1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3117 2510. Also, petition of members of the Pilgrim Congre­ The gentleman from Oklahoma informs me they do not gational Church, of Minneapolis, Minn., protesting against intend to make such a request at this time; and there is no the increasing of armaments; to the Committee on Naval objection to the resolution, so far as I am concerned. Affairs. There being no objection, the Clerk read the Senate joint 2511. Also, petition of members of the Epworth Methodist resolution, as follows: Episcopal Church, of Minneapolis, Minn., protesting against Senate Joint Resolution 80 the increasing of armaments; to the Committee on Naval Resolved, etc., That the President of the United States 1s au­ Affairs. thorized to invite by proclamation, or in such other manner a.s he may deem proper, the States of the Union and all foreign coun­ 2512. Also, petition of members of the Aldrich Avenue tries to participate in the proposed International Petroleum Expo­ Presbyterian Church, of Minneapolis, Minn., protesting sition, to be held at Tulsa, Okla., from May 12 to May 19, 1934, against the increasing of armaments; to the Committee on inclusive, for the purpose of exhibiting samples of fabricated and Naval Affairs. raw products of all countries used in the petroleum industry and bringing together buyers and sellers for promotion of trade and 2513. By Mr. SADOWSKI: Petition requesting the restora­ commerce in such products. tion of the $1,700,000 appropriation for a post-office annex SEC. 2. All articles that shall be imported from foreign countries at Detroit; to the Committee on the Post Office and Post for the sole purpose of exhibition at the International Petroleum Exposi.tion upon which there shall be a tariff or customs duty Roads. shall be admitted free of the payment of duty, customs, fees, or 2514. Also, petition asking that the proposed legislation on charges, under such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury food, drugs, and cosmetics be vested in the Department of shall prescribe; but it shall be lawful at any time during the Commerce; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign exhibition to sell any goods or property imported for and actually on exhibition, subject to such regulations for the security of the Commerce. revenue and for the collection of import duties as the Secretary 2515. By Mr. STRONG of Pennsylvania: Petition of the of the Treasury may prescribe: Provided, Thllt all such articles Moxham Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Johns.. when sold or withdrawn for consumption or use in the United town, Pa., favoring the Patman motion picture bill; to the States shall be subject to the duty, if any, imposed upon such articles by the revenue laws in force at the date of withdrawal; Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. and on such articles which shall have suffered diminution or 2516. By the SPEAKER: Petition of the borough of Moo­ deterioration from incidental handling and necessary exposure, nachie, N.J.; to the Committee on Ways and Means. the duty, if paid, shall be assessed according to the appraised value at the time of withdrawal for consumption or use, and the 2517. Also, petition of the Winnebago County Protective penalties prescribed by law shall be enforced against any person Association: to the Committee on Ways and Means. guilty of any illegal sale, use, or withdrawal. . SEC. 3. That the Government of the United States is not by this resolution obligated to any expense in connection with the hold­ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing of such exposition and is not hereafter to be obligated other than for suitable representation thereat. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY ·24, 1934 The joint resolution was ordered to be read a third time, The House met at 11 o'clock a.m. was read the third time, and passed. The Chaplain, Rev. James Shera Montgomery, DD., A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. offered the following prayer: PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in address the House for one half of a minute. heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against gentleman from Indiana? us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from There was no objection. evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUBJECT OF ADDRESS forever. Amen. Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I have heretofore announced The Journal of the proceedings of yesterday was read and I would speak on Abraham Lincoln. but I did not make the approved. · speech. I later announced I would pay my respects to the DENTAL CORPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY aggregation that objected. I now wish to announce that I Mr. VINSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous shall both pay my respects to the objecting aggregation and consent to file a supplemental report on the bill (H.R. 6690) speak on Abraham Lincoln during consideration of the De­ for the relief of certain officers of the Dental Corps of the partment of Agriculture bill, which will come up immedi­ United States Navy. ately after the pending bill is disposed of; or, if the agricul­ The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the ture bill is not reached today, then I will speak Monday in gentleman from Georgia? the order of my time on that bill. There was no objection. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR APPROPRIATION BILL INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM EXPOSITION, TULSA, OKLA. Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I call up the Mr. DISNEY. Mr. Speaker, the other evening I sub­ conference report on the bill

That the House recede from its disagreement to the following: "$71J,~90; in all, $163,190 "; and the Senate agree amendments of the Senate numbered 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 22, to the same. 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32., 3'3, and 35, and agree to the same. Amendment numbered 25: That the House recede from Amendment numbered 1: That the House recede from its its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 1, 25, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In lieu of the sum proposed insert "$1,313,500 "; and the In line 10 of the matter inserted by said amendment strike Senate agree to the same. out the sum" $500,000 "and insert in lieu thereof the follow­ The committee of conference report in disagreement ing: " $34,000, and in addition thereto the unexpended bal­ amendments numbered 27 and 34. ance for this purpose for the fiscal year 19.34 is continued EDWARD T. TAYLOR, available for the same purpose for the fiscal year 1935 "; and W. W. HASTINGS, the Senate agree to the same. B. M. JACOBSEN, Amendment numbered 4: That the House recede from its W. P. LAMBERTSON, disagreement to the amendment of the Senate mnnbered 4, J. W. DITTER, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In Managers on the part of the House. ~· $2,981,040, lieu of the sum proposed insert and in addition CARL HAYDEN, thereto not to exceed $75,000 of the unexpended balance for KENNETH MCKELLAR, 1934 this purpose for the fiscal year is continued available ELMER THOMAS, for the same purpose for the fiscal year 1935 "; and the Sen­ GERALD P. NYE, ate agree to the same. FREDERICK STEIWER, Amendment numbered 12: That the House recede from its Managers on the part of the Senate. disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 12, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In STATEMENT lieu of the sum proposed insert " $112,140, and in addition Tbe .managers on the part of the House at the conference thereto not to exceed $50,000 of the unexpended balance for on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amend­ this purpose for the fiscal year 1934 is continued available ments of the Senate to the bill CH.R. 6951) making appro­ for the same purpose for the fiscal year 1935 "; and the Sen­ priations for the Department of the Interior for the fiscal ate agree to the same. year ending June 30, 1935, and for other purposes, submit Amendment numbered 13: That the House recede from its the following statement in explanation of the effect of the disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 13. action agreed upon and recommended in the accompanying and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In conference report as t0 each of such amendments, namely: lieu of the sum proposed insert " $105,000 "; and the Senate GENERAL LAND OFFICE agree to the same. Amendment numbered 14: That the House recede from its On no. 1: Appropriates $34,000 and the unexpended bal­ disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 14, ance of the 1934 appropriation, for the purpose of surveying and agree to the same with an amendment as fallows: Jn public lands, instead of $500,000, as proposed by the Senate. lieu of the sum proposed insert "$143,800 "; and the Senate BUREAU OF INDIA'.N AFFAIRS agree to the same. On no. 2: Appropriates $6,175 additional for the employ­ Amendment numbered 15: That the House recede from its ment of a statistician and two additional clerks in the Office disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered of the Comm.issioner of Indian Affairs. as proposed by the 15, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: Senate. In lieu of the sum proposed insert" $301,130, and in addition On no. 3: Strikes out the provision inserted by the House thereto the unexpended balance for this purpose for the making $5,000 available from the appropriation for indus­ fiscal year 1934 is continued available for the same purpose trial assistance for Indians for use in cooperative market­ for the fiscal year 1935 "; and the Senate agree to the ing o{ Indian crops. This proposal is reinserted as a tribal same. fund item by amendment no. 6. Amendment numbered 18: That the House recede from On nos. 4 and 5: Makes available for the fiscal year 1935 its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered not exceeding $75,000 of the unexpended balance of the 18, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: appropriation for conservation of health for the fiscal year In lieu of the sum proposed insert" $375,890 "; and the Sen­ 1934, in lieu of a direct appropriation of $75,DOO, as propased ate agree to the same. by the Senate. This increase is for the employment of Amendment numbered 19: That the House recede from its additional nurses. disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 19, On no. 6: Appropriates from tribal funds $5,000 for use and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In in establishing a system of cooperative marketing for Indian lieu of the sum proposed insert "$89,700 "; and the Senate crops, including rice, berries, fish, and furs, as proposed by agree to the same. the Senate. Amendment numbered 20: That the House recede from On nos. 7 and 8: Appropriates from tribal funds $10,000 its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered for monthly allowances to be paid old and indigent members 20, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: of the Menominee Tribe, as proposed by the Senate, instead of $5,000, as proposed by the House. In lieu of the sum proposed insert" $78~750 "; and the Sen­ ate agree to the same. On no. 9: Corrects a total. On no. 10: Strikes out the amendment of the Senate pro­ Amendment numbered 21: That the House recede from viding that for the fiscal year 1935 Indian expenditures shall its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered be segregated by functions of the Service and jurisdictions 21, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: and that the Budget for the fiscal year 1936 shall be sub­ In lieu of the matter inserted by said amendment insert the mitted in accordance therewith. • following: " $69,800, and in addition thereto the unexpended balance for this purpose for the fiscal year 1934 is continued BUREAU OF RECLAMATION available for the same purpose for the fiscal year 1935 "; On no. 11: Removes the restriction that not to exceed and the Senate agree to the same. $10,000 of the unexpended balance of the appropriation for Amendment numbered 23: That the House recede from the item " Giving information to settlers " for the fiscal its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered year 1934 shall be available for the fiscal year 1935, as pro­ 23, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: posed by the House, and makes the entire unexpended bal­ In lieu of the matter inserted by said amendment insert the ance available, as proposed by the Senate. \

1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3119

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY abolished to that extent by Executive Order No. 6166, shall On nos. 12, 13, and 14, relating to topographic surveys: take effect. Provides an appropriation of $112,140, and in addition EDWARD T. TAYLOR, thereto not exceeding $50,000 of the unexpended balance W. W. HASTINGS, for the fiscal year 1934 is continued available for the fiscal B. M. JACOBSEN, year 1935, instead of a straight appropriation of $112,140, w. P. LAMBERTSON, as proposed by the House, and $226,340, as proposed by the J. W. DITTER, Senate; provides that of this sum $105,000 shall be avail­ Managers on the part of the House. able for personal services in the District of Columbia, in­ stead of $92,140, as proposed by the House, and $122,000, Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman from Colo­ as proposed by the Senate; and that $143,800 shall be avail­ rado yield for a question? able only for cooperation with States or municipalities, in­ Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Certainly. stead of $93,800, as proposed by the House, and $208,000, as Mr. TABER. In going over the statement, it appears proposed by the Senate. there is a large number of reappropriations of the 1934 On nos. 15, 16, 17, and 18, relating to gaging streams: appropriations, which, as I understand it, were impounded Provides $337,650, and the unexpended balance appropriated by the Director of the Budget. . for this purpose for the fiscal year 1934, instead of a straight Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Yes. appropriation of $337 ,650, as proposed by the House, and Mr. TABER. I wonder if the gentleman would put in the $540,000, as proposed by the Senate; provides that of tl!is RECORD a statement of the reappropriations with the amount sum $36,520 shall be available for operation and mainte­ of each one of them. nance of the Lees Ferry, Ariz., gaging station and other base Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Yes; I have them all here. gaging stations in the Colorado River drainage, as proposed Does the gentleman wish me to insert them in the RECORD by the House, instead of $40,000, as proposed by the Senate; or read them at this time? that $124,540 shall be available for personal services in the Mr. TABER. I think it would be well if we could have District of Columbia, as proposed by the House, instead of them read now. $125,000, as proposed by the Senate; and that $375,890 shall Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, when the bill be available only for cooperation with States or municipali­ passed the House it was $19,370,767, under last year's appro­ ties, instead of $210,000, as proposed by the House, and priations. When it passed the Senate, the bill had been $400,000, as proposed by the Senate. raised $1,273,925, and this ran it over the Budget by On nos. 19 and 20, relating to classification of lands: Ap­ $857,773. propriates $89,700, instead of $85,950, as proposed by the If passed in accordance with the present conference report. House, and $93,450, as proposed by the Senate, and makes it will be $50,337 below the Budget. available for personal services in the District of Columbia So it seems to me the House has done a very efficient job $78,750, instead of $75,000, as proposed by the House, and in reducing appropriations. $82,500, as propased by the Senate. I may also say that since the bill passed the House and On nos. 21, 22, and 23, relating to printing, binding, etc.: went to the Senate the President sent in a supplemental Appropriates $69,800 and continues available the unex­ estimate, adding $315,200 for vocational education. Of pended balance for the fiscal year 1934 for printing and course, we agreed to this. binding, instead of a straight appropriation of $69,800, as The reason we have been able to reduce the amount below proposed by the House, and $110,000, as proposed by the the Budget by $50,337 is that we made a reappropriation Senate; provides $15,000 for the prepa1·ation of illustrations, of $75,000 for the employment of additional nurses in the instead of $13,810, as proposed by the House; and $78,390 Indian Service, which is an unexpended balance, and the for engraving and printing geologic and topographic maps, w1expended balance in the item for surveying public lands instead of $72,890, as proposed by the House, and $85,000, was reappropriated, amounting to $186,000. We also reap­ as proposed by the Senate. propriated for topographic surveys $50,000 and reappropri­ On no. 24: Makes available for personal services in the ated for gaging streams $165,890, and for printing and bind­ District of Columbia $52,500 for mineral leasing work, as ing, under the Geological Survey, $35,000, making a total proposed by the Senate, instead of $40,000, as provided by reappropriation of unexpended balances of $511,890. the House. Mr. TABER. That will make a net saving from what the On no. 25: Corrects a total. Senate passed of about $400,000. OFFICE OF NATIONAL PARKS, BUILDINGS, AND RESERVATIONS Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Three hundred and sixty-five On no. 26: Restores language stricken out by the Senate thousand eight hundred and fifteen dollars, as I figure it permitting the employment of personnel without reference here. The Senate receded from $908,110, and the House to civil-service rules in connection with the moving of vari­ receded from $365,000, largely because of the President's ous executive departments and establishments to new office message containing a supplemental estimate for vocational space. education. FEDERAL BOARD FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION I will insert at this point a comparison of figures on the On nos. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33: Restores 25 percent of bill up to and including the conference agreement: the appropriations for vocational education and rehabilita­ tion in accordance with Executive Order No. 6586, dated Interior Department appropriation bill, 1935 February 6, 1934, which revoked that portion of the E;cecu­ Amount of regular and supplemental estimates ___ $31, 524, 656. 00 Amount of bill as agreed to by conferees______31, 474, 319. 00 tive Order No. 6166, dated June 10, 1933, which provided for such 25-percent reduction. The restoration is provided for Amount under Budget estimates ------50,337.00 as recommended by the Senate and set forth in a supple­ Amount of 1934 appropriations______50, 479, 271. 67 mental estimate from the President CS.Doc. 133). Amount of 1935 appropriations______31, 474, 319. 00 HOWARD UNIVERSITY On no. 35: Strikes out the provision requiring that of the Below 1934 appropriations------19, 004, 952. 67 appropriation for salaries not less than $20,000 shall be used Amount of 1935 bill as passed senate ______. 32, 382, 429. oo only for the school of engineering, as proposed by the Senate. Amount of 1935 bill as passed House______31, 108, 504. oo AMENDMENTS IN DISAGREEMENT Net amount added to House bill by Senate__ 1 1, 273, 925. 00 The committee on conference report in disagreement the following amendments of the Senate: Amount of House recessions in conference ______365,815.00 On no. 27: Relating to changing the name of the Office of Amount of Senate recessions in conference ______908, 110. 00 National Parks, Buildings, and Reservations. 1 Includes $315,200 for the Federal Board for Vocational Educa­ On no. 34: Relating to the date Executive Order No. 6586, tion submitted by the Budget in a supplemental estimate after restoring 25 percent of the appropriations for activities bill had passed House. 3120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 I '~ Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of the conference report. The SPEAKER. Is there objection? The conference report was agreed to. Mr. TRUAX. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, The SPEAKER. The Clerk will report the first amend­ what is the text of the radio address? ment in disagreement. Mr. TABER. It is about some of the operations of the The Clerk read as follows: Agricultural Department under Assistant Secretary Tugwell. Amendment 27: Page 74, insert "Hereafter the Office of Na­ Mr. RICH rose. tional Parks, Buildings, and Reservations shall be known as the Mr. TRUAX. Mr. Speaker, the gentlemen on the minority ' National Park Service ', and appropriations herein made for the side, who are now on their feet, both have objected to my Office of National Parks, Buildings, and Reservations shall be avail­ able to the National Park Service, and the s.ervices of the Director inserting in the RECORD very valuable data and statistics in and personnel of the Office of National Parks, Buildings, and regard to the operation of old-age pensions. Therefore, I Reservations shall be continued in the National Park Service·under object to the request. · their present appointments." The SPEAKER. Objection is heard. Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I move that the TEMPORARY CONTRACTS FOR CARRYING THE MAIL BY AIR House recede and concur in the Senate amendment. I may Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, I move that the-House resolve say that the change of name to this cumbersome title was itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state done by Executive order, and both the Senate and the House of the Union for the further consideration of the bill (H.R. conferees felt that this unnecessary and cumbersome name 7966) to authorize the Postmaster General to make tempo­ should be changed and the former name-National Park rary contracts for carrying the mails by air, and for other Service-restored. purposes. The SPEAKER. The question is on the motion of the The motion was agreed to. gentleman from Colorado. Accordingly the House resolved itself into the Committee The motion was agreed to. of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the fur­ The SPEAKER. The Clerk will report the next amend- ther consideration of the bill H.R. 7966, with Mr. BROWN of ment in disagreement. Kentucky in the chair. The Clerk read as follows: The Clerk read the title of the bill. Amendment 34: Page 78, insert a new paragraph, as follows: Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I ask the gentleman from " Pursuant to the provisions of section 407 of title IV of part II of the Legislative Appropriation Act, fiscal year 1933, as amended, Pennsylvania to use some of his time. Executive Order No. 6586, dated February 6, 1934, revoking section The CHAIRMAN .. For the information of the Committee, 18 of Executive Order No. 6166, dated June 10, 1933, shall take the gentleman from New York [Mr. MEAD] has 15 minutes effect on the date of approval of this act." remaining and the gentleman from Pennsylvania is now Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I move that the recognized. House recede and concur in the Senate amendment. Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, as one who Mr. TABER. I wish the gentleman would explain that has been intensely interested in the United States Air Mail amendment. Service, from its inception to this present hour, I am, of Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. The purpose is to make effec­ course, saddened by the situation which confronts us. Act­ tive immediately the Executive order of the President of ing under power which he undoubtedly has, the Postmaster February 6, 1934, regarding vocational education and other General has taken the responsibility of canceling every air­ activities. mail contract. He has stricken down the entire service by It involves legislation so we were compelled to bring it one stroke of his pen, and the situation which resulted must back here. It must be remembered that an Executive order ~e recognized and met. of the President does not take effect for 60 days, and so we Under the laws passed by Congress the Air Mail Service put in the provision that it should be made immediately of this country amazed the world. We were carrying more effective. It affects the following activities: The agricul­ mail by air than all the rest of the world together. About tural experiment stations, the agricultural extension work, 6,000 persons were employed, with a pay roll of more than the college for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic $11,000,000 a year. One hundred and sixty-four cities were arts, and vocational education; it is quite broad. We felt served direct1Y, and the investment in the industry was more that it was eminently proper and acceded to it and thought than half a billion dollars. we ought to make it effective at once. It will prevent the During the depression aviation has been the only form of possibility of a cut of 25 percent becoming effective between transportation to hold its own. The railroads and steam­ March 4 and the time this Executive order would otherwise ships have suffered a vast decrease in patronage, but the be effective, which would be April 6, 1934. air lines made gains and reached the place of undisputed Mr. COCHRAN of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, will the gentle­ world leadership in civil and commercial flying. On Febru­ man yield? ary 9 the United States had more air lines and was :flying Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Yes. more passengers in hetter airplanes than any of those Euro­ Mr. COCHRAN of Missouri. The President promised the pean countries which a few years ago were far ahead of this Senate in the last session he would not put his order in .country. force, but in the meantime Congress adjourned. When the The cancelation of every contract on the grounds of Congress met again the President kept his word and issued fraud and collusion created an emergency of the most criti­ the Executive order revoking his previous order. cal nature in considering the future of this great service. Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Yes. The United States Anny was immediately called upon to Mr. COCHRAN of Missouri. And this is simply to put the carry--the mails over that part of the air mail map regarded Executive order in effect at once. as most necessary. Then the Postmaster General sent to the Mr. TAYLOR of Colorado. Yes; but his Executive order Post Office Committees of the House and Senate the measure would not take effect for 60 days if we did not put in this to authorize that action and to pay the costs out of the air­ provision. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House recede and mail appropriations so far unexpended. concur in the Senate amendment. The bill prepared in the Post Office Department contained The motion was agreed to. five sections. The first two covered the temporary authority involved in placing the task of carrying the air mail by the EXTENSION OF REMARKS Army Air Service. Sections 3, 4, and 5 dealt with an entirely Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to different matter. They gave authority to the Postmaster extend my remarks in the RECORD by printing an address General to make temporary contracts with private individ­ delivered by my colleague the gentleman fTom Kansas [Mr. uals and corporations, without advertisement or competitive bidding. Blanket authority was given to fix any points be- 1 McGuGIN] over the radio yesterday afternoon. 1, I 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3121 tween which air mail could be carried, under regulations as Let us review the history of the Air Mail Service, which to pay, and so forth, prescribed by the Postmaster General in the space of 10 years was built up into the outstanding up to a rate of 40 cents a mile for every mile flown. aviation enterprise of the world. I had the honor of These three sections had no place on the measure designed sponsoring the original Air Mail Act. I introduced it in to meet a pressing emergency. · They were most inconsist­ 1923, and it was passed by unanimous vote in this House ent, in view of the fact that the present Postmaster General just 21 years to .the day after the Wright brothers made made as the basis of his cancelation order the statement their epoch-making first :flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. It was that there had not been fair competitive bidding when the passed unanimously in the Senate and became a law contracts were let. The former law did provide for com­ February 2, 1925. petitive bidding, but the measure as presented to the com­ That measure established the policy of a self-sustaining mittee specifically excluded such competition. Air Mail Service. Tnere was no subsidy in the law. We Such power would have permitted the placing of con­ believed that we could encourage commercial aviation and tracts with new companies which had never had any experi­ build up a real postal service of value to the American ence in air transportation. Once in possession of the con­ people and pay for it out of revenues received. The con­ tracts they would have claimed vested rights and grave tracts were to be let in regular form to the lowest respon­ dangers would have developed. sible bidder under the general law, and the amount paid I opposed these sections as unwananted and I am glad could not exceed four fifths of the revenues received. to say that the House committee took the same view and This original act was as follows: struck them from the measure. We took the position that [Public, No. 359, 68th Cong.] while we were willing to meet the emergency by permitting H.R. 7064 the Army to fly the mails for a temporary period, we would An act to encourage commercial aviation and to authorize the not be party to an unjustified attempt to set up a new Postmaster General to contract for Air Mall Service private contract system on such a basis. Be it enacted, etc., That this act may be cited as the Air Mall Now, we have the bill with the first two sections only Act. remaining. I am supporting it as a responsible legislator SEC. 2. That when used in this act the term " air mail " means first-class mail prepaid at the rates of postage herein prescribed. who desires to preserve the Air Mail Service. We, as Mem­ SEc. 3. That the rates of postage on air mall shall be not less bers of the House, are not responsible for the emergency, than 10 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof. but I _believe we are responsible for meeting it as best. we SEC. 4. That the Postmaster General is authorized to contract with any individual, firm, or corporation for the transportation can without permitting the splendid work of 10 years to be of air mail by aircraft between such points as he may designate destroyed entirely. at a rate not to exceed four fifths of the revenues derived from The Army is carrying the mail now, under orders of the such air mail, and to further contract for the transportation by President. They have assembled their equipment and their aircraft of first-class mail other than air mail at a rate not to exceed four fifths of the revenues derived from such first-class :flylng personnel and are on the job. The results thus far mail. have been tragic. Six :flyers have been killed and there have SEC. 5. That the Postmaster General may make such rules, been crashes which resulted in the loss of planes amounting regulations, and orders as may be necessary to carry out the pro­ to $170,000. The bombers being used cost $50,000 each, visions of this act: Provided, That nothing in this act shall be construed to interfere with the postage charged or to be charged while pursuit planes, observation planes and others are not on Government operated air-mail routes. valued so highly. We are obligated to pay the costs arising Approved, February 2, 1925. out of this operation. I believe the obligation is there and I am supporting this Under this measure contracts were let and the carrying emergency bill. I shall not quarrel with those who say that of air mail by aviation companies began. Experience soon they cannot vote for it because that places responsibility for showed that the mail was being delayed by the necessity of the whole operation upon them. As I see it, we cannot shut scanning every piece of mail matter in order to determine our eyes to the facts as they exist. The def eat of this bill the revenues. We learned that there were 40 letters to the would mean the destruction of the Air Mail Service. pound and the total revenue at 10 cents amounted to $4, of The question back of th:.S bill is, Why is this emergency which · the maximum amount which could be paid the con­ upon us? Did the Postmaster General have before him such tractor was $3.20. conclusive evidence of fraud and collusion on the part of Therefore, I introduced an amendment to the original each air-mail contractor that be was bound to cancel all act, and it became law June 3, 1926. It was as fallows: contracts? [Public, No. 331, 69th Cong.] The Post Office Committee asked that question of the H.R. 11841 Department. The answer given us was the letter of the An act to amend section 4 of the Air Mail Act of February 2, Postmaster General which was made public after the can­ 1925, so as to enable the Postmaster General to make contracts celation of the contracts. for the transmission of mail by aircraft at fixed rates per pound Be it enacted, etc., That section 4 of the Air Mail Act of Feb- I have read and reread that letter with all the care pos­ ruary 2, 1925, is amended to read as follows: sible. Out of my knowledge of the legislation under which "That the Postmaster General is authorized to contract with the contracts were let and the route certificates given, .J am any individual, firm, or corporation for the transportation of air compelled to say that evidence of fraud and collusion is not mail by aircraft between such points as he may designate, and to further contract for the transportation by aircraft of first-class given. There is no showing to warrant such a drastic and mail other than air mail at fixed rates per pound, including arbitrary act as the cancelation of all contracts without a equipment, under such rates, rules, and regulations as he may hearing. There was no justification for destroying all these prescribe, not exceeding $3 per pound for air mail for the first contracts without regard for the obligations which those 1,000 miles and not to exceed 30 cents per pound additional for each additional 100 miles or fractional part thereof for routes in contracts involved, not only for the contractors but for the excess of 1,000 miles in length, and not exceeding 60 cents per Post Office Department. [Applause.] pound for first-class mail other than air mail for the first 1,000 I do not say that there was no wrongdoing. I do not con­ miles, and not to exceed 6 cents per pound additional for each additional 100 miles or fractional part thereof for routes in excess tend that there was no contract which was tainted with of 1,000 miles in length. Existing contracts may be amended by collusion and fraud. I do say that it is not proven in the the written consent of the contractor and the Postmaster Gen­ letter of the Postmaster General which was the basis for the eral to provide for a fixed rate per pound, including equipment, cancelation. If there has been any fraud or violation of law said rate to be determined by multiplying the rate hereinabove provided by a. fraction, the numerator of which is the percent of let the guilty ones, whether contractor or representative of revenues derived from air mail to which the contractor was pre­ the Government, be charged with the crime, given a trial viously entitled under the contract, and the denominator of and, if found guilty, sent to the penitentiary. But to strike which is 80." down everybody alike, without a chance of defense, and to Approved, June 3, 1926. destroy the good name and the property of American citizens Under this amendment more contracts were let and the in such arbitrary and hasty fashion is indefensible. No man Air Mail Service expanded steadily and on a sound basis. should so use the power of judge, jury, and executioner. The payment to contractors depended upon the amount of ( 3122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 mail carried. There was postage revenue to cover the ex­ agreed to much lower rates of payment, the old rates of penses of the operation. payment were continued in the absence of the issuance of In 1926 the amount of air mail carried was 383,243 pounds. certificates. In 1927 it had increased to 1,032,727 pounds. In 1928 it Postmaster General Brown had a new philosophy and he had grown to 1,945,252 pounds. In 1929 the air mail volume believed tbat if he were given absolute power he could make had expanded to 5,635,680 pounds. This growth was on the a new and better air-mail map. He desired to build up basis of a self-sustaining service, where the users of air passenger lines through air-mail payments, much of which mail paid for the expense of its carriage. would be subsidy from the United States Treasury. He felt In the meantime the 4-year period covered by the early that the poundage method of payment held down the amount contracts was nearing its conclusion and the problem of expended and that payment by space in the planes would protecting the rights of pioneers who had built the serv­ offer a more elastic method of extending help to passenger­ ice presented itself. It was believed just that an extension carrying lines. of time should be given in view of the large investments This plan was formulated into a bill in the Post Office which had been made by the aviation companies in fair Department and later became known as the "first Watres and efficient cooperation with the Government. amendment." . As first introduced it was as follows: To meet this situation I presented a further amendment [H.R. 9500, 71st Cong., 2d sess.] to the original act, which was approved May 17, 1928. It A bill to amend the Air Mail Act of February 2, 1925, as amended was as follows: by the acts of June 3, 1926, and May 17, 1928, further to en­ courage commercial aviation by authorizing the Postmaster {Public, No. 410, 70th Cong.) General to establish air-mail routes {H.R. 8337] Be it enacted, etc., That the Air Mail Act o! February 2, 1925, An act to amend the Air Mail Act of February 2, 1925, as amended as amended by the act of June 3, 1926, and the act of May 17, by the act of June 3, 1926 1928 (39 U.S.C. 461, a.nd the following), be amended to read as Be it enacted, etc., That section 3 of the Air Mail Act of Febru­ follows: ary 2, 1925 (U.S.C., title 39, sec. 463), as amended by the act of " SEC. 2. That mailable matter of any description may be trans­ June 3, 1926, is hereby amended to read as follows: ported by aircraft; and that the term " air mail " when used 1n "SEC. 3. That the rates of postage on air mail shall not be less this act means any mail upon which air-mall postage is prepaid than 5 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof." authorized by the Postmaster General to be carried by aircraft SEC. 2. That after section 5 of said act (U.S.C., title 39, sec. 465) under such regulations as he may prescribe. a new section shall be added, as follows: " SEC. 3. The rates of postage on air mail shall be prescribed by "SEC. 6. That the Postmaster General may by negotiation with the Postmaster General: Provided, That the rate on air mail of an air-mail contractor who has satisfactorily operated under the the first class shall not be less than 5 cents for each ounce or authority of this act for a period of 2 years or more, arrange with fraction thereof: And provided further, That whenever space con­ the consent of the surety for the contractor and the continuation tracted for as in section 4 hereof provided is not required for the of the obligation of the surety during the existence or life of the transportation of air mail, the Postmaster General, under such certificate provided for hereinafter, for the surrender of the con­ regulations as he may prescribe, may permit the utilization o! tract and the substitution therefor of an air-mail route certificate, such space for the transportation of any other mail matter he which shall be issued by the Postmaster General in the name of may authorize to be so transported. such air-mail contractor, and which shall provide that the holder "SEC. 4. The Postmaster General is authorized to award con­ shall have the right of carriage of air mail over the route set out tracts for the transportation of mail by aircraft between such in the certificate so long as he complies with such rules, regula­ points as he may designate to the lowest responsible bidders at tions, and orders as shall from time to time be issued by the fixed rates per mile for definite weight spaces, such rates not to Postmaster General for meeting the needs of the Postal Service exceed $1.25 per mile: Provided, That when in his opinion the and adjusting air-mail operations to the advances in the art of publi~ ~terests sh~ll so require, ~e may award such contracts by :flying: Provided, That such certificate shall be for a period not negot1at1on and without advertismg for or considering bids. In exceeding 10 years from the beginning of carrying mail under the awarding air-mail contracts the Postmaster General will give contract. Said certificate may be canceled at any time for willful proper consideration to the equities of air mail and other aircraft neglect on the part of the holder to can-y out such rules, regula­ operators with respect to the routes which they have been operat­ tions, or orders; notice of such intended cancelation to be given ing and the territories which they have been serving. in writing by the Postmaster General and. 60 days provided to the "SEC. 5. The Postmaster General may, if in his judgment the holder in which to answer such written notice of the Postmaster public interest will be promoted thereby, upon the surrender of General. The rate of compensation to the holder of such an air­ any air-mail contract, issue in substitution therefor a route cer­ mail route certificate shall be determined by periodical negotiation tificate for a period of not exceeding 10 years from the date service between the certificate holder and the Postmaster General, but started under such contract to any contractor or subcontractor shall never exceed the rate of compensation provided for in the who has satisfactorily operated an air-mail route for a period of original contract of the air-mail route certificate holder." not less than 2 years, which certificate shall provide that the Approved, May 17, 1928. holder thereof shall have the right, so long as he complies with all rules, regulations, and orders that may be issued by the Post­ This measure reduced the air-mail rate from 10 cents an master General for meeting the needs of the Postal Service and ounce to 5 cents an ounce. It provided that the contracts adjusting mail operations to the advances in the art of flying, to carry air mail over the route set out in the certificate or any should be extended for a period not to exceed 6 years and modification thereof at rates of compensation to be fixed from that a route certificate should be issued in lieu of the con­ time to time by the Postmaster General: Provided, That such tract. Under this certificate the rate to be paid the con­ rates shall not exceed $1.25 per mile. Such certificate may be canceled at any time for willful neglect on the part of the holder tractor should be largely in the hands of the Postmaster to carry out any rules, regulations, or orders made for his guid­ General but in no case should it go beyond the rate of the ance, notice of such intended cancelation to be given in writing original contract. by the Postmaster General and 45 days allowed the holder in It was our belief that with the reduction in postage rates which to show cause why the certificate should not be canceled. " SEC. 6. The Postmaster General, in establishing air-mail routes on air mail, the volume would expand to a point where the under this act, may, when in his judgment the public interest contractors would profit even if their original rates were will be promoted thereby, make any extensions or consolidations cut in two. In fact, every contractor who appeared before of routes which are now or may hereafter be established. "SEC. 7. That the Postmaster General, in establishing routes the Post Office committee freely offered to take a large for the transportation of mail by aircraft under this act, may reduction in the rate called for in his contract. provide service to Canada or Mexico over domestic routes which The results were as we expected as far as the volume are now or may hereafter be established, and may authorize the of air mail was concerned. The 5-cent rate was put in force carrying of either foreign or domestic mail, or both, to and from any points on such routes and make payment for services over on August 1, 1928. The volume in July had been 214,575 such routes out of the appropriation for the domestic Air Mail pounds. For August, under the low rate, it was 419,049 Service: Provided, That this section shall not be construed as re­ pounds. In August 1929 it had grown to 645,653 pounds. pealing the authority given by the act of March 2, 1929, to con­ When Postmaster General Brown assumed office he favored tract for forei.gn Air Mail Service to these countries." an entirely different policy as to air mail. He did not Postmaster General Brown showed me this measure in issue any of the certificates provided in the amendment of typewritten form before its introduction. Its provisions im­ May 17, 1928. This course added greatly to the cost of pressed me as dangerous and unwarranted. Contracts could the Air Mail Service, since the contractors were being paid be given without any competition and payments could be on their original rates on poundage which had grown greatly made up to $1.25 a mile, even though not a pound of mail on account of lower postage rates. The revenues per pound · was carried. Any class of mail matter could be carried had been cut greatly, and although the air-mail carriers had under regulations to be prescribed in the Post Office Depart- 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3123 ment. There was no limitation on the amount of money " SEC. 8. That the Postmaster General in establishing routes fo:r the transportation of mall by aircraft under this act may proVide in the obligations against the Government. service to Canada within 150 miles of the international boundary Frankly, I told the Postmaster General that his plan was line, over domestic routes which are now or may hereafter be built on arbitrary power and that it nullified the work which established and may authorize the carrying of either foreign or had been done on a different basis for years. I stated that domestic mall, or. both, to and from any points on such routes and make payment for services over such routes out of the appro­ I would oppose it with every ounce of energy I possessed priation for the domestic Air Mall Service: Provided, That this and that in my estimation Congress would not enact it into section shall not be construed as repealing the authority given by law. · the act of March 2, 1929, to contract for foreign Air Mail Service. He proceeded to have the bill introduced and endeavored "SEC. 9. After July 1, 1931, the Postmaster General shall not enter into contracts for the transportation of air mall between to have it enacted. It came before our committee, and in points which have not theretofore had such service unless the con­ company with the present chairman of the committee, I did tract air-mall ·appropriation proposed to be obligated therewith everything I could to defeat it. It was delayed for some 1s sufficient to care for such contracts, and all other obligations against such appropriation, without incurring a deficiency weeks, but the efforts of the Department increased. Finally therein." the committee was called into special session to act upon Approved April 29, 1930. it, with General Brown present to def end it. I offered amendments to change the plan into one more in line with It will be noted that there was to be competitive bidding past policy, but they were voted down. The bill was favor­ on new routes, but that extensions and consolidations could ably reported and placed on the calendar of the House. be made. It was also stipulated that bidders on routes must I felt it my duty to continue the effort against it and have been flying for 6 months on daily schedule over routes succeeded in enlisting Mr. Wood, of Indiana, Chairman of at least 250 miles in length. This provision was aimed to the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Guy Hardy, of Colorado, prevent stock-promotion companies which had never flown and other Members of the House. The bill was finally with­ a plane from bidding on contracts. There were rumors that drawn from the calendar, and the House committee under­ such companies, armed only with stock-certificate books, took to rewrite the measure. were ready to attempt to engage in the air-mail enterprise. That was done. The scope of the bill was reduced, and We also wrote into the bill that the Postmaster General limitations and restrictions were incorporated. It should be should not make contracts which would obligate the Govern­ remembered that the so-called " Watres amendment " as ment for a greater amount than had been appropriated by finally enacted was not the bill as originally introduced. It Congress. contained provisions which in many cases were very dif­ This amendment was enacted April 29, 1930, and imme­ ferent. diately the question of using the certificate plan for the As finally enacted into law, the Watres amendment was as extension of contracts became paramount. Here was a new follows: method of payment which changed the poundage rate to a [Public, No. 178, 71st Cong.] space rate. Here was also power to extend and consolidate H.R. 11704 routes. It was imperative that a plan of action be agreed An act to amend the Air Mall Act of February 2, 1925, as amended upon between the operators and the Post Office Department. by the acts of June 3, 1926, and May 17, 1928, further to en­ courage commercial aviation Postmaster General Farley, in his explanation of his can­ Be it enacted, etc., That section 4 of the Air Mail Act of Feb­ celation order, lays great stress upon conferences which were ruary 2, 1925, as amended by the act of June 3, 1926 ( 44 Stat. held at the Post Office Department after the passage of the 692; U.S.C., supp. m, title 39, sec. 464), be amended to read as Watres amendment. In his letter he says: follows: "SEC. 4. The Postmaster General ls authorized to award con­ My investigation, based on the records, books, papers, and docu­ tracts for the transportation of air mall by aircraft between such ments in the Department, or introduced before your committee, or points as he may designate to the lowest responsible bidder at taken from the files of Mr. MacCracken shows that every cor­ fixed rates per mlle for definite weight spaces, 1 cubic foot of poration whose contracts I annulled, or its predecessor or its sub­ space being computed as the equivalent of 9 pounds of air mall, sidiary corporation, had representatives in the conferences herein... such rates not to exceed $1.25 per mile: Provided, That where the before mentioned, which, I am convinced, was contrary to law. air mail moving between the designated points does not exceed 25 cubic feet, or 225 pounds, per trip the Postmaster General Those conferences, in themselves, were not contrary to may award to the lowest responsible bidder, who has owned and law. It was the only sensible and businesslike thing that operated an air-transportation service on a fixed dally schedule could be done. General Farley himself, in August last over a distance of not less than 250 miles and for a period of not less than 6 months prior to the advertisement for bids, a year, called all the operators into conference over the divi­ contract at a rate not to exceed 40 cents per mile for a weight sion of the air-mail appropriation of $14,000,000 which had space of 25 cubic feet, or 225 pounds. Whenever sufficient air been cut down _from $19,000,000. mall 1s not available, first-class mall matter may be added to make up the maximum load specified in such contract." One of two things had to be done. Either the Postmaster SEc. 2. That section 6 of the act of May 17, 1928 (45 Stat. 594; General in 1930 had to decide by himself, in the privacy of U.S.C., supp. III. title 39, sec. 465c), be amended to read as his own office, just what extensions and consolidations he follows: proposed to make and what changes compelled by the space "SEC. 6. The Postmaster General may, 1! in his judgment the public interest wm be promoted thereby, upon the surrender of system should be made in the pay of contractors, or he had any air-mail contract, issue in substitution therefor a route to confer with those operators who had built up the system. certificate for a period of not exceeding 10 years from the date It is nonsense to say that there was anything improper service started under such contract to any contractor or sub­ contractor who has satisfactorily operated an air-mall route for in the conferences in themselves. However, if at those con­ a period of not less than 2 years, which certificate shall provide ferences or afterward there was conspiracy or collusion as that the holder thereof shall have the right, so long as he com­ to bidding or refraining from bidding, then there was viola­ plies with all rules, regulations, and orders that may be issued tion of law and those guilty should be punished. by the Postmaster General for meeting the needs of the Postal Service and adjusting mall operations to the advances in the art I find no proof of that in the letter of the Postmaster of flying and passenger transportation, to carry air mall over the General. If he has that proof it is his duty to proceed to route set out in the certificate or any modification thereof at bring action. But to lump all contractors together in a rates of compensation to be fixed from time to time, at least an­ nually, by the Postmaster General, and he shall publish in his blanket statement and destroy them without a chance for annual report his reasons for the continuance or the modification defense is not in line with American principles of proper of any rates: Provided, That such rates shall not exceed $1.25 conduct under such circumstances. per mile. Such certificate niay be canceled at any time for willful neglect on the part of the holder to carry out any rules, regula­ Now, Mr. Chairman, it is my belief that when he called the tions, or orders made for his guidance, notice of such intended conference of June 4, the Postmaster General thought the cancelation to be given in writing by the Postma.ster General provision of the law enabling him to consolidate and extend and 45 days a1lowed the holder in which to show cause why the certificate should not be canceled." air-mail routes gave him power without limit. He believed SEc. 3. That after section 6 of the said act as amended, add14 that he could extend a short route across the continent if tional sections shall be added as follows: he deemed it to be in the public interest. "SEc. 7. The Postmaster General, when in his judgment the public interest will be promoted thereby, may make any exten­ Judging from the letter of Postmaster General Farley, he sions or consolidations of routes which are now or may hereafter believes that this unlimited extension was actually accom­ be established. plished. He says;_ 3124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE .FEBRUARY 24 Postmaster General Brown proceeded "to build up, by so-called for the route certificates as provided in the act of May 17 .. extensions " of routes, part of the system of the United Aircraft 1928~ • & Transport Corporation and the Transcontinental & Western Air systems. This means, in simple terms, that if one of the If that 6-month extension was illegal there should be companies had a contract for part of a through route, a trans­ action against the Post Office Department officials responsi­ continental system could be built on that short line. To illus­ trate, 1f one had a route from Boston to New York, it could be ble. It certainly should not be used as a charge against the extended from city to city until it reached the Pacific coast with­ operators who did not desire that course of action. out competitive bidding. These great systems were built in this It is mideniable that, if his letter contains the basis for manner. cancelation, the Postmaster General has acted upon ideas Now, the facts are these: Postmaster · General Brown did and theories which are not contained in the law itself. If assume that he had power of unlimited extension and the he has further proof that any one of these companies con­ conference of June 4 had that assumption before it for spired with others not to bid on routes; if there is any proof consideration. It is my belief that this memorandum. we have that any qualified air-line operator was kept from bidding heard so much about was a paper containing suggestions then it is his duty to proceed immediately against such con~ as to extensions in case Postmaster General Brown had the tractors. If, after a fair trial, guilt is proven, the contract power to make them. When it was shown that he had no should be canceled and the gmlty persons sent to prison. such power, the memorandum became worthless. Under present circumstances the Army should be relieved At the time that conference was held there was no from the duty of carrying the air mail at once. The mail secrecy about it. The papers contained items dealing with should be put back on the planes of those companies which the details discussed. The statement was made that great were on the job February 9. Then the provision of the law extensions were to be made so that the country could be for cancelation of contracts could be invoked. It is provided covered with air-carrier service, covering both mail and that 45 days' time is given contractors to show cause why passengers. their contracts should not be canceled. This is not only Now, like Will Rogers, I read the papers and I noted that the specific Ia w but it is the American principle of the it was assumed that the provision of the Watres amend­ square deal. Even the lowest criminal has his day in court. ment gave power to extend lines without limit. I gave out These Americans who have built up great service-giving a public statement that there was no such power in the law. enterpri...~s at the expenditure of millions of dollars on the I stated that extensions meant extensions, not new routes good faith of the Government should also have their day under the guise of extensions. Others familiar with the in court. facts gave the same interpretation and the question was There is power in the law providing for the certificates put up to the Comptroller General. He ruled that he had now held by the operators to stipulate that no pay shall be full power to pass on all extensions and that each one given operators until they are declared innocent. I am would stand on its own merits. He firmly declared against collfident every air-mail company would agree to this re­ building up great lines by means of extensions. quirement and would carry the mail as usual for the period. This ruling was accepted by everybody concerned. The If I were Postmaster General I would take such action United already had a contract for the northern transcon­ today and then select three outstanding Americans of in­ tinental from New York to San Francisco. The mid-trans­ tegrity and character to decide the grave problem involved. continental and the southern transcontinental were adver­ I would put before them all the facts, papers, and docu­ tised for bids. The route from New York to Los Angeles ments in my possession and ask the air-mail operators to was awarded to the Transcontinental & Western Air, and present their side of the case. Then I would abide by the the route between Atlanta and Los Angeles was awarded to judgment of the men I had selected. American Airways. Neither was an extension. As to the permanent organization of the Air Mail Service, Now, the letter of Postmaster General Farley, which con­ that is a matter for legislation by Congress. We can find tains his basis for cancelation, raises another charge against a way out of this situation without destruction. There have the Transcontinental and Western Air, from the directly been so many distortions of the issue that we must clear opposite point contained in his first charge. He states that them away and get ·down to fundamentals. this route was advertised for bids, but that T.W .A. was the This talk of great profits being made by the operators highest bidder. Then he quotes the amount that would who have organized the Service and built it up is a distor­ have been saved during the entire period if the low bid tion of the issue. A majority of the companies have lost had been accepted. money consistently. They have been investing millions in I knew something of that procedure while it was hap­ new planes and equipment to keep at the very front of the pening. The route was advertised, and there were two art of flying. The Douglass plane in which Eddie Ricken­ bids, United Avigation and T.W .A. United Avigation wa-s backer made his record-making flight from the Pacific to the lowest bid, and I was interested in seeing that there be the Atlantic in a little over 13 hours is the result of research fair competition with success to the lowest responsible bid­ and investment of $300,000 by T.W.A. Other advances have der as required by the law. been financed by other companies. They have invested in These two bids were placed before the Comptroller Gen­ aviation and developed it in the belief that their contracts eral, and he made an exhaustive investigation. In all my with the Government were good. experience with this officer he has fought firmly and against Then there is the criticism being leveled against Charles every pressure for the principle that the lowest bidder, Lindbergh, a product of the Air Mail Service. He secured who is responsible for carrying out the contract, shall be his experience largely as a pilot on the old Robertson Line given the contract. from St. Louis to Chicago. He was on leave of absence from However, after his thorough examination of all the facts that job when he flew from New York to Le Bourget Field he ruled that the T.W.A. was the lowest responsible bidder. in Paris. He felt that it was his duty to make such a ruling, and it was This lad performed his amazing achievement and came made a part of the public record. Even then I suggested home the idol of the whole world. He brought more credit to United Avigation that they attempt to prove theiI respon­ upon the United States than almost any citizen in genera­ sibility in court, but this was not done. Under all tbe facts tions. You all know how he was acclaimed as the " Lone no blame can be attached to T.W.A. for this particular Eagle", who proved that the oceans were no barriers to the procedure. airplane. He was offered fabulous sums for the use of his Mr. Chairman, in Postmaster General Farley's letter the name. He could have commercialized his reputation and contention is made that the original contracts were extended reaped a fortune of many millions. William Randolph 6 months beyorid their term and that this action was illegal. Hearst has told of offering him a contract for half a million These original contracts, when signed, contained the agree­ dollars to appear in a little movie sketch of his life. Lind­ ment that they could be extended for 6 months. The con­ bergh tore the contract up and stated that he proposed to tractors did not ask for this extension; they were asking devote his life to aJ/iation and wanted to earn his money on l \ \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3125 his own merits. It is unthinkable that this high-minded lad able to come within that rate tomorrow. However, some of who scorned easy money would take a false position because the lines could not exist on present volume at that rate, so of money. He took a position with the T.A.T. 2 years before there is provision that for a temporary period additional any air mail contract was given its successor company. He payment, not to exceed 25 cents per mile, may be made. pioneered the route and it has been known as the Lind­ The calculation as to costs was made on the basis of 1932 bergh line. He invested his salary in the company, which figures, and is as follows: · certainly was proper and legitimate. When the · blanket order of cancelation was announced, Average Pay Annual pay he sent a telegram of protest to the President. It should pounds per mail- on $0.002 per mile mile at pound-mile have been delivered immediately. Hours afterward, the carried $0.002 basis • text of the message was published in the newspapers. He was censured for pubUshing the telegram before it was re­ 1. Boston to New York______56 $0.112 $2.8, 524. 94 ceived when he had every reason to believe it had been 2. Chicago to Memphis------31 • 062 54,m. 79 3. ChicaJto to Dallas______117 . 234 411, 999. 35 delivered and read long before it appeared in the· public 4. Salt Lake City to San Diego______51 . 102 75, 726. 33 print. To charge this lad, who has shunned publicity always, 5. Salt Lake City to Seattle_------122 . 244 303, 101. 92 8. Seattle to San Diego_------103 . 206 361, 597. 98 with being a publicity seeker is nonsense. It is unfortunate 9. Chicago to Pembina_------46 . 092 142, 629. 99 and most unjust that this young American, whose name is 11. Washington to Cleveland______51 . 102 66, 166. 38 12. Cheyenne to Amarmo_ ------123 . 246 146, 109. 49 outstanding in aviation and all its activities, should be 17. New York to Chicago______254 .W8 1, 109, 769. 18 criticized because he voiced a proper protest against a de­ 18. Chicairo to San Francisco_------261 . 522 2, 360, 348. 28 19. New York to Miami______114 . 2?-8 795, 603. 04 structive act which affected aviation. [Applause.] 2XJ. New York to Fort Worth______60 .120 211, 786. 56 Mr. Chairman, let us face this serious situation squarely. 21. Dallas to Galveston______30 . 060 14, 258. 22 22. Dallas to Brownsville______67 .134 53, 246. 24 This measure before us, as amended by the House commit­ 23. Atlanta to New Orleans __ ------92 .184 55, 225. 39 tee should be passed, so that the Army may be paid for the 24. Chicago to CincinnatL______34 . 068 24, 735. 20 26. Great Falls to Salt Lake City------~------19 . 038 Zl, G74. 26 work it is actually doing. There must be a determination 'Zl. Bay City to Chicago______16 . 032 44, 334. 72 to stand against the inclusion in this bill later of the sec­ 29. New Orleans to Houston______53 . 106 25, 190. 90 30. Omaha to Atlanta ___ ------57 • 114 14.2, 312.13 tions providing for the letting of private contracts. It 30. Kansas City to Denver __ ------18 . 036 16, 106. 22 would open a Pandora's box of troubles and dangers. 33. Atlanta to Los .Angeles______70 .140 414, 210. 44 Then, we should at once enact sound, permanent legisla­ 34. New York to Los Angeles------. 314 . 628 2, 729, 985. 08 tion for the maintenance of the Air Mail Service on the TotaL __ ------__ ----.------1------9, 614, 870. 03 original basis of a self-sustaining policy. Such a measure has been pending for almost 2 years. It is the work of the Taking an average per mile payment of 15 cents for the Post Office Committee of the House, acting under special weaker lines, the entire cost would be $2,324,332. Thus the House resolution of the Seventy-second Congress. The com­ total for both the basic rate of 2 mills per pound-mile and mittee was charged with the duty of investigating the Air the additional mileage payment would be $11,938,000. The Mail Service and recommending legislation to remedy exist­ air-mail appropriation for the fiscal year 1935 as just passed ing evils in the law. by the House was $14,000,000, so it can be seen that the cost The committee did a most efficient piece of public service. under the method we propose would be much less. It did not seek headlines in the newspapers~ but it sought The revenues received during the year under calculation to get facts for constructive, permanent legislation. Right were approximately $9,000,000, after making due allowance here, I want to pay a deserved tribute to the chairman of for mail carried on more than one route. The new plan pro.­ . that committee. I have served with him during the time vides for a lower air-mail rate and the increased volume of this great Air Mail Service was being built. He has helped mail would mean greater revenues. Also the additional mile­ on the measures I have recounted here today. Always age payment would be reduced each year. he has held steadfastly to principle-the principle of sound Mr. Chairman, this program is sound. It does away with and honest air mail progress on a basis fair to the Govern­ any possible collusion since Congress fixes the basic rate, just ment, the operators, and the public. He has done this in as the Interstate Commerce Commission fixes the rate of pay spite of promises of favors and in spite of threats. He has for mail carried on the railroads. been steady as a rock for the foundation principle that Also, there is provision for preventing the monopolization favoritism and subsidy must be eliminated from the ail· of air mail through holding companies, interlocking di­ mail. [Applause.] rectorates and other plans. The Watres amendment permit­ I say to you that I count it an honor to serve on the ted and encouraged such centralization, and as it was ad­ Post Office Committee of this House, under the chairman­ ministered, it resulted in a few companies' taking control of ship of the gentleman from New York [JAMES M. MEAD]. air-mail activities. I protested vigorously against such a (Applause.] course while it was being taken. With the power in the Now, Mr. Chairman, the investigating committee, after hands of the Postmaster General, he could have forced laborious investigation, drafted legislation, and I introduced operating companies to divorce themselves from connections that bill at the request of the committee. We issued a re­ with other companies. port showing the need for a permanent policy and explaining Now. under the new legislation we propose, there will be the measure. That was in the Seventy-second Congress. specific prohibition against holding companies and against At the beginning of this Congress, the measure was in­ any interrelation between an air-mail carrier and any other troduced as H.R. 3. It could not be acted upon in the extra carrier or manufactuxing company engaged in supplying session, although if it had been enacted this present situa­ a viati on equipment. tion would not have developed. The Department stated that Mr. CJ:iairman, we have prepared legislation to meet this they desired further time before expressing an opinion on present problem. It will insure protection of the honest permanent policy. investment made by aviation companies and by the public In this session the committee has been working on the bill through municipal action and otherwise. It will help utilize and it is almost ready to report . . Its purpose is to end the the knowledge and ability of those pilots who have been air-mail subsidy and put the whole service on a self-sustain­ trained at a cost of millions of dollars and years of time. ing basis at the earliest moment possible. Our conclusion It will make possible the elimination of subsidy and the has been that a fixed rate of 2 mills per pound-mile for the establishment of the air mail as a postal service, whose cost mail actually carried would at present be a self-sustaining is met from air-mail revenues. rate and that it could be lo~ered later if found justified. I hope the House will insist UPon its right and duty to At the present poundage and mileage there would be formulate and adopt a permanent air-mail policy. We revenue developed to pay for all the service given at 2 mills should learn a lesson from the unfortunate position in which per pound-mile. Two thirds of the entire service would be we find ourselves. The only air-mail bill drafted by the LXXVID--198 I / 3126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE _FEBRUARY 24 I Post Office Department was the Watres amendment. which Effective June 15, the entire service of Colonial Air Transport, has resulted in our present troubles. It was a case of policy­ Inc., was as follows: 1. Two daily services, Boston to New York. making by the Executive Department which was to ad­ 2. One daily service, except Sundays and holidays, New York minister it. to Boston. All other air-mail laws were drafted by the House Post 3. One service, Sundays and holidays only, New York to Bostori. Office Committee. The legislative body took its responsi­ Effective August 6, Providence, R.I., was embraced as a stopping point and the schedules, as of that date, were as follows: bility and wrote the policy and the law. Let us follow that 1. One daily trip, Boston to New York. course in the future. It is far better for the duly elected 2. One daily trip, Providence to New York. representatives of the people to adopt fundamental policies 3. One trip, daily except' Sundays, Boston to New York. 4. One trip, Sundays only, Boston to New York. a-nd let these administrators perform their duty of carrying 5. One trip, daily except Sundays and holidays, New York to .out the laws as passed by Congress. [Applause.] Boston. It is rumored now that the Post Office Department is 6. One trip, Sundays and holidays only, New York to Boston. planning to send up a ready made air mail bill. It is said Effective September 25, service which was formerly daily except Sundays was changed to daily, and service formerly operated on that it is to provide payments for the carriage of air mail Sundays only, between Boston and New York, eliminated. on a cost-plus basis. That is the worst of all possible meth­ One trip which, as of August 6, operated daily except Sundays ods. It puts a .premium upon waste and inefficiency and and holidays, New York to Boston, changed to operate daily except extravagance. The company with the highest cost gets the Sunday, Monday, and holidays. The trip which, as of the same date, operating New York to Bos­ largest payment. There is a direct incentive to pyramiding ton, Sundays and holidays only, changed to daily service. costs and increasing the payments to be made from the As of September 25, the service of Colonial Air Transport was Public Treasury. Surely we had experlence enough with the as follows: 'cost-plus system during the World War forever to set our 1. Two trips daily, Boston to New York. 2. One trip daily, Providence to New York. 'faces against it. 3. One trip daily, New York to Boston (stopping at Providence). I sincerely hope the Department has no such plan in 4. One trip daily, except Sunday, Monday, and holidays, New mind. What we need is a self-sustaining, steadily expand­ York to Boston (also stopping at Providence). ing air-mail service built on honest and sound foundations. Effective November 20, minor changes in schedules. It should be a postal service, with payment made in accc_d­ 19J3 ance with the mail carried. The rate of payment to con­ April 10. Minor change in one schedule. July 1. Schedule of trip from Providence to New York changed tractors should be fixed by Congress and applied, without and type of service changed from daily to daily except Sundays and any juggling or bargaining. The .air-mail-postage rate holidays. should be lowered and the volume increased and the reve- July 30. Trip between Providence and New York, dally except nues used to maintain and develop this great new industry. Sundays and holidays, discontinued. Minor sched'llle change in l other service. Mr. Chairman, let us forget partisanship in this matter. December 1. Service rendered by A.M. 1 as follows: . ' It is not a party question as to how we shall meet this 1. Two daily trips Boston to New York. : critical situation but it is an American question. A large 2. Two daily trips New York to Boston. ' number of splendid American workers, pilots, and others, are 3. One trlp, daily except Sundays and holidays, New York to involved. The national defense is involved. Let us pass Boston. this emergency measure now and then immediately proceed A.M.2 to lay down a permanent, fundamental policy, which will 1925 Advertisement by Postmaster General New, July 15-covering eliminate the evils of the present system. That, it seems 1 round trip Chicago to St. Louis, 523 miles, not to exceed six to me, is the duty confronting Congress. [Applause.] round trips per week-rate $0.0675 out of each 10 cents revenue Mr. Chairman, for the information of the House, I append derived by the Post Office Department. herewith the history of each of the 34 air-mail contracts Contract let October 7 to Robertson Aircraft Corporation. which have been a ·part of the United States Air Mail Service. 1926 That history is as follows: Rate of pay changed to $2.53 per pound July 1. A.M. 1 1930 1925 Contract exchanged for route certificate May 3. Original contract let to Colonial Air Luies, Inc., on October 7, Certificate read for one round trip, 540 miles, 270 each way. after advertisement by Postmaster General New on July 15. 1. One trip to provide 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and ac­ Contract specified not more than six round trips per week be­ commodations for six passengers, Chicago to St. Louis; rate, 59% tween Boston, Mass., via Hartford, Conn., to New York, N.Y., a cents per mile. distance of 200 miles. 2. One trip to provide 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and ac­ Bid to carry the mail for four fifths of the revenue derived there­ commodations for 10 passengers, Chicago to St. Louis; rate, 67 from accepted. cents per mile. 1926 3. One trip to provide 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and ac­ Name cf Colonial Air Lines, Inc., changed to Colonial Air Trans­ commodations for 10 passengers, St. Louis to Chicago; rate, 67 port, Inc., June 15. cents per mile. 1930 4. One trip to provide 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and ac­ commodations for six passengers, St. Louis to Chicago; rate, 63% Contract exchanged for route certificate as prescribed in act of cents per mile. April 29 . 1931 Certificate issued and expires April 5, 1936. At issun.nce of route certificate mileage changed from 200 miles Contract subject to American Airways, Inc., April 20. to 201 miles. Service to be rendered under the certificate as Extension St. Louis to Memphis, July 20, 269 miles, one round follows: trip. 1. One flight, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, operating 1932 daily except Sundays and holidays between New York and Boston September 21. A.M. 2 extended in connection with A.M. 33 be­ at rate of $0.BBY:i per mile. tween Memphis and New Orleans, giving one round trip daily 2. One flight, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ between Chicago and New Orleans. commodations for 10 passengers, daily, from Boston to New York November 21. Minor changes in schedule. at rate of $0.69 per mile. December 10. Peoria, Ill., made air-mail stop on one daily round 3. One fiight, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, operating trip between Chicago and St. Louis. daily ez:cept Sundays and holidays, between Boston and New York 1933 at rate of $0.86Y:i per mile. February 10. Minor changes in schedule. 1931 July 9. Minor changes in schedule. Service of A.M. 1, extended August 1, between Boston and September 20, minor changes in schedule. Bangor, Maine, a distance of 204 miles. October 27, service of A.M. 2 as follows: This extension ~pplied only during the period August 1 to 1. One daily trip, Chicago to Memphis. I September 30. 2. One daily trip, Chicago to St. Louis. 1932 3. One daily trip, Memphis to Chicago. After passage of Watres Act following service added: 4. One daily trip, St. Louis to Chicago. 1. One.trip daily, between Boston and New York. December 1. Service of A.M. 2 as follows: 2. One trip, Sundays and holidays only, Boston to New York. 1. One daily round trip Chicago to Memphis. 3. One trip, Sundays and holidays only, New York to Boston. 2. Two daily round trips Chicago to St. Louis. 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3127

