1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8265 benefit of the United States, in aid of the By Mr. PATRICK: It would be appreciated if this information prosecution of the· war, and for other pur­ H. R. 7719. A bill authorizing the President is brought to the attention of the Members poses; to the Committee on Patents. to present a gold medal to Kay Kayser; to the of the House of Representatives. I should Committee on Military Affairs. like to also add that there will be no censor­ BILL PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT By Mr. ROLPH: ship of telephone calls. A telephone operator Mr. KIRWAN, from the Committee on H. R. 7720. A bill for the relief of Pacific will put through calls without questioning Enrolled Bills, reported that that com­ Dry Dock & Repair Co., Inc.; to the Com­ the right of the user to use the system. She mittee did on this day present to the mittee on Claims. may, however, request the name and address or position of the person placing the call, President, for his approval, a bill of the but this will be for record purposes only. House of the following title: Sincerely yours, H. R. 3152. An act to suspend restrictions JAMES LAWRENCE FLY, during the present war and for 1 year there­ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Chairman. after upon the service of certain offi.cers of the Marine Corps in the Marine Corps Head­ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1942 AMENDMENT OF SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT quarters, Washington, D. C. The House met at 11 o'clock a. m., and Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I call up ADJOURNMENT House Resolution 554 and ask for its was called to order by the Speaker. immediate consideration. Mr. PATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move Rev. John Compton Ball, pastor of The Clerk read as follows: that the House do now adjourn. Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washing­ The motion was agreed to; accordingly ton, D. C., offered the following prayer: Resolved, That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that (at 3 o'clock and 10 minutes p.m.), under Our Father, we realize this morning as the House resolve itself into the Committee its previous order the House adjourned never before the truth of the expression, of the Whole House on the state of the Union until tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, "Man's inhumanity to man makes count­ for the consideration of the bill (H. R. 7528), 1942, at 11 o'clock a. m.) less thousands mourn." We not only to amend the Selective Training and Service hea oZ wars and rumors of wars but we Act of 1940 by providing for the extension of 1 liability, and all points of order against said REPORTS 0!< COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC know of them and the uncertainty of the bill are hereby waived. That after general BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS outcome of battles with the heart concern debate, which shall be confined to the bill, Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of over the fate of our loved ones. We and shall continue not to exceed 2 hours, committees were delivered to the Clerk plead, therefore, today for victory of to be equally divided and controlled -by the for printing and reference to the proper arms over our foes that the United Na­ chairman and ·ranking minority member of tions may be welded into a solidarity of the Committee on Military Affairs. the bill calendar, as follows: plan and purpose for the preservation shall be read for amendment under the 5- Mr. ELLIOTT of California: Joint Commit­ of the freedoms fought for and handed minute rule. No amendments shall be in tee on the Disposition of Executive Papers. order to said bill except amendments offered House Report No. 2575. Report on the dispo­ down to us by our forefathers as a sacred by direction of the Committee on Military sition of records by sundry departments of trust. To this end "May the words of Affairs or amendments relating to age limits, the United States Government. Ordered to our mouth and the meditations of our and said amendments shall be in order, any be printed. heart be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, rule of the House to the contrary notwith­ Mr. ELLIOTT of California: Joint Commit­ our strength and our Redeemer.'' May standing. Amendments that may be offered tee on the Disposition of Executive Papers. our boys, on the far-flung battle lines of to said bill under the terms of this resolu­ House Report No. 2576. Report on the dispo­ the world, know that we are bearing tion shall not be subject to any amendment sition of records by sundry departments of except pro forma amendments. At the con­ the United States Government. Ordered to them up in our prayers. May they be clusion of the consideration of the bill for be printed. kept pure and clean in morals and pos­ amendment, the Committee shall rise and Mr. ELLIOTT of California: Joint Commit­ sess a spiritual morale that shall lead to report the bill to the House and such amend­ tee on the DiSposition of Executive Papers. the achievement of their goal, namely, ments as may have been adopted, and the House Report No. 2577. Report on the dispo­ a victory complete and final for the peace previous question shall be considered as sition of records by sundry departments of of the whole world. In the name of Thy ordered on the bill and amendments thereto the United States Government. Ordered to Son and to Thy glory we ask it. Amen. to.final passage without intervening motion, be printed. except one motion to recommit. Mr. SABATH: Committee 0n Rules. Reuse , The Journal of the proceedings of yes­ Resolution 554. Resolution providing for terday was read and approved. Mr. COLE of New York. Mr. Speaker, consideration of H. R. 7528, a bill lowering I make the point of order that a quorum the draft law to 18 and 19 years, and for EXTENSION OF REMARKS is not present. other purposes.; without amendment (Rept. United Nations will meas­ turn, have not permitted popular pres­ that is necessary, possible, and advisable ure up in this war more completely sure from nonmilitary sources to sway to help win this war and to promote the and quickly once unified leadership has their judgment but that theirs is alone a security of the United States. Because been secured. I hope it is provided with­ military decision. of that, since the Commander in Chief, out much more delay because I believe it Throughout the long fight which many President Roosevelt, stated in his radio will save the lives of hundred of thou­ of us made to prevent if possible the in­ address to the Nation that the Nation is sands of the young men we are called volvement of America in this war and to in peril and that our national security upon today to draft as an essential step avert changes of policy which we feared demands the lowering of the draft age, in our national safety. would draw us closer to it, I made it I am convinced that the House today is We have another conviction, I think, clear time and again by speech and vote going to lower the draft age. There is which is also shared by all Members of that if we should become involved I no other choice open to us. America this House. That conviction is that we would go all the way in helping to win must be saved. In view of the fact that want to give these boys of 18 and 19 who the war and I have voted for more than President Roosevelt and General Mar­ ar~ to be drafted every bit of adequate $200,000,000,000 since coming to Congress shall, Chief of Staff, insist that the safety and wholesome training that is available to prepare us as fully as possible before of America requires the lowering of the and possible. I think we should amend Pearl Harbor and to grant every request draft age, I shall vote to lower it, because this rule today so that we can deliberate for arms and equipment which has come first things must come first with all of us, upon this program as intelligent men to us since. One of the distasteful even­ and the winning of the war and the pro­ and women, as legislators, and so that tualities we envisioned before Pearl Har­ tection of our national safety must come we can write a clear record concerning bor was the possibility that boys of 18 and first. this conviction of this House. We should 19, and also older men who are heads of Mr. Speaker, I am dedicated to doing be given the opportunity to consider and families, would be forced to go overseas to everything we must to protect this Re­ analyze every possible safeguard for the fight if we became involved in· war. Mr. public and to win this war. In such welfare of these boys to see that their Speaker, war has come, and we must not purely military decisions as to the size training is adequate, that their sur­ now withhold a single step which, if not of our Army in war and the strategy of roundings are wholesome, and that their taken, might mean the losing of it. We best utilizing our manpower, no man health and ideals are protected. This have found that total war means total outside of those directly charged with is a phase of wartime effort where Mem­ sacrifice. We have learned that Japan the responsibility of serving as our gen­ bers of Congress can exercise their judg­ cannot be bombed into oblivion in 2 weeks erals and admirals and our military ment and leadership. And, incidentally, and that tools alone will not complete the leadership dare rely solely upon his own if we are going to protect the integrity job. We are now all the way in a cruel judgment. We must follow the judg­ of this body, we must legislate for our­ and global war and looking back over the ment of military men on military mat­ selves and not rely entirely on legisla­ path we have trod will not bring us peace ters in time of war. I know of no better tive committees or on the Committee on or avert defeat-the only road out of this place to look for guidance. If they prove Rules to prepare legislation and submit it war, today, is the trail marked "victory'' faulty or incompetent, if they prove un­ to us on the basis of "take it or leave it," and we must march shoulder to shoulder wise or imprudent, we must change our but do not try to improve it. If Con­ up that trail until that goal is reached. military leadership until we find leader­ gress is wise enough to approve or dis­ The drafting of 18- and 19-year-old ship which will wisely and ably lead us approve, it follows it should be wise boys is a distasteful and discomforting to victory and security. The fate of enough to perfect, to strengthen, or to decision, but if our national safety might America means more than the fate of modify. be lost without our making it, who is any individual, the reputation of any Mr. Speaker, I say this not in sup­ there who would vote against it? Who is political party, or the personal or politi­ port of any amendment or suggestion there who wants to lose this war? To cal future of any leader in this country. mentioned thus far in this debate, but I win it we may have to make many more America must not lose this war. If in say it as a matter of general principle to distasteful and discomforting decisions. order to avoid that catastrophe it be­ be applied to all legislation if represent­ Mothers' hearts are bleeding all over comes necessary to change military lead­ ative government is to function as it America today and the feelings of some ership, as has sometimes been the case should in this Congress and in this Re­ meJ::l in authority this hour may have to in previous wars, we must make such public. Of late years there has been an be hurt before we win this war, but win it change both in civilian and military lead­ alarming tendency on the part of this we shall and must. Defeat, now, would ership as are necessary to ward off defeat. administration to resort more and more be a worse eventuality by far than the However, Mr. Speaker, until and unless to gag-rule procedure and the closed­ unhappy action we must take today. the evidence mounts to such a point that rule formula for passing legislation writ­ However, I think we should provide every such an unfortunate situation becomes ten in the White House instead of on possible assurance as a Congress that apparent, we must follow and support the the floor of Congress. I have fought this these younger selectees be given adequate decisions in military matters of men of tendency repeatedly. It must be curbed and wholesome training and that they military training and holding positions if Congress is to function as an inde­ will not be used in foreign combat service of military leadership when this Nation pendent and coordinate branch of gov­ until they have attained as much matu­ is at war for its survival. Personally, I ernment. rity as possible. Surely we can do no am among those who have great confi­ But to get back to the lowering of the less for these young men and surely dence and faith in Gen. George Mar­ draft age legislation now before us, Mr. America owes no less to these new draft shall. I pray God that faith and confi­ Speaker, I shall vote f01; it with the same categories who are still so young that by dence is vindicated. I only wish that reluctance shared by many of you but I neither their votes nor their influence more authority would be given him so shall vote for it since President Roosevelt have they had an opportunity to make that he could be the better able to demon­ and his appointed military advisers say their ideals and ideas felt upon the strate his military leadership, his strate­ that our national safety depends upon 1t. course of events either in this Nation or gic wisdom, and his sense of coordinate The President has said he has secret the World. General Marshall and the action by being permitted to enjoy the sources of information not available to President have assured us that this will unified leadership of all the armed forces us. We all know that this is true. I wish be done but if by legislative action or by on our side so that we could hit the there were more candor on the part of the record of statements made by l\Iem- 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8273 bers in this debate today we can support Had each of these young men received 6 That committee responded promptly that assurance and make crystal clear to months' to a year's training in military fun­ and directly to that request. It per­ damentals we would have entered this war the President and his military advisers with a reserve of about 8,500,000 men, most formed its duty to the country and to that this is the intent and the desire of of whom could have been turned into grade the House of Representatives, and, I am this House, let us make sure that this is A soldiers in short order. informed, unanimously, Democrats and · done. I hope that the record written in Republicans~ voted to report this bill. the House today will be helpful in guid­ Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, in May I happen to be one of those--and I ing those who administer the draft law 1940 I introduced H. R. 9884, a bill which think I stand with all of the Members in developing a program which will at­ would have amended the Civilian Con­ of this House--who is committed without tain the foregoing obJectives. servation Corps Act so all enrollees shall any mental reservation to the winning of Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield to receive instruction in military tactics this war. the gentleman from West Virginia [Mr. and drill for 8 hours during each week. [Here the gavel fell.] RANDOLPH] such time as he may desire. I was unable to get support for this leg­ Mr. SAB.ATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield the Mr. RANDOLPH. Mr. Speaker, desire islation, but it is gratifying to have gentleman 2 more minutes. for the successful prosecution of this war, quoted from this editorial, which rightly Mr. HALLECK. While we know the I am certain, is paramount in the heart contends that we must prepare our youth cost will be tremendous, we are deter­ of each Member of this House as we be­ more carefully than in the past. The mined to win it. Among us, I am sure, gin consideration of the legislation today. editorial goes on to say that: there is no difference on that score. I We must put first needs first, and to We should not repeat that mistake. After say further that it is obvious that the ask our leadership in the armed forces this war we should have a system of com­ primary responsibility for the determina­ to strait jacket themselves as to any pulsory military training. A boy should be drafted into the Army between high school tion that this legislation must be enacted definite date of training, I believe, would and college and trained for a. year. The is upon the Commander in Chief and his work against the successful outcome of system could be made flexible enough to military advisers. The Commander in the conflict. give him some choice as to when he would Chief and the military leaders are My sister has an 18-year-old son who serve his year, and to excuse inferior physi­ charged with responsibility of leading us is in college. Only a few days ago I talked cal specimens from any training. in the waging of this terrible war. with her about the future which she and I have made this statement, because I I think it is also obvious that the pri­ her husband have planned for this youth. will find it necessary later this afternoon mary responsibility for training these I know the tugging at her heartstrings to leave for West Virginia. I am hopeful young boys who are to be brought into with the realization of what we are do­ of arranging for an active pair, because the service, and for their proper equip­ ing to make stronger the Army and the I want to be clearly understood as favor­ ment, mentally and physically, for the Navy and the air force for the protection ing this measure. It would be perhaps service of their country is upon the Com­ of our country. I believe that these 18- political expediency to talk otherwise, manqer in Chief and the military leaders and 19-year-old boys should remain in of the country. As the gentleman from high school or college for the completion but in an hour of the crisis of this coun­ try I feel parents having 18- and 19- New York [Mr. WADSWORTH] has pointed of the present school year. I also feel out, they have assured us that they will strongly that General Marshall and other year-old sons will join in the expression high-ranking Army otlicials will not fail which I received recently from a mother observe the requirements of that respon­ to give as many months training to these who has two sons in the armed forces of sibility and discharge their obligations to boys as possible before they are called for the United States. She lives in Martins­ the Nation, the people, and these boys in combat duty. We must have confidence burg, W.Va., and writes, as follows: the manner we would want them dis­ that those who are in positions of trust, I am very happy in having my sons help­ charged. in waging this war, will do what is right ing out; in fact, I think and I wish that all There are many men in this body who on this question. parents would think as-and-! do. This is were ·in the service of their country in Labor Day, but it is a world full of war, the other war at the ages of 17, 18, or 19. As a former teacher in a college my­ human suffering, torture, and much sadness, self I am deeply conscious of the need We know what military service at this but as war continues we must all stand to­ age means. Distasteful as it may be to to keep alive in America our educational gether with our President and accept the institutions, but I must understand, as bad with the good. Our country has always us individually, there is nothing for this all of us must understand, that we can­ had freedom, and we must endure hard­ Congress to do in the circumstances ex­ not win the war if we feel that here and ships, to keep our freedom and bring peace cept to respond to the demands of the there it is necessary to hold back a part to a troubled world. Commander in Chief and the requests of that all-out effort which we must put and the statements of the military lead­ Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield ers who, of necessity, are in possession into the winning of this struggle. I be­ 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana lieve it is clearly indicated that the coun­ [Mr. HALLECK]. of information and facts that cannot be try needs this legislation and that we as disclosed to all the rest of us. Mr. GIFFORD. Mr. Speaker, will the [Here the gavel fell.] legislators will fail if we do not bring gentleman let me make a suggestion? about its speedy passage. Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I now Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret that we, Mr. HALLECK. I only have 2 minutes yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from as a people, were not more adequately and I cannot yield. Oklahoma [Mr. NICHOLS]. prepared to fight this con:fiict in which Mr. Speaker, I am sure every one of us Mr. NICHOLS. Mr. Speaker, this thing we are now engaged. Yesterday morn­ recognizes that this is a solemn and a we are called upon to do today, of course, ing I read a significant editorial in the trying moment. We are today to pass on is a distasteful business. We are all con­ Washington Times-Herald, which said: a matter of tremendous concern to a scious of the fact that no parents in the great many families and of tremendous United States will look with relish upon Though yielding to nobody in his patriot­ and overwhelming concern to the future ism and willingness to serve, how can thiS the proposition that they must give their man become as agile, enduring, and straight and the security of the country. 18- and 19-year-old lions to the war. If shooting a soldier as a man of 18 or 19 in I think it is entirely fair to say that one were to consider this purely from a good physical condition? this legislation was initiated by the Com­ political standpoint, then one must cer­ The draft law, as written and adminis­ mander in Chief, the President of the tainly, in his selfishness, make excuses tered up to now, has taken far too little ac­ United States, when he made his radio of every sort before voting for this legis­ count of these facts of age and of youth. As speech to the country the other Monday a result we have been building ourselves an lation; but if we are to win this war, and, army whose average age is now growing dan­ night. He said in that address that the that we will do, we in the House of Rep­ gerously high according to testimony of lowering of the age to include 18- and resentatives and in the legislative branch Secretary of War Stimson. 19-year-old boys was inevitable-that it of the Government must, even as every After this war, too, it is to be hoped that was absolutely necessary for the safety other public servant, lift ourselves above we shall be more sensible than we were after and the security of the country. Subse­ politics. This is easy to say and difficult World War No. 1. In 1933 we set up the Civilian Conserva­ quently· the military leaders of the coun­ to do, but I see it happen on this :floor tion Corps (C. C. C.) to take in a lot of young try appeared before our Committee on every day. I see men do things here in men who were victims of the great depres­ Military Affairs and backed up those the interest of their country, in the in­ alon. statements and asked for this legiSlation. terest of this war, that normally they 8274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 would not do in the light of good political Mr. NICHOLS. This · is a perfectly universities of the land that I do not judgment. sane, sensible rule, because the bill com­ agree with his statement. I think there Someone has said that 'the Rules Com:. ing from the Committee on Military Af­ are ample safeguards in this bill against mittee has foreclosed the rights of some fairs deals with many phases of the in­ such a thing, but I may say to my friend Members to offer amendments to this bill. duction act, would have allowed all of from New York that if it is necessary Why, Mr. Speaker, there is not one of us that act to be open to amendment. temporarily to close every institution of who has served here even a day who does Mr. GIFFORD. Mr. Speaker, will the learning in the United States to win this not know that this body is governed by gentleman yield? war we had better get about the business the majority. If a majority of this House Mr. NICHOLS. Yes. of closing them. does not like this rule, which places cer­ Mr. GIFFORD. I do want to get this [Here the gavel fell.] tain limitations upon amendments, by a over, that in this particular war in re­ Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I move majority of your votes you will refuse to spect to the matter of training, "that we the previous question on the rule. agree to the rule. There is nothing are not teaching our bqys today so much The previous question was ordered. mysterious about this. There has been to oie for their country' but rather to see The SPEAKER. The question is on no steam rollering or anything of that to it that their enemies die for theirs." agreeing to the resolution. kind. This is the ordinary legislative We want to know that our boys have the The question was taken; and on a process, and this body will still govern proper training to. do that. I am glad division (demanded by Mr. PATMAN) the action on the bill by a majority vote. that the gentleman has expressed his there were-ayes 212, noes 42. In the committee I led the questioning former and present sympathy, but does So the resolution was agreed to. of the Military Affairs Committee about the gentleman not think that we could Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that this 12 months' training. When I went well do that ourselves, if the opportunity the House resolve itself into the Com­ into the committee I felt very strongly were presented? mittee of the Whole House on the state that that provision should be 'in the bill. Mr. NICHOLS. I know that it was of the Union for the consideration of the They convinced me that it should not. laid down as the policy of this Congress bill

physical requirements, the fact remains The Army plans to use these yo1mg Mr 0 EDMISTON 0 Mr. Secretary, QUr committee that we just simply plenty of us over 45, who, while that we should not blind ourselves to some of man's business when such business be­ we may not be fit for the rigors of infantry the things. involved in drafting the younger · comes necess9,ry. I thought myself to be 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8293 quite competent to command and did [Mr. KILDAY] and the gentleman from lines with improper and inadequate command first a platoon and then a com­ Alabama [Mr. SPARKMAN] because this training, and the pitiful examples of pany of engineers in the last war. I was bill gives the subject of their remarks some of them reaching the front-line 22 years and 10 months old when I re­ very little, if any, consideration. trenches without knowing how even to ceived my commission as a first lieuten­ I have been very much troubled about fire a rifle. Some safeguard as to the ant of engineers. I was a few weeks less the very things they have discussed, first, training and conditioning of the imma­ than 24 years old when my promotion to the responsibility of this Congress as op­ ture youth should have been provided. a captaincy arrived. There were older posed to the responsibility of the War The gag rule on this bill has prevented men, much older, serving in the ranks Department, the War Department think­ that. under me. They were fine and able men ing only in the terms of the immediate No consideration has been given to the but many of them could not stand the needs of the War Department, while the psychology of the draft upon these young­ gaff, and many did. Brains and expe­ legislative body here should think in the sters. Apparently no consideration is ;rience are invaluable to an army but so terms of the future of this country. I given to the fact of the tremendous num­ are the springy qualities of youth. wonder how much thought has been given bers of the youth who are 18 and 19 Permit me to quote to you the \'"Jords by the Military Affairs Committee to the years of age who have gone into service of our distinguished Chief of Staff, need of investigating some of the depart­ as volunteers. They do not want to be Gen. George C. Marshall, when he ap­ ments down here which are loaded with drafted, they will go in gladly. But what peared before the Senate committee con­ young men who are in there for the pur­ of the psychology of the average youth sidering appropriations for the Military pose of avoiding service in the armed who knows that he is going to be drafted Establishment for 1941. General Mar­ forces of the United States by holding and will have no opportunity of enlist­ shall made the following statement on some job in a department in Washington, ment? They want that right of selection, Wednesday May 1, 1940. I quoted these and I wonder how much effort will be which is so important psychologically to rtmarks in the RECORD on September 14, made to take a survey of the young men them. 1940, when the House was considering the who may have gotten into so-called de­ I shall support an amendment to not original conscription bill, in an effort to fense industries for the purpose of avoid­ reduce the age below 19. I think that persuade the House that older men were ing the draft or at least for the purpose even has its advantages. not the best material for military train­ of getting deferment, young men who are Mr. Chairman, I have read the hear.:. ing and service. I quote as follows: single, young men who are 20, 22, and 23 ings upon this bill. I fully realize its im.:. General MARSHALL. We are studying the years of age. portance. I have followed the debate use in war of older m~n. For example, older The very serious problem here is that upon the bill, and have approached this men, men between 35 and 45, are particularly all of us want to do what is necessary and bill with one viewpoint and that was that suited for military police work. In France what is right, but may I call your atten­ I would vote for the bill if I felt it was our military police were young men, lacking tion to something that Clemenceau, the necessary in the conduct of the war and in the tolerance and that more benign point former great leader of the now fallen I would vote against it if I was not satis­ of view which comes only with years. fied that such was the case. Senator THOMAS. If you have old men, that French Nation, in substance, said: would change the ratio. At the present time, In time of war the more serious the condi­ I am voting against the bill because I we have an Army with hospitals as an inci­ tions the more necessary it is that the people do not believe that such a showing was dent, and if you get old men, you will have of the country be represented in the conflict made. hospitals with the Army as an incident. between the military and the civilian popu­ Mr. ELSTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield General MARSHALL. I did not understand lation of the country. 4 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa you, Senator. [Mr. MARTIN]. Senator THOMAS. I said at the present time In other words, Mr. Chairman, what we have an Army with hospital facilities as you are doing today. will weigh more Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman. an incident to the Army; but if you get old heavily upon your responsibilities and the bill H. R. 7528, calling for the con­ men in the service you will hl\ve the hos­ upon your conscience than you may ap­ scription of men 18 and 19 years of age pitals as the main consideration and the preciate this minute, because I do not into the armed forces, received the unan­ Army as an incident. know and you do not know how far reach­ imous support of the Committee on Mili­ General MARsHALL. Young men get all of ing an effect it will have on the future tary Affairs; and at the outset I want to the diseases. They take all of the risks; get pay a tribute to Chairman MAY, of the all of the colds and are sick a great deal of this country when we take out of the until they finally become hardened. At first, colleges, the universities, and the high committee, for the way he conducted the the older man, say around 30, is the more schools of the United States the finest hearings and deliberations on this bill. desirable soldier, but he lacks stamina. He men physically and mentally, qualified .He and the committee met a serious sit­ does not react from hardships the way the to b~ the future officers of this war if it is uation and an emergency. need of th_e younger men do. The young fellow is a great to be a long one. Not a thing has been country bravely and expeditiously. The care at first, because he will not take care of done in the way of a safeguard unless entire committee was ready and willing himself. He gets sore feet and he acquires the Committee on Military Affairs pro­ and did give their maximum effort to the all of the camp diseases. He does not clean intense study of the need for this bill. his mess kit, and he eats injudiciously and vides in the future what is to be done. suffers from diarrhea and other disorders. This legislation has certainly been has­ and the decision they reached unani­ The older men avoid much of that. But the tily considered. mously should go far to convince our older man does not have the stamina. When Where are we going to fill the gaps enemies that America stands united you put a heavy pack on him his age begins caused by the drafting of the youth of today in answering the challenge of this to tell heavily. 18 and 19? war. Please notice that General Marshall There has been much confusion upon CONSCRIPTION FOR T.RAINING IS NO LONGER considers that an "older man, say around the subject of the drafting of the 18- and AN ISSUE 30, is the more desirable soldier but he 19-year-olds. It is true that only last Starting with the first national con­ lacks stamina." Men 35 to 45 are fit for September 7, in speaking to the Nation, vention of the American Legion at military police work. the President stated in substance that Minneapolis in 1919, most veterans of In conclusion, let us hope that the there was no urgent need before the first the First World War favored the resolu­ committee will give further consideration . of the year to consider the reduction of tions adopted in that convention favor­ of this subject when time and circum,. the draft age. ing a policy of universal military training stances are not so pressing. I shall vote The consideration of this bill in the and opposing compulsory military serv­ for the bill with deep misgivings. House has been rushed through the Com­ ice in time of peace. I cannot recall Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I mittee on Military Affairs subsequent to very many ex-service men who have at yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the speech of the President on Monday any time opposed conscription for mili­ Minnesota [Mr. O'HARA]. of this week. There are no safeguards in tary service in time of war. The policy Mr. O'HARA. Mr. Chairman, this bill the bill for the training of this youth. of the American Legion, for instance, at is a bill which I approach the considera­ There are too many bitter experiences no time opposed compulsory military tion thereof with a very heavy heart. · from the last war still fresh in the minds service in time of war, even though the May I say to the membership here today of those men who served in that war, of distinction between conscription for , that I hope all of them have heard the the tragedy of. too many of the youth .of training. and conscription for armed remark-s of the gentleman from Texas the country being rushed into the front forces prevailed in time of peace until 8294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 0CTOBER .17 the national convention at ·Boston, was glad indeed to hear the' testimony of ing completed being~.4. or·the equivalent of Mass .• September 23, 1940, which was our Army officials that insofar as pos­ slightly more than 1 year of high school. after the House of Representatives had sible each inductee will be given a maxi­ Of this group, men from 21 to 24 bad. the highest median number of years of school, passed the selective-service law on Sep­ mUll?- amount of training, and that, of and those from 35 to 44 the lowest. The tember 9, 1940. course, is only good common sense. The study pointed out, however, that the 18-to- As late as August 28, 1940, the Iowa real question is how long .that maximum 20-year group had not yet completed their State Convention of the American training can be. You will find in the education. These .!acts again refiect the Legion enacted a resolution demanding hearings, on page 57, that General White rapid improvement in educational oppor­ prompt adoption by Congress of a system explains that the 12 months of training tunities in recent years. of compulsory universal training, as set commonly alluded to as the training to A real issue confronts us today regard­ out in the resolution adopted by the be given to each inductee is not a guar­ ing the· educational requirements for the national convention at Minneapolis in anty of 1 year of training to each indi­ years ahead, both for the Army and for 1919. I personally shared the views of vidual soldier but rather a period of time the civilian needs in the war period and the American Legion in making that dis­ established for the training of newly for the needs of the Nation thereafter tinction between conscription for train­ activated divisions. You will find, on as well. Of course, we must give maxi­ ing and conscription for armed service in page 63 of the hearings, in answer to my mum consideration to our war needs at peacetime. However that may be, the questions, that General White explained this time and especially to the needs for enactment of the selective-service law in that all divisions newly activated would the armed forces for the successful and September 1940 brought into being a be filled if possible within the first 2 efficient prosecution of the war. Bear­ national policy of compulsory military weeks of their activation, so that the ing those needs in mind, I made a point service in time of peace and the declara­ only personnel of any such division who to ask some questions of Maj. Gen. James tion of war on December 8, 1941, removed will have less than 1 year of training in C. Magee, Surgeon General of the Army, all the grounds for distinction between the division in the regular procedure and Dr. Edward C. Elliott, president of conscription for training and conscrip­ would be those men who are added to Purdue University, at pages 151 and 156 tion for military service for the duration the divisions as replacements to make of the hearings. As to giving young men of the present war in which our Nation up for any attrition.' In addition to the less than 18 years of age ·an opportunity is now engaged. time spent in the division there is, of to secure basic military instruction be­ course, 13 weeks' basic training that is THE ISSUE OF DRAFTING YOUNGER MEN fore they are placed in the Army, it seems given to all inductees before they are to me that the colleges and high schools I have personally· been awaiting for placed in a division at all. · some word from the Secretary of War of the country can be of real help in and General Marshall, Chief of Staff, and EDUCATION making available to large numbers of other military officials as to our needs In view of the time given to education these young men the opportunity, to take for winning this war, and when I listened in the hearings, I think it of sufficient basic military instruction before they to their unequivocal statements and their interest at this point to set out here the reach the age of 18. An expansion of earnest appeal to us to ·authorize the educational level of men of military age the R. 0. T. C. and junior R. o. T. C. drafting of men of 18 and 19, and when I as set out by the report of the Bureau system might be the answer. heard that any delay in the passage of of the Census in June 1942: The War Department might take the this bill and the drafting of these younger With the specialized needs of modern war­ position that they cannot spare officers men would jeopardize our own chances fare requiring a higher level of education and noncommissioned officers to do. this for victory in this war to that