Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-07-20
New Labor Setup

It should be obvious to any one that the
new Labor Board and it's general counsel
the administrative instruments for apply
ing the Taft-Hartley Act-ought to be
composed of men beyond suspicion of any
antilabor bias Ideally, they would be
men who would act exclusively in the
public interest, without personal inclina-
lions toward either the labor or industry
viewpoint But since this ideal is hardly
attainable, it would seem better, especially
in the early stages of this laws operation,
to place its administration In the hands
of men whose primary qualifications are
that they believe in the law, that they
think it is a workable law, and that they
are resolved to enforce 1t to the best OF
their ability The question is whether the
appointees named by the President meet
these standards.
The reaction to the appointment of
Robert NJ Denham to the important post
of general counsel has been quite favor
able. There are those who would nave
preferred a man who is better known,
and there is little in Mr.. Denham's record
to indicate any extensive administrative
experience. In other respects, however,
1t is very satisfactory appointment. He
has had broad experience as trial exam
liner under the old Labor Board. he has
shown himself to be man of integrity
and independence, and he has said eX-
plicitly that he believes in the new law
and it's workability. These are important
qualifications, and they should equip him
to discharge his new responsibilities in
satisfactory fashion.
There has been less favorable reaction
to the two men named as members of the
new board.
Abe Murdoch has served four terms in
the House and one in the Senate, having
been beaten in last years election. His
record is that of consistent New Dealer,
who has been an honest and ardent pro-
labor man. AS member of the House in
1910 he helped write minority committee
report vigorously opposing the proposed
Smith amendments to the Wagner Act.
Many of those amendments in substance
If not in FORM have been adopted in the
new labor law Hence, there arises the
question whether Mr.. Murdoch is still
opposed to them. or, If he has changed
Ills VIEWS, WIlcl ulu w OF, dAld WHY
This is important, because if he does not
believe without reservation in the new law,
then he should not be a member of the
board charged with the duty of admin
istering it.
The other board appointee is ]. Copeland
Gray of Buffalo. Mr.. Gray has served IN
some public capacities and also as an
industrial relations counselor. His name
has been put forward as an industry
representative on the board but there are
those on the industry side of the fene>
who look with anything but enthusiasm on
his selection. To most people, however,
he is almost unknown, and it would be
premature to attempt to pass judgment
on his qualifications at this time.
What obviously is needed is thorough
hearing by the Senate on these two nomi-
nations The new Labor Board and It's
personnel are going to play vital part
in determining whether the Taft-Hartley
law becomes a success or failure. This
being so, the Senate ought not to confirm
the nominations of Mr.. Murdoch and Mr..
Gray until it is fully satisfied as to their
qualifications.