diately after the holidays.
They really wanted FDR TO
delay price action until congress
sional opinion has had chance
TO settle. But Henderson is run
ming into troubles in automo-
biles, furniture and otherwise,
and wants power Immediately.
He is willing 10 compromise
on farm food prices and other
matters to meet congressional
objections.
Basically his proposal Is TO
follow the social security setup
by establishing local boards in
all large defense communities TO
work under central board
here, probably run by Miss
Harriet Elliott, the consumers
protector in the defense organ
ization. 1t might cover rents
and possibly wages as well as
prices.
Most impartial economists
doubt that any legislation. how
ever drastic, will succeed in stop
ping the trend toward higher
prices.
CHAIRMA WAITE r
~ GEORGE of the Senate for
eign relations committee is being
strongly importuned by business
people throughout the South to
take the Craftsmanship of the
finance committee, which ham
dies taxes. 1t would be an I'M
heard of step for any one to
relinquish the foreign post, con-
sidered the highest chairman
ship in Congress. But George
will handle the new tax bill and
may decide to accept the lesser
post permanently. Here's
reason:
Senate cloakroom comment
suggests Mr.. Roosevelt will be
moving within 80 days in the
international situation in such
way that George, non-inter-
ventionist, might not care to go
along.
THE British are supposed TO be
L working on spectacular aid TO
Russia. but no one here can
guess what. Pursuit ships cam
not be flown from England to
the Russian front even if extra
gas tanks are installed.
The railroads from which
Germany is operating are wide
open TO bombing. But the range
of British bombers barely ena-
bles them 10 get to Berlin. They
have insufficient equipment TO
make an invasion anywhere on
the continent. but they may try
some sensational large raids on
the Lowlands and France (Den-
mark is too far
Aside from this the only
course open apparently is TO
continue trying TO Gnake hash
Of the invasion ports. oil stores
and industrial centers.
Loud speakers were blaring
the recorded noises of battle
tartillery, machine gun fire.
screaming planes) around divi-
sion commanders tent during
one of the recent Summer
maneuvers. A well-dressed Off
Ger from general headquarters
staff finally dashed up. Shouted:
"Stop that internal noise!"
The commanding officer did
not look in the direction from
which the advice came. but
cody instructed an orderly:
III this kind Of music gets on
the nerves Of any Of my officers.
I want 10 know the name Of the
man Immediately"
That settled that.
IA aHrHN. So ~ TpF