extent, I than ever before, the Nation bas ample re­ work, but I submit that there are enough felt that there was no other issue and no serves of well-educated manpower, the study World War veterans available to do the other factor that could possibly justify pointed out. The 1940 census tabulations job if the War Department wants to take show that of all men in the 18 to 44 age them into the armed forces for that pur­ the defeat of this bill at this time. group, about 32 percent bad completed at America is united today as never before least a high-school education. pose. A training program could be de­ in the determination to win this war as A comparison between the educational vised to bring the training of each in­ completely and as quickly as possible, and levels of white selectees in the present Army structor up to date and I am sure that America does realize the seriousness of with those in the Army in the last war is every veteran qualified by the War De­ the task ahead. I am certain that no shown in the following table: partment for this service would serve patriotic American citizen wishes to do with outstanding credit, and the military anything that will impede our war effort Percent of white training given these young men before selectees or they are drafted would give an invaluable in any way. draftees At one other great crisis in our Nation's Education start and make their services of far greater value also to our Nation. history, we are told the youth of the World World land answered the challenge and War II War I THE FABM SITUATION finished the job. According to Dyer's A great deal has been said in the press Compendium a great majority of the All classes ____ ------·-··----·-- 100 100 and on the radio and in Congress re­ Civil War soldiers were 21 years of age === College ______-·------11 5 garding the farm problem, particularly or younger. The figures are surprising: High school graduates ______30 4 the shortage of farm labor that has come High school nongraduates ______28 12 <>ver 21 years of age______618,000 Grade school and no schooling ____ _ about because of so many nien leaving 21 years or younger ______1,435,738 31 79 18 years or younger ______1, 151,000 the farms to go into war production 16 years or younger______844,000 The phenomenal improvement in the edu­ plants and into· the armed forces. The 14 years or younger______252 cational level of selectees in World War No.2 production of an adequate supply of food 10 years or younger______25 as compared with draftees in World War No. is a serious responsibility and our farm­ 1 is due largely to a spectacular increase in ers are meeting the challenge to the limit Total enlistments ______2, 053, 753 educational opportunities in the United of their physical ability. The farmers States in less than a generation, the study are today facing a real emergency in the In the first World War the average revealed. According to statistics of the matter of shortage of manpower if we age of our armed forces was somewhat United States Office of Education in 1940, on· higher. In the hearings, at page 64, the eve of our entry into the war, almost as are to keep all our best-producing acres General White testified that the average many men were attending college as were in in production. Farm plans are neces­ h igh school less than 25 years ago. The sarily seasonal, and almost all crop plans age was 24 years and 3 months. In this high-school enrollment in 1940 was seven must be made far in advance. The pres­ war today, General White testified the times greater than in 1916. ent plan followed· in Selective Service in average age was 25 years and 5 months Census Bureau figures for 1940 reveal that granting deferments of 6 months is of ori August 1 of this year. of the men in the 18-44 age group who have tremendous benefit to the farmer. But HOW LONG WILL NEW INDUCTEES BE TRAINED? registered or been ordered to register for selective service, only 5.3 percent bad less the farmers need more time than 6 One of the big issues involved in this than 4 years' formal schooling. Approxi­ months' deferment to plan next season's bill is the length of time to be given the mately one-half the group had less than 9 crops and to carry out the planting and new inductees before they are sent into years of school with the other half having harvesting of those crops. My statement expeditionary forces or into combat. I more-the median number of years of school- on that point on page 114 of the hearings 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8295 is not accurately reported and should be substitute for them children, women, or his duty was no longer in the schoolroom changed to read as follows: even men who are unskilled, untrained, but in the service of his country, and so Mr. MARTIN. These fellows who have 6 and u·naccustomed to the rigors of farm he left college and volunteered for train­ months' deferment have greatly benefited the life. The unfortunate thing about the ing as an Army pilot. I know not what farmer but no farmer at this time of year can farm problem is that once the seeding the future holds for him, but I do know plan next year's crops with a 6 months' de­ time has passed there is not much we that his destiny is in the hands of a just ferment, and it should be planned now in can do to remedy threatened crop short­ and righteous God, in whom I trust. my area. age, whether that threatened shortage While I nightly pray that he may be I understand from General Hershey's arises from reduced acreage or from re­ spared to come back home and complete testimony that all policies regarding de­ duced yields. The issue on farm labor is his education and take a man's place in ferment are determined by the War Man­ the No. 1 issue confronting us today and the land that he helped keep free, what­ power Commission rather than by the Se­ I am glad General Hershey recognized ever his fate, I shall cherish until I draw lective Service Director. That being the the issue in that light in his testimony my last breath the choice that he made. case, the War Manpower Commission has before our committee. It is time for the Oh, yes, when he made the decision his an immediate and pressing responsibility present national- administration to stop mother and I, with eyes that were moist to determine the needs of agriculture for blaming the farmer for an inflation that and hearts that were heavy, talked his the service of any man subject to the he has not caused and to extend to the decision over. Thank God that through draft. A system should be devised for farmers of our land a real and helping our tears we saw the correct answer. We keeping a sufficient number of trained hand without further delay. decided that we would encourage, in and experienced farm hands on the Mr. SPARKMAN. Mr. Chairman, I every way, the patriotic impulses that farms. It may be necessary to assign yield such time as he may desire to the surged through his stout young heart. experienced farm hands, who have been gentleman from Virginia [Mr. FLAN­ Why? Because we decided that we had inducted into the service, back to the NAGAN]. rather for him to go through life an un­ farms on a proper showing of need. The Mr. FLANNAGAN. Mr. Chairman, educated freeman than an educated production of food is just as essential and the question presented in this legislation slave. the service of producing food is just as is not one of choice but one of necessity. And to those who entertain fears that patriotic as any other war service. Un­ If we had the choice of raising an effec­ because our boys between the ages of 18 fortunately the production of food for tive hard-hitting army in some other .and 19 are still in the impressionable age the most part calls for the same degree way, there would be few, if any, who and are getting the ideas of the sacred of youth and vigor that is required of our would not choose the other way. values of human life fixed in their minds armed forces, and consequently agricul­ I do not believe there is a single Mem­ and that training for warfare and fight­ tural labor and the armed services are in ber on either side of the aisle who does ing on the fields of conflict will sear direct competition for men of the same not appreciate the seriousness of the step their souls, let me say: The history of age. I sincerely wish that the War Man­ we are about to take. The appeals that our Republic is a glorious record to the ~ower Board and the Army o:m.cials de­ cctme to us from the mothers of this land, contrary. Many of those who entered vise a plan whereby enough skilled pro:­ I know, touch a sympathetic chord in the the Revolutionary War and the War be­ duc·ers of food will be left on the job of heart of every Member. To those of us tween the States in their teens after­ food production in our rich agricultural who are fathers the thoughts expressed ward rose to a standing and leadership areas to insure our Nation against a food in these appeals have for months weighed never before witnessed in the world; and shortage in event we have a poor crop heavily upon us because we have been the citizenship of our Republic during year such as 1934 or 1936. In addition apprehensive that sooner or later our the immediate generations following to this, I hope these same o:m.cials will Commander in Chief and Army and these conflicts has never been equaled. devise a plan whereby the producers of Navy o:m.cials would advise us that the I have faith in our American youth of food will be given the recognition for war had reached such serious proportions today. They have in them the stuff that patriotic service to which they are en­ that the step, in the interest of American men, real men, are made of, and, I am titled. I am seriously alarmed by re­ safety and freedom, would have to be persuaded, will come out of this conflict, ports coming from my district of large taken. · as their forefathers did in the other two numbers of farms to be taken out of Our apprehensions are now cold, hard .memorial conflicts, with a God-given production next year in the most fertile facts. Our Commander in Chief, our consciousness that when freedom was agricultural area of the world. The Chief of Staff, our Secretary of the Navy, challenged they were men enough to ac­ greatest cause of taking these farms out our Secretary of War, and others charged cept the challenge, with souls made of production is the shortage of man­ with the duty and responsibility of the whiter and nobler and purer by reason power. There will be other factors seri­ prosecution of the war now tell us that of the sacrifices they have made to pre· ously limiting the acreage planted to in order to successfully prosecute the serve the freedom and liberty and equal­ crops and limiting successful harvests. war our young men of 18 to 19 years of ity that is theirs by reason of the sac­ One of these factors is the shortage of age will have to be taken into the service. rificial blood of their ancestors, and take farm machinery and the di:m.cuity in se­ In this hour of peril mine is not the duty their rightful places in developing a curing repairs. When a crop is ready for · to question my Commander in Chief, my truer, greater freedom, liberty, and harvesting the days and even the hours Chief of Staff, my Secretary of the Navy, equality, not only here at home but of good harvest weather must be used to my Secretary of War. As a patriotic throughout the world. the utmost. Many a crop has been seri­ Representative, as a soldier in the legis­ Mr. SPARKMAN. Mr. Chairman, I ously damaged by the delay in securing lative branch of the service charged with yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from repairs at the critical harvest hour. the responsibility to enact such legisla­ California [Mr. COSTELLO]. I know of no group of our entire Nation tion as is needed in defense of my coun­ Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I do more patriotic and more willing to serve try, mine is the duty to obey. I shall not think there can be any doubt in the in the armed forces and ln our munitions perform that duty. minds of the Members of this House as plants than our farmers. They are ac­ To the mothers who appeal on the to the necessity for this legislation. The customed to long hours and hard work ground that lowering the draft age will Secretary of War and the Chief of Staff and they are extremely patriotic. They disrupt the education of our boys let me have definitely emphasized to the com­ should not be caused to feel that their say: Yes; that is true; and I can testify mittee the fact that they cannot conduct patriotism is less if they continue their to its truthfulness from personal expe­ this modern type of war unless they have long hours of back-breaking toil on the rience. I had a boy of tender years in young men. Older men will not do, be­ farms of our country. The production college on that fateful Sunday back in cause the speed and tempo of this war of adequate food is a challenge to the December. He was a clean, manly require terrific endurance and stamina most vigorous and able-bodied men in youngster who was wrapped up in his on the part of the soldiers. People who the land and it is exceedingly dangerous studies and was making a scholastic rec­ tire easily, who suffer from fatigue, will to our food supply to take all of our ord of which his mother and I were justly not be able to wage war in the way that vigorous, trained, and. experienced young proud. But after Pearl Harbor, of his is going to be asked of them if we are men from the farms and undertake to own free will and accord, he decided that going to be victorious. So we have to 8296 CONGRESSIONAL- RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 look to our younger generation to carry Whether the unified board of strategy in service have been deferred on all kinds on this fight. Washington determined upon this inva­ of flimsy grounds and are permitted to There are some other matters that are sion of the Solomons I know not, but if continue in civilian life, while married equally important. It is not sufficient they determined upon that invasion and men are in the fighting forces. for the Army to train a highly organized did not work out a better program of con­ There have also been many instances, and well-developed tinit. · A fighting ducting that attack than has been evi­ both in my State and in other sections force without foodstuffs or munitions denced during the past 2 months, they of the country, where young men have would be worthless. I believe it is very are certainly subject to criticism. been drafted who suffer from all kinds of important that the Selective Service Sys­ For 2 months the Marines have been disabilities, and who would be of better tem should reconsider its classes of defer­ fighting on Guadalcanal. They have not service to the United States if allowed ment and the methods of deferment. I been given relief. The Army has not been to continue in civilian occupations. do not believe the deferments of those called upon to bring in their troops from There have been men called into who engage in agricultural pursuits and adjacent areas nor to bring in their air­ service with glass eyes or defective hear­ in the production of essential munitions craft to join in the defense of that island, ing, and who upon being drafted will be of war are adequate. Draft boards in or to complete its conquest. Why, I ask, sent to hospitals and be of no service to many instances will not honor requests Mr. Chairman, has this not been done? the United States. The drafting of such for the deferment of essential employees. Army divisions have been prepared and persons only imposes a severe burden on I know that in the aircraft factories of have daily expected to be taken to Guad­ our military establishments, on the the West many persons are being taken alcanal, but they cannot get there walk­ country, and on the taxpayers. People into the service who will be most difiicult ing across the water. They have to be of this type should be sent to other de­ to replace. While the women every­ taken there by boat, and this is clearly fense activities, to war shops, and to where are playing their part in the pro.: the Navy's responsibility. civilian defense. It is surely of no ben­ duction of munitions, we need not kid I am afraid, Mr. Chairman, that an ef­ efit to the United States to have soldiers ourselves; they definitely will slow down fort has been made on the part of the who are cripples. the rate of production of munitions. Navy to conduct a grandstand campaign Where a draft board :finds itself unable The more we take men out of the fac­ in the Solomons without asking for the to fill its quotas because of these condi­ tories and put women in, the slower the aid of the Army ground forces or the tions, it should be frank to admit it and rate of production will be. I have ·been Army air forces. As I say, I am loath to not try to fill quotas promiscuously so told that in the machine shop of one criticize, but I believe that situation cries as to divest itself from responsibility aircraft plant now almost completely to heaven for readjustment. If we are instead of making an intelligent effort staffed by women workers productivity going to put a unified command in an to draft only such men as will clearly fill has dropped to 30-percent efficiency. area, let us have one commander in the specifications required by our Army. I believe it is unfortunate that General charge of the entire battle area and not Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield the Hershey has not had some industrial ex­ continue to leave that command divided. remainder of the time on this side to the p~rience and background. He is an edu­ [Here the gavel fell.] • gentleman from West Virginia [Mr. cator. On that account, I do not believe Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such EDMISTON]. he realizes the necessity and the