A.M. s- A.M. 5 1925 1925 Advertisement by Postmaster General New, July 15, for service Advertisement by Postmaster General New, July 15, covering Chicago to Dallas and Fort Worth, Tex:. via Moline, St. Joseph, service, Elko, Nev., via Boise, to Pasco, Wash., no more than six Kansas City, Wichita, and Oklahoma City. No more than six round trips per week. · round trips per week. Contract let to Walter T. Varney, October 7, at 80 percent of October 7. Contract awarded to National Air Transport, Inc., at revenue derived. · rate of 80 percent of revenues derived from such air mail. 1926" 1926 Rate of pay changed to $3 per pound, July 9. Rate of pay changed to $3 per pound on June 20. Terminal points changed from Elko to Salt Lake, October 1. 1:927 1930 Ponca. City, Okla.., added as stop April 4. Contract changed for route certificate, May 3, expires April 5, 1936. Mileage between terminal points, 560 miles. Service as 1928 follows: Line extended to Tulsa, Okla., July 5. 1. One t'rip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds and two pas­ 1930 sengers, daily, Salt Lake to Pasco at rate of 83 cents per mile. May 3. Contract exchanged for route certificate which expires 2. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds and two pas­ April 5, 1936. Distance between terminal points 1,072 miles. Serv­ sengers; daily, Pasco to Salt Lake, at rate of 83 cents per mile. ice of A.M. 3 at time certificate issued as follows: 3. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds and two pas­ 1. One· trip, providing 47 eubic feet for 750 pounds, Chicago to sengers, daily, Pasco to Salt Lake at rate of 98 cents oer mile. Dallas, at rate of 80'h cents per mtle,' service daily. 4. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds and two pas­ 2. One trip, providing 4'1 cubic feet for 750 pounds, Dallas to sengers, daily, Salt Lake to Pasco at rate of 98 cents per mile. Chicago, at rate of 80'h cents per mile, service da.ily. A.M. 5 and A.M. 32 consolidated, July 1, and known hereafter as A.M. 5. 3. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, Dallas to Chicago, at rate of 95'h cents per mile, service daily. Permission granted by Post 01Ilce Department May 27 to sublet 4. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, Chicago to consolidated lines to Varney Air Lines, Inc., effective July 1. One round trip added Salt Lake to Portland, Oreg. (after passage Dallas, at rate of 951h cents per mlie, service daily. of Watres Act). St. Joseph discontinued as stop January 1. 1932 1931 Service of A.M. 5 as of June 11 and 12 as follows: Additional daily schedule added between Chicago and Kansas 1. One daily round trip between Salt Lake and Seattle. City (after passage of Watres Act). 2~ One daily round trip between Salt Lake and Portland. 1932 3. One daily round trip between Pasco a:od Spokane. Schedule changes, May 15. 1933 Schedule changes, October 1. August 15: All . service between Portland, Oreg., and Seattle dis­ 1933 contin_ued and service performed by A.M. 8. Schedule changes, June 11. A.M. 5 known hereafter only between Salt Lake and Portland Schedules and trip numbers changed August l5. Complete and service as follows as of August 15: schedules as of that date as follows: 1. Two daily round trips, Salt Lake to Partla.ru:L 1. Two daily trips, Chicago to Dallas. 2. One daily round trip, Pasco to Spokane. 2. One daily trip, Chicago to Kansas City. A.M. 6 3. One daily trip, Ponca City to Tulsa. 4. Two daily trips, Dallas to Chicago. 1925 5. One daily trip, Kansas City to Chicago. Advertisement by Postmaster General New, September 21, cov­ 6. One daily trip, Tulsa to Ponca City. ering service Detroit to Cleveland, no more than six round trips September 15. Moline omitted from A.M. 3 and embraced for per week. service by A.M. 18. Contract awarded Ford Motor Co., at rate of 63k cents per · December 17. Change in schedule of Kansas City to Chicago ounce, service one round trip per day. local service. 1928 1934 Contractor served notice he desired to be relieved of contract January 31. Trips between Tulsa and Ponca. City discontinued. effective July 19. A.M. 4 A.M. 7 1925 1925 Advertisement by Postmaster General New; July 15, covering Advertisement by Postmaster General New, September 21, for service Salt Lake via Las Vegas, N.Mex., to Los Angeles; no more service Detroit to Chicago, one round trip per day, no more than than six round trips per week. six per week. Cont1·act awarded Western Air Express, Inc., October 7, at rate of Awarded to Ford Motor Co. at 6% cents per ounce, November 25. 80 % of revenue derived. 1928 . 1926 Contractor served notice he desired to be reliev~ of contract Rate changed to $3 per pound July 1. effective July 16. 1930 . A.M. 8 1925 Contract exchanged for route certificate May 3, expires April 5, 1936; mileage between terminal points 670, service as follows: Advertisement by Postmaster General New for service, July 15, 1. One trip, providing 62.5 cubic feet for 1,000 pounds and eight from Seat~le, Wash., via Portland and Medford, Oreg., Sacramento, passengers, daily except Monday, Los Angeles to Salt Lake at San FrancISco, Fresno, and Bakersfield to Los Angeles~ one round rate of $1.07'h per mile. trip per day, no more than six per week. December 31. Contract awarded to Vern C. Garst at rate of 75 2. One trip, providing 125 cubic feet for 2,0DO pounds and percent of the postage revenue. three passengers, daily; Salt Lake to Los Angeles at rate of $1.17% per mile. 1926 3. One trfp, providing 78 cubic feet for 1,250 pounds daily, Los Contract sublet to Pacific Air Transport, Inc., March 6. Angeles to Salt Lake at rate of $1.14~ per mile_ Sacramento omitted from route, September 15. 4. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, dally except Monday, Salt Lake to Los Angeles at rate of $1.17 per mile. 1927 Line extended to San Diego, June 1. Tacoma, Wash., included as a stop, September 27'. 1932 1928 August 15. One round trip between Los Angeles a.ncr San Diego San Jose. Calif., included as a stop, October 15. discontinued. 1930 Service as of that date as follows: 1. One daily trip, Salt Lake to Los Angeles. Contract exchanged for route certificate, May 27, expires April 5, 2. One daily trip, Salt Lake to San Diego. 1936, mileage 1,130 miles, service as follows: 3. One daily trip, Sa:q. Diego to Salt Lake. 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and two 4. One daily trip, Los Angeles to Salt Lake. passengers, daily, Portland to Los Angeles at rate ot_ 77 cents per Minor changes in schedule between San Diego and Salt Lake, mile. November 1. 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and two 1933 passengers, daily, Los Angeles to Portland, rate 92 cents for night flying and 77 cents for day flying. • August 31. Service between Los Angeles and San Diego was to Line extended to San Diego,. Calif., J.uly 1. be suspended, effective September 4, but order canceled and service· retained. 1932 December 17. Changes in schedule on service between Salt Lake Changes in schedUle, Decembei: 27, no change in number of and Los Angeles and Salt Lake and San Diego. trips. 3128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 1933 A.M. 9 extended from Bismarck via Glendive and Miles City February 27, Sacramento embraced for service. to Billings, Mont., March 2, one round trip per day. June 11. Schedule change of San Francisco to San Jose service. April 2. Changes in various schedules. June 15. Schedule change of San Diego to San Francisco service. April 10. Changes in v~rious schedules. July 1. Change in schedules, Seattle to San Diego on trip which May 15. Changes in various schedules. had been added prior to that date. May 31. Round trip between Chicago and Madison discontinued. August 15. Two round trips Seattle to San Diego discontinued June 11. Changes in various schedules. and following service in effect: June 12. Changes in various schedules. 1. One trip daily, Seattle to San Francisco. July 1. Madison added as stopping point on one round trip 2. One trip daily, Seattle to San Diego. between Chicago and St. Paul. . July 23. Changes in various schedules. A.JI/I. 8 July 31. Service on one round trip between Milwaukee and 1933 Green Bay discontinued. 3. One trip daily, Oakland to Los Angeles. September 10. Lansing and Muskegon embraced for service. 4. One trip daily, Los Angeles to San Diego. September 10 and 15. Entire service of A.M. 9 as follows: 5. Two trips daily, San Diego to Seattle. 1~ Two and one half round trips, Detroit to Milwaukee. August 31. Service between Oakland and San Jose discontinued. 2. Three round trips, Chicago to St. Paul. September 1. Service on A.M. 8 as follows: 3. One round trip, St. Paul to Billings. 1. Two trips daily, Seattle to San Diego (one stopping at Fresno 4. One round trip, Fargo to Winnipeg. and Bakersfield) . September 15. St. Paul to Duluth service suspended. 2. One trip daily, Oakland to Los Angeles. October 1. Schedule changes between Detroit and Milwaukee. 3. Two trips, daily, San Diego to Seattle (one stopping at Fresno October 21. Dickinson, N .Dak., embraced on Bismarck to Billings and Bakersfield) . service. · December 17. One trip added Los Angeles to Oakland and one November 18. One trip discontinued, Milwaukee to Detroit. trip added Portland to Seattle. November 20. Schedule changes on Winnipeg to St. Paul service. A.M 9 A.M. 10 1925 1925 Advertisement by Postmaster General New, October 29, for Advertisement by Postmaster General New, November 18, for service, Chicago to :Milwaukee, La Crosse, Wis., to St. Paul and route Atlanta, Ga., via Jacksonville and Tampa, to Miami, Fla.; Mi.nneapolis, one round trip per day, no more than six per week. not less than six trips per week. 1926 1926 Contract awarded Charles Dickinson, January 11, rate of pay 48 February 11. Contract awarded to Florida Airways Corporation, percent of revenue derived. at rate of 80 percent of revenues derived; distance 393 miles. Contract canceled ·september 30 after due notice. 1927 Contract readvertlsed August 16. June 7. Contract discontinued. Contract awarded Northwest Airways, Inc., September 16 and service commenced October l, rate of pay $2.75 per pound. A .M. 11 1927 1926 Postmaster General New advertised for bids on January 22, cov­ Madison, Wis. embraced for service November 22. ering service Cleveland to Pittsburgh, not less than six round trips 1928 per week. March 27. Contract awarded Clifford Ball at rate of 80 percent Line extended to Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green of revenue derived. Bay, December 15. 1930 1927 April 21. Youngstown, Ohio, embraced for service. Line extended to Elgin, Rockford, and Janesville March 8. Contract exchanged for route certificate, August 30, expires April 1930 5, 1936, mileage between terminals 407 miles, service as follows: October 24. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and six pas­ pires April 5, 1936. Service under certificate as follows: sengers, dally, departing from Chicago at rate of 71 Y:i cents per 1. One trip· daily, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no mile. passengers, Cleveland to Pittsburgh, at rate of 71¥2 cents per mile. 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no pas­ 2. One trip daily, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no sengers, daily, departing from Chicago at rate of 60% cents per passengers, from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, at rate of 71 Y:i cents 1 mile. per mile. 3. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, no pas­ 3. One trip dailY., providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and sengers, dally, departing from Chicago at rate of 83 Y:i cents per two passengers, from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, at rate of 58 cents mile. per mile. 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two 4. One trip dally, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and passengers, daily, .departing from Milwaukee at rate of 59 cents two passengers, from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, at rate of 58 cents per mile. per mile. 5. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two October 24. Contract sublet to Pennsylvania Air Lines, Inc. passengers, daily, departing from Chicago at rate of 56% cents per mile. 1931 6. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and six pas­ June 8. A.M. 11 extended from Pittsburgh to Washington and sengers, daily, departing from St. Paul at rate of 71% cents per Akron designated as a stopping point. Service on that date as mile. follows: 7. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no pas­ 1. One trip dally except Sunday and holidays, providing 12.5 sengers, daily, departing from St. Paul at rate of 60% cents per cubic feet for 200 pounds, Washington to Cleveland at rate of 40 mile. cents per mile. 8. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, no pas­ 2. Two trips dally, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, sengers, daily, departing from St. Paul at rate of 83% cents per Washington to Cleveland at rate of 40 cents per mile. mile. 3. One trip daily, except Sunday and holidays, providing 12.5 9. One trip, provicllng 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two cubic feet for 200 pounds, Cleveland to Washington at rate of passengers, daily, departing from Green Bay at rate of 59 cents 40 cents per mile. per mile. 4. Two trips daily, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, 10. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two Cleveland to Washington at rate of 40 cents per mile. passengers, dally, departing from Madison at rate of 56Y:i cents June 8. Youngstown, Ohio, discontinued as stop. per mile. 1932 1931 June 6. Additional schedule authorized Washington to Cleve­ Line extended to Fargo, Grand Forks, and Pembina February 2. land and return. Daily except Sunday and holidays. Service as Line eA.rtended to Duluth, Minn., May 30. of that date: Line extended to Valley City, Jamestown, Bismarck, and Mandan 1. Two round trips, dally, between Washington and Cleveland. June 2. 2. Two round trips, daily except Sunday and holidays, Wash­ 1932 ington to Cleveland. October 1. Changes in various schedules. October 11. Change in schedule of one trip. November 1. Changes in various schedules. 1933 November 5. Changes in various schedules. November 28. Changes in various schedules. April 1. Change in schedule of one trip. June 11. Several changes in schedule; one trip formerly dailY. 1933 except Sunday and holidays changed to dally except Sunday, February 15. Changes in various schedules. Monday, holidays, and days after holidays. February 27. Changes 1n various schedules. July 16. Changes 1n schedule. A.M. 9 extended from Milwaukee via Grand Rapids to De­ September 1. Complete schedules of A.M. 11 as follows: troit March 2, two and one-half round trips per day. 1. Three dally round trips, Washington to Cleveland. \ \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3129 2. One and one half round trips, dally except Sunday and 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, Akron to holidays, Washington to Cleveland. Louisville, daily, at rate of 59¥2 cents per mile. 3. One half round trip, daily except Sunday, Monday, holi­ 1931 days, and days after holidays, Cleveland to Wa..shington. November 15. Changes in schedules. March 2. Line extended Louisville to Nashville, 166 miles with December 6. Changes in schedules: Night mail from Washing­ following service: ton to Cleveland changed to mail and passengers. 1. One round trip daily, Cleveland to Louisville, at rate of 85¥2 December 17. Changes in schedules: Trip which was formerly cents per mile. daily except Sunday, Monday, holidays, and days after holi­ 2. One trip daily, Cleveland to Nashville, at rate of 85Y2 cents days, changed to daily except Sunday and holidays. per mile. 3. One trip daily, Nashville to Cleveland, at rate of 70¥2 cents per A.M.12 mile. 1927 May 15. A.M. 16 consolidated with A.M. 20. Original contract awarded Colorado Airways, J;nc., but canceled A.M.17 and readvertised. 1927 Advertisement by Postmaster General New, September 3, cover­ Advertisement by Postmaster General New, March 8, covering ing route Cheyenne, Wyo., via Denver and Colorado Springs to service, New York, N.Y., via Cleveland, to Chicago, 723 miles. Pueblo, Colo., 199 miles for one round trip per day. April 2, contract awarded National Air Transport, Inc., at rate October 4, contract awarded Western Air Express, Inc., at rate of $1.24 up to 1,500 pounds per day. of 83 cents per pound. 1930 1928 Contract exchanged for route certificate, October 21. Certificate Toledo, Ohio, embraced for service June 3. expires April 5, 1936. Service as follows: Line extended to Detroit, Mich., June 4. 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and two 1929 passengers daily, Cheyenne to Pueblo, at rate of 85 cents per mile. Extension to Detroit discontinued April 1. 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and two 1930 passengers daily, Pueblo to Cheyenne, at rate of 70 cents per mile. Following additional schedules added after passage of Watres 1931 Act: August 1. Route extended to Albuquerque from Pueblo and to 1. One round trip daily, New York to Chicago. Amarillo from Pueblo with following service: 2. One round trip daily, Cleveland to Chicago. 1. One trip daily, Pueblo to Albuquerque and return, at rate of 3. One round trip, daily except Saturday, Sunday, holidays, and 55Y2 cents per mile. days before holidays, New York to Chicago. 2. One trip daily, Pueblo to Amarillo and return, at rate of 55Y2 October 22, contract exchanged for route certificate which cents per mile. expires April 5, 1936; service as follows: One daily round trip between Cheyenne and Denver added after 1. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet, 1,600 pounds, daily, New passage of Watres Act. York to Cleveland, at rate of $1.02 per mile. 1933 2. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, and seven June 11 and 12. Following service in effect A.M. 12. passengers, daily, Cleveland to Chicago, at rate of $1.15 per mile. 1. One daily round trip, Cheyenne to Amarillo. 3. One trip providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, daily, New 2. One daily round trip, Pueblo to Albuquerque. York to Chicago, at rate of $1.14 per mile. 3. One daily round trip, Cheyenne to Denver. 4. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, daily ex­ June 9. Schedule changes. cept Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, New York to Chica.go, at September 4 and 5. Daily round trip between Pueblo and Ama­ rate of $1.14 per mile. rillo suspended. 5. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, and seven October 1. Changes in schedule. passengers, daily, Chicago to Cleveland, at rate of $1.15 per mile. November 11. Las Vegas, N.Mex., embraced for supply on Chey- 6. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, daily, enne to Albuquerque round trip. - Cleveland to New York, at rate of $1.02 per mile. A.M. 13 7. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, daily, Chi­ cago to New York, at rate of $1.14 per mile. 1926 8. One trip, providing 80 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, daily Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 16, covering except Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, Chicago to New York, at route Philadelphia to Washington, not less than six round trips rate of $1.14 per mile. per week, distance, 128 miles. 1932 June 2. Contract awarded Philadelphia Rapid Transit Air Serv­ Change in schedules September 1. ice, Inc., at rate of $3 per pound. 1933 Contract cancelled and superseded by A.M. 15 October 9. June 11, schedules as follows: A.M 14 1. Four round trips daily, New York to Chicago. 1926 2. One round trip daily, except Saturday, Sunday, holidays, Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 10, covering and days before holidays, New York to Chicago. route Detroit, Mich., to Grand Rapids, Mich., and return; six December 17, schedules as follows: round trips per week; distance, 142 miles. 1. Six round trips daily, New York to Chicago. July 31. Contract awarded to Stout Air Services, Inc., at rate A.M. 18 of $3 per pound. 1926 Contract canceled. No service performed. Advertisement by Postmaster General New, November 15, for A.M 15 service Chicago via Iowa City, Des Moines, Omaha, North Platte, 1926 Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Salt Lake City, Elko, Reno, and Sacra­ Advertisement by Postmaster General New. September 9. Cov­ mento to San Francisco, distance 1,896 miles. ering service Philadelphia, via Washington, to Norfolk, . Va.; 278 1927 mlles each way; at least six round trips per week. January 27. Contract awarded to Boeing Airplane Co. and Ed­ · September 25. Contraci awarded Philadelphia Rapid Transit Air ward Hubbard, at rate of $1.50 per pound for first thousand miles Service, Inc., at rate of $3 per pound. and 15 cents per pound for each additional 100 miles. 1927 July 1. Contract sublet to Boeing Air Transport, Inc. February 21. Service discontinued. 1928 A.M. 16 July 10, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, embraced for service. July 10, Lincoln, Nebr., embraced for service. 1927 October 21. Contract exchanged for route certificate which Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 15, covering expired April 5, 1936; mileage changed to 2,025 miles; service as senice Cleveland via Akron, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati follows: to Louisville, Ky., distance 339 miles. 1. One trip, providing 125 cubic feet for 2,000 pounds and eight October 10, contract awarded -to Continental Air Lines, Inc., at passengers daily except Monday, Chicago to Salt Lake, at rate of rate of $1.22 per pound. $1.18 Y2 per mile. 1929 2. One trip, providing 80 to 100 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, May 1. Springfield, Ohio, embraced for service. daily, Chicago to Salt Lake, at rate of $1.18 per mile. S. One trip, providing 80 to 100 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds, 1930 daily except Monday, Salt Lake to Chicago, at rate of $1.03 per Contract exchanged for route certificate, October 21, which ex­ mile. pires April 5, 1936. service as follows: 4. One trip, providing 125 cubic feet for 2,000 pounds and eight 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, Louisville to passengers, daily, Salt Lake to Chicago, at rate of $1.18Y2 per mile Cleveland, daily, at rate of 85Y2 cents per mile. for day flying and $1.25 per mile for night :flytng. 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, Cleveland 5. One trip, providing 80 to 100 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds and to Louisville, daily, at rate of 85Y2 cents per mile. 10 passengers, daily except Monday, Salt Lake to San Francisco, 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, Cleveland at rate of $1.16 per mile for day flying and $1.25 per mile for to Louisville, daily, at rate of 59Yz cents per mile. night flying. ( J 3130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 I 6. One trip, providing 62.5 cubic feet for 1,000 pounds, dally, · October 1. Schedule changes between New York and Atlantic Salt Lake to San Francisco, at rate of 95¥2 cents per mile. City. 7. One trip, providing 62.5 cubic feet for 1,000 pounds, dally December 1. Camden, S.C., Columbia, S.C., and Augusta, Ga., except Monday, San Francisco to Salt Lake, at rate of 95 Y:i cents embraced for service from Charlotte. per mile. 1933 8. One trip, providing 80 to 100 cubic feet for 1,600 pounds and February 10. Schedule changes between Atlanta and Jacksonville. 10 passengers, daily, San Francisco to Salt Lake, at rate of $1.16 March 20. General schedule changes over entire line. per mile for day flying and $1.25 per mile for night flying. July 1. Schedule changes between Atlantic City and New York. One daily round trip, Chicago to San Francisco, added after July 9. Schedule changes between New York and Atlantic City. passage of Watres Act. August 1. Schedule changes between New York and Atlantic City. 1931 September 5. New York to Atlantic City service discontinued. A.M. 18 extended from Omaha via Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, September 6. Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg service discon- N.Dak., to Watertown, S.Dak., August 1. tinued; one trip only. One round trip dally, 259 miles, Omaha to Watertown, furnish­ September 9. Charlotte to Augusta service suspended. ing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, at rate of 59 cents per mile. September 9. Service on A.M. 19 as follows: 1932 1. One daily round trip, Jacksonville to New York. 2. Two daily round trips, Atlanta to New York. September 1. Slight changes in schedule of one trip. 3. One daily round trip, Miami to New York. 1933 4. One daily round trip, Jacksonville to Miami. Effective June 11, the following schedules in effect on A.M. 18: 5. Two daily round trips, Atlanta to Jacksonville. 1. Three daily round trips, Chicago to San Francisco. 6. One daily round trip, Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg. 2. One daily round trip, Omaha to Watertown. October 16. Service on A.M. 19 as follows: September 15. Schedules of AM. 18 as follows: 1. Two daily round trips, New York to Miami. 1. Three daily round trips, Chicago to Oakland. 2. Two daily round trips, New York to Atlanta. 2. Two daily round trips, Chicago to Salt Lake. 3. One daily, except Sunday, round trip, New York to Wash­ 3. One daily round trip, Chicago to Omaha. ington. 4. One daily round trip, Omaha to Watertown. 4. Two daily round trips, Atlanta to Jacksonv1lle. September 20. Grand Island, Nebr., embraced for service. 5. One daily, round trip, Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg. October 15. Slight schedule changes. A.M.20 November 1. Slight schedules changes. 1927 November 7. Slight schedule changes. December 17. Service of A.M. 18 as follows: Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 15, for service Several trips discontinued. Albany, N.Y., via Schenectady, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo to 1. Three daily round trips, Chicago to Oakland. Cleveland, Ohio; 452 miles. 2. One daily round trip, Omaha to Watertown. Contract awarded to Colonial Western Airways, Inc., August 22, at rate of $1.11 per pound. A.M. 19 1928 . 1926 Utica, N.Y., embraced for service June 1. Advertisement by Postmaster General ~ew, December 23, for service, New York, N.Y., via Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, 1929 and Greensboro, N.C., to Atlanta, Ga., distance 773 miles. Rome, N.Y., embraced for service January 7. 1927 1930 February 28. Contract awarded to Pitcairn Aviation, Inc., at rate October 21, contract exchanged for route certificate which ex .. of $3 per pound. pires April 5, 1936, and service as follows: 1928 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, daily except Spartanburg embraced for service, May 1. Sunday, Cleveland to Albany at rate of 85¥2 cents per mile. 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, daily except 1929 Sunday, Albany to Cleveland at rate of 85% cents per mile. Baltimore embraced for service, May 6. One round trip added New York to Cleveland after passage of 1930 Watres Act. Charlotte embraced for service, April 1. 1931 Greenville embraced for service, August 20. AM. 16 and A.M. 20 consolidated by order of Post Office Depart- Name of company changed to Eastern Air Transport, Inc.-Jan­ ment, May 15, and known hereafter at A.M. 20. uary 18. May 15, contract sublet to American Airways, Inc. November 7. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ Line extended from Albany to New York, N.Y., August 1. pires April 5, 1936, service as follows: Line extended from Louisville to Memphis, Little Rock, Texar.. 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, New York kana, Dallas, and Fort Worth, June 15, with one round trip daily to Atlanta, daily except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 85¥2 at rate of 54¥2 cents per mile. cents per mile. 1932 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, New York to May 25, schedule changes between New York and Cleveland. Atlanta, daily, at rate of 72¥2 cents per mile. June 15, schedule changes between Albany and Cleveland. 3. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, New York to Atlanta, daily, at rate of 97¥2 cents per mile. 1933 4. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, Atlanta to February 10, service on A.M. 20 as follows on Cleveland to Fort New York, daily, at rate of 97¥2 cents per mile. Worth route: 5. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, Atlanta to 1. Two round trips daily, Cleveland to Fort Worth. New York, daily, at rate of 97¥2 cents per mile. 2. One round trip daily, Cleveland to Louisville. 6. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, departing February 10, schedule change between Albany and Cleveland. from Washington, daily except Sunday and holidays, at rate of February 12, A.M. 20 extended from Albany to Boston via Spring• 85¥2 cents per mile. field and two round trips per day inaugurated. Additional schedules added after passage of Watres Act. April 20, changes in schedule between Louisville and Cleveland. 1. One round trip daily, New York to Jacksonville (added after June 11. Schedule changes between New York, Cleveland, and consol!dation with A.M. 25). Boston. 2. One round trip daily, New York to Atlanta. July 9. General schedule changes. 3. One round trip daily, Atlanta to Miami (added after con­ September 10. One trip between Cleveland and Louisville dis· solidation with A.M. 25). continued. 4. One round trip daily, Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg (same October 1. Akron omitted from A.M. 20. as above). October 1. Daily service between Boston and Albany changed 1931 to daily except Sunday and holidays. October 27. Schedule change between Boston and Cleveland. A.M. 19 consolidated with A.M. 25, April 1. November 7. Schedule change between Cleveland and Colum• Line extended to Raleigh, Florence, Charleston, and Savannah bus. from Richmond, April 1. A.M. 21 Line extended to Atlantic City from New York, July 10. Line extended from Washington to Atlantic City, July 20. 1927 Line extended from Philadelphia to Atlantic City, July 15. Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 15, for service Philadelphia-Atlantic City extension discontinued September 15. Dallas to Houston to Galveston, Tex., 283 miles. Washington-Atlantic City extension discontinued September 30. October 8. Contract awarded to Seth W. Barwise at rate of 1932 $2.89 per pound. 1928 June 1. Service on one round trip between Richmond and Atlanta omitted. January 31. Contract sublet to Texas Air Transport, Inc. June 1. Service on one round trip between Jacksonville and March 5. Waco, Tex., embraced for service. Miami omitted. 1930 July 15. Schedule changes, service between Atlantic City and Contract exchanged for route certificate November 7, which ex­ New York evidently in effect although date of starting not known. pires April 5, 1936; mileage changed to 333 miles and service as September 1. Schedule changes. follows: \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3131

