Evening star., 1950-01-05
Nations Only Fears Seen
As Reds and Republicans
High Objectives Listed by Truman
In Well-Written Message
The Political Mil
By Gould Lincoln

From President Trumans State of the
Union" message to Congress it appears the
country has only to fear-from the outside
Russian Communists and-from the inside
Republicans. If both can be warded off, the
American people can look forward to peace
and prosperity for the next half century,
under Democratic rule. That is quite nat
rally. from the Presidents point of view,
to be desired.
The Presidents objectives-and they are
high objectives-were wrapped up in moder-
ate language. There were no blstering adj
jectives, no name-calling. The only two
cracks he took directly at the Republicans
were his demand for repeal of the Taft
Hartley labor law, which he declared punitive
in purpose and unfair to labor. and his asser-
ton that the Republican tax reduction law
(put through by the 80th Congress- was
largely responsible for the financial hole in
which the Government finds itself.
All Familiar Subjects.
The program recommended to Congress by
Mr. Truman differs not at all from his recon-
mendations at the opening of the last session.
except for few deletions. 1t was a WE'LL
written and well-rounded message. however.
containing even more appeal to various
groups than did his message of January s,
l949. All of the familiar subjects were dealt
with. including compulsory health insurance,
repeal of the Taft-Hartley Act the Brannan
farm program, broader and deeper social
security, and the civil rights program.
The kind things which Mr. Truman had to
say about business and the free enterprise
system made him sound not at all like the
Socialist-minded leader the Republicans like
to make him out. Even his proposals for
Government aid to the American people are
made to sound reasonable. Underlying it all,
however, was the picture of government
hfvHry atyes s,>&- 49,
the people, controlling here and regulating
there. 1t was the thesis of those who believe
that, under complex modern conditions, the
individual must rely on government rather
than on himself.
The resistance which this Truman pro-
gram will meet in this second session of the
8lst-and Democratic controlled Congress
was made quickly apparent in the comments
OF both Republican and Democratic men,
bers OF Congress. The fact that Mr. Truman
used only So words out of an address of {, 900
10 urge repeal OF the Taft Hartley labor law
may be considered significant of the hope
lessness of the Chief Executive that this re-
peal can be accomplished. Repeal of this
law was placed first on the list of his OBJ
Jectlves when Mr.. Truman was elected in
November. l94S. Today, he virtually admits
mat the Democratic Congress is not going
20 repeal the Taft-Hart!ey Act, and it will
have to become main issue in the coming
congressional elections.
Tax Message to Come.
The President told Congress he was pro-
posing that Federal expenditures be held to
the lowest levels consistent with our inter-
national requirements and essential needs of
economic growth and the well-being of our
people His budget. however, is approxi-
mately $42 1000, 900, ,000-larger than it was a
year ago. and he is proposing some new take,
presumably on corporations and other busi-
neSses) to bring in additional revenue. in a
tax message he is to submit at an early date.
1t Is clear that economy is not the chief
aim OF Mr.. Truman and his administration
or even an aim. at all The spending must
go on. but with the hope that eventually the
budget may be balanced by reason of red,,c.
lions in the foreign program and the nro.
gram Tor national defense. To members ~
congress who have recently heard from their
constituents in protest against Governments
spending and in favor of cutting down. all
tnis Is not appealing. Representative Doy,ph-
ton OF North Carolina, chairman of the wavs
aho means Committee of the House. stated
natly his opposition to increased taxes and
ms support OF every possible economy"
Mr. truman will have to fight and vipor.
ously' 4 he is to overcome the resistance -,
Capitol Hill to most Of his program. o''