1939 CONGRESSIONAL. RECORD-HOUSE 6517

VETERINARY COltPS R-obert Newbegin ArthUr R. Ringwalt To be captains Calvin Hawley Oakes Eric C. Wendelin R. Borden Reams Kenneth J. Yearns First Lt. Robert James Brown, Veterinary Corps, from July Charles S. Reed, 2d 15, 1939. First Lt. Earl Goss Kingdon, Veterinary Corps, from July To be Foreign Service officers of class 8 20, 1939. Stephen E. Aguirre John Peabody Palmer .MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE CORPS Waldo E. Bailey Troy L. Perkins To be first lieutenants Walworth Barbour Frank A. Schuler, Jr.. Second Lt. Harland William Layer, Medical Administrative Hiram Bingham, Jr. Elvin Seibert Corps, from July 2, 1939. Bernard C. Connelly Francis L. Spalding Second Lt. Eugene Gordon COoper, Medical Administrative Andrew E. Donovan, 2d John F. Stone Corps, from July 2, 1939. Douglas Flood William C. Trimble Second Lt. Arthur Melville Henderson, Medical Adminis­ Reginald S. Kazanjian H. Bartlett Wells trative Corps, from July 2, 1939. Reginald P. Mitchell Milton K. Wells William D. Moreland, Jr. CHAPLAIN To be chaplain with the rank of lieutenant colanel POSTMASURS Chaplain Ivan Loveridge Bennett Virginia [Mr. DARDEN]. difference is that the rate of tax in the Townsend bill is one­ The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the half of 1 percent, and in the District of Columbia revenue bill gentleman from Virginia [Mr. SATTERFIELD]? it is four-tenths of 1 percent, or one-tenth of 1 percent less. There was no objection. I ask our opposition to laugh that off if they can. In other THE NATIONAL DEBT words, we are about to adopt for the District of Columbia a tax measure which contains practically the same tax Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to ad­ formula as is contained in H. R. 6466, the Townsend bill, dress the House for 1 minute. introduced by the gentleman from Florida [Mr. HENDRICKS], The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the which we will vote upon in a few moments. gentleman from Pennsylvania? [Here the gavel fell.J There was no objection. THE TOWNSEND PLAN Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, when I cameinto this Hall this morning one of the distinguished gentlemen on the majority Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent side said, "I hope you do not make any speeches this morn­ to proceed for 1 minute. ing." He did not want to hear about the national debt or The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the where you are going to get the money in order to carry on gentleman from Florida [Mr. HENDRICKS]? for this administration. Mr. RAYBURN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to ob­ I wish to call your attention to the fact that according to ject, and I shall not object to this request, but the debate the Treasury statement of May 27 you are now $3,212,000,000 on the Townsend bill has continued nearly 4 hours. There in the red for tills year, a dreadful financial position. The are 18 minutes remaining. If we allow Members to speak appropriations you have made for 1940 already total over for 1 minute, there will probably be a dozen or twenty re­ $7,576,000,000, and I herewith give a list of them: quests. We want to get through. I hope no other Member will ask unanimous consent to speak on the Townsend bill Totals of appropriation bills passed at this session to date because general debate will be continued on this bill in a few Appropriation bills pa£sed for 1940: Agriculture Department and Farm Credit Amount minutes. Adr.ninistration ______$1,218,666,572.00 Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I District of Columbia______46, 915, 207. 00 do not understand whether the majority leader is going to Independent offices ______1,668,218,340.00 object to any more 1-minute speeches. If he is going to Interior Department______172, 679, 765. 23 Legislative establishment______21, 985, 779. 00 object, we will have to start objecting now. I would like to Navy Department______773, 049, 151. 00 get a minute this morning if I can. Labor Department______30,747,780.00 Mr. RAYBURN. On what? State, Justice, and Commerce Departments__ 121,399,120.00 Treasury and Post Office Departments_____ 1, 700,613,054.00 Mr. RICH. To speak on the great national debt that this War Department: administration has created. Military activities------508,789,224.00 Mr. RAYBURN. I referred to debate on the Townsend Civil functions ______305,188,514.00 plan and 1-minute requests to speak thereon. That is all First deficiency, 1939------23, 765, 041. 89 Second deficiency, 1939 ______157,619, 059.89 I had in mind. Work relief and relief, 1939 ______725,000,000.00 The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Additional work relief and relief, 1939 ____ _ 100,000,000.00 gentleman from Florida [Mr. HENDRICKS] ? Employees' Compensation Commission ______2,000,000.00 There was no objection. Additional appropriation, printing, binding, Mr. HENDRICKS . . Mr. Speaker, I am not going to debate and stationery, Treasury Department ___ _ 276,400.00 the Townsend plan. I simply wish to say that I have always TotaL------7, 576, 915, 608. 