1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and two A.M. 25 passengers, dally, from Waco to Galveston, at rate of 61 cents per 1927 mile. 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and two October 18. Postmaster General New advertised for service, At­ passengers, dally, from Galveston to Waco, rate of 61 cents per lanta via Jacksonville to Miami, 595 miles. mile. November 27. Cont ract awarded to Pitcairn Aviation, Inc., at Route is stated from Dallas to Galveston, however, for operating rate of $1.46 per pound. convenience space mileage authorized from Waco. 1929 1932 March 1. Macon, Ga., and Daytona Beach, Fla., embraced for service. A.M. 21 absorbed by American Airways. December 14. Line extended from Daytona Beach to St. Peters­ 1933 burg, Fla. July 9. Changes in schedule, Dallas to Galveston. 1930 October 1. Changes in schedule, Fort Worth to Galveston. January 27. Name changed to Eastern Air Transport, Inc. October 1. Service between Dallas and Fort Worth discontinued. November 7. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ A.M. 22 pires April 5, 1936, and mileage changed to 777 miles. Service as follows: 1927 1. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, daily, Atlanta Advertisement by Postmaster General New, June 15, for service, to Miami, at rate of 93 cents per mile. Dallas (via Waco, Austin, and San Antonio) to Laredo, Tex., 417 2. One trip, providing 47 cubic feet for 750 pounds, daily, Miami miles. Advertisement states Dallas to Laredo, but also states to Atlanta, at rate of 93 cents per mile. service to Laredo will not be established until after service between 3. One trip providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily, Dallas and San Antonio is established. Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg, at rate of 56 cents per mile. August 17. Contract awarded to Seth W. Barwise, at rate of 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily, St. $2.89 per pound. Petersburg to Daytona Beach, at rate of 56 cents per mile. 1928 1931 Contract sublet to Texas Air Transport, Inc., January 31. February 9. West Palm Beach embraced for service. 1929 April 1. A.M. 19 and A.M. 25 consolidated and known hereafter Laredo taken off route and Brownsville added March 9. as "A.M. 19." A.M. 26 1930 1927 November 7. Contract exchanged for route certificate, which expires April 5, 1936; distance, 547 miles; Dallas to Brownsville, October 27. Advertisement by Postmaster General New for serv­ service as follows: ice, Great Falls, Mont., via Helena, Butte, and Pocatello, to Salt 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds and two pas­ Lake City, 493 miles. sengers, daily, Dallas to Brownsville, at rate of 71 cents per mile. December 30. Contract awarded to Alfred Frank at rate of $2.47¥2 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds and two pas­ per pound. sengers, daily, Brownsville to Dallas, at rate of 71 cents per mile. · 1928 1932 August 6. Contract sublet to National Park Airways, Inc. August 1. Ogden embraced for service. A.M. 22 absorbed by American Airways, Inc. June 1. Corpus Christi, Tex., embraced :for service. 1930 1933 July 29. Contract exchanged for route certificate which expires April 5, 1936, and mileage changed to 509; service as follows: February 10. Change in schedule, Dallas to Brownsville. 1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and six July 9. Change in schedule, Dallas to Waco. passengers, daily, departing from Great Falls, at rate of 61 cents A.M. 23 per mile. 1927 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and six passengers, daily, departing from Salt Lake, at rate of 76 cents July 18. Postmaster General New advertised for service from per mile. Atlanta via Birmingham to New Orleans, 478 miles. 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two September 20. Contract let to St. Tammany Gulf Coast Airways, passengers daily, departing from Pocatello, at rate of 74¥2 cents Inc., at rate of $1.75 per pound. per mile. 1929 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and two Name changed to Gulf Coast Airways, Inc., September 23. passengers daily, departing from Salt Lake, at rate of 59¥2 cents 1930 per mile. 5. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and six November 7. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ passengers daily, departing from Great Falls, at the rate of 61 pires April 5, 1936; mileage changed to 488 miles, service as follows: cents per mile. 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, dally, Atlanta 6. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and six to New Orleans, at rate of 85)'2 cents per mile. passengers, daily, departing from Butte, at rate of 61 cents per 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, dally, New mile. Orleans to Atlanta, at rate of 70¥2 cents per mile. One round trip added, Great Falls to Pocatello, after passage of 1931 Watres Act. Contract sublet to American Airways, Inc., October 5. 1932 1933 October 1. Changes in schedule between Great Falls and Salt Lake. Change in schedule Atlanta to New Orleans, June 4. November 1. Changes in schedule between Salt Lake and Great Change in schedule Atlanta to New Orleans, October 15. Falls. A.M. 24 1933 1927 April 1. Changes in schedule between Great Falls and Salt Lake. July 21. Postmaster General New advertised for service, Chicago, July 16. Changes in schedule between Salt Lake and Great Falls. via Indianapolis, to Cincinnati, Ohio, 270 miles. September 25. Service on AM. 26 as follows: November 17. Contract awarded to Embry-Riddle Co. at rate 1. One daily round trip, Great Falls to Salt Lake. of $1.47 per pcmnd. 2. One daily round trip, except Sunday and holidays, Great Falls 1930 to Salt :{..ake. November 7. Contract exchange for route certificate which ex­ 1934 pires April 5, 1936, mileage changed to 274 miles, service as fol­ Changes in schedule January 18. lows: A.M. 27 1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and six 1928 passengers, daily, Chicago to Cincinnati, at rate of 62¥2 cents per mile. February 29. Advertisement by Postmaster General New for 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no passen­ service, Bay City, Mich., via Saginaw, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, gers, daily, Chicago to Cincinnati, at rate of 74¥2 cents per mile. Pontiac, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek, Muskegon, 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no passen­ Grand Rapids, and South Bend, to Chicago, 534 miles. gers, daily, Cincinnati to Chicago, at rate of 74¥2 cents per mile. May 5. Contract awarded to Thompson Aeronautical Corpora­ 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and six tion, at rate of 89 cents per pound. passengers, daily, Cincinnati to Chicago, at rate of 77% cents per November 27. Line not extended to Pontiac and Flint until mile. this date. 1932 1929 A.M. 24 absorbed by American Airways, Inc. April 1. Line extended to Toledo and Cleveland. 1933 1930 June 11. Changes in schedule of one trip, Chicago to Cincinnati. March 5. Mishiwaka embraced for service. October 1. One round trip, Chicago to Cincinnati, daily, changed December 6. Line extended to Fort Wayne. to dally except Sunday and holidays. June 16. Line extended to Pontiac and Muskegon. ( 3132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 August 1. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ 4. One round trip, daily except Sunday and holidays, Cleveland pires April 5, 1936, mileage changed to 888 miles, and service as to Bay City. follows: 5. One round trip, daily except Sunday and holidays, Cleveland 1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ to Detroit. · commodations for two passengers departing from Bay City, daily 6. One round trip daily, Cleveland to Detroit. except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. December 11. Schedule change in Bay City to Detroit service. 2. One trip. providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ A.M. 28 commodations for two passengers, departing from Pontiac, daily except Sunday_and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. 1928 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ March 21. Advertisement by Postmast er General New for service, commodations for two passengers, departing from Muskegon, daily St. Louis via Kansas City to Omaha, 395 miles. except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. May 9. Contract awarded Robertson Aircraft Corporation at rate 4. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, no passen­ of 78Yz cents per mile. gers, departing from Cleveland, daily, at rate of 84¥2 cents per 1929 mile. October 1. St. Joseph, Mo., embraced for service. 5. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ 1931 commodations for two passengers, departing from Kalamazoo, daily except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. April 29. Contract exchanged for route certificate which expires · 6. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and accom­ April 5, 1936; service as follows: modations for two passengers, departing from Kalamazoo, daily 1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily, from except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. St. Louis, at rate of 57 cents per mile. 7. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily from accommodations for two passengers, departing from Kalamazoo, St. Louis, at rate of 69 cents per mile. daily, except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 61 cents per mile. 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily from 8. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, departing Omaha, at rate of 57 cents per mile. from Bay City, daily, at rate of 84¥2 cents per mile. 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily from 9. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, no passen­ Omaha, at rate of 54 cents per mile. gers, departing from Chicago, daily, at rate of 82¥2 cents per mile. April 20. Contract sublet to American Airways. 10. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ May 15. AM. 28 consolidated with AM. 30, and will be known commodations for six passengers, departing from Cleveland, daily, as "A.M. 30" hereafter. except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 66¥2 cents per mile. A.M. 29 11. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ 1928 commodations for six passengers, departing from Detroit, daily, March 20. Advertisement by Postmaster General New covering except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 66¥2 cents per mile. service, New Orleans via Houston to either Brownsville, San An­ 12. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, departing tonio, or Laredo; daily service, one trip each way. from Pontiac, daily, except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 59¥2 July 13. Contract awarded St. Tammany Gulf Coast Airways, cents per mile. Inc., at rate of $1 per pound; service provided only New Orleans 13. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ to Beaumont to Houston. commodations for six passengers, departing from Detroit, daily, 1929 except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 66¥2 cents per mile. September 23. Name changed to Gull Coast Airways, Inc. 14. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no pas­ sengers, departing from Pontiac, daily, except Sunday and holidays, 1931 at rate of 59¥2 cents per mile. March 27. Contract exchanged for route certificate which ex­ 15. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, and ac­ pires April 5, 1936; service as follows: commodations for six passengers, departing from Detroit, daily, 1. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, daily, except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 66¥2 cents per mile. from Houston to New Orleans, at rate of 56 cents per mile. 15. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds, no pas­ 2. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 2QO pounds, daily, sengers, departing from Muskegon, daily, except Sunday and holi­ from Houston to New Orleans, at rate of 56 cents per mile. days, at rate of 75¥2 cents per mile. October 1. Contract sublet to American Airways, Inc. 17. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and accom­ modations for two passengers, departing from Kalamazoo, daily, 1932 except Sunday and holidays, at rate of 69 cents per mile. June 4. Baton Rouge embraced for service. 18. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds, and accom­ A.M. 30 modations for two passengers, departing from Chicago, daily, ex­ 1928 cept Sunday and holidays, at rate of 69 cents per mile. The following additional schedules put into effect after passage June 1. Advertisement by Postmaster General New for service of Watres Act: Chicago, Ill., via Terre Haute, St. Louis, Evansville, Nashville, and 1. One trip, Detroit to Chicago via Kalamazoo and South Chattanooga, to Atlanta, 790 miles. Bend. September 17. Contract awarded Interstate Airlines, Inc., at rate 2. Three round trips, daily, Cleveland to Detroit. of 78 cents per pound. 3. Two round trips, daily, Detroit to Chicago (direct). 1930 December 31, contract sublet to Trans-American Airlines Cor- November 7. Contract exchanged for route certificate which poration. expires April 5, 1936; service as follows: 1932 1. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds daily, depart­ May 25. Changes in schedule, Detroit to Chicago. ing from Chicago, at rate of 85Yz cents per mile. August 1. Changes in schedule, Bay City to Cleveland. 2. One trip, providing 25 cubic feet for 400 pounds daily, depart­ September 15. Changes in schedule, Cleveland to Detroit. ing from Atlanta, at rate of 85 Yi cents per mile. October 5. Changes in schedule, Cleveland to Detroit. 3. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds dally, de­ October 20. Changes in schedule, Cleveland to Bay City. parting from Atlanta, also two passengers, at rate of 62. cents October 20. Changes in schedule, Pontiac to Muskegon. per mile. October 31. Two round trips between Cleveland and Detroit 4. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds and two discontinued. passengers daily from Nashville, at rate of 62 cents per mile. 1933 5. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds daily, de­ February 9, the following service discontinued: . parting from St. Louis, at rate of 73 cents per mile. I. One round trip daily, except Sunday and holidays, Pontiac to 6. One trip, providing 12.5 cubic feet for 200 pounds daily, de­ Muskegon. parting from Evansville, at rate of 73 cents per mile. 2. One round trip daily, Pontiac to Bay City. 1931 3. One round trip daily, except Sunday and holidays, Fort April 20. Contract sublet to American Airways, Inc. Wayne to South Bend. May 15. A.M. 30 consolidated with A.M. 28 and known as "A.M. June 11. General schedule changes. 30" hereafter. June 16. Schedule changes, Pontiac to Cleveland. June 5. Line extended from Kansas Ci.ty to Salina and Denver. September 10. Service of air mail 27 restated so as to be from June 5. Extension of line between Kansas City, Salina, and Buffalo via certain points to Chicago, one round trip daily between Denver resublet tQ United States Airways, Inc. Buffalo and Chicago. September 10. Service Detroit to Columbus, Ohio, Kalamazoo to 1932 Muskegon, and Kalamazoo to Bay City discontinued. June 16. Additional round trip authorized between Kansas City September 14. Change in schedule, Cleveland to Detroit. and Denver. October 1. One trip daily, Chicago to Detroit, changed to dally, August 15. One round trip between Kansas City s.nd Denver except Sunday and holidays. discontinued. October 1. Toledo omitted as stop on air mail 27 and 1 round August 15. Schedule between St. Louis and Omaha changed. trip, Detroit to Chicago, made gratuitous. September 21. Schedule between St. Louis and Omaha changed. October 27. General schedule changes. November 4. Schedule between St. Louis and Omaha changed. December I. Service of A.M. 27 as follows: December 5. Schedule change between Denver and Kansas City. 1. One round trip daily, Detroit to Chicago. 2. Two round trips da.ily, Buffalo to Chicago. 1933 3. One round trip, daily except Sunday and holidays, Detroit to February 10. One round trip between St. Louis and Omaha and Chicago. between St. Louis and Kansas discontinued. 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3133 February 10. One additional round trip authorized between Chi­ October 24. Contract sublet to Transcontinental & Western cago and Atlanta and between St. Louis and Evans~lle. Air, Inc. · February 10. One round trip between Atlanta and Nashville 1932 discontinued. November 1. Schedule change, Los Angeles to New York. April 10. Schedule change between Chicago and Atlanta. November 5. Additional round trip authorized between New May 15. Schedule change between Kansas City and Denver. York and Kansas City. June 11 and 12. Schedule change between Omaha and Kansas 1933 City. February 1. A.M. 34, extended, Columbus via Fort Wayne to June 11. Schedule change between Chicago and Atlanta. Chicago. 9. July Schedule change between Atlanta and Chicago. February 1. A.M. 34, extended, Los Angeles to San Francisco. August 15. Schedule change between Kansas City and Denver. Febiuary 10. Additional round trip authorized, St. Louis to September 9. One round trip between St. Louis and Evansville Kansas City and Wichita to Kansas City. discontinued. February 10. Additional round trip authorized, New York to October 1. One trip between St. Louis and Evansville, daily, Columbus. changed to daily, except Monday and days after holidays. February 10. Schedule change between Kansas City and New October 15. Schedule change between Chicago and Atlanta on York. · two round trips. . March 15. Oakland made a stop between Los An~les and San November 6. Schedule change between Atlanta, Chicago, and St. Francisco. Louis. March 15. Schedule change between St. Louis and Amarillo, and December 17. Schedule change between Omaha. and Kansas City. between Kansas City and Los Angeles. A.M. 31 April 10, Schedule change between Wichita and Kansas City. 1929 May 1. Schedule change between New York and Columbus. Contract calling for service from Chicago Municipal Airport to a June 11. Schedule change between St. Louis and Kansas City and ramp opposite the Stevens Hotel in Grant Park, Chicago, Ill., between Wichita and Kansas City. awarded June 1 to Curtiss Flying Service of the Middle West, Inc., June 15. Schedule change between Kansas City and Los Angeles. only bidder, at rate of $15 per trip. July 1. General schedule change (night passenger service be­ September 30. Service discontinued. tween Kansas City and Los Angeles inaugurated). August 20. One-stop express service inaugurated between Kansas A.M. 32 City and Los Angeles. 1929 September 5. Local service between St. Louis and Kansas City June 15. Advertisement by Postmaster General Brown for service and between Kansas City and Wichita discontinued. Pasco, Wash., to Spokane, to Portland, to Seattle, 490 miles,· two November 1. Schedule changes between New York and .Chicago round trips per day. and between Los Angeles and San Francisco. September 23. Contract awarded to Varney Air Lines, Inc., at November 11. Elk City, Okla., embraced for service on St. Louis rate of 9 cents per pound. to Alllarillo route. 1930 November 15. Schedule changes between New York and Kansas City. July 1. A.M. 32 consolidated with A.M. 5 and route certificate November 29. Schedule changes between Kansa.s City and Los covering both routes issued May 3. A.M. 32 known hereafter as Angeles. "A.M. 5." A.M. 33 Mr. MO'IT. Mr. Chairman, I am obliged to oppose this 1930 bill. I have come to the conclusion seriously and rather August 2. Advertisement by Postmaster General Brown for serv­ regretfully, but nevertheless it is my conclusion, and although ice from Atlanta, Ga., via Birmingham, Dallas, Fort Worth, El be Paso, and points in New Mexico and Arizona to Los Angeles, 2,008 I should the only Member of the House to vote against miles. the bill, I intend to do so. I want to state briefly and as October 1. Contract awarded Robertson Aircraft Corporation, of exactly as possible the grounds of my opposition. Missouri, and Southwest Air Fast Express, Inc., of Delaware, at Section 1 of this bill enacts into legislative law the Execu­ rate of 75 cents per mile plus variables. tive order of the President made on February 9 requiring the 1931 Army to fly the mail. The language of section 1 is the June 15. Line extended to Memphis and New Orleans, one round trip per day furnishing 47 cubic feet for 423 pounds at rate of identical language, word for word, of the Executive order. 80¥2 cents per mile. Section 2 of the bill transfers from the Treasury and the June 30. Contract sublet to American Airways, Inc. Post Office Departments to the War Department so much of July 1. Monroe and Abilene embraced for service. August 1. Line extended from Fort Worth to Amarillo and El the air mail funds already appropriated as may be necessary Paso to Albuquerque, one round trip per day, at rate of 82 cents to carry out the provisions of section 1. per mile. In view of the daily tragedies since February 16, tragedies 1932 which we know must inevitably continue under this policy, June 15. San Diego a.nd El Centro embraced for service from Phoenix and additional round trip between Dallas and Los An­ I am opposed to requiring the Army to fly the mail for geles authorized. another single day, either by Executive order or by a legis­ August 10. Schedule change between Atlanta and Fort Worth. lative act. September 21. Schedule change between Memphis and New Or­ I am opposed to the Executive order primarily because leans. October 1. Schedule change between Atlanta and Fort Worth. there was no necessity for it commensurate with the certain 1933 and terrible death toll which the country's greatest aviation February 10. General schedule changes. expert declared in advance would follow as soon as the order May 28. Service between Phoenix, El Centro, and San Diego dis- was put into effect. Understand me, I am not talking about continued. the order canceling the air mail contracts. I am talking June 12. Schedule change between Albuquerque and El Paso. July 9. Schedule change between El Paso and Albuquerque. about the Executive order directing the Army. to fly the July 9. Schedule change between Dallas and Amarillo. mail. July 9. Schedule change between Dallas and Los Angeles. Eddie Rickenbacker warned the country publicly what September 4 and 5. Service discontinued between Albuquerque would happen if this order were put into effect. It has and El Paso. October 1. Daily service between Fort Worth and Birmingham happened, and it will continue every day as long as this and Memphis and New Orleans changed to dally except SUnday order is continued. and holidays. · It cannot be otherwise. Brave and heroic as the Army December 1. Schedule change between Los Angeles and Dallas. September 9. Service between Dallas and Amarillo discontinued. pilots are, skilled as they are in the field for which they were October 27. Schedule change between Dallas and Los Angeles. trained, they cannot be expected, .and they never should November 7. Schedule change between Fort Worth and Los have been either expected or allowed, much less ordered, to Angeles. enter upon an entirely new and dangerous field of endeavor, November 18. Meridian, Miss., embraced for service. for which they had no training, and in which all their brav­ A.M.H ery and skill and patriotism counted for no.thing, Even if 1930 they had had the necessary training, they still could not August 2. Postmaster General Brown advertised for service New York, N.Y., via Phlladelphla, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indiana'polis, have flown the mail safely in Army planes, becaU.se Army St. Louis, Kansas City, Amarillo (or from St. Louis to Tulsa to planes were not equipped, and still are not equipped for that Amarillo, either or both routes), and · Albuquerque to Los An­ purpose. geles, 2,559 miles. In September 30. Contract awarded to Western Air Express, Inc., view of what we all know now, I say there was no jus­ of California, and Transcontinental Air Transport, Inc., of Dela­ tification, on the ground of either emergency or necessity, ware, at 97Y2 percent of maximum rate. to order out the Army to fly the mail. As for the claim of 3134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 emergency, if any emergency existed, it was an emergency cancel that order. And so believing, Mr. Chairman, as a that was made by act of the President on the same day he Member of the legislative branch of the Government I must signed the Executive order, namely, the cancelation of the refuse by my vote either to sanction the Executive order or air mail contracts. to continue its existence. I vote against the bill. [Applause.] I desire to make myself perfectly clear on this point. I Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 am not arguing now that the cancelation was either right minutes to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. HoLLISTERL or wrong. I am willing, if you please, for the sake of argu- Mr. HOLLISTER. Mr. Chairman, I have yet to be told ment, to admit that the cancelation of the contracts was the purpose of this bill. If the authorities had the right justified. Even so, that did not create an emergency in any during the past few days to order the Army to carry the mail legitimate sense of that word. It was not a situation caused as they are doing it today, then what is the necessity for a by war or by an act of God, or by anything over which the bill giving further authority unless it is a desire to have -President did not have control. It was a situation over someone else share the responsibility for the blunder which which the President had full and complete control from the has been made? If there was no such authority, then the ·beginning. The President was certainly not obliged to can- action of the Postmaster General in canceling the existing eel the contracts immediately. If it be granted that he air mail contracts and the action of the President in order­ found fraud in the contracts, there was still nothing to hin- ing the Army to take over this work is a typical example of der him from def erring their cancelation until - the Post · that hysteria and bureaucratic arrogance which has become . Office Committee could bring in the bill wh.ich it is now pre- so prevalent the last few months, and which is unfortunately paring at his suggestion to authorize the making of new increasing. contracts with private air mail lines. Hysteria may be justified in time of war. We all know Neither was there any justification for this order on the that in the heat of battle, people may lose their heads. We ground of necessity. True, the air mail is a great public all know that on many occasions men have been sacrificed convenience, but I submit that the sacrifice of a life every in conflict, sometimes to good purpose and sometimes for day, and another maimed and broken body every day, is too lost and hopeless causes. We have heard how Keenan great a price to pay even for that convenience. [Applause.] charged at Chancellorsville, sacrificing his men to save the Particularly is this true in view of the fact that the ad- Union Army. We have heard how Pickett was ordered up ministration does not intend that the flying of the mail by the long slope at Gettysburg on the last day of battle in au the Army shall be a permanent thing. According to the ad- almost hopeless attempt to save the cause of the Confed­ ministration's plans, this sacrifice of lives is to last only eracy. Those sacrifices may be justified, but what is the ·for such length of time as may be required to make new justification for similar sacrifices in time of peace? contracts with the private companies. And so these deaths Was there anything in these air contracts which made it a are not to be charged up against the inevitable risks of matter of life and death that they be canceled at once? pioneering in a new and permanent field of governmental What was the motive which impelled the Postmaster Gen­ activity. The sacrifices made and to be made of these young eral to act so precipitously when one would have thought lives is admittedly a sacrifice on the altar of temporary that he would have followed the American idea of justice convenience pending the resumption of private air mail and at least given the other side a chance to be heard'? contracts. A short delay for this purpase would have enabled the Army Now, Mr. Chairman, no one, so far as I am aware, denies to prepare it.self better to take things over if they should be these facts. No one contends they are otherwise. I say they compelled to do so. It might have enabled the Postmaster should have been known at the time the Executive order General to work out a new arrangement with some of the was signed. If the facts were known, then the order should air transportation companies. It would certainly have per­ not have been made. If by mistake or through insufficient mitted the careful preparation of proper legislation to pre­ information the facts were not known, then as soon as they cede the action which it was calculated to authorize rather were discovered the Executive order should have been than to follow such actio~the method we are adopting canceled. today. But not only has the Executive order not been canceled, Was it the intention of this arbitrary order to save money but we are asked here to put our stamp of approval on it. for the Government? We have been told that the equip­ We are asked to give it legislative sanction and support. ment wrecked in a week of flying was valued at $170,000, We are asked to appropriate money for its past and future considerably more than any possible saving over the can­ execution. Why should we do by legislative act what the celed contracts; but even if money had been saved in this President has already done by Executive order? Is it con- way, is there any cash value that we can put on the lives of tended now that the President did not have authority to the six officers who have gone to their death, ordered out in make the order and that we must therefore ratify it? If dead of winter over terrain of which they had insufficient that is not the contention, then what is the purpose of sec- knowledge, and in equipment which was admittedly inade­ tion 1 of the bill? Is it contended that the War Department quate for the purpose? did not have jurisdiction financially to carry out the Presi- There is no justification for such action, and the man or dent's order? If that is not the contention, then why section men who are to blame for the giving of the order must 2 of the bill? accept the responsibility. When blunders of this kind are Mr. Chairman, the bill, in my opinion, is indefensible on made, there should be no attempt to divide responsibility, any ground, and it cannot be passed without doing violence and no attempt to cover up the results. On the other hand, to the judgment, the conscience, and the legislative re- there should be quick and frank confession of fault, and sponsibility of every Member who votes for it. [Applause.] every attempt should be made to rectify the situation as I do not know how others may feel upon this point, but soon as possible. Let us not continue to open our news­ as far as I myself am concerned the issue is entirely clear, papers every morning to find that more brave young men As a Member of Congress I had nothing to do with the have died in a vain attempt to perform their duty, that more making oi the Executive order requiring the Army to :tly still have been injured, an4 that more equipment has been the mail. That was beyond my jurisdiction. The responsi- destroyed, all because of the blunder of someone in authority. bility for that order rested, and still rests, upon the Presi- You all know the story of the charge of the Light" Brigade dent of the United States. But when the House Committee at Balaclava, how 600 British cavalry charged a Russian on the Post Office brings in a legislative bill and through it army and were practically annihilated by the Russian artil­ asks me to vote not only to legalize this Executive order but lery. Many of you, perhaps, have memorized the immortal to give it a new term of life and to furnish the money to lin-es of Tennyson concerning that charge: make its provisions effective, then the Executive order does was there a man dlsmay'd? come within my jurisdiction. I have said that I believe Not tho' the soldier knew the making of the Executive order requiring the Army to Someone had blunder'd. Theirs not to make reply, fly the mail was wrong. I believe the President himself, Theirs not to reason why, with all the facts he now has before him, should himself Theirs but to do and die. \ I 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3135 With that high spirit the young men of our Army went trol at the air fields and who have to issue orders to the out to do their duty, and some of them went to their death. pilots carrying the ml?,il have had to go sometimes 48 hours .I say, the more honor to them. But, oh, the tragic folly without sleep? Is it humane? Is it fair to allow things of of the order that caused such unnecessary sacrifice! [Ap­ that sort to go on? The Army does not complain. It is plause.] eager to serve, but I ask for a square deal in this matter. Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 Mr. Chairman, I do not see how I can vote for this bill. minutes to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts [Mrs. It would seem to put the stamp of approval on nothing but .ROGERS]. murder. Is the administration trying to get out from under Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, Colonel by making Congress share the blame for an unfair act? Lindbergh was criticized when he asked for justice. Surely Captain Rickenbacker has correctly stated it is legalized Colonel Lindbergh needs no vindication. HiS contribution murder to send these men out not properly equipped. to aviation is known and admired throughout the entire Do you realize that in 1934 the average flying hours per pilot world. All he asked was that the commercial lines be given will be only 150 for the entire year? Do you realize our a hearing before the cancelation of the air-mail contracts. commercial air mail pilots average from 75 to 100 hours a Was that asking much? The lowest, meanest criminal in the month? The commercial pilots fly over the same routes United States is not convicted without a hearing. Can a so often that they know what weather conditions they will man be justl:l accused of wanting publicity when in his heart probably have. They know every mountain, every valley, he must believe that his little boy would be alive today but every possible emergency landing field, every farm-they for publicity? know every bit of the way. They fly in warm cabin planes. Mr. Chairman, it is very difficult not to speak with the Often they have copilots with them. They are not allowed greatest possible bitterness about the perpetration of this to fly too long at a time. unspeakable thing-the de&truction of human life and They have every modern equipment in their planes. Our property. Why was it done? Was it to make a Farley Army pilots are flying only open planes in the coldest win­ holiday? Was it done to discredit- the former administra­ ter we have had in years. Picture them managing their tion? The discredit was not there. It will be written in maps, their controls, their radio, and their navigation with red, written in blood across the record of this administra­ freezing fingers. While Lieutenant Hegenberger and other tion, and will never be eradicated. Army pilots taught the commercial pilots air navigation, as I don't know how many Members of the House have well as the Army· flyers, the commercial flyers have a great :flown. Personally I have fl.own from coast to coast in advantage over the Regular Anny flyers, because they have commercial planes. I have seen the splendid equipment of very many hours more to practice navigation than the Army those planes and of their landing stations. One of my trips aviators. The public may not know the difference, but the was on account of very serious illness of a near relative, under-taker does. and I know what it means in a case of that kind. I cannot vote for this bill, Mr. Chairman. It is putting I know what it means to the people of my district who the stamp of approval on a thing that is terribly wrong have business, commercial contracts involving the saving of and terribly unjust. [Applause.] millions of dollars through having their mails safely and The CHAIRMAN. The time of the lady from Massa­ quickly carried. I know the hardships caused by the crippled chusetts [Mrs. ROGERS] has expired. passenger service of the commercial planes as a result of the Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. l\fr. Chairman, I yield 1 cancelation of air mail contracts. I have traveled north and minute to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. McLEAN]. south, east and west, in the open cockpits of Army planes. Mr. McLEAN. Mr .. Chairman, although I have only re­ in the inspection of hospitals. I have fl.own in the snow, cently entered this body, I have come to have great respect I have fl.own in fog, winter and summer, with thunder­ for the Chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and st.orms in the offing, with our Army pilots. They are not Post Roads [Mr. MEAD] and for the gentleman from Penn­ inefficient. They are extremely efficient. They have been sylvania [Mr. KELLY]. I respect their sincerity and under taught how to fly with instruments, but how can they fly ordinary conditions would willingly support any matter when they do not have the proper instruments on their they advocate, but I am constrained to oppose this bill planes? How can they know the weather conditions from and hope to have an opportunity to vote against it. I re­ hour to hour, or how to land in bad weather if they do not gard a vote in favor of this measure as placing the stamp have the radio equipment; and these planes that our pilots of approval on all that has happened as a result of the are now using do not have proper radio equipment. cancelation of the air mail contracts. [Applause.] Do you realize that in the past year only 7 commercial Mr. Chairman, I will vote against · H.R. 7966, the air mail pilots have lost their lives, while in· the past week purpose of which is to authorize the Postmaster Gen­ 6 of our Army pilots have lost their lives. There have been eral to make temporary contracts for carrying the mails 12 serious accidents besides, involving as it does, over $170,- by air and which would turn over to him such airplanes, 000 in material in planes lost. This certainly is not for landing fields, pilots, and other employees and equipment of -economy. You know that many of the commercial pilots the Army of the United States as may be needed or required had years and years of training before flying over the same for the transfer of the mail for a period of 1 year over route, day after day, day after day, and do you realize that routes and schedules provided by him. It would also au­ no commercial pilot is allowed to fly his mail until he has thorize him tmlimitedly to make payment of the expenses of had 40 hours with a copilot? WP.at a cont1·ast to the Army .conducting the Air Service by providing for its payment out pilots who must fly alone through the 2 worst months in of the unexpended balances of appropriation already made. the year on air routes new to them. Army pilots that I have The legislation is unnecessary. A vote in favor of the bill known .and respected and liked and who are extremely able would be construed as a vote of approval of all that has have been sent to their death. happened in connection with the controversy of cancelation I cannot stand for 1 minute listening to anyone who of air mail contracts. The cancelation of these contracts says that they are not efficient. Is it easy for me to take up and the carrying of the mail by the Air Corps of the Army a paper and read of the death of one of those pilots that I were undertaken as a routine departmental matter, and it is have known and fl.own with? Our pilots obey orders; they to be assumed that authority in law existed for the action are eager to go through, if they possibly can, no matter taken. It was so announced. where they are sent or under what conditions they are fly­ The effort now is to have Congress become an accessory ing. And under what conditions are they flying at the after the fact by placing its stamp of approval on all that present time? Ordinarily they are supposed to get 6 hours has been done, and under authority of law place the Army night duty. Many of you have fl.own at night and realize Air Corps under a new general, the Postmaster General. how hard it is on the eyes. They fly 6 hours ordinarily at The effort comes too late. The whole proposition was un­ night with 2 days' rest. Now they are night-flying 12 hours dertaken hastily and without mature .deliberation as to ·out of 30. Do you realize that Army pilots who are in con- consequences. Assuming everything said concerning fraudu- I ! 3136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 lent and illegal contracts to be true, under the law a fraudu­ tions which guarantee the protection of property rights and , lent contract is voidable by the party defrauded. . He may prevent the abrogation of contracts without due process of cancel the contract or insist upon its perf orrnance. · It law; and now Congress is asked to place its stamp of ap­ would have been more sensible to have continued the well­ proval on all that has happened, and delegate to the Post­ established and efficient air service pending an orderly de­ master General complete authority to carry out a program termination of the Government's rights and the wisdom of of which it has not been advised and nobody knows any­ cancelation. The contracts could have remained in force thing about. The President has not taken Congress into and the service continued pending readvertising for bids his confidence; no message has come explaining the situa­ and substitution of other carriers for those who should be tion or his purposes. He has not requested Congress to turn eliminated because of fraudulent practices. The Govern­ over the Army Air Corps to the Postma.ster General as an ment's rights would not have been prejudiced had this emergency measure. The Postmaster General can and course been followed. Also it would have prevented the should immediately rectify the situation and then proceed ·undertaking of an entirely new activity by men trained for in an oroorly way with such reformation as the circum­ an entirely different purpose, inexperienced in commercial stances may warrant. He has ample authority to do so, and flying, not properly equipped at the most difficult time of the air mail companies are ready, able, and willing to lend the year for aviation activities. Six human lives would not him their cooperation. have been sacrificed, and the Government would have been The appropriate legislation would be a resolution express­ many hundreds of thousands of dollars better off in planes ing the real sentiment in Congiess, that the situation which and equipment that have been destroyed, which it could ill has come about is deplorable, that it has placed the Air afford to lose. Corps of the Army in an unnecessary and hazardous under­ This act delegates to the Postmaster General for the taking which has already cost the lives of six pilots and 'period of 1 year complete control of the Army Air Corps. injury of others and loss of considerable equipment which It places all money available for- the Air Corps could ill afford to lose, and w·ging the Presi- l AirplaLes, landing fields, pilots, and other employees and equip­ -dent to terminate the· situation at once, to immediately . ment of the Army of the United States as may be needed or undertake a program of rehabilitation, and return the Army requi.red for the transportation of the mail during such period by Air Corps to the purposes for which it was created. air over routes and schedules prescribed by the Postmaster General. The CHAffiMAN. The time of the gentleman from New The existing situation should be tem1inated as soon as Jersey [Mr. McLEAN] has expired. possible and the Air Corps of the Army returned to the ac­ Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield the tivities for which it was created. I yield to no one in my remainder of my time-10 minutes-to the gentleman from admiration for the Army of the United States. Its peace­ New York [Mr. BACON]. time activities in advancing the general welfare command Mr. BACON. Mr. Chairman, there is no man in this the highest admiration. At the moment its activities are House or in this country that knows more about air mail extended into the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Public than the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLY]. The Works Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and gentleman has presented to you a very convincing statement many other recovery projects, and now, through hasty con­ of the history of this entire situation and has indicated the sideration, the Air Corps must carry the mail. The Army eventual solution. I do not, however, agree with my friend should be remobilized and given an opportunity to equip from Pennsylvania in voting for this bill. I propose to vote and prepare itself for the purposes for which it was against it. I do not propose to set the stamp of my personal established. approval on what might be called legalized murder. I The existing situation in the Post Office Department hav­ agreed with Captain Rickenbacker when he prophesied that ing been brought about by authority of existing law, it this would result in the death of many fine American boys. should and can be corrected as an administrative matter. Air ·mail has now been carried by the Army for 6 days, 1 ·u contracts no longer exist because of cancelation, new death a day on the average, as well as many others in the contracts can be entered into under provisions of existing hospitals, and over 12 planes wrecked, probably costing law in the same manner as if the contracts had been termi­ about $40,000 per plane. nated by any of the ordinary methods, such as expiration, About 10 days ago, when it was announced that these air cancelation pursuant to the terms, death, or bankruptcy of mail contracts were to be canceled, on the 9th of February, one of the parties. As soon as the situation now existing to be exact, a friend of mine, Mr. Casey Jones, came down was created, arrangements should have been immediately to discuss the situation. Casey Jones was an old Army proceeded with for advertising for competitive bids for new pilot in the war. He was one of the famous original air contracts. Yet, although ample time has expired, no steps mail pilots and is known to every aviator in the country. have been- taken to that end, so far as Congress is advised. He is now conducting a school to teach commercial pilots The familiar words " the present emergency " were the how to " fly the beam ", as they call it. He told me that basis for the proposal when the bill was first presented. when it was announced that the Army was to take over the They have been stricken °from the bill. Therefore we need :flying of the air mail, the young officers at Mitchel not consider this bill as one arising out of the depression Field, N.Y., who were to do the flying began calling him on or in any way related to it, or as one of the measures that the telephone. "Casey, for God's sake, can you tell us is part of the recovery program. This being so, why should something about 'flying the beam'? We do not know how we now be asked to turn over to a Cabinet officer authority to do it. We have never been taught." to continue the present situation and make use of the Army so he got into his plane the next morning at 5 o'clock Air Corps so long as he may desire? To those of us who and came down to Washington to get permission to teach respect the Constitution and hope for the continuance of these Army pilots how to "fly the beam." To show what the system of checks and balances which experience has can be done, he covered his plane entirely so ·that he could proved so desirable, it was difficult enough to justify the not see at all, and he left the Newark Airport and came legislation which delegated plenary power to the President down on the radiobeacons, and he only missed the center in the hope of relieving economi~ distress; and the idea of Washington Airport by 30 yards, without seeing anything going so much further and carrying the idea of delegating from Newark to Washington. A poor Army flyer left New­ the power of Congress to a Cabinet officer ought to satisfy ark the other day and a snow came on, and he could not the fondest dreams of those who contemplate that Congress see. He crashed in Crisfield, Md., 40 miles off his course, · should disregard its prerogatives and obligations under the on the eastern shore, because he did not know how to " fly Constitution and constitute what was intended to be the the beam." There is no criticism of the Army flyers for administrative branch of the Government the legislative not knowing how to " fly the beam." Perhaps I had better branch as well. explain what " flying the beam " is. The Department of The whole undertaking was a colossal blunder, undertaken Commerce has set up radiobeacons on all the air mail routes, hastily, without regard for constitutional and legal liJnita.- and the flyer carries earphones on his ears, and if he goes I \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3137 too far to the right, the letter "A" sounds, and if he goes too that our contracts were honestly and legally obtained, that we have lost substantial money in performing this service for the far to the left, the letter " N " sounds, so he files between Government, that we have never paid a bonus to officers nor a those two letters, and he can fly straight on his course. It dividend to stockholders, then we, of course, expect to be paid in requires complicated instruments, complicated wireless ap­ accordance with our contract. paratus, which the Army airplanes are not equipped with. Now, this is in line v.ith the suggestion of the gentleman The reason the Army flyers are not taught how to fly these from PellP..sylvania, and it should be done. I believe we radiobeacons, or" fly the beam", is because during war there should def eat this bill and thus put a stop to any further will be obviously no radiobeacons. They are taught to fly tragedies such as we have witnessed in the Ia.st 6 days. It under war conditions. But if you are going to fly a fixed will not do the country any harm if for 2 weeks the mail air mail route, it is necessary, if you are going to carry the is not carried by air. [Applause.] The Postmaster Gen­ mail through on time, to "fly the beam", because the air eral should tell these companies to go on carrying the mails mail goes at night; it goes in fog, it goes in snowstorms, for the next 45 days, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania and it goes through regularly regardless of conditions. Air has suggested, during which a legal examination of the mail pilots are all taught this special kind of flying so that situation and the contracts can be had. If the contracts they can all come thI·ough with safety. are found to be fraudulent, the companies affected would Ordinarily, it takes about 20 hours' flying to teach an not be paid for the 45 days. If they are found to be legal, aviator to " fly the beam." Casey Jones has perfected a they should be paid. In the meantime, next week, this method to cut this time down to 5 hours. On his arrival House ought to pass the bill to which the gentleman from in Washington he took up the question of teaching the Army Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLY] has referred, and put this whole filers to "fly the beam" with the War Department, but situation on a permanent sound foundation, by which the without result. He prophesied to me that there would be mail will be carried at cost without subsidy. [Applause.] many crashes. Unfortunately, his prophecy has come true. [Here the gavel fell.] The Army training and the Army equipment are not fitted Mr. BACON. I here insert as an extension of my remarks for air mail work. They are both designed for other pur­ the following: poses. (The following telegram sent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker on the last day the air mail was and Postmaster General James A. Farley, at 4 :45 p.m., Feb. carried by Transcontinental & Western Air brought a big, 9, 1934) new transport plane through from Los Angeles to Newark. Press reports are that you are considering canceling all air I have pictures of the plane here. Its average speed was mall contracts. We have prepared and wlll submit to you to­ morrow, Saturday, morning memorandum setting forth our posi­ 203 miles an hour, and the elapsed flying time was 13 hours tion in this matter which has not been heard at all so far. We and 4 minutes. The entire latter part of that trip was made believe that this statement completely refutes every essential in a blinding snowstorm, but Eddie Rickenbacker and his charge made to the Senate committee. We ask you as a simple two copilots " flew the beam " and arrived at Newark right matter of fair play not to take any action with respect to this vitally important matter until you have heard our side of the on time, straight as a die, and made a safe landing. controversy. Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? TRANSCONTINENTAL & WESTERN Am, INC., Mr. BACON. I yield. RICHARD W. RoBBINS, President. Mr. FISH. And when he landed from this flight, the ta.stest in the history of the world, he was cut off from the (The following telegram sent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at National Broadcasting hook-up arranged for his landing 5: 58 p.m., Feb. 9, 1934) After sending our previous telegram we read the press report and not permitted to speak. of your statement that you have ordered the cancelation of our Mr. BACON. I am not surprised to hear it. contract, as well as all other domestic air mail contracts, without Now, I do not know anything about the question of fraud giving us any hearing whatever. We have not been heard before in these contracts, but I agree with the gentleman from the Senate committee, and we have a complete answer to every important charge made before that committee. We feel that we Pennsylvania that if there has been fraud the perpetrators are entitled as a matter of simple fair play to be heard fully before of the fraud must be convicted and jailed and their con­ such drastic action is taken. However, we wish to do everything tracts canceled. But there have been many companies in our power to avert a disruption of the Air Mail Service, and we therefore offer to carry the air mall over our routes for the next 30 which have not been given any hearing in court, any hear­ days, during which time we request that you and the Postmaster ing before the Postmaster General, or any hearing before General will consider our presentation of the facts. If after that the Senate committee. hearing you decide that there is anything wrong with our con­ The company which developed this fine, new plane which, tracts, or that they have been obtained by collusion or fraud, we will waive all claim for payment for that month, but if we con­ by the way, is the fastest transport plane in the world, vince you, as we believe we can, that our contracts were honestly never had a hearing. This is the company with which and legally obtained, that we have lost substantial money in per­ Lindbergh is connected. It operates between Los Angeles forming this service for the Government, that we have never paid a bonus to officers nor a dividend to stockholdei-s, then we, of and Newark. At a cost of $300,000, this company has de­ course, expect to be paid in accordance with our contract. \Ve veloped the most advanced air transport plane in the world, request a hearing before you at the earliest possible moment. and a short time ago they let a contract for 41 additional TRANSCONTINENTAL & WESTERN Am, INC., planes at a price of $80,000 apiece, making the total RICHARD W. ROBBINS, President. contract come to around $3,500,000. They are now cut off from their mail contract without a hearing. This company TRANSCONTINENTAL & WESTERN AIR, !NC., MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, has done more to advance the science of commercial avia­ KaMas City, Mo., February 9, 1934. tion than perhaps any company in the world, yet they never Hon. JAMES A. FARLEY, had a hearing. Postmaster General, Wasliington, D.O. DEAR MR. POSTMASTER GENERAL: This oompany can no longer Mr. Chairman, I have here some telegrams and a letter ignore the constantly repeated statements in the press that you and I as}.{ unanimous consent to put them in the RECORD at are about to cancel certain of the air mall contracts, and similar the conclusion of my remarks. statement made by Senator MCKELLAR recently. We have also The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of read in the prer..s and in the testimony before Senator BLACK'S committee your statements that you are making a study of the the gentleman from New York? air mall contracts. We are addressing you, as the Cabinet officer There was no objection. in charge of the department of the Government with which we Mr. BACON. At the present time I shall refer to but one have contractual relations, to consider the following statement of facts concerning our company's positi-0n in respect to each of the part of one of these telegrams: major propositions to which the committee headed by Senator We wish to do everything in our power to avert a disruption of BLACK has given extended consideration. the A1r Mail Service, and we therefore offer to carry the air mail The first matter that has received very wide publicity is the over our routes for the next 30 days, during which time we request alleged destruction of records by the former Postmaster General. that you and the Postmaster General wm consider our presenta­ We know nothing of such destruction, but we do know that we tion of the facts. If after that hearing you decide that there is have never destroyed one single record, whether a contract, letter, anything wrong with our contracts, or that they have been ob­ or telegram, passing between us and the Postmaster General or tained by collusion or fraud, we will waive all claim for payment any other official of the Post Office Department or other branch for that month; but if we convince you, as we believe we can, of the Government. We say further that the inspectors of the 3138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Senate committee have examined our records on several occasions, whatever clandestine about the meeting. Representatives of our commencing last July, and that we have given these inspectors predecessor companies understood that there were present repre­ every possible opportunity to examine everything that we have sentatives of every company which could qualify to bid under the ever done, whether it bore on the relations of our company with provisions of the Watres Act, as well as several who were not so your department or otherwise. These records are, of course, at qualified. your disposal at any time for your examination. We specifically invite your attention to the provisions of that The second important line of investigation of the Senate com­ law, which limited the bidding to those companies which had mittee has had to do with the profits made by certain individuals, operated for 6 months a regularly scheduled service of over 250 either in the stock market or through the reorganization of com­ miles in length. The limitation was not made by Postmaster panies having something to do with the carria.ge of air mail. General Brown. It was made by Congress. And it was made There have been no such profits in connection with our enter­ after extended hearings and was based on unanimous reports of prise. Our company has only three stockholders. Not a share of the Post Office Committees of both House and Senate. In all of the stock has ever been sold by any one of them. There has the investigation before the Senate committee the existence of been no Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc., stock issued to these two reports, on which the law was predicated, has been the bankers or to the public. entirely overlooked. We invite your attention to the 4-page One of our stock.holders, owning a 47¥2-percent interest, is report of Mr. Watres, no. 1209, dated April 17, 1930, and the Transcontinental Air Transport, Inc. The records show that in corresponding report of Senator Phipps, no. 524, dated April 21, that company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Maddux Air 1930. Both of these reports, in commenting upon the limitation Lines, Inc., private citizens invested $7,970,000 in cash, without of bidders to those companies " who had owned and operated an any cash compensation to bankers or others. This large a.mount air transportation service on a fixed daily schedule over a distance of private capital was invested prior to August 1929. This com­ of not less than 250 miles and for a period of not less than 6 pany lost $2,751,042.94 through pioneering and development and months prior to the advertisement of bids", make the following in operations before Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc., began statement: operating under its mail contract in October 1930. These losses " The foregoing provision is designed to authorize contracts in pioneering do not include over $1,500,000 spent by Transcon­ with some of the passenger-carrying lines which are now unable tinental Air Transport-Maddux on ground facilities, some of to contract for carrying air mall for small amounts of space at which have been turned over to the Government in consideration proportionately lower rates per mile .. This feature would make of $1, and others of which are now being used by Transcon­ possible at relatively small increase in cost the extension of air­ tinental & Western Air, Inc. mail service to points where it cannot now be provided. The Another one of our stockholders is Western Air Express Cor­ requirements that bidders must have •owned and operated an poration, holding a 47~ -percent interest, in which private capital air-transportation service on a fixed dally schedule over a dis­ in the a.mount of $1,787,790 was invested. This company suffered tance of not less than 400 miles and for a period of not less than losses totaling $1,017,922 in operating that portion of the mid­ 6 months prior to the advertisement for bids ' a.re designed to transcontinental route from Los Angeles to Kansas City up to prevent the securing of contracts by those who have had no actual October 1, 1930. experience in flying on fixed daily schedules under any and all Our third stockholder is the Pittsburgh Aviation Industries flying conditions and no first-hand knowledge of operating costs. Corporation, which holds a 5-percent interest and which s1milarly It is believed that bona fide operating companies which have was privately financed by private citizens in the amount of over been the pioneers in air transportation and have gained valuable $1,250,000 without any compensation to bankers or others. This experience at great financial loss, and even the sacrifice of many company showed losses up to October l, 1930, of $208,477.11 from lives, are entitled to this consideration in blddlng." pioneering and development. The debates on the bill you will find in bound volume no. 72, This made the accumulated loss to the stockholders of the part 7, und,er date of April 21, 1930, at page 7372, continuing to predecessor companies of Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc., page 7379, where it appears that the bill was passed without dis­ up to October 1, 1930, through pioneering, development, and op­ senting vote. The debate was concluded by Congressman La.­ erations, $3 ,977,441. This entire amount of nearly $4,000,000 was Guardia, who has always had a special interest in aviation. Please not capitalized but charged off prior to operation under our mail read his statement on page 7379, which lays down the qualification contract. test for bidders, as follows: The paid-in capital of Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc., " In other words, in order to qualify for a contract or subsidy when it commenced business as of October 1, 1930, totaled if you please, it is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of th~ $6,254,247, and, instead of making profits on this very large invest­ Department that t~ applicant has, first, the equipment· second ment, we have sustained a loss of in excess of $1,250,000 since our the experience; third, the space in flying planes; and, fo.:irth, th~ company commenced operations down to January 1, 1934, in addi­ actual operation of planes between given points. I point out these tion to the loss of our predecessor companies totaling nearly requirements in order to avoid any misconstruction of the law $4,000,000. Thus, our total losses to date have been well over later on." $5,000,000. In the Senate the proceedings are shown in the same bound In the 39 months of the existence of this company we have paid volume of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD at page 7618. Only one no bonuses to anyone. The highest salary paid by our company Senator spoke. That was Senator MCKELLAR, who stated: in any one year was $20,000. Our president now receives a salary "Mr. President, I have no objection to its consideration; I want of $18,000 and is the highest-paid man in our employ. Only one to have the bill passed. I merely wish to say that it was stated by other man in the employ of our company receives more than the the Postmaster General and his assistant in charge of Air Mail highest-paid pilot, and he is the manager of operations, whose Service that new lines are to be constructed, among others, one salary is $12,000 a year. Certainly such salaries, considering our from Nashville, Tenn., to Memphis and Little Rock and Dallas far-flung operations and the many problems to be dealt with, are I hope the bill may be passed." · extremely moderate. There have been no dividends paid to our Senator BLACK is shown to have been present in tbl:l Senate on stockholders, for the very obvious reason that we have lost over that day, because he voted on another b111. Hls vote is shown on $1,250,000 in our 3 years and 3 months of operation. We are now page 7614. No clearer record could possibly be made than this to operating at a loss, and our budgeted losses total over $200,000 show that it was the intention of Congress to limit the bidding for the balance of this governmental fiscal year. to companies already in existence. Third, there has been a continuous effort made in the course The records in the Post Office Department which have been put of the Senate committee hearings to prove that our contract was into the Senate committee records show that a few weeks after the obtained as a result of collusion. There was no such collusion. passage of the Watres Act, Postmaster General Brown directed his We obtained our contract on a competitive bidding, based on a assistants to call to Washington representatives of the air trans­ public advertisement. One other party bid against us. That port lines, including those who had mall contracts and those who other party, the United Avigatlon Corporation, which was hastily did not, for a discussion of the recently enacted legislation and organized for the sole purpose of bidding on this contract, pro­ the condition of the air transport industry. tested the award of the contract to us. The Post Office Department The air-transport operators had nothing whatever to do with made an extended examination of the facts, determined that we the calling of this meeting, and they were unaware of its purpose were the lowest responsible bidder, and its action was sustained until they met with the Postmaster General and his principal by the Comptroller General in a published opinion dated January assistants in the Post Office Department about May 20, 1930. 10, 1931, which recites in detail the reasons for making the award There is nothing whatever unusual about such meetings. Similar of the contract to our company. The testimony of the representa­ ones have been held on many occasions by the heads of various tives of one of the companies which proposed to become interested Government departments with parties interested in particular in the United Avigation Co., the other bidder on the mid­ matters. transcontinental route, to the effect that our company has been The Postmaster General stated to the meeting that the air-mail paid $1.02 per mile, is sharply at variance with the facts. Our map did not provide for coordinated systems and that there were predecessor companies were awarded a contract at 39 cents a mile, great sections of the United States which were without air-mall and records of your Department prove that we were paid at that service. He stated specifically that he had decided to have 2 rate. In view of the requirements of the contract that this mall new transcontinental routes, 1 through the central portion of be carried in multi-engined passenger airplanes, our company sus­ the country from New York to Los Angeles via Kansas City, and tained losses of $1,158,166.64 from October 25, 1930, until we were 1 through the southern portion, from Los Angeles to Atlanta paid the higher compensation provided for under our bid and via El Paso and Dallas. He stated that these transcontinental contract. lines should be independently owned so that the Government We might here add that it was not until January l, 1932, that would have the benefit of competition in service and would have we were permitted to carry the transcontinental mail which our alternative routes for dispatching the mail under varying weather service warranted. During this period of 15 months we operated conditions. at a loss of $1 ,719,025.86. He outlined the provisions of the Watres Act showing that the Fourth, there have been many allusions to a "clandestine con­ Congress had limited the award of contracts to those companies ference " held in May and June of 1930. There was nothing which had been in operation over a 250-mile route for over 6 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3139 months. He quoted the section of the Watres Act giving bim the nental Air Transport and Western Air Express, and the joint con­ power to make any extensions and consolidations of routes which tract was thereafter duly sublet to our company. he considered in the public interest. He asserted that he believed In view of this simple record, we submit it is a gross distortion that because there were no iimitations whatever on this power as of the facts to say that this company obtained its contract by col­ to extenslons and consolidations of routes. he could extend an lusion with the P.ostmaster General or with any other person, or existing air-mail carrier route over any number of miles which he that we suppressed bidding QY any other company. The alleged considered in the public interest. He referred specifically:_. to his "suppression" took place when the Watres bill was passed. In power to consolidate routes and stated that this also was -without the light of the legislative h istory of that law it is entirely obvious limit ation but that he intended in the ad.ministration of the law, that what the Postmaster General did was exactly what Congress to preserv~ as well as he properly could do so, the air lines already required him to do, and that was to limit the bidding to com­ tn operation and into which private citizens had invested such panies which had already made a large capital investment, to large sums of money. exclude the irresponsible bidder. and thus obtain the best con­ The section of United States law to which he referred is as tractor for the carriage of the mails and development of reliable follows: air transportation.. This latter requirement was a. particular ••SEC. 7. The Postmaster General, when in his judgment the feature of the legislation. public interest will be promoted thereby, may make any exten­ Another point which the Senate committee has stressed and sions or consolidations of routes which are now or may hereafter the press has distorted and generalized Is the making of inordinate be established." profits by air-mall contractors. We do not know what other con­ He requested the members of the group to study the problem tractors have made, but we do know that our company has lost and to suggest ways and means whereby a Nation-wide air-mail in its operations under this contract since October 193-0 over and passenger service could be created without bringing about the $1,250,000 and that these losses have been incurred notwithstand­ inevitable destruction of investments already tm!.de that would ing the most meticulous economy in every element cf our busi­ come a.bout if one of the companies qualified under the limitations ness. All of these facts and figures are available in the reports imposed 1n the Watres Act should bid on a route other than the filed with the Post Office Department. one they were then operating. He made no commitment what­ We assert to you that the amount of money which your De­ ever to abide by such a report. partment is paying to our company is not greatly in excess of This meeting was fully reported in the New York Times of May the amount of revenue which your Department derives from the 20, 1930, and photostat of that article is submitted herewith, and sale of stamps on the letters moving over our line. In other the Post Office Department issued a. release to the press, a photo­ words, we doubt that the net subsidy paid to our company ex­ static copy of which is also attached. ceeds more than a few thousand dollars a year. This matter 'Of The various companies, insofar as the important new routes were how much the Government gets from the sale of stamps has concerned, disagreed from the very beginning in their efforts to been made the subject of an extended study by officials of your frame such a report. Many of the operators. after the Postmaster Department and the Post Office and Post Roads Committee of General and his Assistants had left the room, questioned the legal the House. That committee has reached the conclusion that the authority of the Postmaster General to bring about the result Government receives 2 mills per pound-mile. Inasmuch as our desired even if the operators themselves could agree. detailed records show that we have been receiving less than 2 In subsequent conversations with the Post Office officials, several mills per pound-mile, we are entirely willing to have you change of the operators raised the question of the Postmaster General's our eompensation so that we receive payments at the rate of 2 powers. mills per pound-mile and thus not pay us any subsidy at all. The memoranda introduced into the Senate committee's hear­ In this connection, we direct your attention specifically to the ings show that the Postmaster General referred the question of detailed figures inserted by First Assistant Postmaster General the extent of his powers to the Comptr-0Iler General in the specific Howes in the hearings on the Post Office appropriation bill for case of Northwest Airways. 1935, as they appear on pages 262 to 264. These figures show The companies were entirely unable to agree in respect to the that for the fiscal year ended June 1933 our company was paid important new air lines, and, after discussions which took place about 2¥3 mills per pound-mile but that for each of the months, during the next several weeks, a report showing the lack of agree­ August, September, and October of 1933, we were paid exactly 2 ment was filed with the Postmaster General. mills per pound-mile. We submit that it is a gross distortion of the facts to charac­ Apparently no consideration is being given by the Senate com­ terize such meetings as "clandestine", or that there was a con­ mittee to the conditions which faced the commercial air-transport spiracy between the operators to parcel out the air-mail map, when industry in this country and the Post Office Department in the the record shows beyond the possibility of question that the meet­ spring of 1930. We respectfully invite your attention to the con­ ing was called by the Postmaster General, and not by the ope1'­ clusion of the report of the House Post Office and Post Roads ators; that a memorandum of what took place at the meeting Committee when it made its recommendations to Congress (Rept. was prepared by Mr. Wadsworth, then Superintendent of Air Mail; No. 966, dated Mar. 24, 1930, 71st Cong., 2d sess.), which were as that the New York Times published a full account of the meeting follows: the following day; that a written report was subsequently made "Finally, it should be frankly stated that while aviation has on behalf of the operators showing failure to agree; that the ques­ unquestionably demonstrated its economic importance, it is not tion of the Postmaster Genera.l's pow.er.s was raised by the oper­ as yet on a 'Self-supporting basis in the United States or any other ators; that a ruling by the Comptroller General was sought by the country. The air mail at the present stage of development is Postmaster General; that when that ruling was made on July 24, necessarily the backbone of commercial aviation. The American 1930, the Postmaster General promptly .acquiesced 1n it and people have shown enterprise, courage, and faith in their support promptly proceeded to the preparation of advertisements for com­ .of aviation. If private capital is to continue our national prog­ petitive bids on the maln transcontinental routes involved. ress in this field, it must have some reasonable hope of a.t least a Obviously -our predecessor company, Transcontinental Air Trans­ fair return on capital actually invested. Congress has recognized port, Inc., which had established with its private capital a combi­ the wisdom and the 'importance of fostering commercial aviation, nation air and rail servioe from New York to Los Angeles over a both from the standpoint of its necessity in connection with the route substantially the same .as tb.e one desired by the Postmaster national defense and the necessity of maintaining our national Ge~eral, and our