~ccount, but I just want to get an ob­ the 40-hour week and strikes throughout upon injustice, inequity, and error. The servation from the gentleman on the the country. We want a larger Army, an Army's claim that youths, yet mentally topic about which he was talking. Army ever-increasing iii size, and yet immature, make better soldiers is an in­ The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman there are men between the ages of 21 dictment of our military system so dis­ from North Carolina has not asked the and 30, hiding out in so-called defense gustingly shameful that in the name of gentleman to yield. plants, having been deferred, yet continue all the soldiers who made America's Mr. HOFFMAN. I understood the to strike. Soldiers do not and cannot proud military history, I deny that lie. gentleman to ask me to yield just now. strike with impunity. There is another The intensity of my opposition to plac­ Mr. COOLEY. Will · the gentleman group whose induction is being delayed, ing the brutal burden of winning this war yield to me for one brief observation? married men of combat age neither sup­ on the shoulders of teen-age youngsters Mr. HOFFMAN. Yes. porting wife, nor chick, nor child. Many does not permit me calmly to voice the Mr. COOLEY. I should like to say of them married just a few hours before sentiments that choke my words with further that I believe that this House is Pearl Harbor and many marriages were the anger of rebellion against this out­ rushing into a very important matter accelerated by the impending crisis. rage. with only slight consideration being Physically fit? Yes. Of combat age? I have no doubt that, if called upon, given to either its importance or its im­ Yes. Inducted into the service? No. our youth of teen age will serve bravely, plications. There is no reason on earth Why should a 25-year-old man whose nobly, and well but I rise to point to the why we should hesitate to eliminate wife is earning her own livelihood, be de­ grave injustice of exacting the full re­ from our educational system all of the ferred? Many married men are com­ sponsibilities of citizenship from those nonessentials. Likewise, there is no fortable in the security of their marriage deemed so young that we deny them the ·reason on earth why we should not uti­ and they are playing bridge and gin full privileges of citizenship. lize the dormitories and the classrooms rummy and otherwise entertaining They are too young to vote, you say. of the colleges and universities and high themselves, while the Nation is hard Too young to fill the jobs in the factories schools of America in teaching and pressed for manpower. What is going and the offices, but you hold them to be training the youth of our Nation in mat­ to be done about it? Certainly some­ old enough to die-old enough to face the ters which are essentially a part of our thing should be done about the present hell of the battlefield. In God's name, war effort. Yet this is not being done. situation before lowering the draft age. what nonsense is this? The only thing that \ve are doing is dis­ Production on our farms is being crippled Only a knowledge that it was the last rupting our Echool system and putting on account of the labor shortage. Dairy resort against defeat and disaster could these boys-yes; children, if you please­ herds are being sent to the slaughter pen lead me to vote for such a measure. in a uniform and into Army camps along because of a labor shortage. Our farms [Here the gavel fell.] with men many of whom have been have already been stripped of manpower Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I ask unan­ hardened by years of service in the and yet we are told that we must double imous consent that all debate on this Army. the size of our present armed forces. amendment and all amendments there­ One further observation: We sit here, The suggestion is worthy of more serious to close in 30 minutes. the Congress of the country, well knowing consideration than is being given to it The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection that every department in this Govern­ here in this House today. to the request of the. gentleman from ment is literally filled with men of com­ I thank the gentleman from Michigan Kentucky? bat age and what have we done about it? for yielding to me for this brief observa­ There was no objection. We will all agree that something should tion. Mr. LESINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise be done about it, yet- we are all con­ Mr. HOFFMAN. I thank the gentle­ in opposition to the amendment. scious of the fact that nothing has been man for his observations. Mr. Chairman. personally I do not or is being done about it. [Here the gavel fell.] understand why there is opposition to Many men of combat age now in the Mrs. BYRON. Mr. Chairman, I move taking youth of 18 into the Army. Forty armed forces are doing jobs that can be to strike out the last word. years ago I was 18 years old and I could done by older men, yes, even men over Mr. Chairman, I should like to say that do four times more work then than I the age of 40, or 45 or 50, or even by girls. I am in favor of the bill, and that I am a can today. I could walk 20 or 30 miles a Some have been in the Army for 5 or ~ mother who has a sen 18 years old, the day and I doubt if I could walk 2 miles or 7 years, sergeants and noncommis­ oldest one of my five boys. My husband today. So I still cannot understand why sioned officers, 23, 25, or 27 years of age, was an aviator in the last war, and my there is opposition to taking youth into who are still chauffeurs for lieutenants brother is serving overseas at the present the Army. A year or two ago I spoke to and others who hold commissions. time. the Chairman of the Military Affairs Do you mean to tell me that you and Mr. BOREN. Mr. Chairman, I move to Committee to the effect that this country I and others of our ages are not capable strike out the last word. ought to have compulsory training for all of being chauffeurs for lieutenants? Oh, Mr. Chairman, of course we must win youth from the age of 18 up, after they they have no place fo1· us. We are too this war regardless of cost. However leave high school. We today would have old, and we are too old-why? Because disquieting that cost may be, I am ready an army of at least six or seven million somebody down the street says we are too for its payment upon its show of need, people who would be ready to go and old. We talk about the size of the Army. even though it means troubling my heart tight at all fronts whenever necessary. I think that everyone of you is conscious with this grievous task of the teen-age \Vhy are we lacking in help today? It of the fact that we are now overexpand­ draft. But to the claim that this is the is because we have not built up an army, ing our armed forces. Not one of us will essential price of victory, I say it is not an army such as is required to police the be fool enough to believe for 1 minute so, it is not true. . world. I say that only through compul­ . that even America, with all of its great The teen-age draft will give a million sory training will we be able to have an resources, could support an army of 13,- manpower to our Army strength, you say. army, and we must remember that this 000,000 soldiers and carry the other great I reply that a million manpower is avail­ war will not be over in 1 or 2 years, and burdens which we are now carrying for able without a teen-age draft if you will after the war is over we will have to police our allies, yet just a few weeks ago that take the swivel-chair soldiers out of the world. was the figure; that was the figure that Washington and remove those from non­ Mr. HOOK. Mr. Chairman, I do not was given to the country. Now they have essential Army assignments the Nation see why we are so unduly excited over lowered that figure to 7,500,000. Who over. this bill. I think the best way to deter­ knows that we will be able to equip fully, Another million is available if you will mine what we are about is to look to­ or to house, to clothe, and to feed an army take the red-tape artists out of the use­ ward what the 18- and 19-year-old of even 7¥2 million men? How many less Government activities which now youths are doing themselves today. The men will be needed in industry? How hinder and hamper the war effort. Yet 18-_and 19-year-old youths are volun­ many men will be needed in agriculture, a third million is available, turned down teering for service today and happy to be which is now already crippled? The seeking service by fiatheads making rules there. Only yesterday I had occasion to determination has not yet been made. against flatfeet and minor nothings. go through the Procurement Office of the Vve speak of manpower and the short­ Under the present situation, it is my Navy in Chicago and I saw the 18- and age of skilled workers, and yet we have certain conviction that this bill is based 19-year-o~d boys who were volunteering 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8301 for the air-cadet service. They were fine If we have now ready to be drafted think that this war is a joy ride, are just specimens of manhood, patriots happy into the armed service of this great as much entitled to fight this war as are to go there and fight, and here we stand country, along with others which we have these 18-year-old boys. saying, "Let those who want to volunteer in the service, 2,500,000 available soldiers, During the war between the States go and those who do not want to volun­ then why is this necessary at this time? Jefferson Davis was urged to lower the teer we will let them alone." This is what your Selective Service Di­ draft age to 15 years, but he said that The arguments that were made here rector has given to the Military Affairs he declined to "grind the seed corn of today against this bill are the same argu­ Committee. I am sure if I were not cor­ the Confederacy." I am afraid that in ments that we heard a few years ago. rect in this the chairman or some mem­ a short time, instead of putting these The same arguments, I might say, that ber of that body would correct me. men into the Army who are now enjoying were probably put forth by some of the I am in support of this amendment be­ wages and salaries they never enjoyed America Firsters. I want to read to cause I do not believe from what General before, and which many of them do not you something which is rather enlight­ Hershey or the Army have given the Con­ earn, they will be here asking us to lower ening from one of the great men of this gress, that it is necessary. If it is neces­ the draft age again, to grind the seed Nation, a man who stood on the platform sary, then I say let us preserve our coun­ corn of the Republic. with Lindbergh fighting the war effort, try at all costs. If it is necessary, I sa.Y, You are stripping the farms in my sec­ and now has shown himself to be one of in line with what the gentleman from tion of the country of their manpower the Nation's great patriots. He says: North Carolina [Mr. CooLEY] has said, now. Only a year ago there were many loyal take me and some of the rest of us here. The gentleman from New York [Mr. Americans-and I was one of them-who felt I was in the other war and I know a little WADSWORTH] said that there was little or that this was not our war. We used to say something about training, and I differ no venereal disease in the Army. The that if tbe Soviets were wiped off the map it from some of you on the statement that reason is that they are exempting men would be good riddance, and that the feeble, a man 24 or 25 or 28 or even 30 years who claim to have venereal disease, and guilty old British Empire was not worth one as a result rejecting the Negroes in the American life. of age is not equally capable with a boy Yet, humiliating as it is, I am ready to or a child of 18 years in the matter. of en­ South, and taking the white boys off the confess that we were wrong and President durance. If the War Department's farms. Roosevelt was right. It was our war from theory is correct with reference to en­ Nine men out of 10 who go to the Army the first. durance, did it ever occur to you that in one county I know are white men, and If the President had listened to me, China, these high-school students of 18 years of yet the contractors are required to em­ Rm:sia, and Great Britain would now be pros­ age would defeat the college men in foot­ ploy 47 percent Negro laborers on a mu­ trate, and we should be facing our zero hour ball games? If the 18- and 19-year-old nition plant in that same county. alone and unprepared. boys are physically and better qualified Those Negro laborers could do just as This statement was made by the Very than the older men, then may I ask you much in labor battalions as could these Reverend Robert I. Gannon, president of why the professional baseball and foot­ boys of 18, or even more. Fordham University, in an address at the ball clubs do not select them. It is very Let us put a stop to exempting men formal opening of the academic year, seldom that you ever hear of a boy 18 merely because they want to be ex­ 1942, a man who himself confesses that years of age on a professional baseball empted before we take boys 18 years of if the President had followed him and team, and you never hear of one that age age. others of his thinking, we would be pros­ on a professional football club. Almost I realize as well as anybody the danger trate at the feet of Hitler. all of the athletes who compete in en­ that we are in. We may have to defend President Roosevelt has asked for this durance tests are over the age of 18 years; our own shores before long, and if you now. The President was right before therefore such argument will not stand people keep stirring up trouble for us in and he is right n~w. The people of this up. Boys 18 years of age are not settled the South, we are going to need our Nation want to win this war and the either physically or mentally; they are young men trained when this war is over people are in favor of this bill. more susceptible to become excited and in order to take care of the domestic sit­ Men like the Very Reverend Robert I. nervous as shown by the medical report uation. But I think we ought to adopt Gannon are real patriots. It is about put in this RECORD by the gentleman from this amendment and not take boys as time some of you in this Congress follow Alabama. They are more susceptible to young as 18 years of age. in the footsteps of that great man. No­ immoral influences than older men. The CHAIRMAN. The time of the body likes to see these young men go in And here may I say this, that there is gentleman from Mississippi has expired. the Army but none of us wanted this war being permitted the opening and opera­ The Chair recognizes the gentleman either. We are in it, and we must win. tion of rum shops in and around our from Oklahoma [Mr. JOHNSON] for 3 Thank God, the youth of America are Army camps. As I see it this is the worst minutes. real patriots. God bless and protect thing that could be done; to me this .is · Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Mr. them. very wrong, and this Government should Chairman, I shall support the pending [Here the gavel fell.] neyer have permitted this. I believe, as amendment to this draft bill that will Mr. RUSSELL. Mr. Chairman, if I millions of other American citizens be­ make the minimum age limit 19 years thought this bill was necessary I would lieve, that the rum shop furnishes the instead of 18, as proposed by the Com­ not be opposed to the measure. If it is most vicious and demoralizing place and mittee on Military Affairs. I submit in necessary for the preservation and main­ influence that could be put in reach of all seriousness that this compromise, if tenance of our country, then, naturally, the American soldier. I call upon this agreed upon, would make this bill much I am in favor of it, but the question arises Congress in defense of the young men easier for the average Member of Con­ in my mind at this time and in the minds who have been taken from their homes gre~s to support. I do not mind saying of the people of the United States, Is it and put in the service to put a stop to to Members that this is the most difficult necessary at this time? these vicious and demoralizing rum bill for me to support of any of the several Some 3 weeks ago General Hershey ap­ shops around our Army camps. defense measures that have come before peared before the Military Affairs Com­ [Here the gavel fell.] this body. mittee, and I have in front of me what I The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recog­ It will be recalled that when the origi­ borrowed from one of the members of nizes the gentleman from Mississippi nal draft act was passed that certain that committee, a memorandum of what [Mr. RANKIN] for 3 minutes. high-up officials in the War Department General Hershey submitted to the Mili­ Mr. RANKIN of Mississippi. · Mr. even then insisted on lowering the age tary Affairs Committee on the available Chairman, I hope the amendment of the limit to 18 years. The bill as passed by manpower now subject to the draft, cap­ gentleman from Texas [Mr. GossETT] to the Senate contained a minimum age able and qualified to be drafted. I do strike out the figure "18" and insert limit of 19 years. The House insisted on not have the time to go over this list with "19", is adopted. placing the age limit at 21, and finally 20 you, but it says a recapitulation to the I am of the opinion that a great many years was agreed upon as a compromise, effect that there are 2,500,000 subject to people who are now on the Federal pay not only between the two Houses but the draft now that are qualified without roll ought to be in the Army before we between those of us who have steadfastly dependents or with dependents, who are go to drafting boys of 18; and many opposed lowering. the age limit to 18 years able to take care of themselves. · people in industrial jobs, who seem to and the so-called military experts who 8302 ·coNGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 have been determined from the outset of ~~.to ~rin~ the -~1ll1n w~thou~ an -~pp~r- I ton and other places that there would w1i.:s we:u ~utiu- so::--·~ --- -~ t.UUH,Y w' uuet•s;u•acflt?'flQifll;!ul,S;" -~ VOted- liot-blf'a ·n~:tity-:ior iowmrrg·tne-cirafil L~- ~---.., To those who are here today insisting againSt it because, for example, an 18- age at this time. Of course, there are that the age limit be reduced to 18 years year-old high-school boy will not be per­ many desk jobs among the officials in and who are so vigorously opposing the mitted to finish his school and graduate the War Department and other depart- pending amendment that proposes that in his class unless he walks down to the ments of Washington that are essential the age Iim.lt be placed at a minimum of draft board and begs them to permit him to the winning of the war; but it is gen- 19 years, I cannot refrain from reminding to finish high school. Now if this bill erally conceded that if all those in the them that back in the year of 1935, some means what it says, if you really intend Government service who have asked for 7 years ago, I offered a bill to give mili­ to exempt high-school boys, why not put and secured deferments and all the others tary training to the youth of this country it right in the bill, rather than through a who have been turned down because of who were at that time or should there­ notice to a high-school or college boy who minor defects were permitted to serve after become enrollees in the C. C. C. may be trying to complete his high-school in the Army, Congress would not be camps of the United States. For many or college education that he must ask for called upon for this drastic action at this months thereafter I begged for a hearing deferment. time. It is difficult to make the country on that measure but was absolutely un­ Again, Mr. Chairman, I could not bring believe that it takes 1,200,000 employees able to secure one. It is significant that myself to vote for the rule on this bill in the War Department, most of whom some of those who are today most active today in spite of the explanations of have desk jobs, to run this war, and that for lowering the age limit of the youth of members of that committee that there great army of civilian employees is still this land ridiculed the idea 7 years ago was nothing unusual about that pro­ growing. Many of them are taking care of giving military training to boys who cedure. It may not be unusual procedure of jobs that intelligent women and older not only needed it but who were pleading but in my judgment it is wholly undemo­ men, some possibly with minor defects, for an opportunity to receive this train­ cratic and poor legislative practice to could perform equally as well. ing that was of such vital importance to bring a bill before this body that will Therefore, Mr. Chairman, considering the safety and security of our .country. ham.string Members who desire to offer the past history of this legislation and If all the enrollees who were in all of the amendments. I have the utmost respect all the facts and conditions involved I C. C. C. camps of the country from the for the Military Affairs Committee of the shall support the pending amendment beginning had been given military train­ House. I served for some years as a to place the minimum-age limit for mili­ ing, we would have had a trained army member of that committee and would tary service of our American youth at of some 3,000,000 men who served in the have been chairman now had I chosen to 19 years, instead of 18, as proposed by Civilian Conservation Corps. So I can­ remain on that committee instead of the committee. not refrain from saying that the hind­ going as I did by my own request to the [Here the gavel fell.J sight of some of our self-admitted experts Committee on Appropriations, but to say The CHAffiMAN. The Chair recog­ appears to be considerably better than that no Member of this Congress can nizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. their foresight. offer an amendment except to the age MARTIN J. KENNEDY] for 3 minutes. Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. of the draftee unless he happens to be Mr. MARTIN J. KENNEDY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? a member of the Committee on Military Chairman, I was one of those who stood Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Yes; I Affairs is another way of saying that un­ up in opposition to the adoption of the shall be glad to yield to my good friend less one happens to be a member of that rule because I did not think the rule per­ from South Dakota. committee he has no right to offer any mitted sufficient latitude. I believe the Mr. CASE of South Dakota. I notice suggestions as to legislation of this kind bill should be amended. I believe it is that the gentleman from Oklahoma has that affects every community and almost important to specify some form of train­ introduced in the House a companion bill every home in the entire country. ing. Unfortunately w·e are estopped from to S. 680. I want to go on record now We are told by members of the Com­ discussing any incidents we know about as commending the gentleman in doing mittee on Military Affairs that responsi­ whether in the Army or the Navy, and I that, and as saying that when this action ble representatives of the War Depart­ am sure that if we were free and the is taken today to put 18- and 19-year-old ment have given assurance that these 18- galleries were cleared, we might be able boys in the Army: every Member of this year-old boys if and when drafted will to discuss them free and aboveboard. House who votes for that should get be­ not be called into actual combat until If we could, we would not hesitate hind the gentleman's bill and give a bet­ they are thoroughly prepared and they about saying whether or not we would ter environment to these boys in the are leaving the inference that this is the take the words of General So-and-So camps. policy of the War Department and the and Admiral So-and-So. We all know Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. I thank Navy at this time. Yet reports are com­ that many unfortunate things exist in the distinguished gentleman, and of ing to us of men who have been killed or the Army and in the Navy. I think that course agree with him. If and when wounded who were inducted into service to turn 18-year-old boys in without a the pending bill to lower the draft age after Pearl Harbor. I have just talked specific provision that they should be is passed, that of course will be addi­ to a young man now serving in the Navy trained for at least 1 year or 6 months tional reason why my bill to outlaw in­ from Okarche, Okla., in the district I is a most unfortunate situation. toxicating liquors at, on, or in the vicinity have the honor to represent in Congress. I am not going to discuss the matter of Army camps and naval establishments He is sitting in the gallery now. I am of all these men going around Washing­ should be considered and passed. I advised that the parents of a young man ton in uniform having on their shoulders might add in this connection that this from that town :inducted into the service great Committee on Military Affairs that less than 9 months ago were notified the insignia of colonels, majors, and is so anxious today to rush this bill of the death of their son in action a whatnot, some of them just toddling through without opportunity of amend­ few days ago. around. There is something funny ments, has not yet shown a great deal of Having served in World War No. 1 as about an age limit. Here we have a Sec­ concern about the passage of my bill or a buck private, I remember how we were retary of War seventy some years of age similar legislation that would give at told. then that our boys would be trained speaking about those of 28 as being old least some protection to our boys in uni­ before they were put in the front-line men. My heavens! If he is capable of form. In fact, I have not yet been shown service, but I had the experience of see­ being Secretary of War at his age, I ~lo the courtesy of a hearing on the bill to ing boys go into the front lines with prac­ not know why a 28-year-old man is no which the able gentleman from South tically no training; in fact, some . who good. Dakota referred. Let me add that de­ had never fired a rifle in all of their I believe it is unfortunate for us to spite the statements made here today lives. So I accept with some apprehen­ draft these men without provision for about the good health of the young men sion the statement of assurance from their training, and as far as I am con­ at Army camps, and the excellent moral the so-called brass hats in the armed cerned I am not going to support any conditions of such camps, reports I am forces that these boys are to have good measure that will take an 18-year-old receiving are not anything to boast about and sufficient training before being called boy unless I have some assurance that he in certain areas. upon for combat duty. will have 6 months' or a year's training There are many things about this bill Someone has suggested that if we took before he is put into active service. To that I do not like. I voted against the the swivel-chair patriots out of Washing- do so is wrong. 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8303 I know there are some men in the tion in the world is training young men· Mr. Chairman, I hope that the pending Army at 17, but not all boys are as hard of this age for the days when they may amendment wlll be defeated. as that; they come from fine homes; have to go into combat. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on they come from schools, they are shel­ [Here the gavel fell.] the amendment offered by the gentleman tered and protected; yet we would throw The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Texas [Mr. GossETT]. them into the whirlpool and tell them from Kentucky [Mr. MAY] is recognized The question was taken; and on a divi­ to be soldiers. I was talking to a group for 2 minutes. sion (demanded by Mr. GossETT) there of boys on the streets of New York when Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, let mere­ were-ayes 55, noes 155. I was home last and was shocked. peat that no man in this House or any­ So the amendment was rejected. They had not been in the Navy more where else in America regrets any more The Clerk read as follows: than a few weeks, and I want to tell than I the necessity of coming here to SEC. 2. Section 5 (f) of such act, as you now they had no training. It was ask that you draft 18-year-old boys; but amended, is hereby amended to read as fol­ a sad sight. when I look back at this flag and when I lows: I am not going to vote for any meas­ know it is trailing at many points on the "(f) Any person who, while pursuing a battle fronts of the world, and when I course of instruction at a high school or simi­ ure unless I am sure it provid~s; for ade­ lar institution of learning, is ordered to report quate training. know that the 18-year-olds of today may for induction under this act during the last [Here the ga.vel fell.] be the slaves of another generation, I half of the academic year at such school or The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman wonder how men can come at this late institution, shall, upon his requzst, have his from Texas [Mr. THOMASON] is recog­ hour of the day and undertake to say induction under this act postponed until the nized for 2 minutes. that we will cull this thing year by year end of such academic year." Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I and have this committee hold sessions With the following committee amend­ beg this House in this critical hour that for the next 2 years instead of finishing ment: you not permit your personal or your the job now so we shall not be called upon to do it again next month. Strike all of section 2 and insert in lieu racial prejudices to get the better of thereof the following: your judgment and patriotism. Some Mr. RUSSELL. Mr. Chairman, will "SEc. 2. Any person who, during the year statements have been made here that the gentleman yield? 1942, entered upon attendance for the aca• there are men down in the depart­ Mr. MAY. No; I am sorry I cannot demic year 1942-1943- ments in Washington who ought to be yiP.ld in 2 minutes' time. "(1) at any high school (or similar institu­ drafted, or that Negroes in some places Mr. ChaiTman, I tell you today that tion); or the Nation you love, the Nation that is "(2) at any college or university which should have been drafted instead of grants a degree in arts or science, to pursue white men from the farms of the coun­ the only hope of all of the world at this a course of instruction satisfactory comple­ try; but I remind you in all fairness that hour is on trial, and the Congress of the tion of which is prescribed by such college or if they were deferred they were deferred United States is on trial before the Amer­ university as a prerequisite to either of such by their local draft boards. There are lcan public. As for me, I stand here degrees; or · 5,600 local draft boards in this country without fear or trembling to ask this "(3) at any university described in para­ which have done the most marvelous and House of Representatives this afternoon graph (2), to pursue a course of instruction to be brave and not send us out as a Com­ to the pursuit of which a degree in arts or patriotic job of any people I know, and science is prescribed by such university as a done it without compensation or hope of mittee on Military Affairs to come back next month or in the next 6 months and prerequisite; reward. They are among our unsung "and who, while pursuing such course of in­ heroes. I refuse to believe there has tell you we have got to draft 18-year-old struction at such high school (or similar been any neglect or favoritism by any boys; let us get the job over with, and get institution), college, or university is selected of them. these young men well trained, and let us for training and service under this act prior I can only repeat what I said earlier get the job of licking Hitler and Tojo to the end of such academic year, or prior in the day: Heaven knows, my friends, over with. to July 1, 1943, whichever occurs first, shall, [Here the gavel fell.] upon his request, be deferred from induction in this hour when our boys are already into the land and naval forces for such train­ in every part of the world we have got The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman ing and service until the end of such aca­ to trust somebody. Our leaders plead from Massachusetts [Mr. McCoRMACK] demic year, but in no event later than July with us that this bill is necessary and is recognized for 2 minutes. 1, 1943." imperative for the winning of the war. Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Chairman, in For a year, and especially since Pearl the few minutes at my disposal I desire Mr. CELLER. Mr. Chairman, I offer Harbor, the War Department has re­ to make just a few temperate statements an amendment which I send to the peatedly .told your Committee on Mili­ without emotion but with as calm de­ Clerk's desk. tary Affairs that sooner or later these termination as it is possible for me as an The Clerk read as follows: young men must be called and trained, American citizen to command. Mr. CELLER moves to strike out· all of sec­ tion 2 commencing on page 2, line 11, and and that we cannot safely wait longer. Mr. Chairman, repeatedly during the including all of page 3 down to and includ­ All will have 12 months' training. Hard past 2 years I have said that this genera­ ing the period on line 5. and insert in lieu days are ahead, and we cannot longer tion of Americans was on trial. This thereof: delay. means each and every one of us; this "All persons of the age of 18 and of the age I wish you could have gone with me means we are going to be judged by w.:hat of 19 subject to the provisions of this act and others of our committee on an in­ we do today in performing our trust, de­ shall be carefully and critically examined by spection trip to Fort Benning and other fending our heritage of the past, and appropriate officials of the land and naval forces of the United States, under such reg­ posts and have seen those 18- and 19- measuring up to our obligations to future ulations as the Secretary of War and the Sec­ year-old boys parachuting out of those generations to preserve the United States retary of the Navy shall promulgate, as to planes, and all of them volunteers. of America. We in Congress are on trial, their special talents, aptitudes, experience, Thousands of young men of this age have as the distinguished chairman of the and general intelligence. Upon their re­ already volunteered in the Army and Committee on Military Affairs said. spective requests, those persons who, in the many more in the Navy. The Navy takes These good people in the galleries and discretion of such officials of the land and them at 17. It takes young men of every one of the 13"0,000,000 Americans of naval forces of the United States, are found to be especially qualified for training and strength, action, and daring to handle this generation are on trial. The verdict education in subjects such as engineering, parachutes, airplanes, and tanks. we will receive will come from the his­ chemistry, medicine, dentistry, physics, met­ Let us not take another bite at the torians of tomorrow. allurgy, forestry, mathematics, economics, and cherry or let our prejudices run away This amendment should be defeated. governmental administration, and also in with us in this critical hour when our We should proceed to vote with vision . such subjects as would best fit them to be­ flag must be defended. The time has and courage. Our country is engaged in come good military and naval officers, or in any other scientific and professional sub­ come to take no chances. Let us pass a war, but unlike some wars, if we lose this jects that would aid the war effort, shall be this bill as the War Department wants war we will not retain our country. If deferred from induction into the land and · it and quit amending it every few months. we lose this war we lose not only the war naval forces for a period no longer than 18 We did it in the last war, and every na­ but we lose our beloved country. months. LXXXVIII--· 523 B304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 "Such persons so deferred shall be permit­ not amend the committee amendment erly supplied with the necessary equip­ ted to pursue these specialized courses of under this rule. ment, food, and so forth. In 1936 and training and instruction in any bona fide 1937 I had a few things to say about the university and college. The Chair therefore sustains the point "The United States Office of Education of order. merchant marine. I think that at the shall cooperate with officials of the land and Mr. CELLER. Do I understand the beginning of this war we had about naval forces in the selection of those per­ Chair to rule that there cannot be any 8,000,000 tons of shipping. Then we pro­ sons best fitted for deferment and training amendment whatsoever to the words on ceeded to take over ships at our ports, aforesaid:- page 2, commencing at line 11 and run­ along with the production of new ships, "After the expiration of said 18 months of ning down to page 3, line 5? which carried that tonnage up to about deferment, or prior thereto if any person is 11,000,000 tons. Since then we have lost certified by the faculty of said bona fide in­ The CHAIRMAN. That is according stitution of learning where such person has to the rule adopted by the House. perhaps 400 ships of our own, with an been a student as being unfit to continue the Mr. HINSHAW. Mr. Chairman, I average tonnage of about 6,000, or let authorized course of training, such persons move to strike out the last word. us say roughly 2,500,000 tons. I under­ shall be inducted into the land and naval Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the stand from the Maritime Commission forces of the United States. chairman of the Committee on Military that in the year ending September 27, "Supplementing their academic courses, Affairs a question. After July 1 or June last, we built about 5,400,000 tons of these students shall receive such military 30 next, when a young man reaches 18 shipping, so we have approximately 13,- training as the appropriate officials of the land and naval forces of the United States years of age without having completed 900,000 tons of shipping at the present shall prescribe. his high-school education, can he then time. "If a person so recommended for specialized become eligible for training as an air The responsibility for building and op­ training is unable to defray necessary tuition cadet? After June 30 next a young man erating these ships on which the goods and maintenance charges, same shall be paid becomes 18 years of age and has not of war and the men must move is directly for out of annual appropriations for the War completed his high-school education; up to the Maritime Commission. I un­ and Navy Departments." can he, upon reaching 18 years of age, derstand that one of the officials of that Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I rise for make application and become an air Commission, Admiral Wiley, made ·the the purpose of making a point of order cadet? statement while a member of that Com­ against the amendment just off~red by Mr. MAY. Why, certainly. mission that neither he nor any of the the gentleman from New York [Mr. CEL­ Mr. HINSHAW. If he has not com­ Navy people are familiar with the build-­ LERJ. The amendment is not in order pleted his high-school education? ing or handling of merchant ships. under the rule by which the bill is being Mr. MAY. Any time before he is in­ These experts indicate, based on infor­ considered. · ducted he can do that, under the provi­ mation I have obtained, that it takes Mr. CELLER. Mr. Chairman, may I sions of this act. about 17 tons of deadweight shipping to be heard? · Mr. HINSHAW. Is it not a require­ move a man 3,500 miles and about 3.4 ment that he shall have completed his tons to maintain him. Multiply that by The CHAIRMAN. The Chair will hear high-school course before he can become 5,000,000 men being moved and main- . the gentleman. an air cadet? tained and see what you have. You prob­ Mr; CELLER. Mr. Chairman, may I Mr. MAY. Oh, no . ably have a shortage of around 75,000,000 .point out to the Chair that on page 2, line Mr. HINSHAW. Is the gentleman cer­ tons of shipping if you are to do the job 3 of the rule, there are the words "amend­ tain of that? on such a grand scale as is often talked ments relating to age limits" which is Mr. MAY. That is my understanding and at such distances as are involved to rather a broad term, namely "relating to and I have no information to the con­ reach the military fronts where our men age limits." "Relating" means having to trary. are now located and are to be sent. do with, relative to, or within the realm Mr. HINSHAW. I have understood The q_uestion I raise here is, How can of. There is no absolute limitation. The that a young man had to complete his you build a merchant marine that will do .word "relating" is rather broad. It gen­ high school course before he could be­ the job under the leadership of naval erally covers the subject matter. The come an air cadet. men who are accustomed to dealing with subject matter is what may happen to Mr. KILDAY. Mr. Chairman, will the Bethlehem Steel and such companies as those lads drafted under the act who are gentleman yield? that on strictly naval equipment? I 18 and/or 19. The training and service Mr. HINSHAW. I yield to the gentle­ think it is about time that this country of those between 18 and 45 is the subject man from Texas. came to a full realization that we are matter of the bill and my amendment, Mr. KILDAY. Formerly a man was re­ not building the ships and that those therefore, refers to age limits and their quired to have 2 years of college or its ships will not be built and successfully training. It is a subject related to the equivalent, but the regulations have been operated under Admiral Land and his age limits. To my mind, and in my hum­ revised, and he is now subjected to a direct· assistants. ble opinion, the amendment is in order. screening test which has no educational I congratulate the American Federa­ The CHAIRMAN. The Chair would requirement attached to it. There is no tion of Labor on carrying out the inves­ call the gentleman's attention to the fact provision that he shall have had any tigation it is now carrying out in con­ that even if the gentleman's contention certain number of years of education, nection with the cancelation or the pre­ were correct and his amendment fairly but he must be able to pass the screen­ vention of the building of ships on a related to the age limits, lines 5 and 6 ing test which he is given. streamline basis by the Higgins ship­ of the rule provide that committee Mr. HINSHAW. I thank the gentle­ building yard down in the South. I think amendments are not subject to any kind man for that information. . this House and this country and these of amendment. This is a committee Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chairman, I men who are now in the service and are amendment and not subject to any kind rise in opposition to the pro forma to be moved into the service are entitled of amendment. amendment. But I shall support this to know the full facts, which have not Mr. CELLER. Do I understand the bill on final passage and now so record been divulged in connection with that. Chair to say that only committee amend­ my position. If we are to have these men on the .. ments may be offered to the bill? I did Mr. Chairman, I wish to make a few battle front we will have them massacred not hear the Chair's entire statement. observations somewhat relating to the unless the Maritime Commission and The CHAIRMAN. The Chair did not · comments of the gentleman from New the merchant marine move the goods say that. The gentleman understands, York [Mr. WADSWORTH], and the gentle­ and the men in sequence and in a way cf course, that the bill is being considered man from California [Mr. COSTELLO]. that will support the whole operation, under a special rule which is quite differ­ We are here considering the moving including the Navy as well as the Army. ent from the regular rules of the House. into the armed forces of several millicn That may perhaps be one of our great This rule provides that only committee young men. Considering the remarks of troubles down in the Solomon Islands am~ndments may be considered to the Mr. WADSWORTH, of New York, about the at the present time, as so well pointed bill, with the exception that amendments crucial situation which will prevail in out by the gentleman from California may be considered relating to age. But 1943, what concerns me primarily is how [Mr. COSTELLO]. committee amendments, under this rule, our men are to be successfully trans­ Mr. BELL. Mr. Chairman, will the are not subject to amendment. You may ported to. the military fronts and prop- gentleman yield? 