01 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6519 And you will be asked to appropriate more than $2,000,- business may find themselves wholly without resources at the 000,000 more, and I list them: age of 60. At the present time only 50 percent of those gain­ Additional estimates pending for which no bill has been reported fully employed are covered by the Social Security Act at any Estimated expenditure for- one time. While some may be brought within the provisions Work relief and relief, 1940------$1, 762, 49P, 000.00 of the Social Security Act by amendment, there are many War Department, supplemental, 1940______239, 002, 500. 00 millions of people who can never hope to secure old-age Third deficiency, 1939______3, 334, 397. 12 assistance under this legislation. Total of pencUng estimates______2, 004, 826, 897. 12 Prior to the enactment of the Social Security Act the so­ called Townsend plan was suggested to the American people. Grand total, appropriations and estimates______9, 581, 742, 505. 13 Objections were raised to it on the grounds that the $200 per Est~mated revenue for 1940 ______5, 669,000,000.00 month was excessive and that adequate provision was not Estimated deficit for 1940------3,912,742,505.00 made to finance the plan, .thereby necessitating a continuing national deficit to meet the payments of those making claim. So you will be spending over $9,581,000,000 for 1940. The present Townsend bill meets these fundamental objec­ Your receipts for 1940, estimated by the Budget office, .will tions. First, by raising the necessary revenue in the act be $5,669,000,000, so you ·will be in the red next year over itself; and, second, by providing that no funds shall be paid $3,912,000,000. I ask you in all good faith, where will you until they are first collected. There can be no inflation or get the money? [Applause.] printing-press money under a pension plan which provides [Here the gavel fell.] that expenditures shall be limited to the income derived under VOTE ON THE TOWNSEND BILL the bill. The bill provides a plan of taxation, the proceeds to Mr. HUlL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be used solely in financing the old-age security of ev~ry address the House for one-half minute. citizen of the United States who has attained the age of 60 The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the years. gentleman from Wisconsin? The plan of having a particular tax for a particular pur­ There was no objection. pose is most desirable and has demonstrated its effectiveness Mr. HUlL. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Wisconsin in those States where gasoline-tax revenues have been [Mr. GEHRMANN] was called home day before yesterday be­ limited solely for the construction and maintenance of roads. cause of the death of his daughter, Mrs. Irving Justice, of It is also adopted as fundamentally sound in the present Mellen, Wis. The gentleman from Wisconsin, who is a Social Security Act, where a specific tax is levied for the sole strong supporter of the Townsend bill, hoped to be here purpose of old-age security. to make a speech in its favor and to vote for it. The Townsend plan, as embodied in the present bill, will Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to extend my own accomplish more desirable ends than all the legislation that remarks in the RECORD by including therein a letter from the has been enaCted for many years. In the first place, it will gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. GEHRMANN] explaining his equalize and guarantee justice to every_eligible citizen of the situation. United States by assuring them an equal amount of money The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the for their support. This is not done under the Social Security gentieman from Wisconsin? Act, where persons of equal need may receive $10 in one There was no objection. State and $30 in another, or where people in the same town Mr. HULL. Mr. Speaker, the letter to which I refer is as within one State may rEceive twice as much as their neighbor. follows: The Townsend plan, by treating every eligible person the Hon. WILLIAM B. BANKHEAD, E)ame, will remove all politics from the pension system, which Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. has been made a political football in many States. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I would appreciate it very much, if it is Instead of being harmful to the Social Security Act, the permissible, to have the Clerk read or insert in the RECORD the fact that I was called home by the sudden death of my daughter. Townsend plan will be definitely beneficial. The Social Se­ I am very much interested in H. R. 6466 and intended to take curity Act provides that aid shall be given to dependent the floor in favor of it during the debate. Had it been possible children. Because of lack of funds, thousands of such chil­ for me to be present when the vote was taken, I would have voted dren in Ohio and elsewhere are unable to receive a cent of "yes" on passage of the bill. help. Last year Ohio spent over $16,000,000 as its share in Very truly yours, B. J. GEHRMANN, If Tenth Wisconsin District. matching Federal funds for old-age pensions. a national plan for old-age pensions is adopted, Ohio will have sufficient THE TOWNSEND PLAN money to fully provide for every dependent child in the State Mr. SECREST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent and still have several million dollars left with which to meet to address the House for 1 minute. every obligation of her schools, now seriously crippled for lack The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the of funds. gentleman from Ohio? The present bill provides that the money collected shall be There was no objection. equitably distributed to every American citizen over 60 years Mr. SECREST. Mr. Speaker, I regret that the time for of age and requires that such citizen give up all gainful em­ debate on H. R. 6466 has been limited. I also regret that ployment. At the present time there are several million many Members, apparently, have not even read the bill. people over 60 years of age who continue working because They oppose it on the ground that it proposes to pay everyone the present old-age pension system will not give them suffi­ a pension of $200 per month when the bill actually says no cient funds for a decent living. No one can predict accurately such thing. It merely provides that a certain tax shall be the amount of money that would be available to each claim­ levied and the proceeds divided among the applicants for the ant under the Townsend plan, but certainly it will be suffi­ pension. The author of the bill stated in his speech to this cient to permit these millions to give up their work, thereby House yesterday that the initial payment would be $60 or $70 opening positions to millions of young people who are now per month. unemployed. Making adequate provision for the elderly Under the rule we cannot amend this bill, no matter what people now working and then requiring them to give up their change we would like to make. Regardless of this, I am sup­ work would do more to promote employment than anything porting this bill because I approve the principle for·which it attempted by the Congress. The need for large relief and stands. public works appropriations would rapidly diminish. No In my opinion, a national plan of old-age security is in­ elderly person who has a position can be expected to leave it evitable. The duty rests upon Congress to select and approve for a $15 or $20 per month pension. Pay him an adequate the best plan available. We enacted the Social Security Act; pension and he will be happy to permit some younger man to this was a forward step in social legislation, but does not and take his place. cannot meet the needs of millions of our citizens. The farmer This bill will also make it unnecessary for the Government who tills his own farm and a man who conducts his own to collect the present tax for old-age pensions levied unc.er 6520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 1 the Sc;cial SecuritY Act, thereby saving much money and in- the Townsend plan is feasible and sound; that if enacted . convenience on the part of employers and. employees. It has into law our economic troubles would be over. I respect safeguards to prevent a recipient of the pension from keeping those who honestly believe in the Townsend plan, but I must relatives and friends in idleness. It also has a very sane cast my vote for what I believe to be in the best interest of principle which will be welcome to every businessman in the our country. What good would it do if we provided every country, because the bill provides that everyone receiving the citizen over 60 years of age with an annuity of $50, $100, pension must pay their current bills for food, clothing, and $200, or even $300, per month for a few months or a year necessities. In addition to the payment of their current bills, if by so doing we brought chaos, inflation, and ruin to all 10 percent of the money received must be used for payment of of our people. That is what I believe would happen if the all past debts, thereby benefiting every businessman with a provisions of H. R. 6466 were enacted into law. My opinion numb3r of debts owing, which, under existing circumstances, is supported by the testimony of every economist who testi­ he cannot collect. fied before our Ways and Means Committee. It is supported The so-called Townsend bill is very much misunderstood by by such organizations as the A. F. of L., the Grange, the great sections of our population, but, regardless of the objec­ Federal Farm Bureau, and by businessmen, large and small. tions raised to the original plan, the modified plan now If it were possible, I would lik~ to see every person over before Congress is a sound, sane, and conservative measure. 