INFoRMATioN SERVICE, I Mr. DOBBINS. Section I of the bill is necessary to con- PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT, firm the authority the executive departments of this Gov- 3 In order to acquaint themselves with the pr!fs1fo:i!' ~~ ~·he ernment have assumed. Se~tio~ 1. of the bill only p~ovides Watres bill recently made a law through the signature of Presi- that that may be done, which it IS natural and logical to dent Hoover, representatives of every large passenger- and air-ma:n- assume should be done. ·when no other agency was avail­ carrying concern throughout the country conferred today with able for the carriage of the mails it was but natural to turn Postmaster General Brown, Assistant Postmaster General Glover, . and other officials of the Department in charge of the Air Mail to the great fiymg force of the Army. _ Service. This is the first time that operators of the large pas- Mr. MOTT. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? senger lines have had an opportunity to talk with the Postmaster Mr. DOBBINS. In a few minutes, after I develop the General and exchange views with him since the Watres measure subject a little further I shall be pleased to yield to the became a law. • A general discussion of air-mail and passenger-carrying business, gentleman from Oregon. together with prpspects for their future devMopment. took place First it is necessary to discuss the statements that have at today's meeting. The Postmaster General explained . to those been made with respect to the necessity for the issuance who attended the conference the limitations placed on him under . . . ;' the terms of the watres Act, which fixed the maximum that can of the order resultmg m the cancelat1on of the contracts be paid for carrying the mails to $1.25 a mile and a charge of 40 throughout the country for handling the air mail and for cents a mile for each passenger transported. the undertaking of this task by the Army Air Service. Before the close of today's session it was agreed that the opera- I do not think I should progress further in these remarks tors present should prepare a map of the United States, which ...... will show in detail plans for a network of passenger and air-mail without paymg to the distm.,,auished rankmg mmority mem­ routes to cover the country and which will be determined at fu- ber of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, ture conferences with the Postmaster General. the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLY] a deserved The companies represented at today's conference were: Western . . . ~ Air Express, Aviation Corporation, National Air Transport, Thomp- tnb~te equal to that which he so grac10usly paid our great son Aeronautical Corporation, Pittsburgh Aviation Industries, Ford chairman, the gentleman from New York [Mr. MEADL I Co., United Sta~es AU: Lines, Earl Hal~burton, United Aircraft Cor- have worked with both these distinguished gen~lemen, being poration, . Curtiss-Wright, Transcontmental Air Transport, and myself a member of their committee. The gentleman from Eastern Air Express. . . Pennsylvama [Mr. KELLY] knows the Postal Service. He {From New York Times, May 20, 1930] has discussed this matter before you fully and capably. . I BROWN ASKS PLANS FOR NEW AIR ROUTES-HEADS OF TRANSPORT LINES differ from him, Mr. Chairman, only in the conclusion to ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT SUGGESTIONS FOR EXTENDING S~VICE be reached from facts upon which he and I agree, the con­ WASHINGTON, May 19.-Plans for a network of passenger and clusion as to whether or not Postmaster General Farley may mail air routes throughout the United States were requested to­ day by Postmaster General Brown from representatives of various have been justified in the action he took. . - large air carriers. In our consideration let us discuss these facts. We start Mr. Brown is known to have in mind the consolidation of vari­ out with the Watres Act, which has been mentioned many ous routes so as to cover the country with air carrier service. He times during this debate. The ab~es out of which the asked the airmen to prepare a map showing in detail the various routes they would recommend, with the idea of taking it up with present situation arises were committed under that act, an him at a future conference. act whose passage was requested, yes, almost demanded, of The air. companies represented at the meeting today included the Congress by the former Postmaster General. The pro­ the Western Air Express, the Aviation Corporation, the National posed law was open to criticism and was severely criticized Air Transport, the Thompson Aeronautical Oorporation, the· Pitts­ burgh Aviation Industries, the Ford Motor Co., the United States in the committee. Certain changes were made in it at the Air Lines, the Earl Haliburton interest, the United Aircr~t Cor­ insistence of Congress, with the resUit that the act finally poration, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation, the Transcontmental adopted by this body contained. ample provisions for the Air Transport, and the Eastern Air Express. These representatives ca.me here p1incipally to confer with Post­ fair administration of the business of carrying the mails master General Brown and Assistant Postmaster General Glover by air. relative to the new pay basis provided in the Watres bill. This It contained certain exceptions and provisions insisted measure changed the basis of pay from poundage to space and upan by the then Postmaster General, which he claimed mileage. The bill likewise paves the way for carriage of mail on passenger planes, so as to consolidate these two services. were needed to provide for emergencies that might arise. The former Postmaster General in his subsequent admin­ Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my istration of the law, ignoring the provisions that were in­ time to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. DOBBINS]. tended for general observance, chose to act instead under Mr. DOBBINS. Mr. Chairman, the real question before the emergency and unusual provisions of the law, when no the Committee has not been discussed very much. Few of emergency nor oceasion for departure from its general pro- the Members who have risen in opposition to the pending visions existed. _ measure have devoted much· time to that question. One of the things he did in the consummation of this The question before this Committee and the House is purpose was to call meetings of favored contractors in May whether or not .the Postmaster General ·should be author­ and June 1930. _ Two ways were open to him-the usual or ized to transfer to the War Department the appropriations regular way or the unusual way. He chose the unusual that have already been made :for the purpose of carrying way, with the usual result that follows when a devious the mail by air. The War Department has undertaken this course is taken. task, as the War Department will undertake any task; it is The act is capable of reasonable administration. and this called upon in an emergency to assume. It is only fair, has been proven by the fact that it has been administered it is only right, and it is only just to the men who are for the last 11 months under a Postmaster General whose going to carry on in this task that they be given the funds administration of the Watres Act has not been subjected to to provide them with all that is requislte to make their one breath of criticism. . arduous work as safe as it can be made. Postmaster General Brown called into conference at Opponents of the measure have pointed to th~ fatalities Washington in 1930 all of the air line mail carriers, and that have occurred during the last week, and assigned this they met. It is said they did not nieet secretly. That is as a reason why the bill should be defeated. If they suc­ only partly true, as has been brought out in our hearings. ceed in their object and do defeat this bill, it can only result Many outside air lines sought admission to th~se meetings in further fatalities. It-is necessary to transfer these funds and were refused admission. It was like a stupendous poker to the War Department in order that the War Department game. The:re w~re 14 entrants, but it differed from· the planes can be equipped with the devices that are essential usual poker game in this, that all but one of them came to assure safe fiymg of the mails. out winners and the fourteenth broke even. Somebody had ~- McGUGIN. Mr. Chairman, ~i;tl the gentleman yield? to lose 'in this game. You know who lost. Your constituent . Mr. DOBBINS. I yield. and mine, the people of the country, the Treasury <;>f the Mr. McGUGIN. If the bill were amended by striking out United States. Were the people protected in this meeting? section 1, would not the gentleman's pw·pose be accom­ Oh, yes; the people had a very able representative there plished? looking after their interes~ in the person of the chairman of \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3141 the meeting, a man of whom you may have heard. His name Mr. CANNON of Wisconsin. I understand this matter is William P. MacCracken, the man who is now under sen­ has been heard before a Senate committee and testimony tence for contempt of the Senate for his part in attempts taken there. to destroy evidence bearing upon this very matter. This is Mr. DOBBINS. The matter has been very extensively the kind of conference that resulted in the agreement be­ heard, ais I understand, by a committee of the other body, tween interested contractors, which was later given ap­ and in addition to that an independent investigation has proval and put in effect by orders of Postmaster General been conducted by the Post Office Department. Brown. There are many lawyer Members in this House. Mr. CANNON of Wisconsin. After the Senate committee If you are not one, probably your neighbor, as you sit here, heard all the testimony that they wanted to hear, did they is. Ask him if it is not true as a fundamental principle of make any findings with respect to whether or not fraud had jurisprudence that where a number of men participate in a been committed? · collusive agreement by which a part of them derive benefit, Mr. DOBBINS. The Senate committee has not heard all all participating in the agreement are likewise guilty, al­ the testimony it wishes to hear. It is hearing testimony though some of the participants may not have profited today, I understand, and will continue to hear testimony thereby. and will not make any findings until it has concluded the Let me outline to you just one sample of the many collu­ investigation. But enough has been· developed to satisfy sive agreements that were negotiated among the favored any reasonable man as to this matter. The Senate com­ organizations which were invited by Postmaster General mittee is investigating for the purpose of acquiring infor­ Brown to take part, and did take part, in the Washington mation to guide it in preparing further legislation. meetings terminating June 4, 1930: One Erle P. Halliburton Mr. FISH. Will the gentleman yield? was there. He is the only outsider, I am told, who was able Mr. DOBBINS. I yield to the gentleman from New York. to " crash " the meeting. He controlled Southwest Air Fast Mr. FISH. Can the gentleman tell me how many officials Express, Inc., a bidder for the southern transcontinental air of the 14 air-mail companies have been heard by the other route, which, according to a previous agreement of the con­ body? spirators, had been allotted to American Airways. .With Mr. DOBBINS. I do not know how many it heard, Mr. that concern he succeeded in negotiating an agreement that Chairman, but may I say for the information of the gentle­ if he would join with an American Airways subsidiary in man from New York that a carbon copy of a memorandum making a bid on the southern route, this subsidiary would was produced before the Senate committee. The original buy the rights of Halliburton and his corporation for seems to have been lost in former Postmaster General $1,400,000, contingent upon the Postmaster General award­ Brown's shifting of the files back and forth between New ing the contract to the combination thus formed. The York and Washington. The memorandum, or agreement, Postmaster General awarded the contract accordingly, and was prepared for the signature of every one of the 14 con­ Halliburton got his payment. The American Airways reim­ tractors, and a prominent official of one of the principal air · bursed themselves by negotiating another contract with lines was asked in our committee whether he signed the Transcontinental & Western Air for the sale of the latter original of this agreement. He said he did not· remember, combination of certain stock and a half interest in a hangar but he supposed it was signed by someone representing his at Tulsa, Okla. This contract was likewise conditioned company and by the other companies concerned. May I say upon the same contingency above mentioned, and the fur­ this further, that the air-line operators are not protesting ther condition that it was not to be effective unless the very loudly about what has been. done. Most of the protests T. & W. A. combination were awarded the middle transconti­ that we hear have a decidedly partisan note. nental route, pursuant to the collusive agreement reached There is no doubt about the basic facts upon which the at the meetings. It got this contract, furnished the money cancelation of these contracts was ordered. This is a situa­ for Halliburton to American Airways, and afterward, as I tion for which we are not responsible. It is the outgrowth am informed, abandoned the hangar which was supposed of the way in which the Post Office Department was run to furnish a moving consideration for the payment. during the 4 years ended on March 4, 1933. We have to There were other· transactions like these, involving losses take the situation as we find it, just as we take many other to the Government amounting to millions of dollars a year, unpleasant situations of concurrent origin. all of which were agreed upon among these operators, and Something has been said about -not givirig the contractors obligingly given official sanction by the former Postmaster 45 days' notice of a hearing to show why their contracts General. They divided the whole air-mail business among should not be canceled, paying thein, of course, their exces­ themselves in utter disregard of other qualified carriers and sive compensation in the meanwhile. The 45-day period for with complete unconcern for the public interest. such notice appearing in the Watres Act is not a provision This was the outrageous situation which, when disclosed of the law·under which the contracts were canceled. These by testimony that is beyond dispute, compelled Postmaster contracts were canceled under a law more than 60 years old, General Farley, in the honest discharge of his sworn duty, a law that was passed in 1872, which merely confirmed and to cancel all contracts which had their inception in the com­ gave expression to the common law, namely, that those who prehensive and collusive agreement arrived at in the 1930 are guilty of entering into a corrupt agreement shall not Washington meetings. profit by the agreement. It is stated that there have been no hearings on the mat­ Mr. FISH. W.ill the· gentleman yield? ter. If there have been no heairings, where was all the in­ Mr. DOBBINS. I yield to the gentleman from New York. teresting testimony given that we have been reading about Mr. FISH. Under that law these contractors then are not in the newsi;)apers for many weeks? How much more is it permitted to rebid, if that is the law under which the con­ going to take to satisfy the mind of any reasonable man tracts were canceled. that there was collusion in these transaictions? There was Mr. DOBBINS. We cannot help ·that. If a disqualifying nothing else for the Government to do, Mr. Chairman, but condition was J)l'escribed 60 years ago and has remained on to annul the tainted contracts and call upon the Army to the statute books all this time and now somebody by his carry the mail. ·· own deliberate act disqualifies himself under such law, I do Mention has been made of the fact that there haive been not know how complaint by him or by another in his behal! fatalities. There have been. No one deplores this tragic can be Justified. May I say, however, that I have the great­ fact more than I do, in common with every Member of this est admiration and respect in general for the capable man­ body, but does it not occur to you that such fatalities have agement of our great air lines, and I think this feeling is occurred during a season of very unusuail and bafH.ing common to the Membership of the House. This House meteorological conditions? might well resolve to be generous in the matter of removing Mr. CANNON of Wisconsin. Will the gentleman yield? such a disqualification, and I believe that in so doing it would Mr. DOBBINS. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin. find itself in harmony with the other body and with the LXXVIII-199 /

