Evening star., 1947-12-01
Aiken Claims Support
In Plan 10 Rid 6. 0. P.
OF 'Reactionary' Rule
By the Associated Press


Senator Aiken, Republican of ver-
mont, claimed support among rank
and-file Republicans today for his
proposal that the party free itself
from reactionary control" and ap-
peal ito farmers, labor and house.
wives"
The New England lawmaker told
a reporter he has received much
mail since his demand last week
that National Chairman Carroll
Reece resign as part of a "top-to-
bottom" party shakeup.
The only complaints had were
from Democrats the Vermont
Senator said. They gave me the
devil, saying that if the Republicans
kept Mr.. Reece in there, they could
retain the presidency and regain
control of Congress"
Senator Aiken said he has not
talked with Mr.. Reece and does not
plan to do so.
Isn't Attacking Taft.
But" he added, II may have a
statement later if things don't
change. I want to see the Repub-
lican Party win in 1948 but to do
that we must have broader individ-
ual management in the national
party and more constructive legis-
lation in Congress"
Senator Aiken said his remarks
were not aimed at Senator Taft Of
Ohio, chairman of the Senate's Re-
publican Policy Committee and an
avowed candidate for his party's
Presidential nomination.
IT think Senator Taft should be
careful to make 1t clear in his
speeches whether he Is speaking for
the party or himself" Senator Aiken
continued. But I do not think he
should be required to step out Gas
Policy Committee chairman) just
because he happens to be candl-
date, although it makes his po-
sition more difficult"
Taft, Flanders Exchange Letters.
Meanwhile, it was learned that
Senator Taft and Senator Flanders
Republican, of Vermont have ex-
changed friendly letters as an after
math to their disagreement at g
recent conference Of Senate Re.
publicans.
Neither made the letters public
but Senator Flanders Is known te
have informed Senator Taft that he
intended no challenge of Senator
Taft's right to speak as Policy Com
mittee chairman when the Ohioar
criticized President Truman's anti.
imitation program in radio speech
last month.
Senator Flanders previously lei
it be known he believes Senator Taft
and other party leaders should Offer
positive Republican program in
stead of merely criticizing the Presi.
dent.
Suggested Truman Measures.
Senator Flanders headed SEN
ate-House Economic Subcommittee
which investigated the cost OF living
last summer. In report submitted
to the full committee, headed BY
Senator Taft, the FLANDERS group
suggested several Of the anti-lnf1a'
ton measures later urged by Mr.
Truman in his message to Congress
In his informal letter to Senator
| Taft. Senator Flanders wrote tina
hieh living costs may be malo
issue on the coming presidential
campaign. and he feels the Repub
lican Party hasn't shown enough
interest In people as such, especial.
low-income groups.
Senator Taft, in his reply, salt
his principal interest is to bette
the living standards of the Amer
ican people. But he said he favor
a fight for a free economy" as op
posed to the RECOMMENDATION" an'
planned economy he claims Pres
ident Truman favors.
Senator Taft wrote that livin
standards are more unequal unde
a free-enterprise system than un
der a socialistic state, but that tn
latter tends to bring every on
down to a lower level.
The Ohio presidential entry toll
Senator Flanders the issue Of per
sonal freedom" will top all other
in the 1948 campaign.