60 receive an annuity of $200 monthly. If it did not mean It forbids the hoarding of pension funds by requiring those ruin, I would like to add to the list the widows of the com­ receiving pensions to put the money into circulation for the rades I left buried in France-! would like to add every stimulation of business. Thus it will increase purchasing widow who is in need. power, give security to the aged by retiring them with a Call it what you will-a transaction tax, a sales tax, or reasonable income, open employment to younger citizens, re­ what not-it means that to make this plan effective we move injustices and inequalities in the present pension sys­ would have to tax everyone, rich or poor, on even the neces­ tem, repeal the tax burden for pensions under the Social sities of life, from four to fifteen billion dollars per year. It Security Act, and will remove a great tax burden from the just cannot be done. shoulders of every State, permitting them to make more Far be it from me to question the sincerity of Dr. Town­ effective the other provisions of the Social S3curity Act. It send, but this I will say: His hands are not absolutely clean. will also make it unnecessary to build great reserves in a Do you recall the little story in his newspaper in which an cocial-security fund, a plan which is viewed with alarm by effort was made to mislead his followers by telling them nearly every businessman and financial institution. wonderful progress had been made since the last session of I am convinced that a national system of old-age security Congress, as indicated by tne fact that his bill was now is certain to come, and I feel that House bill 6466 as it No. 2 on the whole list of bills introduced. It seems like is now drafted is the most sensible and conservative method poetic justice that H. R. 2 has been discarded and we now now before the American people to accomplish this end. It have the bill before us known as 6466. is good business to spend only that which you collect, because Does it not mean something when we find that after 4 in this way we avoid great debt and printing-press money. months of hearings there is not a member in either party on Since this bill will prevent ultimate inflation and will con­ the Ways and Means Committee who would move to recom­ tribute a large number of substantial benefits to the welfare mend this bill to the House? We have to take the bill as is; of the Nation, I wish to urge every Member of this House to we cannot amend it at all. If we vote to recommit it to support it. · committee for perfecting, we are to be listed as against the EXTENSION OF REMARKS Townsend plan. This, in spite of the fact that Dr. Townsend Mr. WOODRUFF of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ testified- mous consent to extend my own remarks in the RECORD and ! concede that there will have to be amendments to the bill. include therein an editorial from the Washington Post. Several advocates of this plan have pointed out that this The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the bill does not provide $200 a month. However, that is the gentleman from Michigan? minimum to be hoped for. That is what Townsend Club There was no objection. members have been led to believe they will receive. What Mr. LARRABEE asked and was given permission to extend his did Dr. Townsend say as to the amount of annuity? I quote: own remarks in the RECORD. · Two hundred a month will not stay long. We will go on to three Mr. GILLIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to hundred; we must inevitably. extend my own remarks in the RECORD and include therein a Memorial Day address delivered by the gentleman from Let us lay this dream bill away and devote the rest of the Indiana [Mr. SPRINGER] at Muncie, on May 30. week to considering amendments to the Social Security Act. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Let us see what we can do for our senior citizens instead of talking about what we wou!d like to do. gentleman from Indiana? Before I close may I raise one point that may be considered There was no objection. purely sentimental, although I believe it goes even deeper VOTE ON THE TOWNSEND BILL than that. Suppose brass rings and fairies did exist and this Mr. POLK. Mr. Speaker, my colleague the gentleman plan was made workable, what would we have done? We from Ohio, Mr. AsHBROOK, is unable to be present. He re­ would have destroyed one of the finest things in our American quested the pair clerk to pair him against the so-called Town­ life, namely, the family spirit. We would take from thou­ send bill, but no pair could be secured. Therefore, he re­ sands the joy of caring for their parents; the privilege of quests me to announce that if he were present he would vote making their declining years happy. Oh, I know thoU3ands "nay" on the bill today. have little or nothing to share with anyorie, but that is a THE TOWNSEND PLAN temporary condition. If we keep our heads, we will work Mr. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to out of these unhappy economic conditions. We grew into a extend my own remarks at this point in the RECORD. great nation by practicing thrift, by having a Government The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the that encouraged thrift. From our thrift came the capital gentleman from Connecticut. to expand small business into huge industries, employing There was no objection. thousands. Mr. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, about an hour from now I This is still the land of opportunity, and those who will will cast my vote against the Townsend bill, now known as vote "no" on H. R. 6466 have voted to preserve the system H. R. 6466. that made us great. I do know that thousands of elderly citizens will be dis­ EXTENSION OF REMARKS appointed if and when H. R. 6466 is defeated. They will Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ be disappointed because they have been led to believe that mous consent to extend my remarks in the RECORD, and in- 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6521 .elude therein a radio program sponsored by former Congress­ of the Illinois Legislature approved a $40 pension. On that .man Binderup. day I had a visitor in my office at exactly 10:30 o'clock . The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the ·He was a high official of the Townsend organization. We sat gentleman from Oklahoma? down to visit and I pointed out the defects, and, finally, here There was no objection. is what he said, and I made careful note of it before he left Mr. YOUNGDAHL. Mr. Speaker, I make the point of or- my office to make sure the statement would not be distorted. der that a quorum is not present. · His first statement was that they did not expect the bill The SPEAKER. The Chair will count. [After counting.] to pass. The second statement was that a constitutional Two hundred and eighty-one Members are present, a quorum. amendment is necessary, and they are basing their plans upon THE TOWNSEND PLAN the Senate in the hope that a resolution will be initiated look­ Mr. DOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House ing to a constitutional amendment. Third, he said to me resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on that the experts have advised the Townsend group that it the state of the Union for the further consideration of the would take at least 1 year to bring up a satisfactory bill. bill (H. R. 6466) to provide for and promote the general wel­ Everybody knows that the bill that is before us has been fare of the United States by supplying to the people a more drawn up very hastily, full of loopholes, full of ramifications liberal distribution and increase of purchasing power, retir­ that would destroy this country. Finally, this official of the ing certain citizens from gainful employment, improving and Townsend national organization said to me-and mark you, stabilizing gainful employment for other citizens, stimulat­ everybody in this Chamber-"We do not want this bill to ing agricultural and industrial production and general busi­ pass." ness and alleviating the hazards and insecurity of old age Now, let any proponent of this legislation stand in his place and' unemployment; to provide a method whereby citizens and ask me who that gentleman was. I shall not disclose his name myself. shall contribute to the purchase of and receive a retirement annuity; to provide for the raising of the necessary revenue to Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman operate a continuing plan therefor; to provide for the appro­ yield? priation and expenditure of such revenue; to provide for the Mr. DIRKSEN. I yield. proper administration of this act; to provide penalties for Mr. HENDRICKS. Who said that? violation of the act; and for other purposes. Mr. DIRKSEN. The gentleman was Mr. Jeffery, the vice · The motion was agreed to. president of the national Townsend organization. [Applause.] Accordingly the House resolved itself into the Committee of Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman the Whole House on the state of the Union for the further yield for just one further question? Mr. DIRKSEN. I cannot yield further. consideration of the bill H. R. 6466, with Mr. SMITH of Virginia · Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, will