3142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Chief Executive. In fact, the situation is already resolving ing section .1 from this bill would only mean that Congress itself into a satisfying readjustment, to the advantage of all is not willing to approve of using the Army air force for concerned. It is a very noteworthy circumstance that there carrying the mail. So far as air-mail contracts are con­ has not been a single legal attack upon the action of the cerned, that is something for the President to decide for Postmaster General in any forum where it is proper to himself. He has chosen to cancel them. I am perfectly determine such a controversy. willing to permit time to take its course as to the contracts. It is true that one company sought by an injunction pro­ Irrespective of whether the air-mail contracts are reinstated ceeding brought in the city of New York to question the or not, if it were within my power, I would provide that the Postmaster General's decision, but the New York court had Army shall not carry the mail. I should rather have no air­ no jurisdiction over the Postmaster General in Washington. mail service than to see these Army fliers forced into a The proper and logical place to try such a matter is in service for which they are not equipped and in which their Washington, where all the official files are, or where all of lives are being sacrificed. them would be if some had not been burned, and where the The truth of the matter is, the people of this country witnesses are located who would be required to testify, know that it was a monumental mistake to have ordered the especially those who would be required to support the Gov­ Army air force to carry the mail, and now this is a bold ernment's case. They should not be taken away from their effort to make Congress bear part of that responsibility. duties here and hauled to New York, San Francisco, Chicago, [Applause.] or other distant places. No one, in any court where juris­ Let me tell you Democratic Members something. If this diction exists, has challenged the action of the Postmaster had been a popular move, the President would not now be General, although more than 2 weeks have transpired dur­ sharing the popularity with you. [Laughter and applause.] ing which such action might have been challenged, if there A gentleman a while ago said it was necessary to transfer were a lawful cause of attack. the funds from the Post Office Department to the War Mr. HOIJ.,ISTER. Will the gentleman yield? Department. Surely, if the War Department is going to Mr. DOBBINS. I yield. carry the mail, it should have the funds, but that is pro­ Mr. HOLLISTER. Will the gentleman state in what vided. for in section 2. You do not need section 1 to forum this action should have been brought? accomplish that purpose. Mr. DOBBINS. In the District of Columbia. The truth is, that from a military standpoint, the Anny Mr. HOLLISTER. Has not the gentleman stated that the air force should never be used to carry the mail. Suppose Postmaster General had the right to cancel without any all of our Army fliers are engaged in carrying mail and war hearing? comes. We shall then be without Army fliers or Air Mail Mr. DOBBINS. Oh, yes; but if his action were arbitrary Service, and then, of all times, we shall need our Air Mail and not warranted by law, certainly recourse could then Service and our Army Air Service. be had to the courts. Here is all there is to it. The Army has been pressed into Mr. HOLLISTER. What is the recourse? this service unwisely; it has been pressed into the service [Here the gavel fell.] contrary to the advice of the air authorities of this country, [Applause.] and an awful price-six lives-has beeh paid to satisfy the The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read the bill for amend­ insatiable appetite of politicians for front-page publicity. I ment. am not willing to join in paying a part of that price by The Clerk read as follows: accepting section 1 of this bill. [Applause.] Be it enacted, etc., That the Secretary of War is authorized to Mr. TRUAX. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the place at the disposal of the Postmaster General such airplanes, amendment. landing fields, pilots, and other employees and equipment of the Army of the United States as may be needed or required for the Mr. Chairman, as one Member on the Democratic side, I transportation of mail during the present emergency by air over am willing to share the responsibility with the President of routes and schedules prescribed by the Postmaster General. the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and I want to say With the following committee amendment: to the gentleman from Kansas that if, on March 20, 1933, he had shown half as much regard for the men who had Page 1, line 3, after the word "That", insert" during the period not to exceed 1 year after the date of passage of this act." been in the Army service of the United States, we would not have had thousands and tens of thousands . of soldiers The committee amendment was agreed to. crucified as they are today by the Economy Act. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will report the next com­ Mr. McGUGIN. I was supparting Franklin D. Roosevelt mittee amendment. and you were not supporting him. [Laughter.] · The Clerk read as follows: Mr. TRUAX. That is a good alibi. [Laughter.] Committee amendment: In line 8, on page 1, strike out the Mr. Chairman, there is no one who is more pained than I words " the present emergency " and insert in lieu thereof " such at the death of these boys who have made the supreme periods." sacrifice in their country's service. The committee amendment was agreed to. We were all pained by the sudden passing of the dis­ Mr. McGUGIN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. tinguished Member of the House, Mr. Hooper. But all the The Clerk read as follows: sympathy you can raise and muster cannot blot out the Amendment offered by Mr. MCGUGIN: I move to strike out sec- infamous contracts made by Walter Brown that enabled tion 1. • the air-mail people to milk the Public Treasury out of $52,- Mr. McGUGIN. Mr. Chairman, section 1 is, verbatim, the 000,000. You are not attempting to defend the Postmaster President's Executive order directing the Army to carry the General who negotiated the contract.s. We know him back air mail. in Ohio; we know how he obtained the position when he In the first place, if this order is valid, then there is no sold out and betrayed the best Republican friend he ever necessity for congressional action at this time. If the order had in his life. is not valid, then that was the President's responsibility, Mr. McGUGIN. Will the gentleman yield? which he chose to take, and he should choose to continue to Mr. TRUAX. No. keep that responsibility. Mr. MOTT. Will the gentleman yield? If the President had the authority to order the Army to Mr. TRUAX. No; the gentleman from Oregon would not carry the mail, then there is no necessity for congressional yield to me when he was making his remarks. ratification at this time. If the President did not have such Mr. McGUGIN. A parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman. authority at that time and needed congressional action, Con­ Mr. BANKHEAD. The gentleman from Kansas cannot gress was in session and he could have come to Congress take the gentleman from Ohio off the fioor by a parliamen.. and obtained action in a day's time. tary inquiry. My motion would strike section 1 from the bill. This Mr. TRUAX. Mr. Chairman, I refuse to yield. The claim would have nothing to do with the air-mail contracts. Strik- has been made that under the present conditions there is 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3143 no one responsible for carrying the air mail in this new Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the Army service. I say you have the responsibility of the committee amendment. President of the United States who has asked for this bill. The amendment was agreed to. He found in an emergency he had to take the country off Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer the following com­ the gold standard. He later asked Congress to ratify the mittee amendment, which I send to the desk. action and it was done. On assuming office on March 4, The Clerk read as follows: 1933, he closed up all the banks of the country. Why? At the end of section 2 strike out the semicolon and insert a Because one half of them had suspended operations, and he comma and the following: "Including replacement for all air­ closed the other half to keep the crooked bankers from planes and equipment and other material damage, destroyed or stealing all of the depositors' money. [Laughter.] expended thereby." The Congress later ratified that action. Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, in explanation of this amend­ Mr. McLEAN. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order ment, permit me to say this will permit· the Post Office De­ that the gentleman is not speaking to the amendment. partment to reimburse the Army for the damage resulting The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Ohio will con­ from the destruction of planes, and so forth. This is agree­ fine himself to the amendment. able, as I understand it, to the Army and to the Post Office Mr. TRUAX. Very well, Mr. Chairman; I will address Department. myself to the amendment of the gentleman from Kansas, Mr. McSWAIN. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? by saying that I am wholly, thoroughly, and unalterably Mr. MEAD. Yes; I yield. opposed to any amendment to this bill by the carping critics Mr. McSWAIN. Mr. Chairman, the language as proposed of this administration. by the chairman of the committee is " including replace­ This is the bill prepared by the committee. We have ment." Would it not be better to substitute the word "re­ heard eulogies and tributes to the chairman of the commit­ imbursement", because "replacement" might imply buying tee and the ranking Member of the minority side. I agree and returning a plane, whereas "reimbursement", it seems and am in accord with all that has been said for them. The to me, would be very much better because the Army is ranking member of the Post Office Committee, for whom I equipped with the agency for buying and the Post Office have the utmost esteem, said that Postmaster General Department may not be. Brown came in with a new philosophy, and that he in his Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, we discussed this matter this honest, straightforward way refused to accept the new morning with the Post Office Department -and with General philosophy of Mr. Brown. Foulois' office, and it was suggested that it would be better [Here the gavel fell.] to word the amendment as we have it worded. They have Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, during the course of a very some difficulty in using the money for the purchase of new liberal general debate on this bill we discussed many ques­ planes, and they would prefer the language as we have it tions not germane to this particular proposal. here, I am informed. Now, I do not object to men who inject into this debate a Mr. HILL of Alabama. Why would it not be a good idea defense of the President of the United States or a defense to use both words," replacement or reimbursement"? of the former Postmaster General. I do not care as far Mr. MEAD. The matter is something that we took up as I am concerned whether you stand with the Army Air with the Post Office and War Departments and the legisla­ Service or whether you take sides with private transport tive counsel of the House. I would not want to take the lines. We are faced with an emergency. The emergency is responsibility of changing it now, because I believe it ade­ with us, the Army is in the air, and the longer we delay this quately covers the situation. legislation perhaps the greater will be the casualties. Mr. McSWAIN. If the gentleman is so advised by the Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that all debate upon War Department, that is satisfactory. this section and all amendments thereto do now close. Mr. TABER. Oh, no. Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? Mr. BRITI'EN. Are we to have no more debate on this Mr. MEAD. Yes; I yield. bill? Mr. FISH. How much, in the gentleman's opinion, have The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from New York moves the first 5 days of flying the mail by the Army cost the that all debate upon this section and all amendments there­ Government? to do now close. Mr. MEAD. I have not gone into that subject at all. The question was taken; and on a division (demanded by Mr. FISH. I have several questions to ask along the line Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts> there were-ayes 147, noes 65. of the gentleman's amendment. How much does his amend­ So the motion was agreed to. ment provide for in sums of money? The CHAffiMAN. The question is on the amendment Mr. MEAD. There is no specific sum indicated in the offered by the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. McGuaINl. amendment. It just takes care of the damages that will The question was taken; and the Chair announced the accumulate during this emergency period. " noes " have it. Mr. FISH. Does the gentleman's amendment take care Mr. McGUGIN (from his seat>. A division. of affording any compensation to those five air mail pilots Mr. BANKHEAD. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of that were killed. order that the gentleman from Kansas cannot address the Mr. MEAD. A subsequent amendment covers that. Chair without rising. Mr. FISH. And future accidents? The CHAffiMAN. The Chair sustains the point of order, Mr. MEAD. Yes. I move the adoption of the amendment. and the Clerk will read. Mr. BEEDY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? So the amendment was rejected. Mr. MEAD. Yes; I yield. The Clerk read as fallows: Mr. BEEDY. I am really interested to know how much SEc. 2. The Postmaster General is authorized to transfer to the money will be involved by this amendment. Did the com­ War Department such sums appropriated under the act approved mittee go into the question o~ damages at all before it March 3, 1933, making appropriations for the Treasury and Post Office Departments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1934, for proposed the amendment? the inland transportation of mail by aircraft, and for the in­ Mr. MEAD. We took the matter up with both Depart­ cidental expenses thereof, as may be required to pay the expenses ments, and they agreed with us, as did members of the Com­ of carrying the mails of the United States as provided in section 1 hereof. mittee on Military Mairs, that some provision that would permit compensation for damages should be incorporated in Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer the amendment, which I send to the Clerk's desk. the bill. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. BEEDY. But the gentleman did not go into the ques­ tion of what the damage had amounted to to date? Amendment by Mr. MEAD: Page 2, line 6, delete the comma fol­ lowing the word " thereof " at the end of the line and add the Mr. MEAD. No; it was merely the reasonableness of the following: "incurred from and after February 10, 1934.'' situation that recommended the amendment to us. 3144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, will the cockpits, without any protection from. the weather, without gentleman yield? any of the modern appliances, without proper radio, and Mr. MEAD. Yes; I· yield. without the pilots being trained to beam flying. Now, it is Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. An estimate has been made, not so necessary that Army pilots be trained for that pur­ and the cost to date of planes that have been cracked up pose, and it is not necessary that they have cabin planes. amounts to $170,000. In addition to that, 6 months' pay It is not necessary that they have cabins on fighting planes must be given to the next of kin of the regular officers flying and on many of the scouting planes. We have turned this these planes. The reserve officers do not get that con­ job over to the Army without any tools to do it with. It is sideration. a shame and a disgrace for us to continue it. Frankly, we Mr. MEAD. That will be covered in another amendment. cannot expect, in the weather that is to come in March and Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. The gentleman is going to April, with the storms and fogs that hang over the moun­ off er that later? tains, anything but the accidents that we have had. We Mr. MEAD. Yes; I will. might 40 times better stop flying the air mail at all than to Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, will the make such a botch of it as we are making at the present gentleman yield? time. [Applause.] Mr. MEAD. Yes; I yield. I am not going to be responsible for murder. Those who Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. Will this take care of want to be responsible for murder, laugh; but I know and all of the pilots, of the personnel, and of material now being you know and those who have had any experience with the used in fiying the mail? · Army situation know that turning men loose with such The gentleman knows that 100 percent of the air mail equipment, without proper protection, is murder, and I a.m lines were canceled. Then the Army, as a matter of fact, not going to be responsible for murder. I hope this amend­ was ordered to carry mail over only 45 percent of the entire ment will be adopted, and that we who turn over to the air mail lines. But actually-and I think it is intensely in­ Army such a job as this will give them protection. It is teresting-the Army is carrying mail over 45 percent of the not any answer to talk about these air-mail contracts. It air mail lines--85 percent of the mail formerly carried over is not any answer to talk about that. It is a shame and a 100 percent of the air mail lines. This necessitates added disgrace that we cannot stand here and meet the responsi-. planes, sometimes as many as three planes on every trip. bilities of Members of the House of Representatives to which The air mail public is being cheated because they do not we are elected unless we give these men protection. This is realize that part of the air mail lines have been canceled. our responsibility if we take it. I have offered this amend­ They are using 8-cent stamps, expecting that the letters ment that there may be some protection to these men whom will be carried all the way by air mail over the old air mail we are asking to fly the mails, and I hope the House will routes in the usual time. This is not the case. The mail look at that amendment from the standpoint of its responsi­ is carried as far as possible by plane and then forwarded bilities and its duties, and not from the standpoint of par-. to their destination by train. As a result the air mail public tisan politics. is being cheated because of the part air mail and part train Mr. BLANTON. Will the gentleman yield? method. This results in loss in business. Mr. TABER. Yes; I yield. Mr. MEAD. I will say that this will take care of damages Mr. BLANTON. I know the gentleman well enough to beginning on February 10, and a subsequent amendment will know that he, too, is tired of dishonest contracts and he take care of the personnel, dating as of February 10, and wants honest contracts first, above everything else, does therefore these amendments will cover the personnel and he not? the equipment. Mr. TABER. He does; but he does not want to load up Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. And additional person- our Army planes with the job of flying the mail without nel to fly those planes? any protection or proper equipment. Mr. MEAD. All of the personnel. Mr. BLANTON. Oh, that is a mere detail that can and Mr. HOEPPEL. Will the gentleman yield? will be worked out satisfactorily. Our pilots will be safe­ Mr. MEAD. I yield. guarded and protected. [Laughter on the Republican side.] Mr. HOEPPEL. Can the gentleman advise whether the Mr. TABER. Well, it is not working out satisfactorily, families of these men who have been killed will receive only and it is up to this House to meet its responsibilities and the insignificant figure of $22 per month provided in the stand up. [Applause.] basic law under the Economy Act, or whether they will The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from New receive compensation under the Compensation Act? York [Mr. TABER] has expired. Mr. MEAD. The amendment which I offer gives them the Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the highest possible rate, the war-time· rate rather than the amendment, not in opposition to the motives of the gentle­ peace-time rate. man from New York [Mr. TABER]. Support of this bill Mr. HOEPPEL. Thirty dollars a month? will bring about improv€d conditions and a greater degree Mr. MEAD. According to their rank. of safety than . will oppositfon to the measure. We aim in this measure to do just what the gentleman criticizes us for Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the amendment. not doing. There have been casualties, and it is quite true The amendment was agreed to. that the Army planes have not been equipped with modern Mr. TABER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment, which equipment such as is enjoyed by private transport lines, but I send to the desk. they all go down in these severe storms. I have in my hand The Clerk read as follows: the latest paper, which indicates that an air liner operated Amendment offered by Mr. TABER: Page 2, line 8, after the by one of the private companies, together with eight people period, insert " Provided, however, That no pilot shall be permitted to fiy under this act who is not equipped with an enclosed cabin on board, has been lost. That plane had all of the modern plane and radio and all modern appliances, and who has not instruments that have been developed in order to aid flying. passed a test in beam flying." We ask you men to forget for the moment, if you will, Mr. TABER. Mr. Chairman, I think it is about time that the partisan motives that prompt men on both sides of the we stopped talking politics about this bill and talked about aisle to join in this debate. We ask you, if you really are the bill. Now, just what is the situation? The air mail has friends of the pilots up there in these stormy skies, to give been carried by contractors, equipped with the finest kind of us this legislation; and we will reduce the casualty list and cabin planes, equipped with radio and all modern appliances, make for· safe fiying. [.Applause.] manned by pilots who were- trained to " fly the beams ", Mr. Chairman, I ask that this amendment be voted down. which come to them from the different lighted airways Mr. FISH. l\1r. Chairman, I move to strike out the last across the country. Those pilots could fly the mail and word. fly it safely. We have turned the Army loose with pla:pes Mr. Chairman, I have generally followed my friend and not equipped along that line at all, many of them with open colleague [Mr. MEADJ from New York not on~y in this House '1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3145 but when we were in the legislature together 20 years ago. What is the situation? Why, it has been. developed that I have the utmost confidence in him and in his capacity and the Government of the United States on contracts has been ability as chairman of a great committee of this House, but overreached, that the contracts are dishonest, that the peo­ I cannot and do not propose to follow him today. ple of the United States have been robbed on these con­ I agree with my Republican colleague [Mr. TABER] from tracts. New York, who has just spoken, that turning over the air Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, will the mail to be operated in open machines without proper radio gentleman yield? equipment to the Army Air Corps is legalized murder-. And Mr. BLANTON. Just a minute, please. I am sorry I can­ I was sorry there was any misunderstanding on the Demo­ not yield to the distinguished lady from Massachusetts. I cratic side when the gentleman from New York spoke about have but 5 minutes. murder, for it is legalized murder and nothing else to send The Post Office Department and the administration have these Army air pilots up in open planes to fight the snow, annulled those contracts because of fraud and dishonesty, cold, and storms in the middle of winter. and it devolves upon this Government in such an emer­ I doubt if there is a man on either side of the Chamber gency to carry its mail. There are not any honest con­ who would like to have his son ordered out to operate an tractors ready and qualified to carry it, so it devolves upon open Army machine without proper radio equipment in the the Government to do it. And whenever it ts necessary for midst of a winter storm and in the middle of the night. this Government to do a thing, I want it done if it takes the That is what has happened with these Army pilots. Of Army to do it. course, they obeyed their Commander in Chief. Of course, Why, you talk about hazard; it is connected with all busi­ they go where they are sent; and they go to their death ness; there is hazard here on this floor in this Chamber upholding the highest traditions of our Army and the hero­ every time the lady from Massachusetts or any of the rest ism of our Army since the foundation of the Republic. But of our colleagues gets up here and speaks. I might fall dead there are some of us on both sides, I believe, who are unwill­ here in my tracks while I speak. I have seen men in this ing to vote for this bill, at least without proper amendments, Congress, like Claude Kitchin and our friend from Ten­ to send the sons of other people to death in airplanes im­ nessee, Mr. Eslick, totter and fall here at this desk. It is a properly equipped. The amendment of the gentleman from hazard, it is part of the game; but I am here to say that the New York seeks to have them properly equipped and not Government of the United States will take care of the men permitted to fly unless they are_ who fall while performing their duty. It does not take any There is no emergency. As was pointed out so ably by suggestion from our good friend from New York, HAM FISH. the gentleman from Michigan, :Mr. Hooper, who has gone I will go along with him in taking care of them. This Gov­ to the Great Beyond, the emergency has been a manufac­ ernment has always taken care of its own, and the men who tured one, manufactured by the Postmaster General in the give their lives in its service are going to be taken care of; cancelation of these contracts without a hearing and with­ and their wives and children will be properly cared for. I am out a trial. The Postmaster General now sends this leg­ here to say that the great President of the United States islation to the Congress and asks our approval of what and the United states AI-my is going to see that these pilots he has done when there is no emergency. We a.re now who carry our mails are properly equipped. It may take called upon to sanction that situation and send these a little time; it took a little time to equip our soldiers in American boys, young American officers with wives and war; it always takes time, but they are going to be equipped; children, to their death without even a chance to def end they are going to carry the mail; they are going to have themselves, because they have to obey orders even when they proper facilities with which to carry it, and it is going to be know that their airplanes are not properly equipped and done in spite of Republican opposition. [Applause.] that they do not know the mail routes, radiobeacons, or The people of the United States are with the Pres:dent landing places. in this matter. They admire a man who, when he discovers Furthermore, while I have not seen the amendment the dishonest contracts, does not appoint a commission to in­ gentleman from New York [Mr. MEAD] said he proposes to vestigate and. report 2 years later, but cancels the contracts introduce, I know what the law is. The law states that [applause], sets them aside. That is the way the present these Army pilots, just the same as Army officers, in case of Chief Executive met the situation. The Members on the Re­ death, will get 6 months' salary. Think of it! Young men publican side of the aisle are not used to that; they do not with wives and children are to be generously given 6 months' know how to do it. They would have appointed a commis• salary amounting to about $1,500 for being ordered to their sion to have passed on this fraud and how to punish it, and deaths and obeying the order, as they are bound to do in 2 years from now it would have reported, and the report the Regular Army without regard to the risk. would have gone into the wastebasket. But the President in this case has acted promptly, and the people of the United I propose to off er an amendment which would give $10,000 to the wives and families of the Army pilots who already States are backing him from Maine to California; and your have been killed and of other Army pilots who may be killed Republican constituents back home do not like it when you get up here and try to hamstring the present administration. if we pass this legislation to continue the carrying of the [Applause.] air mail by the Army Air Corps [applause], and that is not · [Here the gavel fell.] a bit too much for anyone who has a family to support and has been sent to his death either by an Executive order or Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I do not want to shut off by an act of Congress in time of peace and when no real debate on this amendment of the gentleman from New York, emergency existed. The sacrifice of the lives of six Army but I think we have already discussed it sufficiently. officers was in no way necessary, as there was no emergency Mr. Chairman, I move that all debate on the amendment except that manufactured by Postmaster General Farley. offered by the gentleman from New York do now close. · A blunder is often worse than a crime. There is no question The motion was agreed to. Mr. MOTT. Mr. Chairman, f01· the information of the but that the cancelation of the air-mail contracts by Post~ master General Farley without a hearing or trial was a House, may the amendment again be reported? colossal blunder, particularly when not a scrap of valid evi­ The Clerk again reported the Taber amendment. dence was produced by him to prove the fraud he speaks of The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the adoption of the in terms of glittering generalities. amendment offe1·ed by the gentleman from New York. The question was taken; and on a division (demanded by Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to Mr. TABER) there were-ayes 79, noes 151. the pro forma amendment. So the amendment was rejected. Mr. Chairman, I have great admiration, respect, and affec­ Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer the following amend­ tion for my colleague from New York [Mr. TABERJ. I know ment, which I send to the desk. he is patriotic, and I know he is an earnest, conscientious The Clerk read as fallows: legislator here. I have followed him on many occasions, but I am afraid that this fight now from the other side of the Amendment oft.'ered by Mr. MEAD: Page 2, line 8, at the end thereat. add the following proviso: " Provided, That officers.. war­ aisle smacks a little too much of politics, pure and &mple. rant omcers. and enlisted men of the Army on duty hereunder. 3146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 while away from.their permanent posts of duty, shall be paid the tion of whether these companies obtained their contracts by same per diem as is payable to civilian employees of the United States under the Subsistence Expense Act of 1926, as amended." fraud could be determined? We are at this time gambling with the lives of the very flower of America. We are sending Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the these men to almost certain death, and I feel the sentiment committee amendment. of this country would be in favor of suspending the air mail. The committee amendment was agreed to. The air mail is not absolutely necessary to our existence. Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer the following amend­ Mr. DOBBINS. Mr. Chairman, I yielded to the gentleman ment, wb.ich I send to the desk. from Minnesota, and I reserved my point of order in his The Clerk read as follows: favor. Amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: Add a new section 3 reading Mr. KVALE. I yielded to the gentlewoman from Cali­ as follows: fornia, and I was about to reply. I was glad, as always, to Mr. KVALE. Mr. Chairman, a parliamentary inquiry. have her contribution. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. Mr. Chairman, let us direct our efforts toward trying to Mr. KVALE. Will the addition of a new section at this improve the bill instead of trying to kill the bill without time preclude any further amendment of section 2? meaning to do so. Mr. MEAD. . May I say to the gentleman that this Will Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Will the gentleman yield? add a new section-section 3-to which I will offer several Mr. amendments, and this may permit the gentleman to offer KV ALE. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. May I suggest to the gentle- the amendment he has in mind. man that more than 60 percent of the pilots employed by the Mr. KVALE. I believe the amendment I have in mind is germane at this point; and before we proceed to section 3, I private companies are now Reserve officers in the United ask recognition for the purpose of offering an amendment States Army and, of course, can be called into service? to section 2. Mr. KV ALE. If they are called into service they may The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Minnesota is have to be assigned to some route where they are not familiar recognized. with the terrain, the landmarks, the emergency fields, the Mr. KVALE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment, weather habits, and the like. In that instance the true pur­ which I send to the desk. pose which we seek will not be achieved. An Executive The Clerk read as follows: order could be issued by the President of the United States which would give the Chief of the Air Corps authority to Amendment offered by Mr. KVALE: Page 2, line 8, at the end of t]:le section, strike out the period, add a colon and the follow­ employ these experienced civilian air-mail pilots over the ing: "Provided, That during the period described in section 1 routes with which they are familiar for the night mail serv­ the Chief of the Army Air Corps shall be required to employ for ice, leaving the admirable and trained personnel that we each route operated at night experienced civilian pilots." have in the Army Air Corps detailed to the duty with which Mr. DOBBINS. Mr. Chairman, a point of order. The they are familiar and in which there is no unusual hazard. amendment offered by the gentleman from Minnesota is not I am hopeftil an Executive order to this effect will be forth­ germane. coming from the White House within the next day or two Mr. KV ALE. Will the gentleman withhold his point of which will operate for the duration of this emergency period. order a minute? Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my Mr. DOBBINS. I will reserve the point of order. amendment. Mr. KVALE. I may say to the gentleman I realize the The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the merit of the point of order, and I am going to ask unani­ gentleman from Minnesota? mous consent at the conclusion of my remarks to withdraw There was no objection. the amendment. I hope on this basis the gentleman will The CHAIRMAN. The _Clerk will report the amendment withhold his point of order. offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. MEAD]. Mr. DOBBINS. I have reserved the point of order. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. KVALE. Mr. Chairman, I am simply taking this Amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: Add a new section, as follows: . method of bringing to the attention of the House a fact gen­ " SEC. 3. The performance by military personnel of duty here- erally overlooked by most of us. The amendment offered by under shall in no way disturb or change their military status the gentleman from New York [Mr. TABER] provided that under their respective commissions, warrants, or enlistments in the Army, or any right, privilege, benefit, or responsibility growing every pilot- should have had training on flying these radio out of said military status." beams, which guide every air-mail and every commercial plane. If his amendment had consisted of that. phraseology Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I explained these amend­ alone, I would have enthusiastically supported it. There is ments wh~n I spoke under general debate. It has been rec­ the crux of the entire matter. ommended by the War Department and I move its adoption. Mr. Chairman, had the previous phrases of his amendment Mr. McCORMACK. Will the gentleman yield? been adopted, it would indirectly yet virtually have killed the Mr. MEAD. I yield to my colleague from Massachusetts. bill, because the Army has no quantity of closed-plane equip­ Mr. McCORMACK. I should like to find out whether or ment and naturally it cannot take over the eql,lipment of the not the committee is going to off er an amendment which private lines where contracts have been annulled. And may will permit greater compensation to Army officers and men I say that the companies that have been operating the air than they now receive in case of injury or death or which mail for years do not operate all of the various routes with will permit greater compensation to their survivors or closed planes. They have many schedules providing for the dependents. operation of air mail and express alone which are conducted Mr. MEAD. I may say, in answer to the gentleman, that in open ships, but the men that fly them know the routes. we have gone farther in that direction than we have been They have had hours, weeks, and months of flying over these requested to go by the War Department. We give them the routes. Sometimes they cannot see the ground from the high rates possible only in war times for injuries growing time they take off until they land, but they know and they fiy out of this Service. by their instruments. If they get into trouble and can see Mr. McCORMACK. Suppase a man is permanently in­ the terrain underneath them for as much as a · second jured; under the provisions of the recommendation of the through the fog or clouds, they are able to recognize land­ committee, what would he receive as compensation? marks and deliver the mail in safety and save their own lives Mr. MEAD. I may say to the gentleman that in the orig-:­ as well. That has frequently happened to my certain inal draft there was not anything pertaining to compensa­ knowledge. tion. We later took it up with the War Department and Mrs. KAHN. Will the gentleman yield? the Department suggested protecting their military status Mr. KVALE. I yield to the gentlewoman from California. and giving them such compensation as is given to Army offi­ Mrs. KAHN. Does not the gentleman think that it would cers for injuries received in peace time. Again, we took it up be wise if we suspended entirely the air mail until the ques- with the War Department, contending that a higher rate 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3147 would be fair, and when informed that the highest rate Army flyers. No sane person would suggest that if a war paid for Army service occurs in time of war, we proposed came upon our country tomorrow we should take these com­ this amendment so as to give them the same rate during mercial fliers, with their improperly equipped planes, and this emergency as they would receive in time of war, but I put them in the first line of :fighting against antiaircraft am not familiar with the details of the rates. attacks or against an enemy properly equipped. Mr. McCORMACK. In other words, they would receive It would be said that with all their experience in carrying the same compensation that they would get if they had a the mails, flying millions of miles, it now develops that service-connected disability incurred in time of war? American commercial aviators are no good. That is exactly Mr. MEAD. I would assume so, because this provides for what is going on today. It is unfair. Men and women on war-time rates. the floor of the House will agree with me, I am sure, that · Mr. HOEPPEL. Will the gentleman yield to me to an­ . there is no better flyer on earth, no more courageous flyer swer the question? on earth, there is no more efficient flyer on earth, say what Mr. MEAD. I yield to the gentleman. you please about the Japanese, the Germans, or the French­ Mr. HOEPPEL. Answering the gentleman from Massa­ there is no more efficient flyer on earth than the Army pilot, chusetts, these officers, if they receive a 31-percent injury, and that fact was evidenced during this past week when they will be retired at three fourths of the pay of their rank. If accepted their orders to fly under the conditions possible they are enlisted men and disabled 31 percent, they will be without a single dissent. Blinding storms, frightfully cold discharged for disability and given a pension of about thirty­ weather, open machines, inferior flying equipment, all had one or thirty-five dollars only. I have an amendment which no effect on their courage or their zeal for duty-a truly I intend to submit extending to these officers and enlisted American characteristic. · men the same rates which other Federal employees in civil The gentleman from Texas [Mr. BLANTON] said a moment positions receive when they are injured. I shall offer the ago that if Hoover were in the place of the present Presi­ amendment at the proper time. dent he would probably appoint a commission. In the name Mr. MEAD. I want to answer the gentleman's statement of Heaven, has any administration in the history of the by saying that his figure of $30 or $35 is wrong, from the Government appointed as many commissions and bureaus as information I have received. The rate would be from $10 the present administration? to $100 for the personnel, according to the information I Mr. BLANTON. Having referred to me, will the gentle­ have. man yield? Mr. McCORMACK. May I make this suggestion to my Mr. BRITTEN. In a moment. distinf,ruished friend [Mr. MEAD], and my inquiry is for the Mr. McGUGIN. Will the gentleman yield? Without con­ purpm:e of collaboration. It seems to me these men, in their sidering whether the American Army flyers are courageous, present assignment, are performing a more or less civilian does not the gentleman think it would be better not to have duty as a result of necessity. Why would it not be a good them carry the mail? idea to permit those who are injured or the dependents of Mf. BLANTON. Will the gentleman yield? those whose lives may be taken in the performance of such Mr. BRITTEN. Will the gentleman wait until I answer duty to elect the provisions which the committee recom­ the gentleman from Kansas? mends or to come within the purview of the United States Mr. BLANTON. I thought the gentleman had answered Employees' Compensation Act. In other words, why not give the gentleman from Kansas with a wave of the hand. them the right of election? [Laughter.] l\Ir. MEAD. I will say to the gentleman that on our own Mr. BRITTEN. My thought is this, without any attempt initiative we took the matter up with the Department and to criticize the administration, a very grave mistake has gave them something they did not ask themselves. been made by the administration. I truly believe that the Mr. McCORMACK. I think the committee is to be con­ President's advisers put him in a very false position, and gratulated, but I do not think they have gone far enough that they are now unable to get out of it without chagrin­ insofar as the enlisted personel is concerned. I can see the mistake must stick at all hazards. Life or death, we where the officer personnel would obtain a greater compen­ are going through with it; that is the way I look upon it. sation under the committee amendment than under the I am sorry that someone among the administration's ad­ United States Employees' Compensation Act; but, on the visers, someone among the " new dealers " or the " brain other hand, the enlisted personnel, unless permanently and trusters ", is responsible for it. They will not permit a step totally disabled would receive less. backward, because it would be an acknowledgment of an I am not going to propose an amendment, but I would sug­ error; and that is the reason that these flyers, the flower gest that if the Senate adopts such an amendment, the of American manhood, are to continue to fly tonight, Sun­ House conferees seriously consider concurring therein. day, and Monday night, and finally go down perhaps to Mr. ME.AD. w.. We will be glad to do that. def eat because of the obstinacy of someone. This· entire [Here the gavel fell.] abrogation of the mail contracts was unnecessary and inop­ Mr. BRITTEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the portune. Any corruption could have been handled directly amendment. and without the present national regret. [Applause.] Mr. Chairman, I would like to call the attention of the Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Chairman, when our good friend from House and the country to the very sad position in which Illinois [Mr. BRITTEN] asserted that "there is no better flyer Army fliers are being put by their apparent-and it is purely on earth, no more courageous flyer on earth, no more effi­ apparent-inability to carry the mail and fiy airplanes as cient flyer on earth, than our United States Army pilot ", successfully as do the commercial pilots. with which assertion we all agree, he admitted himself out Every nation on earth today is pointing a finger at our of court. If these brave pilots of ours can safely drive their Army fliers, wondering if they are really qualified fliers or swift pursuit planes 200 miles an hour over uncharted routes if they are unprepared to fly in an emergency. They are carrying dangerous bombs and meet successfully all enemy doing the American Army flyers the greatest kind of an. maneuvers in the air, why are our Republican friends so injustice. It is not fair to the Army flyer to suggest that afraid that they will prove to be inefficient in carrying mail because he is thrown into an emergency overnight, with the over well-charted and beacon-lighted courses on schedules most horrible weather possible, he cannot fiy as successfully of not much over 100 miles an hour? as a man flying over certain lines days, weeks, and months. Our Republican friends, with their sobbing hearts so dis­ This is not a fair comparison. tressed, all refer to the loss of six men in the service during It would be just as reasonable to expect commercial fliers this terrible spell of unprecedented weather. Why are they to take their improperly equipped planes and push them into so silent about the loss since yesterday of the commercial a war emergency that might come upon us just as quickly plane, the giant twin-motored Boeing of the United Airlines, as did this cancelation of contracts and expect them to fly in which eight persons have undoubtedly lost their lives in them as well in the face of an enemy as do the trained going between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyo.? 3148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 They were forced out by Army orders. No charge of murder Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I ask fur a vote on the follows their eight deaths. They had every protection. Yet amendment, and I move that all debate on the amendment they lost their lives. It is the hazard of flying. that I have offered do now close. Mr. GREEN. Mr. Chairman, I desire to say that there The motion was agreed to. seems to be a great alarm over the situation because the The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment Army has been pressed into carrying the mail for the Gov­ offered by the gentleman from New York. ernment. It is only one of those emergencies, one of those The amendment was agreed to. conditions that have been inherited from a past adminis­ Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer the following amend­ tration. ment, which I send to the desk. I was somewhat surprised and disappointed when my The Clerk read as follows: distinguished colleague, a man of prudence and wisdom, like Amendment by Mr. MEAD: Add at the end of section 3 a new the gentleman from New York [Mr. TABER], and another section, as follows: "SEc. 4. In case any officer, including warrant and reserve offi­ gentleman from New York [Mr. FISH] undertook to hang cers, or enlisted men, is injured or killed while performing duty upon the Congress the blame for some of the deplorable hereunder, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is authorized and accidents that have recently occurred. directed to pay to such officer or enlisted man, and/ or his depend­ ants, pension at the rate provided for such person in part 1, Vet­ I do not think these declarations should be made on the erans' Regulations 1-A, and amendments thereto (war-time rate)." floor of the House in this connection, especially when we reflect how these contracts were entered into. Mr. LEHLBACH. Mr. Chairman, a point of order. I wonder if the gentleman from New York [Mr. FrsHJ The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. has forgotten when the contracts· were entered into, why Mr. LEHLBACK. First, let me preface that point of order they were entered into, and why they had to be canceled? with a parliamentary inquiry. Is this amendment offered These horrible contracts were made while his party was in as an amendment t.o section 3 just adopted? power. His President and his Postmaster General, Mr. The CH.AIRMAN. It is offered as a new section, as the Brown, were then in office. Chair understands it. When it became apparent the Government of the United Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, a parliamentary inquiry. I States was paying $2 for the carrying of the air mail, where would like to know if it is in order now to offer an amend­ it should have paid but $1 or less, it was absolutely necessary ment to the amendment just read? for the Government to step in and cancel the contracts The CHAffiMAN. After the gentleman from New York and stop any such collusion and corruption. lMr. MEAD 1 has concluded his remarks it will be in order Cancelation of such contracts was the honorable and then to offer an amendment to this section. proper thing to do, and I commend President Roosevelt for Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman from his courageous action in the matter. · New York yield? Mr. MEAD. Yes. Are we to be accused of murder because the elements of nature have decreed storms and adverse weather condi­ Mr. BLANTON. This does not provide for any retro­ tions? Are we to believe that those who are probably less active features with respect to any flyers who may lose their lives or become injured before this act goes into effect, or skilled in piloting planes would not have met with the same who have already been injured or who have lost their lives? disasters? I believe the Army flyers during this emergency Mr. MEAD. This covers everybody injured since February have demonstrated their courage, their valor, their bravery, 10. I have the retroactive feature here to follow. and patriotism; they have again come to the aid of our Mr~ BLANTON. Why should it not all have been in one Government and its people. I deny that our Army pilots amendment? are not skilled filers, and I believe that the airplanes of our Mr. MEAD. Because there is another i:tmendment that Nation are not as good as those of other nations. Give comes in first. our Army pilots a chance, and they will show their worth Mr. BLANTON. But that is to be provided f9r in this bill? and ability. Weather conditions· recently hatve been un­ Mr. MEAD. Yes. usual. We should not censure for things unavoidable. We Mr. BLANTON. That is satisfa.cto.ry. sympathize deeply with those who are in sorrow. Often the Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, in explanation of this amend­ toll of progress appears tragic. We should be reasonable ment let me say that the matter of compensation was not and fair in our accusaitions and charges. Our President has brought to the attention of the committee by either the exercised the same courage in this instance that he exer­ War Department or the Post Office Department. The sub­ cised in bringing other phases of the new deal to the Ameri­ ject was brought to my attention by our distinguished col­ can people. league, Representative DIRKSEN, and I then took the matter Mr. WEIDEMAN. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman up with the War Department. The peace-time rates would yield? be satisfactory to the War Department, but ou further con­ Mr. GREEN. Not now; I am sorry. It took courage to ference with my colleague and with members of the com­ refinance the mortgages of our farm and home owners; mittee we thought it no more than fair to give them the it took courage to issue at bank maratorium; it took cour­ highest rate llllder exiSting law, and so we specify the war­ age to give the Reconstruction Finance Corporation more time rates rather than the peace-time rates. An amend­ power; yes, and to put over the Muscle Shoals project, ment that I shall offer next includes the Reserve officers, also to guarantee bank deposits and to expand the cur­ and in another amendment I shall offer, it makes the pro­ rency; and it took cournge to appropriate $3,300,000,000 to visions retroactive as of February 10. In this amendment relieve distress and to carry on public wm·ks and civil we provide the highest rate prescribed by existing law for works in our Nation. Yes; your President is cairrying his war-time service. We cover not only Regular and Reserve new deal to the American people and is succeeding in a officers. but also the enlisted personnel. manner most extraordinary. I am happy to give him my Mr. BLANCHARD. Will the gentleman state exactly full support and cooperation. I have voted for every one of what that will amount to? his proposals and have no apologies to make for so doing. Mr. MEAD. I am not able to give the gentleman the He is rebuilding our Nation. I am not surprised that those rate structure. I am only able to inform him that the war.:. on the other side of the aisle [the Republicans] should time rates are higher than the peace-time rates. look with grave apprehension upon the canceling of the Mr. BLANCHARD. Will the gentleman insert that in the air mail contracts and undertake to criticize the very arm RECORD? of protection of our Government, our Army fliers. My Mr. MEAD. Yes; I will if I have it. friends, you are wrong in this _accusation. Why do you Mr. TABER. Is it not $30 a month? try to condone special privilege, power of money, corrup­ Mr. HOEPPEL. Absolutely. tion? [Applause.] Mr. MEAD. It is from $10 to $100 a month for the per .. The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from sonnel. Florida has expired. Mr. HOEPPEL. Not at all. 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3149 Mr. TABER. It is $100 a month to noncommissioned death. There has already been a much higher percentage officers surviving and $30 to the widow. of casualties in 1 week among Regular Army officers than Mr. MEAD. That, I believe, is correct. there were during the entire war. I do not have the figures Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman before me, but if my memory serves me correctly, there were yield? less than 30 West Point graduates killed in the World War Mr. MEAD. Yes; I yield. or died from wounds received on the battlefield. Already six Mr. WADSWORTH. The amendment just adopted pro­ Army officers in the last week have been killed, and I submit vided that these officers, now that they are on duty under that that is an emergency for them and their families. And the Post Office Department, shall not lose any of their mili­ what did we do during the World War? What co:t.npensa­ tary status, rights, or privileges as officers of the Army. tion did we provide for the enlisted men and for the officers Now, one of the rights and privileges of an officer is the in case of death of any of them. We provided an insurance right of retirement for physical disability at three quarters amounting to $10,000, and that is exactly what I propose to of the pay of his grade. You have now assured him of that. do by this amendment. The risk is almost 99 percent As a matter of fact, I think that is surplusage, but it has greater for these flyers, obeying the orders of their Com­ been put into this act. Now, does the pending amendment mander in Chief, the President of the United States, than add further rights in addition to the retirement privilege it was for the Regular Army officers in the World War. which he already enjoys? Mr. McGUGIN. Will the gentleman yield? Mr. MEAD. I am not familiar with the rates, but we were Mr. FISH. I submit it is only fair. It is not a matter of informed that this will give them the higher or the war­ sympathy. It is not a matter of charity. It is doing ex­ time rates. actly what we did for our soldiers in the World War, both Mr. WADSWORTH. This will, if taken by itself; but we the enlisted men and officers. No one is able to explain the have already put into this bill a reenactment, as it were, oi amendment offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. his existing rights for retirement for physical disability. Is MEAD]. We do not know whether it calls for $30 a month he going to get both? or $50 a month. We do not know what it is. We know that Mr. MEAD. No. I think the gentleman misunderstands this amendment which I have offered calls for the payment the application of both provisions, because the amendment of $10,000 to the family and dependents of any Army pilot which has been adopted insures Army discipline while in killed flying the air mail. the Postal Service and includes certain dependents in bene­ :r..tr. McGUGIN. Will the gentleman yield? fits of the law. That is the information given to me. Mr. FISH. I yield. The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from New Mr. McGUGIN. The truth is these men could not possibly York [Mr. MEAD] has expired. have taken life insurance with any life-insurance company Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment, which to protect their dependents. I send to the desk. Mr. FISH. And the Army could not take it for them, or The Clerk read as follows: they have not in the past. I should like to ask the gentle­ Amendment offered by Mr. FISH as an amendment to the man from Oregon if it is not a fact that the Army officers amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: I move that there be added to during the war, and the enlisted men, were compelled to the amendment offered by Mr. MEAD the following: "Provided, take out insurance to the amount of $10,000, which was That in the event of death of an Army pilot as the result of accident while flying the air mall the sum of $10,000 shall be paid deducted from their pay? to his dependents or estate." Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. Yes; but when that was done Mr. DOBBINS. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order we did not expect all this legislation that has come after­ that the amendment to the amendment is not germane to ward. We had to remedy that. the amendment nor to the original bill. Mr. FISH. I do not know what legislation the gentleman Mr. FISH. I trust the gentleman will withhold the point refers to. And does not the gentleman think these Army of order. air pilots risk their lives 99 times more than the Regular The CHAIRMAN. Does the gentlemen care to be heard? officers did in the war, and should be entitled to at least The Chair is ready to rule. the same compensation and at least the same treatment Mr. FISH. I should like to be heard. I should like to ask from the Government in this manufactured emergency? I the gentleman if he will withhold the point of order. am sure the gentleman from Oregon does not want to turn Mr. DOBBINS. I think we should get to a vote. I make West Point graduates into mail carriers when no emer­ the point of order, Mr. Chairman. gency exists. The CHAIRMAN (Mr. BROWN of Kentucky). The Chair Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. I should like to ask the gentle- is ready to rule. The Chair is of the opinion that the man a question. amendment offered by the gentleman fTOm New York [Mr. Mr. FISH. That is all I wanted to ask the gentleman. FISH] deals with compensation, and therefore it is germane. Mr. HEALEY. Will the gentleman yield? The point of order is overruled. Mr. FISH. No. I cannot yield now. I want to answer Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, I am sure the distinguished the statement made by the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Army officer in this House, the gentleman from Oregon, GREEN], wherein he said there was a real investigation be­ General MARTIN, will agree that the Army is asking for no fore the cancelation of the air-mail contracts. How could sympathy or charity. They are asking for simple justice, there be any worth-while investigation without affording the and nothing else. I am opposed to many of the statements officials of the companies a hearing or a trial? Every Ameri­ that have been made here today that the Army air-mail can citizen, even if he is charged with murder, kidnaping, or flyers are not efficient. They are just as efficient as any high treason against the Government, is entitled to a trial pilots in America, and the fact is that the Army pilots before conviction in the United States. The actual scandal trained practically all the civilian pilots in this country. was not in the making of the air-mail contracts back in 1930 I believe that is undeniable. The reason for these accidents but in the scandalous and dictatorial manner of their can­ and the reason for the protests on this side and some on the celation. Democratic side is that Army air pilots are ordered to fly the The American people, I am convinced, prefer to stand mail in open planes, not properly equipped with radio de­ with Col. Charles A. Lindbergh and Capt. Eddie Ricken­ vices, in the midst of winter and at night, which naturally backer rather than with Postmaster General Farley and his means that they are killed because of inadequate equipment. high-handed and autocratic methods. The amendment I have offered, I believe I can prove, is a The investigation that ought to be held is not the investi­ fair and just amendment. A few minutes ago I stated that gation of these 1930 air-mail contracts, in regard to which this was not a real emergency;. it was an emergency manu­ not an iota of evidence proving fraud has been produced by factured by Postmaster General Farley; but it is an emer­ anyone; the investigation that ought to be held is one to gency for those Army pilots who are ordered out to their find out the political motives behind the cancelation of the 3150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 air-mail contracts by Postmaster General Farley. [Ap­ fraud on the part of the former administration and its offi­ plause.] cials than we have. Everyone knows we have tried to get Under unanimous consent given me· to extend my re­ theEe facts. The gentleman from Texas [Mr. MCFARLANE] marks, I include the following, which I dedicate to the hero­ has been working for a long time trying to get facts in ism of the Army Air Corps. I do not claim that it is good regard to our flying forces but he has had to literally fight in rhyme or rhythm, but at least it represents my own to get the actual facts. For instance, that there was 65 feelings: percent of profit made on some contracts in the sale of Ordered to fly the mail, engines and airships to the Government under contracts Was there a pilot dismayed, made by officials of the former administration, and the Not though the Army knew 1927 1934, Someone had blundered? profits of the Pratt & Whitney Co., from to aver­ Theirs not to make reply, aged 36 percent. It will take a little time to get these facts, Theirs not to reason why, but the facts will come out. However, we know they are not Theirs but to do and die, going to give us anything. Into the clouds of death Flew the Army pilots. Mr. O'MALLEY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? I Mr. WEIDEMAN. I yield. I Mountains to right of them, Mountains to left of them, Mr. O'MALLEY. Does the gentleman think that perhaps Mountains in front of them; the reason the Army cannot even fly a few pounds of mail In snow, cold, and storm, is because most of the pilots were trained under 12 years of During both night and morn, Republican administration? Boldly they flew the mail. Into the winds and sky, Mr. WEIDEMAN. No; I do not believe that. But I do Into the jaws of death, believe you cannot send a scow up into the air and expect to Flew the Army Air Corps. have it fly; it just will not fly. Our equipment is not ade­ Aeroplanes fl.ash through air, quate. We have been deceived too long by the men in charge Open to weather and bare, of these bureaus. They have believed that in a spirit of Carrying the air mail, while All the world wondered. patriotism, even though we discovered these facts, we would stormed at by snow and ice, still claim that we had the greatest flying force in the world. Plunging through unknown space Let us not fool ourselves. We have not the greatest· flying Right through the fog they flew, force in the world; but we should have it. That is what I Pilot and copilot. Reeling from wintry blasts, am arguing about. If we are going to spend hundreds of Shattered and sundered, millions of dollars for airships and airplane engines, let us While plane and hero fell, get what we pay for should we authorize the purchase of They that had fought so well, 3,000 more airplanes. Because someone had blundered. Mr. O'MALLEY. At least the cancelation of the air-mail Mr. WEIDEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have listened with contracts has shown the American people the total unpre­ interest to the statement of the gentleman from New York paredness of the American flying force. that this is a manufactured emergency. If it is a manu­ Mr. WEIDEMAN. Yes. I was about to remark that factured emergency, then the manufacturing began in the although the accusation of murder has been made against administration of former Postmaster General Brown, with the present administration, probably these lives have not the aid and connivance of the big interests in this country. been lost in vain, for if by the lessons learned in this flying I dislike to take issue with the gentle~an from Florida on of the air mail the present administration should save not this side of the aisle who says we· have the best-equipped only 18 lives but 800,000 lives in the future. If we can save airplanes in the world. We have not; and it is about time the lives of thousands of our men now in training, probably we awoke to the fact that our air force is not as adequate to again save the world for democracy, although I am not as that of England, of France, or of Japan. There is a so sure that we saved it the last time, I say if it results in Member in the Chamber who has the facts, and I hope such a saving of future soldiers' lives, they will not have before we get through with this debate he gives you the died in vain. [Applause.] information he has, for I am sure it will astound you. Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I hope we can There is no more valiant group of flyers than the Amer­ get some of the bnnk out of this program, some of the poli­ ican air force. They yield to none in patriotism or courage; tics out of it. I am not going to take up the question of the but we cannot send men up in inefficient ships, in ships im­ expediency or inexpediency of ordering a portion of the properly equipped, and expect them to do the same job of Army to handle the air mail, but I urge you to leave the flying as though they had fully equipped, first-class ships. Army alone in this latest call to duty. Allow it to perform Let us not disillusion ourselves about the present situation its function. Preserve the morale of the Army; leave your of our air forces. The Democratic administration has just soft stuff out of the Army. · [Applause.] It does not want brought some of the things to light. it. The Army is appreciative of all that this country has Mr. DUFFEY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? done for it, but why does a man get into the Army if he Mr. WEIDEMAN. I yield. [After a pause.] Does the does not want to obey his commanding officer? [Applause.] gentleman wish to ask me a question? Congress and the country have been generous in laws Mr. DUFFEY. No. taking care of the Army. The Army stands by these laws Mr. BRITTEN. Do not let them throw you off. and asks no more. Therefore it makes me just a little tired Mr. WEIDEMAN. I yielded because I thought the gentle­ when I see some of these devoted friends of the Army today man really had a question. I am surprised that he did not trying to heap on the Army these things it does not want. have one. If you want to help to preserve the Army and make it Mr. BRITTEN. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? efficient vote for generous appropriation bills when they Mr. WEIDEM.A.N. I yield. come up. This will help build up the Army and make it Mr. BRITTEN. The gentleman from Ohio probably did efficient. When it comes to the question of politics do not not like the gentleman's reference to the Democratic Party say that our Air Service is no good. The Air Service is just having just found out the deplorable state of the equipment. as good as the Congress has made it. If you will pass the Mr. WEIDEMAN. Oh, yes; he liked that. What he did proper laws and the proper appropriations you will have a not like about the situation is the fact that we have been proper Air Service, but if you chisel in on them, cut them unable to get information with regard to the inefficiency of down and humiliate the Air Service, allowing them an in­ our flying craft because we have a group of hold-over Re­ adequate appropriation, you will not have an efficient Air publicans in charge of the bureaus from whom it is hard to Service. May I sum up by saying please let the Army alone. secure any information regarding the correct status of our This is not a new service to the Army. I have taken my air forces. [Applause.] If they would just cooperate with battalion out to fight forest fires where we lost men fighting us a little and tell us the actual facts we would show more these fires-also floods. Another example is the San Fran- 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3151 cisco earthquake and fire. The Army is being called for Mr. MEAD. May I say to the gentleman that I am not at extraordinary duty all the time. Every fellow who comes all familiar with the military retirement benefits. Our gen­ into the Army takes all the responsibilities and all the dan­ eral line of work brings us in contact with the Post Office gers that go with it. If he does not enjoy these things and Department. We sent for Army officers and we had the he is not willing to take part in them he had better stay advice of the legislative counsel of the House. We treated out of the Army. That is not the profession for him. So the Army as liberally as we possibly could under the circum­ for God's sake do not coddle them, do not ruin their morale. stances. As I have said, we give the officers who are flying Let them stand up like men and take what comes to them the mail the privileges that would be theirs if they were in and take it cheerfully. You will then make good soldiers a state of war. We confer like privileges on the Reserve of the Army, but do not be continually chiseling in on the officers and enlisted personnel, then we make it retroactive money allowed them. That is not the way to treat them. in order to cover the accidents that have already occurred. [Applause.] Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, here is the point I Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I move that all debate on the have in mind: The gentleman from New York will recollect, amendment to the amendment do now close. I am sure, that there is upon the statute books today the Mr. HOEPPEL. Mr. Chairman, a parliamentary inquiry. so-called "emergency officers' retirement law", placed upon The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. the statute books only after a very long battle. As I recollect, Mr. HOEPPEL. Mr. Chairman, as a Member of this this provides that any officer who served during the war and House, have I not the right to take the floor to oppose an incurred a 'disability 30 percent or more in degree shall be amendment? placed upon the retired list or the supplemental retired list The CHAIRMAN. That is not a parliamentary inquiry. of the Army and shall draw three fourths of the pay of the Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, a parliamentary grade he occupied during the war for the rest of his life. inquiry. Now we are in time of peace. There can be no addition to The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. the emergency officers' retirement list, unless the officers Mr. FITZPATRICK. What are we voting on now, the show from now on that during the war they incurred dis­ amendment to the amendment? abilities which at this time are in excess of 30 percent. We The CHAIRMAN. We are voting on the motion to close all know the tremendous abuse that was brought about debate on the amendment to the amendment. under the mistaken enactment of emergency officers' retire­ The motion was agreed to. ment laws, and that it was in direct conflict with all our The CHAffiMAN. The question is on the amendment traditions respecting pensions. I want to know whether the offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. FisHJ to the Reserve officer who is summoned to active duty for the Air amendment offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Mail Service, if disabled to the extent of 31 percent, is to be MEAD]. retired for life at three fourths of the pay of his grade under The amendment to the amendment was rejected. the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York? Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I move that all debate on the Mr. MEAD. May I say to the gentleman it is my informa­ original amendment do now close. tion that he will not be entitled to the privileges of the The motion was agreed to. Retirement Act. I am of the opinion that the Retirement The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment Let sets a specific limit of time within which the injury must offered by the gentleman from New York. have taken place. The amendment was agreed to. Mr. WADSWORTH. But are you not suspending that Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment, which limitation by this subsequent legislation? I send to the desk. Mr. :MEAD. We are taking into consideration such in­ The Clerk read as follows: juries as occur since February 10 as a result of this emer­ Amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: Add the following new section: gency air-mail service. " SEC. 5. Reserve officers performing duty hereunder shall be deemed to be in the active military service, and if injured or Mr. WADSWORTH. That is the point I make. killed, such officer or his dependents and beneficiaries shall be en­ Mr. MEAD. In the discussions in connection with this titled to the same benefits as in the case of officers of the Regular amendment the question that the gentleman brings up was Army and for their dependents and beneficiaries. Section 4 of this section shall be deemed to be in effect on February 10, 1934." not considered and was not injected into these discussions. I may say to the gentleman that I shall be glad to correct Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, in explanation of this amend­ the bill in conference if it is thought necessary. ment, may I say that it merely gives the Reserve officers [Here the gavel fell.] the same privileges which in the former amendment we Mr. TABER. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent 1 conferred upon Regular officers, and in addition this makes that the gentleman may have 2 additional minutes. the provisions of both amendm~nts retroactive as of Feb­ ruary 10. May I further explain that there are certain The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection? designated relatives of deceased military personnel who are There was no objection. entitled to a gratuity where death occurred in line of duty Mr. TABER. Will the gentleman yield? of such personnel. These amendments give to these de­ Mr. MEAD. I yield to my colleague from New York. pendents, as well as to the personnel itself, the higher war­ Mr. TABER. Is it not a fact that under the gentleman's time rate, while the amendment which was adopted a few amendment Reserve officers would be retired in just the same minutes ago preserves for the War Department the military manner and under just the same circumstances as Regular discipline while the personnel is away on civil duty. So that Army officers? by the adoption of these amendments and the amendment Mr. MEAD. I may say to the gentleman that as I have which preceded these amendments, we confer the highest previously stated, we took this matter up with the depart­ rates on all those who are entitled to benefits as a result of ments affected and these amendments are the result. I injuries that occur in line of duty. We give these gratuities am not espeeially concerned with them, but they struck me to the Reserve officers and enlisted men and we make them as being justified under the circumstances. I think they retroactive as of February 10, 1934. According to the best are far better than amendments which have been offered, information that reaches me, we are treating the Army particularly on that s:de of the aisle. I do not want to be liberally. unreasonable, either with the personnel or the departments. Mr. WADSWORTH. Will the gentleman yield? If there are any imperfections in these amendments I would Mr. MEAD. I yield to the gentleman from New York. be pleased to take them out, either now or when the bill Mr. WADSWORTH. There is another phase to this very is considered later in conference. I am aiming to do what difficult subject, and I fear we are getting into very deep I think is a matter of justice to these men. water. Will this amendment have the effect of conferring Mr. McCORMACK. Will the gentleman yield? the retirement privilege upon a disabled Reserve officer? Mr. MEAD. I yield. 3152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Mr. McCORMACK. In any event, a Reserve officer called accidents 50 percent. You ought to make amends for Your into service is entitled to the same consideration as a Reg­ misdeeds. [Laughter and applause.] ular Army officer. Now, Mr. Chairman, I know that under the Democratic Mr. MEAD. This puts the Reserve officer and the Regular gag rule no liberal thought can ever be enacted in this Army officer on the same level. House, but nevertheless I now off er a substitute amendment. [Here the gavel felll. Mr. SEARS. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order. Mr. HOEPPEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the The gentleman having delivered himself, I -aiake the poini amendment. I am not going to hide behind this rostrum or order he does not know what his motion is and is not and decline to yield. If there is anyone who wants informa­ arguing his motion. tion on this subject, and I am in a position to give it, I shall Mr. HOEPPEL. I must yield to a point of order under be glad to do so. gag rule. To begin with, the amendment just offered by the dis­ Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order tinguished gentleman from New York, to which I rose in that it must have been a good Democrat who whispered opposition for the purpose of obtaining the :floor, is a very into the good Democratic chairman's ear. worthy amendment and I hope it will be adopted, but I rose Mr. HOEPPEL. It was. It was the distinguished gentle­ to call your attention to what we enacted just a moment ago man from Alabama who is usually seen walking up and when the Chairman declined to give me the :floor. down the aisle, closing down on liberal thought. [Laughter.] In this pension legislation you have provided that the de­ The CHAffiMAN. The gentleman from California offers pendents of the officers and the enlisted men shall receive an amendment, which the Clerk will report. only $30 per month. Under the prior amendments which The Clerk read as fallows: have been adopted you are giving equal rights to Reserve Amendment offered by Mr. HoEPPEL as a substitute for the officers, which is also well and good, and I am in accord with amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: At the end of the bill add a new that, but I am certainly not in accord with any proposition section, to read : "In case any officer, including warrant and Reserve officers, or which will take men from the military service and induct enlisted man is injured or killed while performing duty hereunder, them forcibly into civil occupations and then refuse to grant the dependents of such officers or enlisted men shall be entitled them or their dependents the same benefits which others to compensation under title of compensation section 10 of the receive when they are engaged in civil occupations. act entitled 'An act to provide compensation for employees of the United States suffering injuries while in performance of their Mr. BLANTON. Will the gentleman yield? duties, and for other purposes', approved September 7, 1916, as Mr. HOEPPEL. I will gladly do so. amend~d." Mr. BLANTON. In doing justice to these Army flyers, our Mr. DOBBINS. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order friend from California does not want to do an injustice to that the amendment is not germane, either to the original our distinguished Chairman, the gentleman from Kentucky bill or the bill as amended. [Mr. BROWN], who was not only a distinguished speaker of The CHAIRMAN. The point of order is sustained. Does his own State legislature but is also a distinguished parlia­ the gentleman from California want to be heard on the mentarian and knows well how to handle all kinds of situa­ point of order? tions. He was only carrying out the rules of the House when Mr. HOEPPEL. I do, Mr. Chairman. Several days ago, he declined to give the gentleman the privilege of the floor. when an amendment was offered to the gold devaluation Mr. HOEPPEL. I will answer the gentleman's question bill, when I pleaded with my Democratic colleagues-- quite distinctly that the Chairman assured me the floor, but someone went to the Chairman and whispered in his ear Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of and I did not get the floor, and there you are. [Laughter.] order that the gentleman is not arguing to the point of order. The CHAffiMAN. I do not like to interrupt the gentle­ Mr. HOEPPEL. I am showing that this is a similar situ­ man's speech, but the gentleman is mistaken. ation. Several days ago when I offered an amendment in Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. Will the gentleman yield? favor of the poor, blind veterans in foreign countries, the gag Mr. HOEPPEL. I am glad to yield to the distinguished rule was put on me. gentleman from Oregon. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman is not arguing the Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. The gentleman was in the Army point of order. a great many years? Mr. HOEPPEL. Mr. Chairman, I will concede the point of Mr. HOEPPEL. Please do not bring in any personalities. order. We are talking on the amendments now. The CHAIR!\~AN. The point of order is sustained. Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. When the gentleman was in the [Laughter and applause.] Army he did whatever he was ordered, and was not the gen­ Mr. BANKHEAD. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the tleman ordered frequently to do things that were of a Committee, the gentleman· from California who has just civilian character? taken his seat has made a very improvident statement. He Mr. HOEPPEL. I will answer the gentleman in this way: has made a statement based on no facts whatever. I made a note to call attention to what the gentleman dis­ Mr. HOEPPEL. Will the gentleman yield? I did not cussed here. The gentleman said that he went out willingly suggest that the gentleman was responsible; I mentioned no and fought forest fires, and so did I, but can anyone truth­ names. If the gentleman infers that he is the individual fully state that canceling air-mail contracts is an emergency I had in mind, by this inference I would assume that he is of that description? Absolutely not. [Applause.] the party referred to. [Laughter.] Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. But as a soldier the gentleman Mr. BANKHEAD. Let me ask the gentleman a question, has no right to question what his Commander in Chief does. and he can answer it on his conscience. Was the gentleman Mr. HOEPPEL. I am a Representative in the Congress of referring to me when he said " the gentleman from Ala­ the United States, and I have the right to plead and fight bama"? for the dependents of these men whom we are sending to Mr. HOEPPEL. Answering that, I will say that I reserve their death. the right to object. In this instance I follow the usual Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. But you cannot question the Democrat:c gag. [Laughter.] right of your commanding officer or your President. Mr. BANKHEAD. I do not yield further. I merely rose Mr. HOEPPEL. I do not yield any more, and before I to disclaim the fact that I was in any way responsible, and conclude I wish to state that the Democrats of this House I have asked the gentleman to whom he referred, and he who are so solicitous about the Army air-mail filers were side-stepped the question, which shows no coumge. [Ap­ certainly absent last session when they sought to reduce plause.] But I want to say to you in all candor that I Army and Navy aviators' pay 50 percent, and you gentlemen hesitate to oppose any suggestiOn made by the gentleman of a Democratic House who passed the Economy Act reduced from Californ1a upon any proposition involving the service the pensions of the dependents of men killed in airplane men or the veterans of this country. j • )