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD~HOUSE 8305 Mr. CRAWFORD. I yield to the gen­ placed in charge of the Maritime Com­ the question, Why? Mr. Land has not tleman from Missouri. mission upon which we must depend for yet demonstrated that he is entitled to Mr. BELL. The gentleman stated that our ships to carry supplies to the boys this advancement. Let the facts be made it takes 17 tons of deadweight shipping on the fronts? W'hen Admiral Wiley, a public so that these young men and their to move a soldier. former member of the Commission, made parents may know what they are. We Mr. CRAWFORD. Yes; let us say the statement to the effect that neither have now moved into a position where a about 3,500 miles. he nor any of the Navy people were famil­ slight error can involve the lives of mil­ Mr. BELLL. For how long a period? iar with the building or handling of mer­ lions of men. Unless a man can qualify, Mr. CRAWFORD. To transfer h::!l chant ships, he had these matters I am let him be cast aside, and quickly. 3,500 miles. now discussing in mind. Mr. Chairman, in 1936, as a Member of Mr. BELL. For how long a period, Certainly I would not protest against this House, I said: for a year or for 2 years? Admiral Land and Admiral Vickery being How far can Japan go? A brief glance at Mr. CRAWFORD. No; that is to move put back in the naval operations for the accomplishments of Japan in her new him. Then you have to have an average which they have been trained. Let them state, Manchukuo, gives some indication of of 3.4 tons to maintain him after he go and supervise the building and opera­ how far she can go and how fast she can gets there. tion of the battle wagons and destroyers, travel in making set-ups in construction, in Mr. BELL. For how long a period? .extraction of raw materials, building of rail­ and so forth, but as to the operation roads, etc. Her progress there has been Mr. CRAWFORD. As long as you of the Maritime Commission-the ships phenomenal. Give Japan the raw materials keep him there. thereby controlled in their commercial of Manchuria, Mongolia, and North China, Mr. BELL. Does the gentleman mean activities-Jet us put this program in the with her present organization and efficiency 3 or 4 tons a month, or a year? hands of experienced commercial ship­ and coordination, plus improvements she Mr. CRAWFORD. No. Let us say builders and operators. will naturally make from time to time, and that you move 5,000,000 men. Multiply To further substantiate my position in the balance of the world will take greater that by 3.4 tons of shipping that you have this matter, I invite the Members of the notice of Japan's competition than it does to keep ready to serve and in service con­ House and those who read these remarks today. stantly, going and coming. In this gen­ to closely read the report of the Comp­ Mr. Chairman, that hour has arrived. eral connection let me quote from an troller General, identified as Senate Doc­ The boys at Guadalcanal will testify to October 16 New York News Press report ument No. 230 of the Seventy-seventh this statem~nt. Again in 1937 I said: of a statement made before the National Congress, second session. There is sub­ The United States has for weeks been in Council of American Shipbuilders by mitted evidence which clearly shows Ad­ the midst of a new scrap-iron boom. It is Admiral Woodward, United States Navy, miral Land and his assistants are. not becoming a national problem. The immedi­ retired- · qualified to manage such operations, and ate phase of the problem is that the nations told the conference that the season is now I would further refer my listeners to a of Europe are competing for the output of approaching when a new outbreak of Axis report of the Comptroller General, iden­ every junk yard in America. Shipload after undersea-raider activity along the Atlantic tified as House Document No. 840 of the shipload of scrap metal leaves . American coast can be expected. shores for Europe, while our interested citi­ Seventy-seventh Congress, ~econd ses­ zens specufate whether those old scraps from And further, the New York Journal sion. This report further exposes the wrecked automobiles, railroad wheels, ship of Commerce of October 17 points out inefiiciency-and I think one is justified plates, old farm implements, broken stoves, that Admiral Land informed the Amer­ in saying the graft and maladministra­ iron beds, and a thou:oand-and-one other ican Merchant Marine Conference­ tion-which seems to be rampant in the pieces commonly called junk may some day management of the Maritime Commis­ be sent back to the United States behind a that the shipbuilding program has shaped blast of powder and in a cloud of smoke to up to a point where it is not the problem sion. wreak destruction. it was a year ago. Land explained that I would also refer those who are in­ operations were the chief difficulty now. terested to the testimony of Mr. Donald And then I pointed .out the part Japan The Journal, quoting the Admiral, says: Nelson, of Mr. Mordecai Ezekiel, and was playing in . the purchase of scrap "Even a casual study of the global geog­ others before the American Federation from us and cited the detailed figures raphy of this war and a look at some of of Labor investigating committee and as showing tonnage shipments for the first the ports we are required to use show why 4 months of 1937. Yes, Mr. Chairman, the operating efficiently, turn-around loading, it all relates to the prevention, by the and other necessary operations are extremely Maritime Commission, of ·the building of junk is now coming back to us at Guadal­ difilcult. Many ports are being used which commercial ships by the Higgins ship­ canal and other places; in Alaska; and were never utilized in peacetime except yard in New Orleans. Let' me repeat that we felt its sting at Manila and through­ under emergency conditions. Their facili­ the American Federation of Labor is ren­ out the whole of the Philippines. We ties, their stevedoring, and all else that makes dering the American people a very great sold the scra,p, the junk, the high-octane for successful and efficient operations are service by getting at the bottom of this gas, and other vital war materials to woefully lacking." whole mess of maladministration in con­ Japan-and now she sends them back to Now, Mr. Chairman, these are warnings ne...:tion with the action of the Commis­ our men who wait in the fox holes. to those who are watching the unfolding sion against the Higgins shipyard. As Mr. LUTHER A. JOHNSON. Mr. of this general program. Unless the badly as we· now need ships, and as we Chairman, I move to strike out the last military goods reach the boys at the shall need them more to keep these young word in order to ask the chairman of front, they have a first-class chance of men involved in this bill properly sup­ the committee a question. being ma-ssacred. It is an operating pHed with military goods with which to This bill will not preclude a man from problem involving the handling of com­ fight, why does the Maritime Commission enlisting in the Army before he is in­ mercial craft, not battleships or naval take such action as it did against the ducted, as he does now? vessels, and the point of my st~tement Higgins firm? Let us hope that when Mr. 'MAY. None whatever. On the is that we have at the head of the Mari­ the American Federation of Labor has contrary, the Army is now inviting en­ time Commission naval talent inexperi­ finished its investigation the American listments. enced in operating commercial vessels­ people will have a much more satisfac­ Mr. LUTHER A. JOHNSON. With inexperienced in building on a vast scale tory answer to this question than it has reference to enlistments in the Navy, does commercial craft. This is one of the had up to this hour. To talk about train­ this change in any way voluntary enlist­ prime reasons why we are so slow in get­ ing and exporting five to ten million men ments in that service? ting the ships off the ways-! mean slpw and to do so without an adequate ton­ Mr. MAY. Not at all. as compared to the task before· us, as nage of ships is just the kind of proce­ related to the thought of moving and dure which will increase our miseries and Mr. BLAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise in supplying some five or more million men, bring death to tens of thousands of our opposition to the pro forma amendment. as related to the job of getting ships built best young men. · Mr. Chairman, I regret I did not know rapidly and much faster than ever built Alorig with all of this shortage of ship­ that my friend was going to address his by the old naval craft builders. ping facilities we are now about to be remarks to the subject of the merchant I repeat this question: Why have naval asked to enact a bill·authorizing the Pres· marine. I should have listened to him admirals without experience in the build­ ident to advance Rear Admiral Emory S. with great interest. I was busy on some - ing and operation of merchant ships been Land to the rank of vice admiral. I ask other matters and only beard a part of 8306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 his speech. I think, upon a careful in­ . Mr. McGRANERY. Mr. Chairman, I the rest of the phrase to the comma, and in­ vestigation he will find out that the move to strike out the l-ast word. sert, in. lieu thereof "Le.:;s than a capital charge which he made in the conclusion Mr. Chairman, I want to say at this _offense.'' ·of his speech is entirely unsupported. I time that I propose to vote for this bill Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I make the do not know, but I understood him to and I entertain a very high regard for the point of order that the amendment is refer to Admiral Wiley, as a. member of distinguished Chairman of thz Military not in order under the rule. the Maritime Commission. Affairs Committee and its members. Mr. RUSSELL. Mr. Chairman, will Mr. CRAWFORD. At the time he However, I regret that the committee the gentleman withhold his point of or­ made that statement. brought this bill to the fioor with the der for a few minutes? Mr. BLAND. Admiral Wiley has not haste that it did and ill considered a very Mr. MAY. No. been on the Maritime Commission for a important item in the bill. It is agreed The CHAIRMAN. The Chair sustains good, long time, and I doubt that the upon throughout the world by educators the point of order. The question is on statements that were made then would that those of the adolescent age do not the committee amendment. be applicable to conditions now. mix with mature men and come out mor­ The committee amendment was agreed Perhaps it would be informative to the ally well. I sincerely trust that the Mili­ to. Rouse to know about the progress the tary Affairs Committee of this House Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I offer the Maritime Commission is making on con­ after this bill goes to the Senate will urge following amendment, which I send to struction work. The September 1942 there that some language will be adopted the desk. deliveries of the Maritime Commission which will keep our teen-age in groups. The Clerk read as follows: were 93 new cargo vessels of 1,009,800 No one can tell at this moment what Amendment offered by Mr. CAMP: Page 4, deadweight tons.. With these ships they the size of this Army must be, so during after line 16, insert a new section to be num­ have now come up to the record of 3 this training period these teen-age boys bered 7, as follows: ships a day. if kept in their groups and God willing, "SEc. 7. That section 5 of the Selective American shipyards have produced 460 Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, peace comes with victory, of course, only is amended by adding at the end thereof a ships in 1942, totaling 5,101,956 tons. these teen-age boys will not come bacl{ new subsection as follows: The program started out with an insuffi­ here with 45- and 50-year-old ways and " '(k) All persons registered for training cient number of trained men, largely manners. It is my sincere hope that the and service under this act, who have not been composed of men who did not know any­ committee will do something on the Sen­ called for such training and service, shall thing about the building of ships. Yet ate side about this particular question. upon reaching the age of 46 years, be auto­ in a short time they have reached the I feel it is the most important one in this matically transferred to the 45-65 age group, number of 3 ships a day. and subject to training and service only as bill. Teen-age boys we must have, but provided for persons between the ages of 45 This applies to the deliveries in Sep~ for Heaven's sake, let us keep them in and 65 in this act as heretofore amended.' " tember, and the August deliveries were their own group. 68 new car-go carriers or 753,600 dead­ The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will re- Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I make the weight tons. July, 71 ships of 790,300 port the committee amendment. .point of order that this is an amendment tons; June, 66 ships, 731,900 tons; May, The Clerk read as follows: offered in violation-of the provisions of 57 ships, 619,779 tons; April, 36 ships, After section 3 insert: the ru1e which provides no amendment 401,632 tons; March, 26 ships, 291,473 "SEc. 4. Section 5 of such act, as amended, may be considered except committee tons; February, 26 ships, 289,549 tons; is amended by inserting at the end thereof amendments. and January, 16 ships, 197,628 tons. the following new subsection: The CHAIRMAN. The Chair thinks Month by month, throughout this Year, "'(1) Notwithstanding any other provision that is not exactly the provision of the there has been an increased production of law, no person between the ages of 18- and rule. The rule provides that committee and increased speed in the manufacture 21 shall be discharged from service in the amendments may be offered, also any and production of ships, to such an ex­ land or naval forces of the United states amendments relating to age. The Chair while this act is in effect because such person tent that I believe recently the Kaiser entered such service withcut the consent of thinks that the amendment of the gentle­ · outfit brought a ship out in 10 days be­ his parent or guardian.' man from Georgia [Mr. CAMP] relates to tween the time of laying the keel and "SEc. 5. That section 201 (a), paragraph the age limit. The Chair overrules the launching the ship, and 15 days from 1 (1); of section 5 (e) of the Selective Train­ point of order and recognizes the genUe­ -laying of the keel to delivery of the ship. ing and Service Act of 1940, as amended, man from Georgia for 5 minutes. Every month sees an increase and, with . is amended by adding at the end thereof a Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I offer this -3 ships a day, I feel sure the gentle­ proviso to read as follows: 'Provided, however, amendment at-the request of State offi­ man will find that the st-atement is un­ That no person who has been deferred from training and service as provided herein shall cials in my State, and several members supported. be inducted prior to the induction of all per­ of our local draft boards. If you will In a later Extension of remarks I shall sons within the same State who have been remember under this act persons between endeavor to present the entire picture. placed in categories made subject to induc­ the age of 20 and 45 were required to Mr. BEITER. Mr. Chairman, I move tion prior to the category in which such per­ register for training and service. Many to strike out the last six words in order son has been placed.' men lacking only a few days of being 45 to submit an inquiry to the Chairman. "SEc. 6. That section 5 of the Selective years of age were thereby required to Mr. Chairman, is there any provision Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, register, and these same men now are is amended by adding at the end thereof a in this bill that would take care of future new subsection, as follows: approaching the age of 46, an age which cadets for Annapolis or West Point? " '(j) No individual shall be relieved from the leaders of our armed forces and staff Mr. MAY. No; there is no provision liability for training and service under this say is entirely too old for training and with reference to that subject. act, or held not to be acceptable to the land service. Mr. BEITER. At some future date, if or naval forces for such training and service, I submit that these men, age 45, the the requirements demand it, where are solely on the ground of his having been con­ majority of them settled in business, we going to get our officers? victed of any crime which is not a. felony at particularly farmers in our section, are Mr. MAY. There is nothing in the common law, if the local board having juris­ leaders in their professions and busi­ diction determines that such individual is, bill about that. notwithstanding such conviction, morally fit nesses, and are far more useful to the The Clerk read as follows: for military service.' " war effort where they are than they pos- SEC. 3. Section 15 (a) of such aet, as . sibly could be in the service. They are amended, is hereby amended to read as Mr. RUSSELL. Mr. Chairman, I have very much worried and perturbed over :t:ollows: an amendment at the desk which I offer their status, and last week men lacking "(a) The term 'between the ages of 18 and and ask the Clerk to read. less than a week of being 46 were called 45' shall refer to men who have attained the The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, up in Georgia for the draft. I do not eighteenth anniversary of the day of their the Clerk will report the amendment of­ , believe that that is the intention of Con­ birth and who have not attained the forty­ fered by the gentleman from Texas. fifth anniversary of the day of their birth; gress. I do not believe we ever intended and other terms designating different age The Clerk read as follows: to draft man 46 years of age. In the groups shall be construed in a similar Amendment offered by Mr. RussELL: Page testimony of General Hershey and his manner." 