The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1942-09-14
BY RAYMOND cLsPpER

1NAAA A9a1NfNAA A&aARH AaA w
msnd for prompt setien on
price initiation and taxes are
much more constructive than the
first irritable explosions.
Hardly had the clerks finished
reading the presidential mes
sage when a flood of comment
vas released raising the dieta-
torship question. Some thought
they had another issue Ike the
supreme court fight. Within a
few minutes after the message
was read. Senator Taft told the
senate that if the president
tired TO act without waiting for
legislation. II would be the
patriotic duty of citizens 10 defy
his authority.
Now. after cooling off. men,
bers Of both houses are taking
more reasoned attitude. Even
two of the most ineorrigihle
critics Of the president. Repre-
sentative Fish Of New York and
Representative Rich of pennxvl
vania. urge prompt action by
congress. II for no other rea-
son, Rep. Rich wants to avoid
a showdown that might result
in President Roosevelt assum-
ing dictatorial powers.
The more deliberate reaction
in congress undoubtedly Is the
result of common-sense taking
hold. II was natural that the
first effect in congress of the
presidents blunt message should
be one of resentment. But not
much sympathy was fortheom-
ing 10 congress. Even the Re-
publican New York Herald
Tribune. which is more inter-
ested in winning the war than
in finding some way 10 put Mr..
Roosevelt in hole. felt that
his insistenee upon prompt con-
gressional action was justified.
Discussion in congress now
concerns practical ways of OBJ
tanning prompt action sufficient
to enable the executive branch
to deal with the unquestioned
dangers that beset the wartime
economy. With this probably
will 60 strong instructions 70
check rising wages as well as
rising prices. The senate finance
committee is moving with more
ruthlessness to get the taxes
up where they will scoop in the
excess spending money that viii
aggravste price trouble II it is
allowed to remain on the loose.
Most of the recent complain
ing about Leon Henderson as
price administrator has died
down. 1t IS being more gener-
ally recognized now that his job
is a thankless one and that If
he does 1t effectively many peo-
pie will be hurt. He is trying
10 do It effectively and grad
ually support both from the
public and congress is growing
in recognition of his courageous
attempt 10 do his duty.
The same reaction is setting
in with regard 10 President
Roosevelt. In the long run he
Will be more criticized for fail
ing 20 do what needs TO be done
than for taking action. how
ever painful the action may be
TO some sections OF the public.
In times like these. a leader
who tries 10 keep people happy
is 10 be suspected II he Is do
ing what he ought 10 do, he IS
gong to hurt some people. Con-
fidence grows, not around
leader who Is psmpering the
public, but around one who IS
doing his duty regardless Of
fear or favor.
The same goes for congress.
Thin-skinned members Of con-
gress have felt very much hurt
az recent criticism. Some Of
them professed 10 see plot 10
get rid Of congress. The crit
ieism arose from dissppoint-
ment and impatience at the IN
ability Of congress 10 take sde-
cuate action. and at its lack Of
backbone N crawling 70 lobby
lists Ike TIRE Farm Bureau Fed
Grafton lobbyist oNeal Pen
SONS and x-osrds drama,ized
and focused public diksatisfac-
ton Criticism has besn equally
rough or the president for TEN
porlzing With wages, on wPB
for is sluggish failure 70 get
on top o. the raw materials dif-
ncUlty. and On al Of the slow
moving inadequzey that has per-
meaied thls arsenal O bureau
crazy.
There isn't a shred Of eyi-
denes anywhere that I know -
- indicate thai people want n
Get I'd n congress Or lose any
n our democratic u-stbosz
Thev jast want them n sors.
They want democracy 70 bs =
success. and - hs adequate %
thls crisis. Every survey q pub
he opinion breaks down into
that motive.
= Is = healthy attitude. and
fortunately. enc 70 which both
TIRE president ard congress seem
70 Be responding.
Yen help yourself Nhea you buy
=. s. Var Bonds.