1 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3153 I do that for this reason: On February 17 last the gentle­ Mr. HILL of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman man from California addressed a letter to the President of yield? the United States, a copy of which was sent to -my office, Mr. DffiKSEN. Yes. signed by the gentleman from California. In the course of Mr. HILL of Alabama. The gentleman knows, of course, that rather long letter to the President of the United States that all flying officers of the Army today get 50 percent more the gentleman from California used this very modest pay on· account of being on a flying status, and that this 50 language: percent additional pay is given them to pay for their I consider that I understand the veteran question as well as any insurance? man in Congress and am quite confident that I understand all Mr. DffiKSEN. I have no particular quarrel with the phases of it better than any man in the United States. amount of money that should be paid to retired officers, but [Laughter a..nd applause.] I am thinking, however, of the widows and orphans who had Mr. HOEPPEL. Will the gentleman yield? nothing to say as to whether a man should enlist in the Mr. BANKHEAD. Yes; I yield to the gentleman. Army or not. They are the innocent bystanders, and they Mr. HOEPPEL. It is my observation in this House that should be properly protected. the Democratic Membership is not sympathetic and does not Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, will the gentle­ and will not understand the veteran question, but the vet­ man yield? erans will be heard from in November. [Applause.] Mr. DIRKS&~. Yes. l\ifr. BANKHEAD. I simply rose to reiterate my position Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. Just to say to the gentleman in being cautious about opposing any suggestion made by the from Illinois [Mr. DIRKSEN] that he need not worry over gentleman from California, because he has so handsomely these people. Just let the Army alone. They have not any qualified himself as possessing all knowledge on this ques­ vote. Do not worry over them. They are grateful for the tion. [Applause.] benefits Congress grants them. They are good soldiers and Mr. DffiKSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike out the flyers, and they obey the orders of the President; and if last three words. In view of the fact that it is so difficult they get hurt, they do not whine about it. and so expensive for a member of the flying corps to secure Mr. DffiKSEN. And I agree with the distinguished gen­ adequate insurance for his family, some proper provision for tleman from Oregon that we should keep our hands off the disabled and dependent members of a flyer's family should Army. However, the unfortunate widows and children of be written into the present proposal. I shall take just a Army men did not have anything to say as to whether the minute or two to clarify the situation as I see it. Let us man should enlist in the Army or not, and they are the assume that a mail plane leaves Bolling Field and that a folks that we ought to look out for. second lieutenant is in the cockpit, representing, for that Mr. MARTIN of Oregon. They have been looked out for matter, all of the officer personnel of the Army. If he falls very well and taken care of. in a field in Maryland and is totally disabled, he will receive Mr. HOEPPEL. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? three quarters of his actual pay. If, instead of being dis­ Mr. DffiKSEN. Yes. abled, he is killed, his widow will receive 6 months' pay and Mr. HOEPPEL. I should like the distinguished gen­ in addition thereto a pension of $30 a month, plus $4 per tleman from Oregon [Mr. MARTIN] to consider the fact that month for each child. If a mail plane leaves the field and one of these widows will receive only $360 a year and have a sergeant is in the cockpit, representing the noncommis­ him compare that with the $6,000 a year retirement pay sioned and enlisted personnel, he will receive . if totally dis­ which he receives. abled, through a crash, not to exceed $100 per month. If, Mr. MEAD. Mr. Chairman, I move that all debate upon however, he should be killed, his widow will receive $30 per all amendments except the amendment to the title be now month, and each child will receive $4 per month. One of closed. the amendments proposed consolidates all Regular and Re­ The motion was agreed to. serve officers, and the gentleman from New York [Mr. Mr. MEAD. Mr~ Chairman, I send to the desk an amend­ WADSWORTH] is quite correct in his contention that Reserve ment to the title to be offered later to the bill when we officers will be brought within the purview of the act and get in the House. be given the benefit of the Officers' Retirement Act for any­ The Clerk read as follows: thing that ·may happen out of the present emergency. Amendment offered by Mr. MEAD: Amend the title. All noncommissioned officers and enlisted men are also gathered in a separate classification, and so, for clarifica­ The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. tion let me say that if an officer, whether he is on regular The Clerk read as follows: duty or a Reserve officer impressed into duty, is killed, his SEC. 3. The Postmaster General of the United States is author­ dependents will get 6 months' pay and $30 per month for ized, during the period not. later than I year from the passage of this -act, to enter into temporary contracts with individuals and/or the widow and $4 for each child. If he is totally disabled, corporations for carrying the mails of the United States between he will get three fourths of his pay. If an enlisted man is such points and under such regulations as may be prescribed by crashed and is totally disabled, he gets $100 a month, and the Postmaster General. if he is killed his widow gets $30 a month and his children With the following committee amendment: get $4 a month. That is my conception and interpretation of the beneficial Strike out all of section 3. amendments that have been offered to this proposal seeking The committee amendment was agreed to. to confer some benefits upon those who are being projected Mr. GOSS . . Mr. Chairman, a parliamentary inquiry. into extrahazardous work at the present time, and while I The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will state it. shall off er no amendment I want the Membership of the Mr. GOSS. Should the title be amended in the Com .. House to have perfectly clear concept as to precisely what mittee, before the bill is passed? benefits are going to be conferred upon the widows and chil­ The CHAIRMAN. The title is amended after the passage dren and the disabled personnel because of any difficulties of the bill in the House. that may arise from carrying the mail in what are alleged Mr. O'MALLEY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a to be inadequate aerial contrivances. unanimous-consent request, but in deference to the chair-. Mr. McGUGIN. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman man of the committee I would like to· make this suggestion: yield? There have been about nine amendments offered to this bill,. Mr. DffiKSEN. Yes. which was composed of only 18 lines when it came here. I Mr. McGUGIN. If the House had accepted the amend~ should hope that the chairman might ask that the bill as ·ment offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. F!sH], amended be read before the House at this time, so that we1 granting $10,000, they would have been taken care of, know just what it is. would they not? The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman can make that request Mr. DIRKSEN. I rather fancy it would. after the bill is read in its entirety. ( • I (

3154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 2( The Clerk read as follows: The SPEAKER. The question is on the motion to re­ SEC. 4. The authority granted herein is intended to authorize commit. the Postmaster General to supplement mall service being provided Mr. BUCKBEE. I demand the yeas and nays, Mr. by the War Department when and wherever he deems it neces­ Speaker. sary, and may be made during such temporary period without advertisement or competitive bidding: Provided, That no such The yeas and nays were ordered. agreement shall be made for a period longer than 3 months nor Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, a parliamentary inquiry. at a rate that exceeds 40 cents per airplane-mile. The SPEAKE..-q,. The gentleman will state the parliamen­ With the following committee amendment: tary inquiry. Strike out all of section 4. Mr. FISH. As I understand it, we are voting on the The committee amendment was agreed to. motion to recommit. Is that correct? The Clerk read as follows: The SPEAKER. That is correct. The question is on the motion to recommit. The Clerk will call the roll. SEC. 5. The Postmaster General shall make a report to the Con­ gress on all contracts and payments made by him under this act, The question was taken; and there were-yeas 100, nays together with the rates of compensation paid and to be paid 244, not voting 87, as follows: thereunder-. [Roll No. 92) With the following committee amendment: YEAS-100 Strike out all of section 5. Allen Dirksen Knutson Rogers, Mass. Andrew, Mass. Dondero Kvale Secrest The committee amendment was agreed to. Bacon Dowen Lambertson Seger The CHAIRMAN. If there are no further amendments, Bakewell Dunn Lehl bach Shoemaker Beck Eaton . Lemke Simpson the Committee will rise, in accordance with the rule. Beedy Eltse, Calif. Luce Sinclair Accordingly the Committee rose; and the Speaker having Blanchard Englebright Lundeen Snell Boileau Evans McFadden Strong, Pa. resumed the chair, Mr. BROWN of Kentucky, Chairman of Bolton Fish McGugin Swick the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Uni<>n, Britten Focht McLean Taber reported that that Committee had had under consideration Buckbee Foss McLeod Taylor, Tenn. Burnham Foulkes Martin, Mass. Thurston the bill CH.R. 7966) to authorize the Postmaster General to Carter, Calif. GUford Merritt Tinkham make temporary contracts for canying the mails by air, Carter, Wyo. Gilchrist Millard Tobey and for other purposes, and pursuant to House Resolution Cavicchia. Goss Monaghan, Mont. Traeger Chase Greenway Mott Turpin 278 he reported the same back to the House with sundry Christianson Guyer Moynihan, ill. Wadsworth amendment adopted by the Committee. Clarke, N.Y. Hancock, N.Y. Peavey Welch Cochran, Pa. Hartley Perkins Whitley The SPEAKER. Under the rule, the previous question is Collins, Calif. Higgins Plumley Wigglesworth ordered on the passage of the bill and amendments thereto. Cooper, Ohio Hollister Ransley Withrow Is a separate vote demanded on any amendment? If not, Crowther Holmes Reece Wolcott Culkin Hope Reed, N.Y. Wolfenden the Chair will put them en gros. Darrow James Reid, ill. Wolverton The amendments were agreed to. De Priest Kahn Rich Woodruff The SPEAKER. The question is on the engrossment and NAYS-244 third reading of the bill. Adair Crosby Howard O'Brien Adams Cross, Tex. Huddleston O'Connell The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, Allgood Crosser, Ohio Hughes O'Malley and was read the third time. Arens Crowe Imhoff Oliver, N.Y. The SPEAKER. The question is on the passage of the Arnold Crump Jacobsen Owen Ayers, Mont. Cummings Johnson, Minn. Parks bill. Ayres, Kans. Darden Johnson, Okla. Parsons Mr. BUCKBEE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to re- BaHey Dear Johnson, Tex. Patman commit. Bankhead Deen Johnson, W.Va.. Peterson Beam Delaney Jones Pettengill The SPEAKER. Is the gentleman opp0sed to the bill? Beiter Dickinson Keller Peyser Mr.BUCKBEE. lam. Berlin Dies Kelly, Ill. Pierce Is Biermann Dobbins Kelly, Pa. Polk The SPEAKER. the gentleman a member of the com­ Black Dockweiler Kenney Prall mittee? Bland Doughton Kerr Ramsay Mr. BUCKBEE. I am. Blanton Douglass Kleberg Ramspeck Bloom Doxey Kloeb Rankin The SPEAKER. The Clerk will report the motion to re­ Boehne Driver Kniffin Reilly commit. Boland Duffey Kocialkowsk1 Richards The Clerk read as follows: Brennan Duncan, Mo. Kramer Richardson Brown, Ga. Durgan, Ind. Lambeth Robinson Mr. BUCKBEE moves to recommit the bill to the Committee on Brown, Ky. Eagle Lamneck Rogers, N.H. the Post Office and Post Roads with instructions to report the Brown, Mich. Edmiston Lanham Rogers, Okla. same back forthwith with the following amendment: Page 2, after Browning Eicher Larrabee Romjue the last adopted amendment, insert "Provided, That no pilot shall Brunner Ellenbogen Lea, Cali!, Ruffin be permitted to fiy a plane, under this act, who is not supplied Buchanan Ellzey, Miss. Lee, Mo. Sabath with a plane equipped with two-way radio and all modern ap­ Buck Faddis Lesinski Sadowski Farley pliances, and who has not passed test for beam fiying: Provided, Bulwinkle Lewis. Colo. Sandlin a Burch Fernandez That in the event of death of an Army pilot as the result of Lewis, Md. Schaefer Burke, Nebr. Fiesinger Lloyd Schulte accident while flying with air mail the sum of $10,000 shall be Busby Fitzpatrick Lozier Sears paid to his dependents or estate." Byrns Flannagan Ludlow Shallenberger Cady Fletcher McCarthy Shannon Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order against Caldwell Ford Mcclintic Sisson the motion to recommit, that it is not germane. Cannon, Mo. Fuller McCormack Smith, Wash. The SPEAKER. The Chair will hear the gentleman from Cannon. Wis. Gambrill McDuffie Smith, W.Va. Carden, Ky. Gasque McFarlane Snyder New York. Carmichael Gillespie McGrath Spence Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, it occurs to me that in this Carpenter, Kans. Gillette McReynolds Steagall Cartwright Glover Maloney, La. Strong, Tex. particular motion to recommit we are attempting to draw Cary Gray Mansfield Stubbs up a set of plans and specifications for the details of the Castellow Green Marland Swank planes that will be flown by the Army. It occurs to me it Chapman Greenwood Martin, Colo. Tarver Chavez Gregory Martin, Oreg. Taylor, Colo. is out of order, because the gentleman attempts to define Claiborne Gritlln May Taylor, S.C. the equipment of the airplanes, the radio appliances, and Clark, N.C. Griswold Mead Terrell, Tex. in Cochran, Mo. Harlan Meeks Terry, Ark. such other matters that, my judgment, are not germane Coffin Harter Miller Thom to the bill. Colden Hastings Milligan Thomason The SPEAKER. The Chair thinks the motion is germane. Cole Healey Mitchell Thompson, ru. Colmer Henney Montague Thompson. Tex. Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, we have had considerable de­ Condon Hildebrandt Montet Truax bate on this, and I move the previous question on the mo­ Connery Hill, Ala. Moran Turner tion to recommit. Cooper, Tenn. Hill, Knute Morehead utterback Cox Hill. Samuel B. Murdock Vinson, Ga. The previous question was ordered. Cravens Holdale Nesbit Vinson. Ky. \