4, line 13, after the word "crime", strike out associates they have repeatedly said that 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8307 it has not been -their policy to call them 1s t.his: The House has very decisively the Congress of the United States as a and that they were going to get them voted to induct 18- and 19-year-old boys matter of military necessity. I shall vote out of the Army as soon as they could. into the .Army of the United States. If for this bill on that basis and that basis We_should clarify this situation here and after going down into the barrel to get alone. I do .so reluctantly, but if it is a now. , these youngsters out of the school's we military necessity we have to support it as Mr. LUTHER A. JOHNSON. What should provide that men around 40 years a war measure, and if it .is necessary to does the gentleman's amendment pro­ of age would escape military service I win the war it will go through Congress vide, when these men pass 45 years of think it would be an ugly looking pic­ by almost a unanimous vote. I am sorry age? ture. I ask that the amendment be voted the rule precluded an amendment being Mr. CAMP. They remain on registra­ down. offered to assure a year's military train­ tion, except that they take their place The CHAIRMAN. The question is on ing for these boys of 18 and 19 before they among those in the last group, from 45 the amendment offered .by the gentle­ could be sent. overseas to battlefields all to 65, the group in which I happen to be. man from Georgia. over the world. I opposed the rule to give Mr. HINSHAW. ·why does not the The amendment was rejected. the House that opportunity and believe gentleman put the· age at 45 instead of Mr. CRAVENS. · Mr. Chairman, I offer such an amendment would have carried. 46? The Draft Act provides for those an amendment. I hope General Marshall will, in uccord­ who have not reached 45 years of age. The Clerk read as follows: ance with the assurances contained in his I think the present act provides for those Amendment offered by Mr. CRAVENS: At letter, make sure that these American who have not yet reached 45. the end of the bill add a new section to be boys are given a year of training before Mr. CAMP. They are up for service designated as section 7, as follows: being ordered to foreign battlefields. I after they are 45. "On each local draft board where there is have purposely introduced this amend­ under the jurisdiction of said board a. sub­ Mr. COLMER. Mr. Chairman, I move stantial number engaged in agricultural ac­ ment in view of the fact that the bill will to strike out the last word. I do this tivities there shall be appointed and main­ be passed almost unanimousi~ · reducing to call to the attention of the House and tained on said board at least one member who the age limit to 18. Unless we reduce the of the Military Affairs Committee a mat­ is engaged in agriculture." top brackets from 45 to 40 the draft ter which may be taken care of in confer­ boards will be compelled to classify under ence later on. Perhaps the matter may Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve I-A the men who are not married between be clarified in the Senate. I think there the point of order against the amend­ ages 40 and 45. · The testimony of the is a very unjust and unfair provision in ment that it is contrary to the rule under Chief of Staff, General Marshall, shows the bill. I wanted to offer an amend­ which the Committee is operating. very clearly that taking these men over ment in respect to it but under what I 'Mr. CRAVENS. Mr. Chairman, a 40 years of age out of useful occupations consider a rather drastic rule which I great deal of the objection I have received and putting them into the armed forces did not approve, I am prohibited from lately-and I am sure it has also been the is doing a disservice and adding a burden offering it. This bill provides that these experience of the other Members-is that and a hardship to our armed forces. I boys who happen to be in high school agriculture does not feel that in desig­ realize, Mr. Chairman, that this amend­ or college may be deferred until the end nating and making selections they are ment will not pass, but I think it is un­ of the scholastic year or until July 1, receiving a fair deal. fair to the draft boards to call upon them 1943. That may be done upon the boy's I have no quarrel with any local draft to include men between 40 and 45; tqat request. I contend that that should be board, but in no case that I know of is it is unfair to the armed forces of the stricken out. That burden shoUld not there anyone on the draft board repre­ United States to force men of this age be placed upon a boy of tender age to senting agriculture. Constantly farmers upon them.by law when they do not want make that decision. He is immature and and farm labor are being drafted to the them or need them. General Marshall he is not capable of making a decision. Army who are essential to agriculture, has clearly shown in his testimony before Here are boys all around him in school drafted without any consideration at all the Military Affairs Committee that sol­ who are either volunteering or who are being given to the essential character of diers over 40 break down under the strain, not asking for a deferment, and he is the work they are performing, This dis­ go into the hospitals and become hospi­ placed in the unenviable position of being rupts farm production. The purpose of talized. It is a needless waste of time designated by his fellow students as a this amendment is to attempt to secure and money in the war effort of our coun­ shirker or slacker if he goes in and asks representation for that large group of try. For these reasons I think the for that deferment. I think that ought people engaged in this essential activity amendment should be adopted. I doubt to be left out. It ought either to be so that they may remain where they are very much that it will be discussed on its mandatory that they be deferred until for the purpose of making their contribu­ merits but I want to take this occasion the scholastic year has expired,· or the tion to the national defense effort where to read what General Marshall had to whole thing ought to be stricken out and they are best fitted to make it, ·and to say about the burden to the Army of sol­ all boys placed upon the same basis. I ma.ke sure there is someone on these draft diers over 40 years of age when he ap­ say it is unfair to the individual, unfair boards who knows their problems and peared before the committee on Wednes­ to those boys who cannot make that de'­ who are competent to say whether these day of this week: cision. I wish that the committee of its people should be taken from the work they are doing and placed in the military Sunday before last I was down in North own motion would agree to it. I raised Carolina, and I went through the hospitals this question in the Rules Committee service or left on the farms to accomplish down there containing about 3,500 beds. I yesterday and it seemed to get qUite a bit a much greater service. was shocked at what I found, in particular of support, but after the rule was adopted Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I insist in the surgical wards. The majority of the bringing it in here there was not any­ upon a point of order. men seemed to be over 35, and a very large thing that could be done about it. I The CHAIRMAN. The Chair sustains number, comparatively speaking, over 40. the point of order. Most of them bad not been there at Fort merely wanted to call the attention of Bragg more than 2 weeks, many of them the House to the situation so that if it Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an only 3 or 4 days. gets into conference the conferees can amendment. give it their attention. The Clerk read as follows: Then he goes on at length about these Mr. MAY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in op­ Amendment offered by Mr. Fisa: At the men over 40 years of age. He says position to the amendment offered by end of the bill add a new section, as follows: further: the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. · "SECTION 7. No person over the age of 40 What was still more important, I thought, CAMP]. shall be called for induction into the land in one sense, was that these men were being or naval forces after the passage of this act." Mr. Chairman, I merely want to say taken from useful jobs. I found-I recall at · Mr. FISH. Mr. Chairman, the Presi­ the moment talking to one man who was 43. that under section 5 (e) 2 of the existing He was running a complicated machine in selective-service law there is specific au­ dent of the United States has declared the Dodge factory in Detroit. At Fort Bragg thority to do the same thing the amend­ that it was a military necessity to lower he was using the services of the Hospital ment proposes. There is, however, an the age limit to 18, and in this be has the Corps, the Medical Corps, and he was not additional objection to the adoption of support of the Chief . of Staff,' George adding anything to the Army, and even such an amendment at this time and it Marshall, in urging the same view upon though he was going to be enlisted for limited "8308 ·coNGRESSIONAL .RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 service, even there it was quite evident that The bill was ordered to be engrossed Priest Sikes Vincent, Ky. he and ot hers like him are going to increase and read a third ·time, and was read the Rabaut Simpson Vinson, Ga. our hospit al rate, increase construction neces­ Ramsay Smith, Maine Voorhis, Calif. sity, increase t he burden of overhead, whereas, third time. Ramspeck Smith, Ohio Vorys, Ohio where he came from he was running a very The SPEAKER. The question is on Rankin, Miss. Smith, Pa. Vreeland the passage of the bill. Reece, Tenn. Smith, Va. Wadsworth useful service. Reed, Ill. Smith, W.Va. Walter Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, on that I ask Reed, N.Y. Smith, Wis. Ward Further on he says: for the yeas and nays. Rees, Kans. Snyder Wasielewski If we put them overseas we would have to Rich Somers, N.Y. Weaver The yeas and nays were ordered. Richards Sparkman Weiss bring them back. We would have to care for The question was taken; and there them over there, even though it was limited Rivers Spence Welch service, even though it was the Quartermaster were-yeas 345, nays 16, not noting 66, as Rizley Stearns, N. H. Wene follows: Robertson, Va. Stevenson Wheat detachment or something of that sort. Robinson, Utah Stratton White [Roll No. 119] Robsion, Ky. Sullivan Whitten Yet under the law the draft boards YEA8-345 Rockefeller Sumner, Ill. Whittington have to induct these men over 40 years Allen, Til. Durham Johnson, Rodgers, Pa. Sumners, Tex. Wickersham of age. There are two pages of this testi­ Allen, La. Dworshak Lyndon B. Rogers, Mass. Sutphin Wigglesworth mony by General Marshall depicting the Andersen, Eaton Johnson, Okla. Rogers, Okla. Taber Wilson H. Carl Eberharter Johnson, W.Va. Rolph Talbot Winter trials and tribulations of the Army in Anderson, Calli. Edmiston Jones Russell Talle Wolcott connection with service of these older Anderson, Eliot, Mass. Jonkman Sabath Tarver Wolfenden, Pa. men. He goes on to say further: N. Mex. Elliott, Calif. Kean Sacks Terry Wolverton,N. J. Andresen, Elston Kee - - Sasscer Thorn Woodruff, Mich. So I want to find out how quickly we can August H. Engel Kefauver Scanlon Thomas, N. J. Woodrum, Va. process those men to go back and relieve us Andrews Englebright Kelley, Pa. Schuetz Thomas, Tex. Worley of the burden of looking after them. We Schulte Thomason Wright Arends Faddis Kelly, Ill. Scott Tibbett Young want to get them back to where they came Baldwin Fenton Kennedy, Shafer, Mich. Tolan Youngdahl from, where they are performing useful jobs. Bates, Mass. Fish Michael J. Beam Fitzgerald Keogh Shanley Traynor Zimmerman And as I say, I want to find out bow much Beckworth Fitzpatrick Kilburn Sheridan Treadway of an increased burden that has placed on Beiter Flaherty Kilday Short VanZandt hospitalization, and what they think will Bell Flannagan King NAY8-16 happen when we get into the winter and Bender Fogarty -Kinzer more difficult cases, because it is very 'hard, Bennett Folger · Kirwan Barden Daughton O'Hara it is exceedingly hard to make a certain type Bishop Forand Kleberg Bates, Ky. Fellows Springer of man fit into a place that he should not Blackney Ford, Miss. Klein Boren Kennedy, Steagall Bland Ford, Thomas F. Knutson Burdick Martin J. Tenerowicz be in. The principle of putting a round peg Boehne Fulmer Kopplemann Coffee, Nebr. Larrabee Whelchel into a round hole is everywhere accepted. Boggs Gale Kunkel Cooley Moser Its applicat ion is an exceedingly difficult Bolton Gamble Landis thing. Bonner Gathings Lane NOT VOTING-66 Boykin Gavagan Lanham Angell Houston Rankin, Mont. Mr. Chairman, in justice to the Army, Bradley, Mich. Gearhart Lea Arnold Hull Robertson, to the draft boards and particularly to Bradley, Pa. Gehrmann LeCompte Barnes Jarrett N.Dak. Brool,{s Gerlach Lesinsl{i Barry Johns Rockwell these older men over 40 years of age Brown, Ga. Gibson Lewis Bloom Keefe Romjue and employed in useful occupations the Bryson Gifford Ludlow Brown, Ohio Kerr Sanders law should be changed. Buckley, N.Y. Gillette Lynch Buckler, Minn. Kocialkowski Satterfield Bulwinkle Gillie McCormack Cochran Kramer Sauthoff [Here the gavel fell.] Burch Gore McGehee Collins Lambertson Schaefer, Til, Mrs. ROGERS of Massachusetts. Mr. Burgin Gossett McGranery Crawford Mcintyre Scrugham Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Butler Graham McGregor Creal McKeough Shannon Byrne Grant, Ala. McLaughlin Crosser Maas Sheppard amendment offered by the gentleman Byron Grant, Ind. McLean Crowther Mason Smith, Wash. from New York [Mr. FISH]. Camp Gregory McMillan Cullen M11ls, La. South Mr. Chairman, this amendment would Canfield Guyer Maciejewski Dies Mitchell Starnes, Ala. Cannon, Fla. Gwynne Maciora Douglas Murray Stefan be tying the hands of those in command Cannon, Mo. Haines Magnuson Duncan Norton Sweeney of the Army. They can decide whether Capozzoli Hall, Mahon Ellis O'Connor Thill or not they want to use these men. If Carlson Edwin Arthur Manasco Ford, Leland M. O'Day Tinkham Carter Hall, Mansfield Gilchrist Oliver West you do not like the high command, if you Cartwright Leonard W. Marcantonio Granger Peterson, Fla. Williams feel they are doing a bad job for us in Case, S. Dak. Halleck Martin, Iowa Green Pierce winning the war, demand their removal, Casey. Mass. Hare Martin, M.ass. Hancock Randolph get them out, but while they are there, - Celler H·:m:~ess May Chapman Harns, Ark. Merritt So the bill was passed. follow their suggestions and their advice: Chenoweth Harris, Va. Meyer, Md. The Clerk announced the following The CHAIRMAN. The question is on Chiperfield Hart Michener Clark Harter Miller pairs: the amendment offered by the gentleman On the vote: from New York [Mr. FISH]. Clason Hartley Mills, Ark. Claypool Hebert Monroney Mr. Douglas for, with Mr. Mason against. The amendment was rejected. Clevenger Heffernan Mott Mr. Satterfield for, with Mr. Oliver against. The CHAIRMAN. Under the rule, the Cluett Heidinger Mundt Coffee, Wash. Hendricks Murdock Committee rise. cole, Md. Hess Myers, Pa. Until further notice: Accordingly, the Committee rose; and, Cole, N.Y. Hill, Colo. Nelson Mr. Barry with Mr. Angell. the Speaker having resumed the chair, Colmer Hill, Wash. Nichols Cooper Hinshaw Norrell Mr. Ellis with Mr. Brown of Ohio. Mr. WooDRUM, Chairman of the Commit­ Copeland Hobbs O'Brien, Mich. Mr. Randolph with Mr. Rockwell. tee of the Whole House on the state of the Costello Hoffman "t O'Brien, N.Y. Mr. O'Connor with Mr. Gilchrist. Union, reported that that committee, Courtney Holbrock O'Leary Mr. Mcintyre with Mr. Stefan. cox Holland O'Neal Mr. Sheppard with Mr. Hancock. having had under consideration the bill · Cravens Holmes Osmers (H. R. 7528) to amend the Selective Mr. Kramer with Mr. Thill. Culkin Hook ;: O'Toole Mr. Smith of Washington with Mr. Keefe. Training and Service Act of 1940 by pro­ Cunningham Hope . Pace Curtis Howell Paddock Mr. Pierce with Mr. Lambertson. viding for the extension of liability, pur­ D'Alesandro Hunter · Patman Mr. Bloom with Mr. Leland M. Ford. suant to House Resolution 554, he re­ Davis, Ohio Imhoff Patrick Mr. Arnold with Mr. Crawford. ported the same back to the House with Davis, Tenn. Izac Patton Mr. Cochran with Mr. Maas. Day .Jackson Pearson sundry amendments agreed to in the Delaney Jacobsen Peterson, Ga. Mr. West with Mr. Robertson of North Committee of the Whole. Dewey Jarman Pfeifer, Dakota. The SPEAKER. Under the rule, the Dickstein Jenkins. Ohio Joseph L. Mr. Cullen with Mr. Johns. previous question is ordered on the bill Dingell Jenks, N.H. Pheiffer, Mr. Starnes of Alabama with Mr. Crowther. Dirksen Jennings William T. Mrs. Norton with Mr. Murray. and amendments to final passage. Disney ' Jensen Pittenger Mr. Barnes with Mr. Sauthoff. Is a separate vote demanded on any Ditter Johnson, Calif. Plauche amendment? If not, the Chair will put Domengeaux Johnson, Ill. Ploeser Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I was Dondero Johnson, Ind. Plumley them en gross. Downs Johnson, Poage called out of the Chamber and was not The amendments were agreed to. Drewry Luther A. Powers here when my name was called. There- 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8309 fore, I cannot qualify. Had I been here, Mr. WHITE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan­ Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask I would have voted for the bill. imous consent to extend my own re­ unanimous consent to revise and extend The result of the vote was announced marks in the RECORD and include therein the remarks I made this afternoon and as above recorded. a press report on the disposition of our include therein certain excerpts from A motion to reconsider was laid on the troops. Government reports, official documents, table. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to and press reports. Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ · the request of the gentleman from The SPEAKER. Is there objection to mous consent that all Members of the Idaho? the request of the gentleman from Mich­ House may have 5 legislative days iil There was no objection. igan? which to extend their own remarks in Mr. BECKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I ask There was no objection. the RECOR]} on the bill just passed. unanimous consent to extend my own Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to remarks in the RECORD and include there­ Speaker, I have two requests; first, that the request of the gentleman from Ken­ in some letters and statements. I may include in the Appendix of the tucky? The SPEAKER. Is there objection to RECORD a radio address to be delivered There was no objection. the request of the gentleman from Texas? tomorrow by myself in company with the There was no objection. 'distinguished and very efficient Director MEMBERS DETAINED BECAUSE OF FLOOD Mr. RODGERS of Pennsylvania. Mr. of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to ex­ Mr. J. Edgar Hoover; and, second, that ask unanimous consent to address the tend my own remarks in the RECORD and after · all unanimous-consent requests House for 1 minute. include therein a radio address by myself have been granted I may be permitted The SPEAKER. Without objection, it on The Navy's Challenge for Service. to address the House for 1 minute. ts so ordered. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Penn­ the request of the gentleman from Mich­ There was no objection. igan? Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, we sylvania? are all aware that in the last several days There was no objection. There was no objection. Mr. HINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. BEITER. Mr. Speaker, I ask there has been a very severe storm unanimous consent to extend my re­ throughout the country, particularly east unanimous consent to revise and extend the remarks I made today and include marks in the RECORD and to include of the Mississippi. therein certain excerpts. therein two brief editorials. A number of Members who are not The SPEAKER. Is there objection to The SPEAKER. Is there objection to recorded on the bill to lower the draft­ the request of the gentleman from Cali­ the request of the gentleman from New age limit passed today were on their way fornia? York? to Washington and were unable to com­ There was no objection. There was no objection. plete the journey due to the storm. I Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask have just received the following tele­ THE SALES TAX unanimous consent to revise and extend gram: Mr. HINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask the remarks I made today and to include ROCKVILLE, IND., October 17, 1942. unanimous consent to address-the House Hon. JoHN McCoRMACK, therein an editorial from the Los Angeles Majority Leader, the Capitol: for 1 minute. Times-Herald. If you were not able to make statement on The SPEAKER. Is there objection to The SPEAKER. Is there objection to floor concerning McKEouGH, BARNES, and the request of the gentleman from Cali­ the request of the gentleman from Cali­ DUNCAN will you insert this wire in RECORD. fornia? fornia? Plane grounded at Indianapolis, impossible There was no objection. There was no objection. to get to Washington. If possible to have Mr. HINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I am been present would have voted "aye." opposed to the 5-percent Victory tax on ACQUIREMENT OF MOTOR-PROPELLED RAY McKEOUGH. incomes above $624 per annum-which PASSENGER-CARRYING VEHICLES JIM BARNES. figures out to be a wage of $52 per Mr. COLMER, from the Committee on R. M. DUNCAN, month-$12 per week or $2 per day for a Rules, submitted the following privileged I feel that in justice to the Members 6-day week. I think it is both unjust -and resolution (H. Res. 556, Rept. No. 2585) who made an effort to get here this in­ discriminatory. We must raise revenue which was referred to the House Calen­ formation should appear in the RECORD. to pay for as much of the war as possible. dar and ordered printed as follows: PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE That is a basic premise-but this tax is Resolved, That upon the adoption of this unjust to the poor who have families. I resolution it shall be in order to move that Mr. KLEBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask claim that a 5 percent or even a 10 per­ the House resolve itself into the Committee unanimous consent that on Monday next, cent sales tax on all purchases except of the Whole House on the state of the Union at the conclusion of the legislative pro­ essential foods and fuel would probably for the consideration of the bill (H. R. 7573) gram of the day and following any spe­ to authorize the Secretary of War, the Secre­ be a just and fair tax. Such a sales tax tary of the Navy, the Commissioners of the cial orders heretofore entered, I may be would not be a heavy burden upon those District of Columbia, and the Director of Pro­ permitted to address the House for 1 who need every dime of income for the curement to acquire motor-propelled passen­ hour. essentials of living. It would only tax ger-carrying vehicles necessary for the suc­ The SPEAKER. Is there objection to those who have income that they can cessful prosecution of the present war. That the request of the gentleman from afford to spend for nonessentials. after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and continue not to exceed 1 hour, Texas? In California we have such a sales to be equally divided by the chairman and There was no objection. tax-of 3 percent. It is not a burden the ranking minority member of the Com­ on the poor. It is inexpensive to collect. ANNOUNCEMENT mittee on Expenditures in the Executive De­ It raises much revenue. I repeat-! am partments, the bill shall be read for amend­ Mr. LESINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on ac­ opposed to this proposed 5-percent Vic­ ment under the 5-minute rule. At the count of the flood I was delayed 3 hours tory tax and favor the substitution of a conclusion of such consideration, the Com­ in getting here this morning and was sales tax on nonessentials of living. mittee shall rise and report the bill to the therefore unable to answer the quorum House with such amendments as may have EXTENSION OF REMARKS been adopted and the previous question shall call. be considered as ordered on the bill and EXTENSION OF REMARKS Mr. WOLVERTON of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to ex­ amendments thereto to final passage without Mr. KTI.J)AY. · Mr. Speaker, I ask intervening motion, except one motion to tend my own remarks in the RECORD and recommit. unanimous consent to extend my own re­ include therein a declaration of policy marks in the RECORD and include therein adopted by the Republicans of the House EXTENSION OF REMARKS an editorial. on September 22. (Mr. SMITH of Pennsylvania asked and The SPEAKER. Is there objection to The SPEAKER. Is there objection to was given permission to revise and extend the request of the gentleman from the request of the gentleman from New his own remarks in the REcORD.) Texas? Jersey? Mr. RABAUT. Mr. Speaker, I have There was no objection. There was no objection. two unanimous-consent requests, one to 8310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE OCTOBER 17 l ' extend my own remarks in the RECORD on PERSONAL EXPLANATION a blanket over his head, pinned his arms and took his keys from him, he reported. the bill we had before the House today, Mr. BLAND. Mr. Speaker, my col­ On Monday morning, Sheriff Lloyd McNeal, including an extract from a letter I sent league from Virginia [Mr. SATTERFIELD] of Clarke County, who was seeking the two to the Detroit News, and, second, to ex­ was detained in Richmond by flood con­ boys, found their bodies hanging from the tend my remarks in the RECORD and to ditions, and it was impossible for him to bridge. include therein certain extracts from a get here to vote on this bill. It is reported that six previous lynchings Government report and a letter from the have taken place at the same bridge from Department of State. FLOOD CONDITION IN WASHINGTON which the youths were hanged. The Mississippi atrocity brings to five the The SPEAKER. Is there objection to Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. total number of lynchings so far this year. the request of the gentleman from Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to pro­ Previous victims were: Michigan? ceed for 1 minute. Cleo Wright, lynched on New Year's Day at There was no objection. The SPEAKER. Is there objection? Sikeston, Mo.; Howard Wilpitz, lynched on February 21 at ANNOUNCEMENT There was no objection. Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. · Brookshire, Tex.; Mr. CHAPMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish Willie Vinson, lynched at Texarkana, Tex., Speaker, the District of Columbia, the on July 13. to announce that my colleague the gen­ Potomac River and all of the surround­ tleman from Kentucky [Mr. CREAL] was It is expected that United States Attorney ing territory have just gone through one General Francis Biddle will conduct an in­ on his way to Washintgon to vote on the of the worst floods-if not the worst--in quiry into the double lynching. bill that just passed and was delayed the history of this section of the country. Many persons with children have left the because of a flood that slowed down the I extend my commendations and con­ area, some going to Hattiesburg. trains and kept him from getting here gratulations to those who volunteered, Camp Shelby, with hundreds of soldiers, is on time. only 35 miles from Meridian, which is close to to the volunteer boatmen, to the Coast Shubuta. · EXTE.."N'SION OF REMARKS ·Guard, to the river-front patrol of the The New Orleans National Association for Mr. SPARKMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask Metropolitan Police, to the Red Cross, to the Advancement of the Colored People has unanimous consent to revise and extend the Army, and to all of those who coop­ sent prot~sts to Attorney General Biddle and the remarks I made on the bill consid­ erated, and to those on the civilian de­ to the sheriff of Clark County. ered today and to include therein an fense who also cooperated so splendidly BIDDLE URGED TO ACT editorial from the Washington Post. during the past 48 hours to see to it that Demand that the Civil Liberties Division of The SPEAKER. Is there objection to there was a minimum of damage on the the Department of Justice act immediately the request of the gentleman from water front, and particularly that all of to punish the lynchers was telegraphed Alabama? ·the many private small craft represent- · Tuesday to Attorney General Francis Biddle There was no objection. ing in the aggregate hundreds and hun­ by the executive board of the Greater New dreds of thousands of dollars of value, York Congress of Industrial Organizations PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE Council. A similar demand was made on moored on the water front, and -which Gov. Paul B. Johnson of Mississippi. Mr. PATMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask were taken ·off their dock moorings and "We look to the Civil Liberties DiviSion un­ unanimous consent that on Monday next, moored safely out in the stream, with· der your direction to restore America's sin­ following any previous special orders, I a minimum of damage and so far as I cerity in its war against fa?cism by acting may be permitted to address the House know without any loss of life, I think swiftly to bring the perpetrators of this for 20 minutes. they all deserve the vote of thanks from treasonable crime to justice," the board told The SPEAKER. Is there objection to this Congress. Theirs is a job well done. the Attorney General. the request of the gentleman from Texas? The telegram to Governor Johnson said in THE ANTILYNCHING BILL part: "Unless justice is done, your State and There was no objection. its law-enforcement officers must stand re­ Mr. WASIELEWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I Mt. GUYER of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, sponsible for an act disruptive of national ask unanimous consent that the gentle­ I ask unanimous consent to proceed for 1 ~nity in the face of tJ:ie enemy." - man from New York [Mr. BLOOM] be minute. The SPEAKER. Is there objection? given unanimous consent to extend his [From the Washington Times-Herald of Oc­ remarks in the RECORD and to include There was no objection. tober 17, 1942] therein an editorial by Arthur Krock, Mr. GUYER of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, GUYER SEEKS ACTION ON HIS ANTILYNCH which appeared in the New York Times yesterday I introduced Resolution 555, BILL--MOVE FOLLOWS OUTCRY OVER NEW of October 16. which provides for taking from the Com­ OUTRAGE The SPEAKER. Is there objection mittee on the Judiciary the bill H. R. Following demands of Negro leaders to the request of the gentleman from 974, known as the antilynch bill. The throughout the country that outrages such Wisconsin? colored people are not asking for any as the recent Mississippi lynching of two 14- There was no objection. "four freedoms.." The only thing that year-old Negro boys be ended, Representative Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask they ask is equal protection under the U. S. GUYER, Republican, of Kansas, moved unanimous consent to revise and extend law, and owing to the fact that 450,000 of yesterday to force consideration of his anti­ the remarks I made in the House today them are fighting for the liberties of the lynching bill. GUYER moved to discharge the House Ju­ and to include therein excerpts from let­ world, I believe they deserve it. diciary Committee from consideration of his ters and an excerpt from a document I ask unanimous consent to extend my bill, which would punish State, county, or known as Volume X on Neuropsychiatry remarks and include qudtations from municipal officers by a jail sentence of not of the War Department. Washington Afro-American and the more than 5 years and a fine not exceeding The SPEAKER. Is there objection to Washington Times-Herald. $5,000 or both if they be found negligent in the request of the gentleman from North The SPEAKER. Is there 'objection? a lynching. Carolina? There was no objection. TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN MUST SIGN There was no objection. · [From the Washington Afro-American of Signatures of 218 House Members are neces­ PERSONAL EXPLANATION October 17, 1942] sary to discharge the committee and force immediate consideration of the bill. It took Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Speaker, my - EXODUS FOLLOWS IN WAKE OF LYNCHING OF 2 years for a similar effort to discharge the colleague the gentleman from Florida TWO BOYS BY MISSISSIPPI MOB same committee so anti-poll-tax legislation [Mr. GREEN] made every effort to get MERIDIAN', Mxss.-A blood-thirsty Mississippi could be considered and passed. here to vote on this bill, but was pre­ mob took two 14-year-old boys from the Quit­ Negro leaders cooperating in the effort are man jail Sunday night and hanged them to Dr. D. V. Jemison, president of the National vented by flood conditions. a bridge. Baptist Convention and · chairman of the EXTENSION OF REMARKS The youths, Charlie Lang and Ernest Green, National Negro Council; Bishop David . H. both of Shubuta, had been accused by a Sims, African Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. SACKS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan­ 13-year-old white girl of waylaying her and Dr. George H. Sims, president of New York imous consent to extend my remarks by attempting to attack her on the same bridge Negro Baptists; A. Philip Randolph, head of including a broadcast made on Saturday, from which they were lynched. the· March on Washington Movement; Lester October 3, 1942, by Rabbi Louis Wolsey. According to City Marshal G. F. Dabbs, Granger, National Urban League; and Edgar The SPEAKER. Is there objection? members of the mob overpowered him when G. Brown, director of the National Negro There was no objection. he answered a knock at the door. They put Council. 1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 8311 • LETTER TO PRESIDENT out for the solution of the oil problem ADJOURNMENT Brown in a letter to President Roosevelt so far as possible. Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, I asked that he place the antilynching bill on I would also point out, Mr. Speaker, 'move that the House do now adjourn. his list of "must" legislation. The latter that the question of oil is more impor­ recalled that the President spoke out against The motion was agreed to; accordingly the lynching of two California youths several tant in the winning of the war than is (at 4 o'clock and 54 minutes p. m.) the years ago. rubber. I earnestly hope that soon the House adjourned until Monday, October "The Nation was at peace then," Brown President will give power to one man 19, 1942, at 12 o'clock noon. wrote. "You immediately condemned that to take charge of the oil situation if we gross miscarriage of justice. are to be warm, if illness is to be kept "Today, with the Nation locked in a death away from our homes, ·if our industries EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC. struggle with two of its vilest enemies on are to be kept running, and if oil is to our very east and west coasts, we confidently Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, executive hope you will, again, speak." be sent wherever needed across the seas. communications were tal~en from the Every day precious time is lost. Speaker's table and referred as follows: Mr. Speaker, since I spoke this after­ MEDAL PROPOSED. FOR KAY KYSER 1974. A letter from the Attorney General, noon on the floor of the House I read in transmitting a draft of a proposed bill to the Washington Star that there has been Mr. PATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask provide for the punishment of certain hostile another lynching at Laurel, Miss., and unanimous consent to address the House acts against the United States, and for other that th~:;re exists a sort of reign of terror. for 1 minute. purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. It seems that every day there becomes The SPEAKER. Without objection, it 1975. A letter from the Chairman, Board more and more reason for the enactment is so ordered. of War Communications, transmitting a copy of just this sort of legislatioq. There was no objection. of order No. 20 of the Board of War Com­ Mr. PATRICK. Mr. Speaker, yester­ munications which est ablishes a system of THE PROGRAM FOR NEXT WEEK priorities for urgent long-distance telephone day I introduced a resolution to author­ calls; to the Committee on Interst ate and Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. ize the President to present a gold medal Foreign Commerce. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to of award to Kay Kyser for service he has proceed for 1 minute. rendered to his Nation in writing the The SPEAKER. Is there objection? song Praise the Lord and Pass the Am­ REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC There was no objection. munition. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. We have been having a hard time get­ Under clause 2 of rule Xlll, reports of Speaker, I do this for the purpose of ask­ ting an inspiring song in this war. More committees were delivered to the Clerk ing the majority leader if there has been than one had been given to the Nation for printing and reference to the proper any change in the program that was an­ in World War No. 1 by this time. The calendar, as follows: nounced for next week. man who inspires the men who march Mr. McLAUGHLIN: Committee on the Ju­ Mr. McCORMACK. There has been together in cadence, in thought, and in­ diciary. H. R. 7356. A bill to amend section no material change. The Unanimous­ spired song with a feeling of patriotism 75 (a) of the act entitled "An act to estab­ Consent Calendar will be called on Mon­ and zeal does one of the greatest possible lish a uniform system of bankruptcy through­ day. It is a very short calendar, and I services to mankind whenever mankind out the United States," approved July 1, 1893, shall ask to suspend with the call of the is fighting his battles. For this reason I as amended; with amendment (Rept. No. Private Calendar on Tuesday. Mr. have introduced the resolution. I hope 2579) . Referred to the House Calendar. Speaker, I make that request. it passes. Mr. FULMER: Committee on Agriculture. The SPEAKER. Is there objection? H. R. 7632. A bill to provide that during the Mr. CANFIELD. Mr. Speaker, will the present war payments with respect to any There was no objection. gentleman yield? crop of sugar beets or sugarcane shall not be Mr. McCORMACK. On Monday what Mr. PATRICK. I yield. subject to deductions on account of the em­ is known as the Panama Canal bill will Mr. CANFIELD. I feel that the REC­ ployment of children; without amendment come up under a rule . . Then the bill for ORD should also show that the chaplain (Rept. No. 2580). Referred to the Commit­ the relief of automobile dealers, which tee of the Whole House on the state of the who inspired that song at Pearl Harbor Union. was under discussion on the floor the himself seized a gun and shot down a other day will be called up. A rule has Mr. CELLER: Committee on the Judiciary. Jap plane. S. 2412. An act to provide benefits for the been reported out on that. It will be Mr. PATRICK. Yes; it is an inspiring injury, disability, death, or enemy detention called up with the understanding that if thing all the way through, of employees of contractors with the United there is to be a vote, the vote will go over States, and for other purposes; with amend­ until Tuesday. On Tuesday the confer­ EXTENSION OF REMARKS ment (Rept. 2581). Referred to the Commit­ ence report on the tax bill will definitely Mr. GUYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan­ tee of the Whole House on the state of the be called up. imous consent to revise and extend mY Union. Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. I remarks and include therein certain quo­ Mr. RAMSAY: Committee on Immigration wondered if the gentleman could agree tations from newspapers. and Naturalization. H. R. 6763. A bill per- to call tne tax oi".itbp ttt--.i!'U'cioci<"?• • _,_,_ Tnit.t.iru:• +l;u•.nRt.lv.:al~ru. innvo.f..c.e.xt~iu_net!':OV~