The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-03-25

~ 80 whleh Is preser-
Senator Capper walton Of the
American way
OF life"-political and economic
freedom, free government and free
enterprise.
The .Sunflower statesman is a
member Of a congressional sub
committee engaged in a hunt for
means 10 relieve the commercial
distress . Of small businessmen
caught in the war production jam.
Before this committee recently ap-
peared, as a witness. War Produc-
ton Manager Donald Nelson, and
Il asked him." relates the senator.
what could be done for he auto
and tire trade. 10000 dealers and
shops, some 100000 men out Of
business pnd out Of jobs"
Answering his query. the Kan
sas solon continues. Manager Nell
son responded hluntly, Nothing.
They're not needed in war produc-
ton.
Senator Capper finds no fault
with Manager Nelson for taking
the position he does, because his
tasks to produce a maximum Of
what's needed TO fight the enemy;
no other duty, such as preserving
the American way Of life for the
future, is incumbent on him in the
present emergency He's perfect
ly right IN not giving a thought to
anything else. so far as he's con-
cerned, personally and officially,
the Kansan agrees.
It's Up TO Congress
Congress, though, he contends,
will be derelict II, after voting
everything necessary to win the
war. II folds its hands. saying,
That's all that can be done.
He's for taxes, appropriations,
grants OF fun war powers to the
president, all sorts Of sacrifices,
but he warns that. unless we some
how preserve at least the frame
work Of private business and in
1ustry in the United States, Wen
very likely find after the wars
over and won, that the govern
nents the only business left oper-
ating in the country" Devising
means to save the framework is a
chore he considers congressional
responsibility.
But it's going to be a tough job
and no mistake" he admits.
Senator Capper. be 1t noted, does
not snipe at the wa administra-
ton. He's Of the opposite political
party but he doesn't indulge in bad
tempered criticism of the eXecu-
tive management Of our emer-
gency effort.
Some Of his fellow lawmakers
do. Some Of the press do also.
The rnildness Of the Kansas SEN
ator's comment relative to Produc-
ton Manager Nelson's attitude is
in sharp contrast with one Wash
ington daily's current arraignment
Of Lowell Mellett's ONCE Of Cow
eminent Reports and the Civilian
Defense Once, as "boondoggling
and fan dancing"
Even If they're open TO a certain
amount Of legitimate criticism, this
has been 50 bitter as to sound per-
sonal.
Chairman Adolph J. SABBATH Of
the house OF representatives rules
committee discussed the matter in
a talk on Capitol Hill tbs other
day. II the legislators had listened
to President Roosevelt sooner, he
remarked, the national chief would
not have had to adopt several Of
the more or less arbitrary-appear-
ing policies he's had TO resort 10,
in the interest Of urgently-required
rapid action.
Shippers Blamed
Other commentators concur.
Shipping at the White House, they
assert, has forced * into what
seems like a dictatorisl direction,
and, II II continues. may end in
giving our government quite to-
talitarian aspect-which may be
licuidsted at the wars end, and
may not. they add; itu depend on
who's in the executive mansion
then. The snipers, in short, are
accused Of showing US, Of course
Internationally, down the very al
ley they're so much afraid we're
heading for.
And (of all spokesmenD Con-
gresham Hamilton Fish, Of Vier.
ick-and- George Hill-trial fame. in
dorsed everything that Congress
man SABBATH said.
II Herr Hitler and the Mikado
imagine that our erstwhile isola-
tionists are a favorable influence
for them in Washington, II would
be instructive 10 en- 10 sit through