I \

1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3155

Wallgren Weideman Whittington Wood,' Ga. Brunner Faddis Lehr Romjue Walter Werner Wilcox Wood, Mo. Buck Farley Lemke Ruffin Warren West, Ohio Willford Woodrum Bulwinkle Fernandez Lesinski Sabath Wea.rln West, Tex. Williams Young Burch Fiesinger Lewis, Colo. Sandlin Weaver White Wilson Zloncheck Burke, Nebr. Fitzpatrick Lloyd Schaefer Busby Flannagan Lozier Schuetz NOT VOTING-87 Byrns Fletcher Ludlow Schulte Abernethy Drewry Kinzer Rayburn Cady Ford McCarthy Scrugham Andrews, N.Y. Edmonds Kopplemann Robertson Caldwell Foulkes McClintic Sears Au! der Heide Fitzgibbons Kurtz Rudd Cannon, Mo. Fulmer McCormack Secrest Bacharach Frear Lanzetta Sanders Cannon, Wis. Gambrill McDuffie Shallenberger Boylan Frey Lehr Schuetz Carden, Ky. Gasque McFa.rlane Shannon Brooks Fulmer Lindsay Scrugham Carmichael Gilchrist McGrath Shoemaker Brumm Gavagan McKeown Sirovich Carpenter, Kans. Gillespie McLeod Sisson Burke, Calif. Goldsborough McMillan Smith, Va. Cartwright Gillette McReynolds Smith, Wash. Carley, N.Y. Goodwin Mcswain Somers, N.Y. Cary Glover Maloney, La. Smith. w.va. Carpenter, Nebr. Granfield Maloney, Conn. Stalker Castellow Gray Mansfield Spence Cell er Haines Mapes Stokes Chapman Green Marland Steagall Church Hamilton Marshall Studley Chase Greenwood Martin, Colo. Strong, Tex. Collins, Miss. Hancock., N.C. Muldowney Sullivan Chavez Gregory Martin, Oreg. Stubbs Connolly Hart Musselwhite Sumners, Tex. Christianson Gri.1ll.n May Swank Corning Hess Norton Sutphin Claibo:ne Griswold Mead Tarver Cullen Hoeppel O'Connor Sweeney Cochran. Mo. Harlan Meeks Taylor, Colo. DeRouen Jetrers Oliver, Ala. Thomas Coffin Harter Miller Terrell, Tex. Dickstein Jenckes, Ind. Palmisano Treadway Colden Hastings Milligan Terry, Ark. Dingell Jenkins, Ohio Parker Umstead Cole Healey Mitchell Thom Disney Kee Pou Underwood Colmer Henney Monaghan, Mont. Thomason Ditter Kennedy, Md. Powers Waldron Condon Hildebrandt Montet Thompson, IlL Dautrich Kennedy, N.Y. Randolph Connery Hill, Knute Moran Thompson. Tex. Cooper, Tenn. Hill, Samuel B. Morehead Truax So the motion to recommit was rejected. Cox Howard Murdock Utterback The Clerk announced the following pairs: Cravens Huddleston Nesbit Vinson, Ga. Crosby Hughes O'Brien Vinson, Ky. On this vote: Cross, Tex. Imhoff O'Connell Wallgren Mr. Dltfer (for) with Mr. Kennedy of New York (against). Crosser, Ohio Jacobsen O'Malley Walter Mr. Kinzer (for) With Mr. Gran.field (against). Crowe James Oliver, Ala. Warren Mr. Ba.charach (for) with Mr. Cullen (against). Crump Johnson, Minn. Oliver, N.Y. Wearin Mr. Powers (for) with Mr. Doutrich (against). Cummings Johnson, Okla. Owen Weaver Mr. Connolly (for) with Mr. Palmisano (against). Darden Johnson, Tex. Parks Weideman Mr. Waldron (for) with Mr. Lanzetta (against). Dear Johnson, w.va.. Parsons Welch Mr. Kurtz (for) with Mr. Schuetz (against). Deen Jones Patman Werner Mr. Brumm (for) With Mr. Jetrers (against). Delaney Keller Peterson West, Ohio Mr. Edmonds (for) with Mr. OUver of Alabama (against). Dies · Kelly, Pa. Pettengill West. Tex. Mr. Hess (for) with Mrs. Jenckes of Indiana (again.st). Dobbins Kenney Peyser White Mr. Muldowney (for) with Mr. Pou (against). Dockweiler Kerr Pierce Whittington Doughton Kleberg Polk Wilcox Until further notice: Douglass Kloeb Prall Williams Doxey KnUfin Ramsa.r Wilson Mr. Musselwhite with Mr. Mapes. Driver Kocialkowskl Ramspeck Wood, Ga. Mr. Sullivan with Mr. Treadway. Du1fey Kramer Rankin Wood, Mo. Mr. Boylan with Mr. Andrews of New York. Dunn Kva.le Reilly Woodruff Mr. Collins of Mississippi with Mr. Stokes. Durgan, Ind. Lambeth Richards Woodrum Mr. Corning with Mr. Thomas. Eagle Lamneck Richardson Young Mr. Rudd with Mr. Jenkins of Missouri. Edmiston Lanham Robertson Zioncheck Mr. Parker With Mr. Goodwln. Eicher Larrabee Robinson Mr. Lehr with Mr. Marshall. Ellenbogen Lea, Calif. Rogers. N .H. Mr. O'Connor with Mr. Stalker. Ellzey, Miss. Lee, Mo. Rogers, Okla. Mr. Mcswain With Mr. Sutphin. Mr. Lindsay with Mr. Robertson. NAY8-81 Mr. McKeown With Mr. Kennedy of Maryland. Allen De Priest Knutson Seger Mrs. Norton with Mr. Dingell. Andrew, Mass. Dirksen Lambertson Simpson Mr. Carley with Mr. McMillan. Ba.con Dondero Lehlbach Sinclair Mr. Fulmer With Mr. Slrovich. Bakewell Dowell Luce Snell Mr. Haines with Mr. Studley. Beck Ea.ton Lundeen Swick Mr. Underwood with Mr. Umstead. Beedy Eltse, Calif. McFadden Taber Mr. Sweeney with Mr. Kee. Blancha.rd Engle bright McGugin Taylor, Tenn. Mr. Sumners of Texas with Mr. Hamilton. Bolton Evans McLean Thurston Mr. Smith of Virginia with Mr. Maloney of Connecticut. Britten Fish Martin, Mass. Tinkham Mr. Sanders with Mr. Hart. Buckbee Focht Merritt Tobey Mr. Gavagan With Mr. Hancock of North Carolina. Burnham Foss Millard Traeger Wa. Goldsborough with Mr. Drewry. Carter, Calif. Goss Mott Turpin Mr. Abernethy with Mr. Fitzgibbons. Carter, Wyo. Greenway Moynihan, Ill. Wadsworth Mr. Dickstein with Mr. Au! der Heide. Cavicchia Guyer Perkins Whitley Mr. Disney with Mr. Celler. Clarke, N.Y. Hancock, N.Y. Plumley Wigglesworth Mr. Somers of New York with Mr. Church. Cochran, Pa. Hartley Ransley Wolcott Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Michigan, Colllns, Calif. Higgins Reece Wolfenden Cooper, Ohio Holllster Reed, N.Y. Wolverton • Mr. DINGELL, was called from the floor because of a minor Crowther Holmes Reid, Ill. injury to one of his children. Were he here, he would have Culkin Hope Rich voted " nay." Darrow Kahn Rogers, Mass. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. NOT VOTING-101 Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I question Abernethy Disney Jeffers O'Connor Andrews, N.Y. Ditter Jenckes, Ind. Palmisano the presence of a quorum. Auf der Heide Doutrich Jenkins, Ohio Parker Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Speaker,· I make the point of order Bacharach Drewry Kee Peavey that the vote has. just developed a quorum. Boylan Duncan, Mo. Kelly, Ill. Pou Brooks Edmonds Kennedy, Md. Powers The SPEAKER. The point of order is sustained. Brown, Mich. Fitzgibbons Kennedy, N.Y. Randolph The question is on the passage of the bill. Brumm Frear Kinzer Rayburn Mr. Buchanan Frey Kopplemann Rudd Mr. FISH and RANKIN asked for the yeas and nays. Burke, Calif. Fuller Kurtz Sadowski The yeas and nays were ordered. Carley, N.Y. Gavagan Lanzetta Sanders The question was taken; and there were-yeas 249, nays Carpenter, Nebr. Gitrord Lewis, Md. Slrovich Cell er Goldsborough Lindsay Sm.itll, Va. 81, not voting 101, as follows: Church Goodwin McKeown Snyder [Roll No. 93] Clark, N.C. Granfield McMillan Somers, N.Y. Collins, Miss. Haines Mcswain Stalker YEAS-249 Connolly Hamilton Maloney, Conn. Stokes Adair Ayres, Kans. Biermann Boileau Corning Hancock, N .C. Mapes Strong, Pa. Adams Bailey Black Boland Cullen Hart Marshall Studley Allgood Bankhead Bland Brennan DeRouen Hess Montague Sullivan Arens Beam Blanton Brown. Ga. Dickinson Hill, Ala. Muldowney Sumners, Tex. Arnold Beiter Bloom Brown, Ky. Dickstein Hoeppel Musselwhite Sutphin Ayers, Mont. Berlin Boehne Browning Dingell Hoidale Norton Sweeney (

3156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Taylor, S.C. Turner Underwood Willford extraord:illary efforts to keep their men employed, it has been Thomas Umstead Waldron Withrow Treadway necessary for the cities to avail themselves of public funds in order to support those families whose breadwinners are So the bill was passed. out of employment. It is a well-known fact that the furni­ The Clerk announced the following additional pairs: ture factories of this country are financially in a precarious On this vote: condition. The market for furniture for a long time has Mr. Kennedy of New York (for) with Mr. Ditter (against). Mr. Granfield (for) with Mr. Kinzer (against). been at a very low ebb. The Journal of Commerce of Feb­ Mr. Cullen (for) with Mr. Bacharach (against). ruary 1, 1934, reports that- Mr. Dautrich (for) with Mr. Powers (against). Furniture manufacturers and distributors have not enjoyed a Mr. Palmisano (for) with Mr. Connolly (against). Mr. Lanzetta (for) with Mr. Waldron (against). recovery comparable to .that of other lines of consumption goods Mr. Kelly of lliinois (for) with Mr. Kurtz (against). to date. Prices have been kept low by the industry and are ex­ Mr. Jeffers (for) with Mr. Brumm (against). pected to remain practically unchanged for some time to come Mr. Corning (for) with Mr. Edmonds (against). unless higher raw-material costs and N .R.A. wage increases make Mrs. Jenckes of Indiana (for) with Mr. Hess (against). an upward revision absolutely necessary. Mr. Pou (for) with Mr. Muldowney (against). It is now proposed that the Government adopt a principle Until further notice: which is contrary to our American system of government Mr. Musselwhite with Mr. Mapes. and throw the Government into direct competition with Mr. Sullivan with Mr. Treadway. This Mr. Boylan with Mr. Andrews of New York. private industry. can only be done by using the tax­ Mr. Collins of Mississippi with Mr. Stokes. payers' money to destroy the very taxpayers who furnish Mr. Rudd wtth Mr. Thomas. the revenue to the Government. Secretary Ickes stresses Mr. McSwain with Mr. Jenkins of Ohio. Mr. Parker With Mr. Goodwin. the point that the Government factory may disclose that Mr. Lindsay with Mr. Marshall. the costs in private industry are too high. It is an amazing Mr. O'Connor with Mr. Stalker. Mr. Rayburn with Mr. Gifford. and a startling statement to make in view of the factors Mr. McKeown with Mr. Frear. that enter into the costs of manufacturing. Mrs. Norton with Mr. Peavey. It has been brought out very clearly in recent hearings Mr. Sanders With Mr. Strong of Pennsylvania. Mr. Gavagan with Mr. Withrow. that the Government's cost-finding system is fallacious; Mr. Sutphin with Mr. Kennedy of Maryland. that it does not take into consideration certain costs of Mr. McMillan with Mr. Dingell. production which fall most heavily upon private industry Mr. Carley With Mr. Studley. Mr. Sirovich With Mr. Umstead. and which under Government operation are eliminated from Mr. Fulmer with Mr. Kee. consideration. Mr. Haines with Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Underwood with Mr. Maloney of Connecticut. It will be observed by any man familiar with production, Mr. Sweeney with Mr. Hancock of North Carolina. whether of furniture or of other manufactured products, Mr. Sumners of Texas with Mr. Hart. Mr. Smith of Virginia With :Mr. Brown of· Michigan. that certain items have to be figured in by private industry Mr. Goldsborough with Mr. Drewry. that are completely lost sight of in the operation of the Mr. Abernethy with Mr. Fitzgibbons. Government. Government agencies do not have to pay Mr. Dickstein With Mr. Auf der Heide. Mr. Disney with Mr. Celler. rents; they do not figure anything for capital-investment Mr. Somers or New York with Mr. Willford. costs; there is nothing allowed for interest on the invest­ Mr. Buchanan with Mr. Snyder. Mr. Taylor of South Carolina with Mr. Lewis of Maryland. ment; not one cent is paid the Government, the city, or the Mr. Montague with Mr. Hill of Alabama. State for taxes; not a cent for insurance costs; nothing Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Michigan, whatever for building depreciation; and in a great many in­ Mr. DINGELL, was called from the floor because of a minor stances the supervisory costs are not figured, because Gov - accident which befell one of his children. Were he here, he ernment employees serve as supervisors. These are only a . would have voted" yea" on this vote. few, however, of the high points with reference to costs The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. which place the Government in a position to absolutely drive Mr. MEAD. Mr. Speaker, I move to amend the title of private industry to the wall. the bill. I am not surprised that private industry, now heavily The Clerk read as fallows: taxed to meet governmental expenditures running into mil­ lions of dollars a day, a burden that must eventually be borne Motion offered by Mr. MEAD: Amend the title so as to read: "A bill to authorize the Postmaster General to accept and to use and paid very largely by industry, is stunned and staggered landing fields, men, and material of the War Department for at a proposal that has for its purpose a program of State carrying the malls by air, and for other purposes." socialism utterly destructive to the fundamental principles The motion was agreed to. of our Government. It is not to be wondered that the citi­ On motion of Mr. MEAD, a motion to reconsider the vote zens at large and heavy taxpayers in particular should stand by which the bill was passed was laid on the table. aghast at such a proposal when the Democratic platform of 1932 provides: GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS The removal of Government from all fields of private enterprise, Mr. REED of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous except where necessary to develop public works and natural re­ • consent to extend my remarks in the RECORD. sources in the common interest. The SPEAKER. Is there objection? Throughout the campaign and since, the administration There was no objection. has stressed their position as standing for the Democratic Mr. REED of New York. Mr. Speaker, because of the platform 100 percent. I am not speaking in a partisan action of the Senate in removing the amendment from the manner; I am speaking for American fair play; I am speak­ Post Office appropriation bill, it is still proposed to have the ing not only in behalf of industry but I am speaking in Government erect a furniture-manufacturing plant at Reeds­ behalf of labor. I do not want to see a Russian system sub­ ville, W.Va. This factory is to cost $525,000. It is to be stituted for the American system in this country. I do not equipped with the very latest machinery to enable it to com­ want to see the wage level in our private industries driven pete with private industry. down to a mere subsistence basis by Government-run plants Since the action taken by the Senate, Secretary Ickes, in which do not have to consider the costs of production such an Associated Press interview, said: as I have enumerated. It will be used as a yardstick to determine 1! the Government I know that a conference report will soon be brought back has been paying too much for post-office equipment, and thereby to the House for consideration in which this question of may hang a tale and may be the reason why some are opposing it. Government in business will be decided. I urge the Mem­ I wish to state here and now that I have furniture-manu­ bers on both sides of the aisle to forget their partisanship facturing plants in my district, particularly in the cities of and register their disapproval of this experiment and ad­ Jamestown and Salamanca, N.Y. Although the furniture­ venture into state socialism which now threatens the sta­ manufacturing plants in both of these cities have made bility of industry and of labor. I appeal to the men on the 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3157 Democratic side of the House to again review the statements continue to delay the performance of this duty and thus and pledges in the Democratic platform- continue the duration of this depres.5ion? . The removal of Government from all fields of private enterprise There is a bill now pending in Congress. It was first inT" except where necessary to develop public works and natural traduced in the Hoover administration. It is known as the resources in the common interest. Fiesinger bill. This bill, again introduced in the present I want you to turn to that clause in your platform which Congress by Judge FIESINGER, of Ohio, has been before Con­ says: gress during the whole of the present administration. We believe that a party platform is a covenant with the people, The attention of the Ohio delegation in Congress was to be faithfully kept by the party when intrusted with power. directed toward this bill in February 1933. At that time a I submit that it will be impossible for any man who stands meeting of the Ohio delegation sent a telegram to President­ upon that platform to support this venture of the Govern­ elect Roosevelt asking for an interview to discuss this bill. ment into the field of private enterprise. I have only men­ I ~ave since had many conferences with fellow Congressmen, tioned the pledge centained in your platform that you may with economists, and so-called "experts/' I have written keep faith with the American people, a majority of whom many letters, inviting criticism of this bill, to bankers in my evidently relied upon the covenants and pledges which you home State and to prominent business men and economists. gave to them when you appealed for their suffrage. There has been no one who has yet proposed any serious ob­ jection to this bill. There has been no one who has pointed AMERICAN ECONOMIC DEFENSE out any defect. But it is not in line with the plan of the Mr. LAMNECK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to international bankers; neither is it in line with the views extend my remarks in the RECORD. of their experts. It is an American plan and gives to The SPEAKER. Is there objection? America the price level and the sound basis for prosperity There was no objection. which the President has announced as the aims of his Mr. LAMNECK. Mr. Speaker, the depression in America policies. has been diverted from what might have been a very serious It seems to me the time has come when the Congress situation, both social and political, by the action of Presi­ should search for some reason why this bill should not be dent Roosevelt in setting up a Public Works program, in enacted into law-some good and sufficient reason. Or else developing the National Recovery Administration, and other enact this law and give to the American Nation the economic so-called "emergency legislation." defense which is so well provided for in this bill. As one of the Members of Congress I want to say that I This brings the present world issue to a focus. It gives have been heart and soul behind the President in all of this us a clean-cut statement of the real issue, and this issue emergency legislation. is whether the international bankers, through the means of But the time has come when we must place concrete and so-called "managed currency", can dole out prosperity or steel under this temporary structure. We must have a per­ hard times to the American Nation, or whether the American manent basis for prosperity in the United States. There is Congress can provide a sound-money system based on gold no doubt at all that we cannot continue to contribute billions and silver, so that future depressions of this kind are impos­ of dollars for maintaining artificial stimulus to public ac­ sible to be brought about by monetary manipulation. tivity. The day to pay must come sometime. We cannot continue forever to borrow money. I wish to speak tonight This is a question between the international bankers and on the subject of aiding the President in his announced the American Congress for the control of prosperity to the policies that lie in the direction of permanent prosperity. American Nation. The international bankers will give us The time has come, in the opinion of many of us who are the price levels that Europe requires in order to exploit its Members of Congress, to direct our attention to permanent colonial possessions and the other producing nations of the prosperity, based upon profits to industry and profits to world. The American Congress can establish money values business in America. The President has declared for price that will give a profitable price level to the producing nations levels that will bring prosperity to America and for a sound of the world. This question is so far-reaching that it is my and adequate supply of money. How can we reach these personal view that the Congress of the United States is the desired aims? Shall we leave it to the experts of the de­ only agency for reaching a solution of this question. You partments, or shall Congress perform its constitutional duty cannot find economists and experts who are willing to divorce in working out this legislation? Congress has been anxious themselves from the influence of the great financial institu­ to shift this responsibility; but the experts of the adminis­ tions of the world. If Congress cannot address itself to tration have not worked out a solution, or anything that can this problem and protect the people from a program being even claim to be a solution, of the monetary problem. The promulgated by European nations and European agencies corner on gold is still unbroken. The value of gold is still and if Congress cannot find experts who are free from th~ increasing. The gold standard is still neither a true stand­ orthodox teaching of European influences so as to expose ard nor a controlled standard. The President's aims above the real truth of our economic situation, then what agency quoted are not being achieved by his experts, and these aims of the people is there who can perform this service? must be achieved before we can have normal prosperity in In this connection I should like to quote a few lines from the United States. an open letter dated December 23, 1933, addressed to the One of the commjttees of Congress has stated that this President by Mr. John Janney, who is the chairman of the depression is the direct result of legislative acts of European board of the American Society of Practical Economists and governments, and no expert has come forward to deny this decidedly the most frank and outspoken of the econo~ists stat~ment. It is impossible to deny this statement because who appeared before the committee of Congress. Inci­ the facts are very clear and the evidence cannot be con­ dentally l\Ir. Janney is the one economist who, as the record tradicted. Why cannot we in America restore a profitable will show, occupied ·the rather unusual position of being price level? This is our problem. Why cannot we arrive able to answer completely and satisfactorily all questions at sound money for which the President has declared? which the committee asked him. The Constitution of the United States provides that it shall Quoting from this letter, Mr. Janney said to the Presi­ be the duty of Congress to coin money and regulate the dent: value thereof. This duty has never been performed by I feel it my duty to report to you that in all of these inter­ Congress in years that have gone by. This important mat­ views I found a startling absence of fundamental thinking, so far as the interest of the United States is concerned. I found a ter has been left to experts, and the experts have always subtle completeness of thought processes, so far as the protectinO' thought in terms of the international bankers. of the interest of Europe is concerned. I further found a~ This depression could have been cured in 1930 or in 1931 absence of comprehension as to the ditrerence in the interest of if Congress could have concentrated its attention upon Europe and the United States. I attribute this advocacy of Europe and betrayal of American carrying out this provision of the Constitution, to regulate interest to orthodoxy or teaching and not to a deliberate efi'ort to the value of money. The question now is, Should Congress betray our country. LXXVIII--200 3158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 What America needs is economic defense-defense from gold as a standard of value. For gold to vary in value is money manipulations, and the need to develop a patriotic even more ruinous than for your yardstick of distance or grasp of this problem. your bushel measures to vary. In either case the business WHAT IS THE FIESINGER BILL? man suffers, and business becomes chaotic. The Fiesinger The public must be urged to get behind the Fiesinger bill bill puts silver into the monetary reserves of the United and warned not to confuse this with other silver legislation. States in such a simple way as to make it absolutely com­ Most of the so-called "silver bills" in reality defeat the petitive with gold. Silver is not monetized at a ratio, 16 to 1 very object of the law, which is to regulate and control the or any other fixed ratio, under the Fiesinger bill. I am not buying power of world gold moneys. Silver bills which aim going into the question of bimetallism tonight, but perhaps to give a sop to silver miners have lent confusion to this you do not know that we had no silver money when we had subject. the ratio of 16 to 1 in the United States through a period The Fiesinger bill is the one bill before the Congress of of 40 years. Do you know we had no gold money in the the United States that provides economic defense to our United States through the previous per~d of 40 years, when Nation. It does this because it gives to our Government the we had a ratio of 15 to 1? Remonetizing silver at a fixed control of the power to regulate basic money values. You ratio does not give the United States control of the value of hear a great deal of talk about depressing money values or silver or of gold. It is like shackling a man's feet and telling inflating money values, but you hear very little talk about him to swim: controlling money values. This is what the Constitution The Fiesinger bill uses silver as money for exactly what requires of Congress-not to fix but to regulate the value it is- worth, just as gold is used for money for what it is of money. worth, and it leaves the United States Government free The United States is one of the greatest nations upon the to determine what quantity of silver shall be put into the face of the earth, as far as its economic position is con­ reserves. This leaves the United States free to fix the cerned. It has tremendous wealth of resources. Until quantity of competition between gold and silver. This, lately it has had a great commerce through the means of then, can be used to regulate the demand and, therefore, the which to distribute this wealth among the nations of the value of gold . . Th.is keeps your standard unit at a fixed world. There is an abundance of factory equipment in the value as a true standard must be kept. Let us consider the United States; an abundance of man power, well trained price of something else. Take wheat for instance. What did and qualified, to continue to build up a living and prosperous the Government do during the World War when the price of Nation. Why cannot we control the value of our money? wheat got too high? They gave us corn bread to compete Why cannot we free money from manipulative influences? with wheat bread. For 2 days a week we could not eat The purpose of the Fiesinger bill is to do this very thing. wheat bread. We hear much talk about the corner of gold, the maldistri­ The Fiesinger bill gives the Government the right to use bution of gold, the break-down of gold as a standard of silver in competition with gold as real money and to con­ value. The Fiesinger bill would restore gold as an honest tinue to use silver in competition with gold until it de­ standard of value. It would break the corner on gold. It creases the demand for gold, so as to lower gold and thus would permit a gradual redistribution of gold among the raise property values as expressed in gold. But the Fies­ nations of the world. inger bill does more than that; it so controls the demand of It would do these things because the Fiesinger bill goes gold as to completely regulate its value. directly to the cause of the difficulty. A committee of Con­ Who can object to such a law? I have said that no one gress has recently studied depressions and analyzed their has ofiered ainy serious objection to this bill. So far as I causes. This Fiesinger bill is a remedy for these causes. can see or find out, there cannot be any objections to this It is a scientific adaptation of tbe careful study of a well­ law except one objection, that America by law controls advised committee of your Congress after months of investi­ price levels instead of the international bankers by their gation. manipulations. The question then is this, Are you in favor What is the secret of these accomplishments of the Fiesin­ of your own laws controlling depression or prosperity in ger bill? The secret is, it takes hold of the greatest mone­ gold-standard countries, or are you in favor of leaving tary weapon known to gold-standard nations. It occupies this to the management of so-called " managed currencies " the greatest power that can be used to control the value of which are held under the control of European banking gold, and that power is silver. How many people of the institutions? United States understand silver? I am free to say that In concL.:;ion I should like to say to you that there is no before my study along with the members of this committee, subject so important to you and to every citizen in the I did not understand silver. or its influence. So far as I United States as the silver question. You must understand know, no other Member of Congress understood this in­ how this metal silver can be used to avoid the tragedy of ftuence of silver. The people of the United States do not these terrible ordeals that we call depressions. There can be understand silver because of the propaganda as to silver and no depression in the value of your property measured in gold as to money that fills the Nation. But silver is the most if there is no shifting in the value of gold by which thls potent weapan that this country can use to def end it from value is measured because it is this fluctuation in the value depressions. If silver is used as it can be used-under this of gold which causes the crash of your stock markets; it bill-we will become the most prosperous Nation on earth, causes the run on your banks; it destroys foreign trade; it but the rest of the world will share this prosperity. destroys the buying power of foreign countiies; it makes The Fiesinger bill takes hold of this weapon-" silver." hard times harder. There is no other remedy than to restore It does not experiment with it. It does not use it as silver has this essential normal condition because it is inherent in been used before in this country with unsuccessful results, sound money, and sound money is absolutely essential to but the Fiesinger bill places silver to that use which other prosperity. · nations have employed for the purposes of creating depres- There are many tasks before the Congress of the United . sions, and we use it in reverse direction to create prosperity. States. There are many things that are wrong and need The history ·of the last hundred years in the world shows regulation, but the fundamental thing that is wrong is the that America ·is the only world power which can do this absence of a satisfactory monetary standard; and unless we thing so needed in the world today. can set gold and silver to perform this use as they used to i;:>o you realize that all business transactions require some perform this use, you will find a managed currency system standard of measure of value. You have a standard of dis­ based upon sterling exchange as a basis of world trade. This tance, of volume, of weight. You could not do without will mean that the profit to the people of the United States them. But far more important than these is some unit for can be put up or down depending UPon the Bank of England measuring values. Most of the world with whom we trade issuing more or less sterling. Summarizing briefly, this bill use gold as a standard of value. We use a given weight of is a second declaration of independence. '1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3159

THE NEW DEAL asked to do his part. In this emergency, we will answer the Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent call. to extend my remarks in the RECORD. Some timid souls have wavered. · Some greedy persons The SPEAKER. Is there objection? have criticized. Some impatient individuals are dissatisfied. There was no objection. Some selfish interests have rebelled. Some, for political rea­ Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, we have come upon sons, have been indifferent. Some, because of special cir­ strange times. It may be said, in the language of Paul's cumstances, may have just cause for complaint. Some who second letter to the Corinthians, " Old things are passed are politically minded are very solicitous for the Constitution away; behold, all things are become new." This. is .a of the United States and fear that many of the policies now period of transition. A time of change. A revolution is being pursued are in violation of it, and, if continued, will upon us. Perhaps not of force and arms, but an economic wreck that precious document and ruin our Government. and social uprising that bids fair to become more far­ Many of those who profess so much concern about om~ Con­ reaching and significant in its effects than any reformation stitution are scarcely on speaking terms with it and would that has yet followed the blare of trumpets and the roar of not recognize it if they met it in the road. I yield to no man in my reverence and esteem for that great document cannon on any battlefield. which forms the groundwork upon which the superstructure We sometimes think of our Nation as among the youngest of our Government is builded. But I say all the ends aimed on the list of states. Our Government bas retained its pres­ at by the new deal can be attained under the Constitution, ent form longer than any other nation on earth. It has come and it will be left untarnished and unimpaired. However, down through its almost century and a half of existence if there should be a conflict, if the Constitution shoul

3160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 that old policy which brought us such wreck and ruin. It The people of this country have been taught to worship was to escape the awful consequences of the old deal that gold. It was thought necessary to place in all Government the new deal was inaugurated on the 4th day of last March. obligations and billions of other notes and bonds the agree­ In every crisis of our history some colossal figure has ap­ ment to pay in gold of its present weight and fineness. We peared on the horizon to lead us safely through. Thomas have been led to believe that there was something sacred Jefferson, at the birth of the Nation, with his practical and about the number of grains in the gold dollar; that there liberal political philosophy, pleaded the cause of the people must be so many grains of pure gold to make the dollar and with his bill of rights secured for them the blessings safe and sound. All this has been changed. The gold of a greater liberty. Andrew Jackson found the emissaries clause has been taken out of Government contracts, and of special privilege strongly entrenched, and he fought with the number of grains in a gold dollar has been reduced. all the courage of a gladiator and the enthusiasm of a " Every endea var is being made to stabilize the purchasing crusader until he dislodged them and drove them from power of the dollar; to make it 'the same yesterday, today, power. and forever.' If this can be done, and I think it can be, Abraham Lincoln came to the Presidency when the Nation the greatest economic reform will be accomplished and a was rent and torn with internal strife; and with all the long step will have been taken toward banishing forever the force of his sturdy, sincere nature threw his influence into peaks and valleys from our economic life. Gold is no longer the breach to save the Union, "now and forever, one and sacrosanct. We need no longer worship the golden calf. ·indissoluble." Woodrow Wilson found a world on fire with The rule of gold has been broken, and let us hope, in some war; and by reason of his profound knowledge of history degree at least, that there may be substituted for it the and of peoples and of his love for humanity, he brought the Golden Rule." This is something new in public life and is in conflict to an end, preserving not only our own honor and the new deal. integrity but saving free institutions and self-government During the last decade unscrupulous· and greedy bond and throughout the world. investment houses, through high-powered salesmanship and Now, when we are engaged in a fierce conflict with de­ false representations, boosted and ballyhooed by the preced­ pression and have reached the depths of gloom and despair, ing administrations, unloaded billions of depreciated and another matchless leader comes upon the scene. He has all worthless securities on the American people. The price of the practical statesmanship and the Democratic ideals of stocks and bonds y;as sky-rocketed, and the people -were Jefferson; the determination and the courage, the militant drawn into the· gamble. When the bubble burst, men and and crusading spirit of Jackson; the calm, sincere, lofty pur­ women everywhere found that the savings of a lifetime had pose of Lincoln; the humanitarian sentiments and the altru­ been swept away overnight. The Securities Act places a protecting arm around the buyer and says to the seller, istic idealism of Woodrow Wilson. In this struggle for a new deal, Franklin D. Roosevelt will lead us to victory! "You must beware!" Every fact affecting the real worth and value of the security must be correctly and truthfully Never in our history was as much progressive, far-reach­ published to the world. This is something new in the in­ ing, and forward-looking legislation enacted as has been vestment realm and is one important feature of the new deal. passed by this Congress. This legislation, together with its In the field of agriculture a sincere and an earnest effort enforcement and the attitude and the activities of this ad­ is being made to bring relief to this basic industry. All the ministration, constitute the new deal. The President has farm-loan agencies have been organized under the Farm demonstrated that campaign promises can be kept; that Credit Administration with the hope that needed credit may political platforms are made not only to get into office but be extended the farmers upon safe and sound conditions and to stand upon after the election. Every promise made has upon reasonable and liberal terms. What is being done for been kept. Every pledge given has been redeemed. This is the farmers along this line is being attempted for the home new in politics. This is part of the new deal. owners also. The Agricultural Adjustment Act seeks to Heretofore, the messages of the President were a thing adjust production and consumption and to raise the value apart. They were clothed in long, complex, involved sen­ of the farmers' dollar measured by the purchasing power of tences of high-sounding words, whose meaning was doubt­ the products he sells. This is admittedly an experiment but ful or difficult to determine. There was an air of mystery is a part of the new deal and should receive the support about them. They could be read and understood by only of the people and should be given a fair chance. the supposedly great and wise. The messa,ges which Presi­ The Railroad Coordinator, recognizing the need to retain dent Roosevelt has sent to Congress are short, seldom a the railroads as a part of our transportation system, is try­ single page in length. They are written in plain language, ing to work out a plan by which many lines may be elimi­ so that he who runs may read. They can be understood by nated and others may be so operated as to bring a fair men on Main Street as well as by men from Wall Street. return upon the capital invested. This is being done not in They are such messages as can be read and understood by the the interest of the railroads alone but for the benefit of the people. They know what he is talking about and understand employees, the shippers, and the consumers as well. The what he means. This is something new and ai part of the watered stock will be squeezed out. The excessive and in­ new deal. ordinate salaries of executive officers will be eliminated, and Formerly the so-called "best minds", those representing many useless and expensive positions will be abolished. big business, were summoned into conference to decide the Then the people themselves may share in the benefits to be activities of the Government and determine the policy of derived from those roads which survive and which are the administration. Now we have boards and committees operated in an orderly and efficient manner. This will be representing industry, labor, and the consuming public, all something new in the railroad world. assembled around the same council table, trying to formu­ The National Industrial Recovery Act and the Public late a plan by which their activities may be coordinated in Works program and the Civil Works program go hand in the interest not of some special class but for the good of all. hand to restore industry and bring employment to labor. This is something new and also a part of the new deal. Patriotic men and women of all parties and creeds are For many yea,.rs the great power trusts of this country working day and night to accomplish these ends. The have preyed upon the people. Their evil and corrupt in­ success or failure of this great effort is in the hands of the fluences have been traced into the public schools of our land people themselves. In this war against depression everyone and into high official places. By the generation and dis­ should enlist. It is not socialism, it is not communism, tribution of electricity by the Tennessee Valley Authority, or fascism; it is not Protestantism or Catholicism; it is not the Government will establish a reasonable price for this Democratic or Republican; it is Americanism. At every service, so that the people may know what it costs, and crucial period in our history men and women alike have they will no longer be at the mercy of these cruel and selfish answered the call for help. We are not going to fail now. companies. This is part of the new deaL Our soldiers have displayed the highest degree of courage 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3161 and unflinching val-0r on every battlefield. Our flag in its Nothing is so sure in life than that the old order changes. march around the world has brought comfort, consolation, We have had ~mough of dwelling on the glories of the bru­ and hope to the oppressed and benighted peoples of the talities, the bestialities of war, appealing to the savage in earth. Wherever it has gone, whatever. has been its mis­ us even while they repel. Let us dwell on the facts of the sion, whether on land or sea, it has always eome back home new order and teach them to our young, but first let us with glory shining in its silken folds, with its blue unclouded know these facts omse1ves. Then our youth, with all its and its stars tllldimmed. In this conflict we are not going idealism and love of justice, will learn to support peace in to haul down· 'OUr colors. We are not going to surrender. our institutions as a national ideal. We have ~et forth upon the highway that will 1ead us to the Fifteen years after the ending of the great mistake we tablelands of a brighter, a better, and a happier ·day. Let find ourselves standing between a memory and a hope. The us all join in this onward and upward march. May we all memory is of undaunted courage, of unselfish sacrifice, and be permitted to share in the joy, the honor, and the glory of supreme devotion to a mistaken ideal. No matter what that will come from the consummation of our purposes and caused the great mistake or who planned or blundered into the realization of our hopes. it, tens of millions of human beings responded bravely to NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL what they conceived to be their duty. Mr. FOULKES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous eoIIBent to As a result, tens of millions of homes were blasted with extend my remarks in the RECORD. grief and care, and tens of millions of women and helpless The SPEAKER. Is th~re objecti

3162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24

'MOTION TO ADJOURN him, I have .seen a check for $1,000 that he gave into Demo­ Mr. BRITTEN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged motion, cratic coffers to carry the Democratic banner in the great which I send to the Clerk's desk. State of Maryland. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. McDUFFIE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? Mr. BLANTON. I yield. Mr. BRITTEN moves that the House do now adjourn as a mark of respect-- Mr. McDUFFIE. Did Mr. Bride not name himself in Who's Who as a Republican? Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman with­ Mr. BLANTON. Oh, Who's Who? I have never yet sent hold his motion for just a moment? anything to Who's Who. Mr. BRITTEN. Yes; I withhold it to permit the gentle­ Mr. McDUFFIE. Neither have I. man to make a statement. Mr. BLANTON. They put something in Who's Who WILLIAM W. BRIDE . about me once in a while, but they do not get it from me. Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Speaker, for a number of years I I interrogated Judge Bride about the ref~rence to him in was an active member of the legislative Committee on the Who's Who, and his explanation was entirely satisfac­ District of Columbia. I became intimately acquainted with tory to me, and will satisfy any fair-minded Democrat here, all of its business affairs. I had occasion to familiarize and I am sure that it will satisfy our good friend from Ala­ myself with the characteristics and ability of its officials. bama [Mr. McDUFFIE] who has been one of our able and For some time I have been a member of the Committee on distinguished leaders here on this floor in many Democratic Appropriations and have helped to frame the annual supply fights and victories. bill for the District of Columbia. I believe that I am in a In 1929 when Judge Bride was mentioned for a position on position to recognize the officials here who are worth while. the bench, numerous prominent Democrats endorsed him. On July 1, 1927, a Democratic Commissioner, Hon. Sid­ ·As is always the case, through personal friendships, several ney F. Taliaferro, caused William W. Bride to be appointed Republicans endorsed him also. That is no reflection upon corporation counsel for the District of Columbia, which po­ him. It is to his credit. sition he has ably, efficiently, and worthily filled ever since Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent . to revise and ex­ that date. I have crossed swords with him many times on tend my remarks, and to include therein Mr. Bride's Demo­ various matters arising in District affairs. Many times we cratic record. have disagreed. Many times he has opposed that which I The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the espoused. But always I have found him to be a straight gentleman from Texas? shooter, fair and square, honest and above board, and There was no objection. faithful to his dutry and conscientious convictions. Mr. BLANTON. In such connection, Mr. Speaker, Judge Mr. Speaker, only one man in the District of Columbia has Bride is the son of William Witthaft Bride, who was an seen fit to make an attack against Judge William W. Bride, active Democrat in Ohio and Illinois before coming to Wash­ and he is the local attorney here for the National Distillers, ington in 1873; in charge of ratification meeting for Winfield and denounced as a rotten bill a measure, prepared by Scott Hancock, Democratic nominee for President, 1880. He Judge Bride, which prevented distillers from owning any was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions, interest in retail liquor establishments. Later on I may 1900-1908; member Democratic congressional committee ask him to answer some embarrassing questions. Who will under Chairman Lloyd, of Missouri; nominated by President deny that National Distillers reaped tremendous profits Wilson and confirmed member excise board, District of Co­ last year and are now largely responsible for the present lumbia. He was president of the East Washington Demo­ monopolistic high price of liquors? cra.tic Club, campaigns 1896, 1900, 1904, 1908. He was the This enemy of William W. Bride's has made no attack president and-with Hon. Blair Lee and Edwin A. Newman­ whatsoever upon any official act he has ever performed. His owner of Silver Knight and National Watchmen, a Demo­ official record stands unchallenged. It is unimpeached and cratic free-silver newspaper of wide national circulation. unimpeachable. The charges against him are: (1) That he He was national treasurer of the American Anti-Trust once contributed $100 to the Republican campaign chest; League. So much for Judge Bride's Democratic father. (2) that in Who's Who he is stated to be a Republican; and Hon. William Jennings Bryan resided at the home of Mr. (3) that certain Republicans in 1929 endorsed Judge Bride Bride's father during his whole congressional career and for a position on the bench. I carefully investigated him. made it his place of residence whenever he was in Washing­ I tried to find something against him, because he had ton until he came to Washington as Secretary of State. refused to support some of my policies, but I could not find In 1896, Judge William W. Bride, our present corporation any act of his that merited criticism. I had him to furnish counsel, then aged 14, worked at Democratic headquarters me his Democratic record. It is a good one. He is highly throughout campaign without compensation. This is shown endorsed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the by original letter from Hon. Conrad H. Syme, then assistant District of Columbia. He is highly endorsed by our colleague secretary Democratic congressional committee. Member the gentlewoman from New Jersey, Chairman of the House East Washington Democratic Club. (Original certificate Committee on the District of Columbia. available.) The gentleman from New York [Mr. BLACK] is the rank­ In 1897, when 15 years of age, he worked for Jackson ing majority member present of the House Committee on Democratic Association. (Commendatory letter from Robert the District of Columbia. If he does not mind my doing so, H. Allen, secretary, available.) · I would like to ask him if it is not a fact that his committee And here is his subsequent Democratic record: has endorsed Mr. Bride? In 1897 he spoke for Democratic cause in Maryland and Mr. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on the District worked at Democratic headquarters, helping to get out of Columbia endorsed Mr. Bride for his valuable services to Democratic vote-letter available from Senator Arthur Pue the District and his valuable help to the committee in its Gorman, then chairman Democratic National Committee. work. · Also worked with New York Democratic Club for election of Mr. BLANTON. As to his having contributed $100 to the Alton B. Parker, later Democratic nominee for President; Republican chest, we must remember that while he was then Democratic candidate for chief justice, New York State appointed by a Democratic Commissioner, Mr. Sidney F. Court of Appeals, under direction of Lawrence Gardner, then Taliaferro, he has held office under Republican regime, Democratic national ccmmitteeman. and we Democrats know something of the method Republic­ In 1898, spoke many times in southern Maryland in con­ ans have used in assessing officeholders for contributions gressional campaign. Active in arrangement Jackson Day during campaigns. Every Republican postmaster and every Democratic banquet. In 1900, when 18 years of age, very Democrat holding a postmastership under Republicans, in active in preconvention campaign for Hon. William Jennings my district, has been assessed so much per year out of his Bryan in Democratic primaries here; went to Democratic salary. But offsetting this $100 the Republicans got out of National Convention at Kansas City, served as alternate \ 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3163 delegate; went With pilgrimage to Lincoln, Nebr., the home In 1927, was one of the organizers of the Democratic organ of the Democratic nominee; spoke on stump very many of Montgomery County, the Maryland News ; appointed times in Maryland, District of Columb:.a, West Virginia. corporation counsel on April 7; on June 29 elected a mem­ There are available clippings, alternate's ticket, announce­ ber of the board of directors of the aforementioned paper ments, newspaper interviews, and so forth. Owing to heavy and served until removal from the State in 1930; July 1. work was taken ill immediately after election and remained 1927, took office as corporation counsel. so for 4 months, necessitating a loss of a year at college. In 1928, supported Governor Smith for the nomination Secretary Washington Anti-Imperialist League-imperial­ and active in support of his election. Daughter registered ism was the paramount issue in 1900 campaign. Delegate as a Democrat in 1928. P?site the Il:ame of t~e sional campaign person so declmmg to affiliate; that Wilham W. Bride and his : family left the said first election precinct and moved to the Dis- In 1919, reregIStered as a Democrat at new address. trict of Columbia prior to the Democratic primary election in In 1920-22-24-26 worked with the party, participating in 1930 and therefore did not vote in that primary. the local councils of the party, and so forth; attended EMORY H. BoaLEY. Democratic National Convention in 1924 as a supporter of Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of March, A.D. l193 Governor Smith.

3164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 BANK OF BETHESDA, UNION TRUST BUILDING, Bethesda, Md., March 8, 1933. Washington, D .C. To whom it may concern: To whom it may concern: It gives me great pleasure to state that the Hon. W. W. · I have known Hon. Williarp. W. Bride, corporation council of Bride was formerly a resident and property owner in Edgemoor, the District of Columbia, for 30 years. I further know he has Bethesda, Montgomery County, Md., up to approximately the year been a Democrat during that time and came from a Democratic of 1930, and while a citizen of this State he became a stock­ family. holder in and an officer of the Montgomery County Publishing As a Democrat, he was appointed to a responsible position in Co., publishers of the Maryland News, a Democratic newspaper, and the State Department under the Wilson administration and served he and his family were affiliated with and stanch supporters in the State Department in positions of great importance. of the Democratic organization of our State. I further know that he loyally supported the Honorable Alfred GEORGE P. SACKS, E. Smith for President in 1928. In 1928 he lived in Edgemoor, Md. Former Vice President Montgomery I visited him there and know that he was most outspoken in County Publishing Co. his advocacy of Governor Smith for President. I further know that he was registered and emolled as a Democrat at the time. He was unusually strong in his advocacy of Governor Smith to my BETHESDA, MD., March 8, 1933. personal knowledg~. and lost no opportunity· to openly express his To whom it may concern: choice for Governor Smith for President. For the past 12 or 15 years I have known Mr. W. W. Bride, of Very respectfully,. this county. He has always been a public citizen and a supporter MANTON M. WYVELL. of the Democratic Party, not only with his vote and those of his NoTE.-Mr. Wyvell was secretary to the Honorable William Jen­ wife and two daughters, but through the press. He was vice nings Bryan while he was Secretary of State, and is now secretary president and part owner of the Maryland News, the Democratic of the Democratic Advisory Committee of the District of Columbia. organ of Montgomery County, until recently, when he moved into the District of Columbia. This paper has been a very important factor in the success of the party here. DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE BENJ. c. PERRY, OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Mo., President of the Democratic Government Club, December 15, 1933. Bethesda, Md. Hon. WILLIAM W. BRIDE, Corporation Counsel, District of Columbia. . DEAR MR. BRIDE: Following our telephone conversation this SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE, morning I am glad to join in attesting your helpful activity as GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, a worker for the Democratic Party while you were a resident of Washington, D.C., March 13, 1933. Montgomery County. To whom it may concern: In addition to supporting the Democratic candidates and fur­ This is to certify that the undersigned was intimately acquainted nishing general help to the party, you became a stockholder and with Mr. William W. Bride at the time of the November 1928 na­ served as a director of the Maryland News, which is the recog­ tional elections and during the campaign months preceding that nized Democratic organization paper of the county. election. He was personally with Mr. Bride on an average of With continued best regards, sincerely yours, approximately three times a week during this entire period, and E. BROOKE LEE. on almost every one of these occasions the coming national elec­ tion was one of the principal topics of conversation. Many of these discussions were in the presence of a number of other dis­ DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMI'ITEE, tinguished persons, including legislators, Government officials, NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING, newspapermen, educators, and the like. Many of these persons Washington, January 16, 1934. were Republi

JOHN J. SHANAHAN V. JAMES M. BECK future. Furthermore, the fact that Congress does conduct Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution, which I these investigations, and that, therefore, every departmental send to the desk. act may at any time be subjected to congressional scrutiny The Clerk read as follows: is itself a check and a restraint upon the yielding to tempta­ tion by those charged with the disbursing of billions and House Resolution 259 billions of dollars every year. Resolved, That John J. Shanahan is not entitled to a seat in the House of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress from So, Mr. Speaker, that was the spirit in which I introduced the Second Congressional District of the State of Pennsylvania; House Concurrent Resolution 6, on March 20, 1933, calling and be it further for an investigation of the departments of government Resolved, That James M. Beck is entitled to a seat in the House of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress from the Second dealing with national defense, in respanse to a plank in the Congressional District of the State of Pennsylvania. platform of the Democratic Party of 1932. Furthermore, that was the same spirit in which I introduced House Reso· Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question. lution 219, on January 11, 1934. Subsequently, after dis· The previous question was ordered. cussion of the many matters of inquiry now pending before The resolution was agreed to. the Committee on Military Affairs, on February 20, 1934, A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. by the unanimous instruction of the Committee on Mill· L. G. REESE V. RUSSELL ELLZEY tary Affairs, I introduced House Resolution 275, and the Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I offer another resolution same is now pending before the Committee on Rules, and a which I send to the desk. hearing upon that resolution will be urged at the earliest The Clerk read as follows: possible date. It is manifest, therefore, Mr. Speaker, that I, House Resolution 261 for one, believe in complete investigation of everything that Resolved, That L. G. Reese is not entitled to a seat in the is done for the Government, whether it be legislative, exec· House of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress from the utive, or judicial. That is the basis upon which popular Eighth Congressional District of the State of Mississippi; and be government rests. it further Resolved, That Russell Ellzey is entitled to a seat in the House Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, when I returned this morning of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress from the Eighth from a brief visit to South Cal'Olina and was informed by Congressional District of the State of Mississippi. Mr. Collier, a newspaper reporter for the Evening Star of Mr. RANKIN. Mr. Speaker, the resolution should read, this city, that there was some discussion about certain let­ "Seventh Congressional District of the State of Mississippi" ters that I had written to the War Department in con­ instead of the" Eighth Congressional District of the State of nection with the purchase of automobiles and automobile Mississippi." supplies, I immediately requested Mr. Collier to come to my Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to cor­ office and to see the carbon eopies of the letters themselves. rect the resolution in that respect. Stating that he could not come, I asked him to take the The SPEAKER. Without objection, the correction will be time to hear the letters read over the telephone. This he made. did, and I observe by the issue of tha.t newspaper of today There was no objection. that he has given certain extracts from those letters. His Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question. statement is as fair as I could expect, but I feel that he The previous question was ordered . . and the whole country are entitled to read the letters in The resolution was agreed to. full, and for that reason I am printing those letters in A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. full as a part of my remarks. Mr. R. C. Remick formerly lived in the congressional dis­ CHARLES BOWLES V. JOHN D. DINGELL trict that I have the honor to represent, and I knew him Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I offer another resolution, which then, and for a few minutes on one occasion was a guest I send to the desk. in his home on Hogback Mountain. Consequently, when tir. The Clerk read as follows: Remick applied to me for a letter to the War Department House Resolution 260 concerning certain allegations that Mr. Remick made to me Resolved, That Charles Bowles is not entitled to a seat in the concerning transactions in the War Department that he House of Representatives of the Seventy-third. Congress from the Fifteenth Congressional District of the State of Michigan; and be stated he was interested in, I wrote the letters. Since the it further names of Frank Speicher and Joseph Silverman are men· Resolved, That John D. Dingell is entitled to a seat in the House tioned in the Evening Star of today, I wish to say that I of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress from the Fif­ teenth Congressional District of the State of Michigan. have never seen either of these men in my life, and never heard of Silverman until about 5 or 6 weeks ago, and never Mr. KERR. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question. heard of Speicher until I saw his name in the newspapers The previous question was ordered. in connection with the grand-jury investigation. I have had The resolution was agreed to. no contacts whatsoever with them, either direct or indi­ A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. rect, and had not the slightest knowledge that either of TURN ON THE LIGHT them was even acquainted with Mr. Remick. I have not Mr. McSWAIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent seen Mr. Remick in some 5 or 6 weeks. to extend my own remarks concerning investigations now Mr. Speaker, my letters speak for themselves. I meant going on in the Committee on Military Affairs concerning every word that I said in the letters. If the proceedings in transactions in the War Department and to include a brief the War Department were entirely regular, no harm could tribute by me to those pilots who have recently lost their be done by that consideration requested by my letters. If lives in the service. there were any irregularity, it was the desire and purpose of my letters to see that such irregularities be corrected The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from South Carolina? and be avoided in the future. My sentiments then were, and There was no objection. are now, as expressed. in my letter of May 22, 1933, as Mr. McSWAIN. Mr. Speak.er, I believe that all public follows: business should be done out in the open. I believe that I am so scrupulous about the reputation of our administration that I am urging that all appearances of irregularitie& be avoided Congress is the grand jury of inquest for every department and that no one have a just ground for complaint in any respect. of government. Some people may object to congressional I am not passing judgment upon the facts above stated, and I am investigations; but they never do any harm, and are bound giving my authority for same; and if I have been misinformed, I to do good. If the investigation finds nothing wrong, it is should be pleased to get the correct information. very gratifying. If the investigation finds there has been That is a proposition upon which any man can stand, and corruption or graft, or even irregularities, that investiga­ upon that I do stand, as the proper attitude for any repre­ tion pays for itself a thousand times. Investigations show sentative of the people in a. country enjoying democratic us how the laws should be amended so as to safeguard the institutions.. 3166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 Here are the letters: being fair-weather fliers that they have gone into weather HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, that they should never have faced. Therefore, as one who COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS, Washington, D.C., May 22, 1933. loves courage, even when manifested unnecessarily, and as Hon. GEORGE H. DERN, one who admires the man who falls facing to the front while Secret ary of War, War Department, Washington, D.C. doing his duty, I offer this feeble tribute to the memory MY DEA..11 MR. SECRETARY: Mr. R. C. Remick, representing the Bee Air Tire Co., advises me that bids were invited for the purchase of of those Corps officers that have already died, and again 1,500 light trucks, and that the Chevrolet bid the lowest bid on the repeat not a mere warning but an exhortation and a prayer individual trucks, but, of course, could not deliver the whole load that they take no unnecessary chances, to realize that they of 1,500 on June 2. It may be that the War Department needs have already demonstrated their defiance of death, and to 1,500 tru<;ks on the very day of contemplated delivery, but I can hardly imagine a circumstance, outside of war, when 1,500 new restrain themselves from exposing themselves to unnecessary trucks would be needed on a fixed day. hazards. Mr. Remick also advises that the Dodge Co. bid for the same Mr. Speaker, here is the honor roll of the Air Corps of the trucks and was higher by something over $5 per truck. Neverthe­ Army: less he says that the bid of the Dodge Co. was accepted for 500 trucks to be delivered on June 2. Of course, there may be some Second Lt. Jean D. Grenier. very urgent need by the War Department for 500 trucks on June 2. Second Lt. Edwin D. White. This is something I cannot, of course, know. I do not know the First Lt. James Y. Eastman. terms under which bids were invited-whether they would author­ 0. ize acceptance of part of a bid and would authorize the acceptance Lt. Durward Lowry. of a truck at a higher price than the lowest bidder. First Lt. I. F. Patrick. I am informed that a hearing was promised all the bidders for Lt. George P. McDermott. today, Monday, May 22, but before the hearing was had, a con­ tract was let with the Dodge Co. for 500 trucks, to be delivered SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 3 OF THE MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE June 2. I am so scrupulous about the reputation of our adminis­ Mr. ROGERS of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, by direc- 1 tration that I am urging that all appearances of irregularities be tion of the Committee on Military Affairs, I ask unanimous avoided and that no one have a just ground for complaint in any respect. I am not passing judgment upon the facts above stated, consent that Subcommittee No. 3 be permitted to continue and I am giving my authority for same; and if I have been mis­ its hearings, which are now being held, for the next 2 weeks informed, I should be pleased to get the correct information. I while the House is in session. trust that you will not think I am meddling with administrative matters, but we all must realize that Congress is, in a certain The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the · sense, a grand jury of inquest into all governmental activities. gentleman from New Hampshire? I am sentling this note by hand of Mr. Remick, whom you may ·There was no objection. question as you see fit, and you will please refer it as promptly as Mr. ROBERTSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- . possible to such assistant or aide as you may have attending to such details. sent to extend my remarks in the RECORD by inserting a I With great respect, I am, yours truly, radio address delivered by my distinguished colleague the J. J. MCSWAIN, Chairman. gentleman from Iowa, Mr. WILLFORD. Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, I object. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C., March 16, 1933. Mr. BRITrEN. Mr. Speaker, I move the House do now Hon. GEORGE H. DERN, adjourn. Secretary of War, War Department, Washington, D.C. The question was taken; and on a division (demanded by MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: This letter will be presented by my Mr. BRITTEN) there were-ayes 36, noes 85. friend Mr. R. C. Remick, who is connected with the Eastern Bee Corporation, manUfacturers of puncture-proof air-container tubes Mr. BRITTEN. Mr. Speaker, I make the point of order for pneumatic tires. that there is no quorum present. Mr. Remick advises me that the technical board has approved Mr. RANKIN. Mr. Speaker, a quorum is not necessary to of the use of sealed casing, puncture-proof tubes, for use by the adjourn. motorized militia. He also advises that Lt. Col. James K. Crain and Major Hardin, acting as advisors to the Assistl\nt Secretary of Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, I demand the regular order. War, have disapproved of the recommendation of the techn1cal Mr. RANKIN. The gentleman's point of no quorum does board. not affect the vote. I know nothing of the details or the matter, but I do know Mr. Remick, and have known him for many years, and have great CALL OF THE HOUSE confidence in any statement that he may make. At any rate, I Mr. BYRNS. Mr. Speaker, I move a call of the House. am writing to ask that he be given a hearing before the proper officer or board for a review and reconsideration of the unfavor­ Mr. LEfilBACH. Mr. Speaker, on that motion I ask for able action above mentioned. a division. Any courtesy shown to Mr. Remick will be greatly appreciated Mr. BLANTON. Mr. Speaker, I make the point of order by me. that is dilatory. Yours very respectfully, J. J. MCSWAIN. Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a point of order. Is HONOR ROLL OF THE AIR CORPS not a roll call automatic in the absence of a quorum? Mr. Speaker, the soldier of the air has to face hazards and The SPEAKER. The Chair thinks not. The House voted make and meet his rendezvous with death during the piping to remain in session and is in session. days of peace as well as during the horror and hell of war Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, the vote was objected to be­ cause there was no quorum present. Is not a roll call itself. When suddenly the President ordered the Army Air Corps to take up the carrying of the mail, there was no automatic? whining nor repining, but every man leaped to his place and The SPEAKER. It is not necessary to have a quorum ·made ready to carry forward with a resolution and a courage in order to adjourn. that command the admiration of the world. In spite of un­ The question was taken; and on a division (demanded by precedented bad weather, in spite of unfamiliarity with the Mr. LEHLBACH) there were-ayes 101, noes 0. routes to be flown, in spite of lack of adequate equipment for So a call of the House was ordered. taking advantage of the conveniences of radio, the Army Air The Clerk called the roll. when the following Members Corps pilots took up and are carrying on the work regard­ failed to answer to their names: less of the fact that their comrades have met disaster and (Roll No. 94) in some cases death itself. Abernethy Brooks Colllns, Miss. Edmonds Adams Brumm Connery Eltse, Calif. Mr. Speaker, on last Monday, February 19, I issued a state­ Allen Brunner Connolly Evans ment to the press of the country calling upon our air pilots, Andrews, N.Y. Bulwinkle Corning Farley Au! der Helde Burke, Call!. Crosser, Ohio Fitzgibbons through the press, to exercise caution and not to take any Bacharach Cannon, Wis. Cullen Frear unnecessary risks. I asked them to have as their motto Beam Carley Cummings Frey "Safety first", and to remember that the public would Beck Carpenter, Nebr. Dickinson Fulmer Berlin Carter, Cali!. Dickstein Gambrill count deaths long after they had forgotten the failure to Black Cary Ditter Gasque make schedules. But the young men of the Air Corps have Bland Celler Dockweiler Gavagan Boehne Church Douglass Gitrord .so much pride in their service, are so devoted to its ideals, Boylan Claiborne Drewry Gillette and so determined that no man could charge them with Britten Cole Edmiston Goldsborough 1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 3167 Goodwin Kurtz Moynihan, Ill. Smith. Va. the provisions of law of the character repealed with respect Granfield Lanzetta Muldowney Smith, Wash. Griffin Lehr Musselwhite Snyder to Puerto Rico. Section 3 of the amendment provides that Haines Lemke Norton Somers, N.Y. section 13 of the Revised Statutes, the general saving clause Hamilton Lewis. Met O'Connor Stalker for prosecutions and civil suits under laws repealed by the Hancock, N.C. Lindsay Oliver, N.Y. Stokes Hart McCarthy Palmisano Studley Congress, shall not apply with respect to any penalty, for­ Healey Mcclintic Parker Sullivan feiture, or liability incurred under any provisions of law so Hess McKeown Pou Sumners, Tex. repealed. Section 4 of the amendment provides for a model Hill, Knute McMillan Powers Sutphin Hoeppel Maloney, Conn. Prall Sweeney housing board for Puerto Rico. There is to be turned over Jeffers Mapes Randolph Thomas to the board annually the sum of $30,000 out of the revenues Jenckes, Ind. Marshall Reece Thompson, Ill. Jenkins, Ohio Mead Reid, Ill. Umstead of Puerto Rico derived from taxes on intoxicating liquors, Johnson, W.Va. Meeks Rudd Waldron which, together with such other money as may be derived Kee Merritt Sadowski Wolfenden by the board from its operations, is to constitute a fund in Kelly, Ill. Millard Schulte Woodruff Kennedy, Md. Milligan Shannon the nature of a revolving fund to be known as the "model­ Kennedy, N.Y. Montague Shoemaker housing fund." The board is to design and construct in Kopplemann Montet Slrovich Puerto Rico houses of several types which are to be models The SPEAKER. Two hundred and ninety-eight Members of sanitation, health, convenience, and comfort, with the have answered to their names; a quorum is present. limitation that not more than eight such houses shall be On motion of Mr. BYRNS, further proceedings under the built annually in any senatorial district of Puerto Rico. The call were dispensed with. board also is to have power to acquire such plots of land INTOXICATING LIQUOR IN PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS as may be necessary to the completion of its program. The board is to sell the houses at such prices and under such Mr. McDUFFIE. Mr. Speaker, I call up the conference terms and conditions as it may determine, and the receipts report on the bill (H.R. 6574) to make inapplicable to Puerto from the sales are to be covered into the model-housing Rico and the Virgin Islands certain Federal laws relating to fund. intoxicating liquors and for other purpases. The House recedes. The Clerk read the conference report. The Senate also amended the title so as to read: The conference report is as follows: "An act to repeal Federal liquor prohibition laws to the extent they are in force .in Puerto Rico and the Virgin CONFERENCE REPORT Islands, and for other purposes." The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of The House recedes. the two Houses on the amendments of the Senate to the bill JoHN McDUFFIE, (H.R. 6574) to make inapplicable in Puerto Rico and the JOE L. SMITH, Virgin Islands certain Federal laws relating to intoxicating C. L. BEEDY, liquors, having met, after full and free conference, have Managers on the part of the House. agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective Houses as fallows: Mr. McDUFFIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the Commis­ That the House recede from its disagreement to the amend- sioner from Puerto Rico, Mr. IGLESIAS. ments of the Senate and agree to the same. Mr. IGLESIAS. Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House, JoHN McDUFFIE, I consider my duty at this time to call the attention of this JOE L. SMITH, House to the amendment, of great importance to Puerto C. L. BEEDY, Rico, to which is ref erred in the conference report before the ·Managers on the part of the House. House, and to establish my position on the subject matter M. E. TYDINGS, as it was stated before. HIRAM W. JOHNSON, I have received a cable from the President of the Senate KEY PITTMAN, of Puerto Rico; it is as follows: CARL HAYDEN; Hon. SANTIAGO IGLESIAS, Managers on the part of the Senate. House Office Building, Washington, D.C.: Senate of Puerto Rico unanimously requests that you exercise all efforts to the effect that liquor bill be approved, leaving insular STATEMENT legislature free to dispose of the taxes. The managers on the part of the House at the conference RAFAEL MARTINEZ NADAL, on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amend­ President Senate of Puerto Rico. ments of the Senate to the bill CH.R. 6574) to make inap­ A bill was passed by the House of Representatives and now plicable in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands certain Fed­ the report on conference agreement is recommended that eral laws relating to intoxicating liquors, submit the follow­ the bill, H.R. 6574, be accepted and, among other things, by ing written statement in explanation of the effect of the including an additional section establishing what is to be action agreed upon by the conference and recommended in known as the " model housing board ", said board to super­ the accompanying conference report: vise the construction of several types of houses which will The House bill provided that the prohibitions and limita­ be models of sanitation, health, convenience, and comfort; tions on the transportation, importation, exportation, manu­ and further, that an annual sum of $30,000 out of the rev­ facture, and sale of intoxicating liquors contained in the enue of Puerto Rico, derived from the taxes on intoxicating Organic Act of Puerto Rico, title II of the National Prohibi­ liquors, in the nature of a revolving fund, is to be turned tion Act, paragraph 814 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and the over to said board for the purpose of carrying out the pro­ national beer law of March 22, 1933, should not apply in posed project .. Puerto Rico. It also provided that such prohibitions and Permit me to call your attention to the fact that we have limitations contained in title II of the National Prohibition in Puerto Rico a law known as the " homestead law ", under Act should not apply in the Virgin Islands. which law hundreds of homes have already been built and The Senate amendment provides for the repeal of those hundreds of thousands of dollars have been appropriated by provisions of the Organic Act of Puerto P..ico which prohibit the legislature to that end. Therefore, notwithstanding the the importation, manufacture, and sale of intoxicating drink unauestionable fact that the purpose of the amended bill is and of title II of the National Prohibition Act, as amended highly laudable, this legislation should have been left to the and supplemented, and the national beer law of March 22, Puerto Rican Legislature for its consideration and determi­ 1933, to the extent that they are in force and effect in nation. Puerto Rico, except sue~ ·provisions of the last two laws as In view of the fact that I was unable to persuade the au~ are in force and effect in the States, such provisions being thor of the amendment in the Senate not to press it into the primarily provisions protective · of the dry States . .The bill, and being that this measure is necessary to the is­ amendment also repeals with respect to the Virgin Islands land industry and economics of Puerto Rico, I have to yield 3168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE FEBRUARY 24 to this condition, but not without expressing my faithful REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND conviction that the Congress of the United States will main­ RESOLUTIONS tain always the right of the Legislaure of Puerto Rico to Under clause 2 of rule XIII, legislate in local matters accor~g to our own organic law Mr. HEALEY: Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 6550. A given to the people of the island by the Congress. That is bill t.o remove the limitation on the filling of the vacancy in what is expected by all in Puerto Rico in the future. [Ap­ the office of United States district judge for the district of plause.] Massachusetts; without amendment CRept. No. 840). Re­ Mr. McDUFFIE. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous ques- ferred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state tion on the conference report. of the Union. The previous question was ordered. Mr. KLEBERG: Committee on Agriculture. S. 2633. An The conference report was agreed to. act to supplement and support the Migratory Bird Conser­ A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. vation Act by providing funds for the acquisition of areas PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE for use as migratory-bird sanctuaries, refuges, and breeding grounds, for developing and administering such areas, for Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to the protection of certain migratory birds, and for other address the HouEe for 10 minutes; first, briefly to pay my purposes; with amendment (Rept. No. 841). Referred to respects to the aggregation who have objected to my speech the Committee of the Whole House on . the state of the on Lincoln, and fallowing with my tribute to Lincoln. Union. Mr. BLANCHARD. Mr. Speaker, I object. Mr. DOXEY: Committee on Agriculture. H.R. 4934. A . LEAVE OF ABSENCE bill to authorize the revision of the boundaries of the Fre­ mont National Forest in the State of Oregon; without By unanimous consent, leave of absence was granted to amendment CRept. No. 842). Referred to the Committee of Mr. MUSSELWHITE (at the request of Mr. BROWN of Michi­ the Whole House on the state of the Union. gan), on account of designation as one of the official rep­ Mr. KNUTSON: Committee on Indian Affairs. H.R. resentatives of the House to attend the funeral of the late 5681. A bill to set aside certain lands for the Leech Lake Hon. Joseph L. Hooper. Band of Chippewa Indians in the State of Minnesota; EXPLANATION OF VOTE with amendment CRept. No. 843). Referred to the Com­ Mr. WEIDEMAN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague the gentle­ mittee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. CHAVEZ: Committee on Indian Affairs. H.R. 5881. man from Michigan [Mr. LEHR] is absent due to his attend- A bill to investigate the claims of and to enroll certain per­ 1 ing the funeral services for our late colleague, Joe Hooper, 1 sons, if entitled, with the Omaha Tribe of Indians; with of Michigan. The gentleman from Michigan [Mr. LEHR] would have voted "yea" on the bill H.R. 7966 if present. amendment (Re pt. No. 844) . Ref erred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. ADJOURNMENT Mr. PEAVEY: Committee on Indian Affairs. H.R. 6166. Mr. BYRNS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now A bill providing for payment of $50 to each enrolled Chip­ adjourn. pewa Indian of Minnesota from the funds standing to their The motion was agreed to. credit in the Treasury of the United States; with amend­ Accordingly Cat 4 o'clock and 39 minutes p.m.> the House ment CRept. No. 845). Referred to the Committee of the , adjourned to meet, in accordance with its previous order, Whole House on the state of the Union. on Monday, February 26, 1934, at 11 o'clock a.m. Mr. JONES: Committee on Agriculture. House Joint Resolution 270. Joint resolution to make available to Puerto Rico certain appropriations for the fiscal year ending June COMMITTEE HEARINGS 30, 1934, for experiment station and extension work, which COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION have not been paid because of unfulfilled conditions; with­ (Monday, Feb. 26) out amendment (Rept. No. 846). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Public hearing on the general subject of Federal aid to Mr. WERNER: Committee on Indian Affairs. S. 326. An educatic.n, in the caucus room of the New House Office 1 act referring the claims of the Turtle Mountain Band or I Building. Bands of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota to the Court COMMITTEE ON THE PUBLIC LANDS of Claims for adjudication and settlement; with amend­ (Monday, Feb. 26, 10 am.) ment CRept. No. 847>. Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Continuing H.R. 6462 hearings-room 328, House Office Building. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC. Under clause 3 of rule XXII, public bills and resolutions were introduced and severally referred as follows: Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, executive communications By Mr. BOEHNE: A bill CH.R. 8231) to regulate sales in were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows: interstate commerce; to the Committee on Interstate and 362. A letter from the Secretary of War, transmitting a Foreign Commerce. letter from the Chief. of Engineers, United States Army, By Mr. CARMICHAEL: A bill CH.R. 8232) to relinquish dated February 14, 1934, submitting a report, together with and quitcfaim all right and title of the United States of accompanying papers and an illustration, on a preliminary America in and to all property in the city of Sheffield, Ala., examination and survey of Clear Creek and Clear Lake, Tex., according to the map, plan, and plat of said city made by for a greater depth and enlargement of the waterway facili­ J. J. Treveres, civil engineer, and recorded in the office of ties, authorized by the River and Harbor Act approved July the judge of probate of Colbert County, Ala.; to the Com­ 3, 1930 CH.Doc. No. 264) ; to the Committee on Rivers and mittee on Public Buildings and Grounds. Harbors and ordered to be printed with an illustration. Also, a bill (H.R. 8233) to provide a preliminary examina­ 363. A letter from the Secretary of the Interior, traD.$­ tion of Flint River in Alabama and Tennessee, with a view to mitting copy of a resolution passed by the colqnial council the control of its floods; to the Committee on Flood Control. of the municipality of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, on Decem­ Also, a bill

convey~nce certain lands in the district of Ewa. Island of By Mr. HARLAN: A bill (H.R. 8253) granting a pension Oahu. Territory of Hawaii; to the Committee on the Ter­ to Jeannette McGool Zost; to the Committee on Pensions. ritories. By Mr. KNUTE IDLL: A bill (H.R. 8254) for the relief of By Mr. SAMUEL B. HILL: A bill (H.R. 8236) to authorize Robert Gray Fry; to the Committee on Military Affairs. the adjustment of the boundaries of the Chelan National By Mr. HOWARD (by departmental request): A bill (Il.R. Forest in the State of Washington, and for other purposes; 8255) for the relief of the rightful heirs of Wakicunzewin, to the Committee on the Public Lands. an Indian; to the Committee on Indian Affairs. By Mr. MILLER: A bill (H.R. 8237) to legalize a bridge By Mr. HUGHES: A bill

3170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE FEBRUARY 26 2523. By Mr. CARTER of California: Petition of 28 resi­ 2542. By Mr. MEAD: Petition of the Metal Polishers' In­ dents of the Sixth Congl'essional District of the State of ternational Union, Buffalo, N.Y., favoring the 30-hour bill; California, urging increased appropriations for the War to the Committee on Labor. Department; to the Committee on Appropriations. 2543. Also, petition of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, 2524. Also, petition signed by 32 residents of the Sixth of Buffalo, N.Y.; to the Committee on Labor. Congressional District of the State of California, asking the 2544. Also, petition of the National Association of Letter restoration of rights to Spanish War veterans; to the Com­ Carriers, Branch No. 257, Dubuque, Iowa; to the Committee mittee on Pensions. on the Post Office and Post Roads. 2525. Also, petition signed by 30 residents of the Sixth 2545. Also, petition of the Mobile Steamship Association, Congressional District of the State of California, asking of Mobile, Ala., opposing Senate bill 2517; to the Committee the restoration of rights to ~anish-American War veterans; on Ways and Means. to the Committee on Pensions. 2546. Also, petition of the Chicago Federation of Labor; 2526. By Mr. RUDD: Petition of the Brooklyn Chamber to the Committee on the Judiciary. of Commerce, Brooklyn, N.Y., opposing the passage of House 2547. Also, petition of the Fulton-Montgomery County bill 7399; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Branch of the National Rural Letters Carriers, of Amster­ Commerce. dam, N.Y., protesting against House bill 8097; to the Com­ 2527. By Mr. EDMONDS: Petition of the Philadelphia mittee on the Post Office and Post Roads. Wholesale Lumber Dealers' Association, of Philadelphia, Pa., 2548. By Mr. RICH: Petition of the Woman's Christian regarding House bill 6460; to the Committee on Banking and Temperance Union of Montoursville, Pa., favoring House Currency. bill 6097; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Com­ 2528. By Mr. HILDEBRANDT: Reso1ution of the dele­ merce. gates to the Northwestern South Dakota Seed School, held 2549. By Mr. RUDD: Petition of the Brooklyn Chamber at Isabel, S.Dak., February 15-16, 1934, opposing abandon­ of Commerce, Brooklyn, N.Y., opposing the passage of House ment of Northern Great Plains Field Station at Mandan, bill 6614; to the Committee on Merchant Marine, Radio, and N.Dak.; to the Committee on Agriculture. Fisheries. 2529. Also, resolution of the Wilson Parent Teachers' As­ 2550. Also, petition of the New York County Andrew Jack­ sociation of Huron, S.Dak., urging support of House bill 6097, son Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812, State of New known as the" Patman bill", for supervision of motion pic­ York, favoring the passage of House bill 7051; to the Com­ tures; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Com­ mittee on the Judiciary. merce. 2551. By Mr. SADOWSKI: Petition concerning the financ­ 2530. By Mr. JAMES: Resolution of the Parent Teacher ing of needed construction; to the Comittee on Banking and Association of Sidnaw, Mich., through A. J. Pequet, presi­ Currency. dent, and Charles Francisco, secretary, favoring Federal aid 2552. Also, petition favoring contractors' relief legislation; for schools and teachers; to the Committee on Education. to the Committee on Labor. 2531. By Mr. JOHNSON of Minnesota: Petition of citizens 2553 .. By Mr. SEGER: Petition of Franklin D. Roosevelt of the State. of Minnesota, protesting against the alleged Club of Haledon, N.J., favoring the 30-hour-week legisla­ discrimination in radio broadcasts; to the Committee on tion; to the Committee on Labor. Merchant Marine, Radio, and Fisheries. · 2554. By Mr. STRONG of Pennsylvania: Petition of the 2532. Also, petition of citizens of the State of Minnesota, Kiski Valley Lodge, No. 177, and Apollo Lodge, No. 159, urging the adoption of Senate bill 2800; to the Committee Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers, on Agriculture. Armstrong County, Pa., urging certain amendments to the 2533. By Mr. KINZER: Resolution from the Woman's National Industrial Recovery Act; to the Committee on Ways Christian Temperance Union of Oxford, Pa., petitioning for and Means. higher moral standards for films entering interstate and 2555. By Mr. THOMASON: Petition of El Paso, Stanton, international commerce; to the Committee on Interstate and Sanderson, Balmorhea, and Van Horn, Tex., urging adop­ Foreign Commerce. tion of an amendment to the independent offices appropria­ 2534. By Mr. LAMBERTSON: Petition of Dr. M. F. Per­ tion bill for the benefit of Spanish War veterans and widows; kins and 20 othe1· citi.zens of Topeka, Kans., opposing pas­ to the Committee on Appropriations. sage of the Copeland bills, S. 2000 and S. 2355; to the 2556. By Mr. WELCH: Petition of the Nelson A. Miles Committee on Agriculture. Camp, No. 10, Spanish-American War Veterans, San Fran­ 2535. Also, p-Btition of Etta W. Gilmore and 23 other citi­ cisco, Calif., requesting restoration of pensions, hospitaliza­ zens of Topeka, Kans., urging the passage of House bill tion, and care of the veterans of Spanish-American War as 7019; to the Committee on Labor. same existed prior to enactment of Public, No. 2, Seventy­ 2536. Also, petition of the Woman's Christian Temper­ second Congress; to the Committee on Appropriations. ance Unions of Sabetha and Denison, and of the Ladies' Aid 2557. By the SPEAKER: Petition of Gaston Local of of the Methodist Church of Denison, Kans., urging passage Farmers Union, Gaston, Oreg.; to the Committee on Agri­ of House bill 6097; to the Committee on Interstate and culture. Foreign Commerce. · 2558. Also, petition of the United Mine Workers of Amer­ 2537. By Mr. LINDSAY: Petition of the Brooklyn Cham­ ica, Local Union No. 6369; to the Committee on Ways and ber of Commerce, Brooklyn, N.Y., opposing House bill 7399; Means. to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. 2538. Also, petition of the Brooklyn Chamber of Com­ SENATE merce, Brooklyn, N.Y., opposing House bill 6614; to the Committee on Merchant Marine, Radio, and Fisheries. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1934 2539. Also, petition of the Maritime Association of the