the gen­ ·in the chair. tleman yield for just one question? The Clerk read the title of the bill. Mr. DIRKSEN. I stand by that statement, gentlemen; The CHAIRMAN. The Chair will state for the information make no mistake about it. I am going to render a service to of the Committee that at the conclusion of the session yes­ the aged of America today and to those who are looking to terday the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. TREADWAY] this organization, not for a couple of birds in the bush but ·had consumed 1 hour and 51 minutes, which leave~ him 9 for a bird in the hand; I am going to perform them a service minutes; and the. gentleman from North Carolina rMr. by voting against this bill and not hoodwinking them. DouGHTON] had consumed 1 hour and 52 Y2 minutes, which It was said a few moments ago by the gentleman from leaves him 7% minutes. Washington [Mr. Sl\UTH] that yesterday there was intro­ Mr. TREADWAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of duced in the Congress a bill applying to the District of Co­ my time to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. DIRKSEN]. lumbia, to provide for a business privilege tax. Yes, my kind Mr. DIRKSEN. Mr. Chairman and my colleague~ on the friend, I helped to draw the first business privilege tax in the Republican side, particularly, to you with faint hearts and District of Columbia more than 3 years ago. Go back and faltering feet let me address a last-minute word before the examine the bill and see what is in it. Note the refinements roll call is sounded. we made there, how carefully we had to define the financial This bill is, in my judgment, more absurd than has been dealings, the commissions paid to commission merchants, .painted on the floor of this House. Must I remind you that how we had to straighten out the spread and graduate the under this bill, if you will examine the definition of the word tax. Despite all the caution we could exercise, there have "persons," the definition of "gross revenues," and the inci­ been 500 suits pending in the courts of the District of Colum­ dence of the tax, that the 76 railroads that are in receiver­ bia as a result of the best wori-;: that our committee might ship and are knocking on the door of Congress today for bring to that job. l'ehabilitation will be taxed on their gross revenues? Must Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, will the gen­ I remind you that the farm bill contains $725,000,000 of tleman yield for a question? benefits out of the Federal Treasury for farm benefits, but, Mr. DIRKSEN. Compare that, Mr. Chairman, with the on the other hand, the Secretary of the Treasury shall reach thing that is before us today, and you will see that the bill is ·out and take back a tax from the farmers in the Nation? a hodgepodge, and Mr. Jeffery knew whereof he spoke when Must I remind you that every financial house, every commis­ he said the exp~rts had advised that it would take at least a sion merchant who does business on less than 2 percent year or more in which to perfect the bill. Are you, my anywhere in this country will be rocked out of business? friends, going to be in the position of sending this kind of a They say to me, "Oh, you are concerned with property hybrid bill over to rest in a pigeonhole on the other side of values, while we are concerned with human values," and I tills building? Are you going to stimulate the newspapers say to them that they are seeking to destroy the very sources and the press of the country to analyze this bill for the :first of revenue from which the payment under this bill must be time in 5 years and rake you and everybody else over every made. If it passes this House and is analyzed by the news­ editorial column from the Atlantic to the Pacific and cover papers of the country, oh, what ridicule and invective will you with ridicule and abuse? Are you ready for that? I be directed against those who have cast a responsible vote shall share mine on the other side, and I shall go back and in order to see the enactment of a bill of this kind. make a report to the aged people and say, "I am committed In our Republican platform of 1936 we favored direct, to a pay-as-you-go policy; I am committed to a generous adequate pension payment provided from a direct tax widely policy, but I am not committed to vote for a hybrid mon­ distributed, but does that commit anybody who is pledged strosity under the guise of a tax bill that will ruin the coun­ to the Townsend plan to vote for a monstrosity? Ah, no, try and do exactly no good for the aged people of the coun- you of faint heart, it does not. try." Once more I say to you-- . Now, May 23 is a celebrated day. On that day this bill Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, will the gentle­ that is pending was introduced. On that day both houses man yield for one question? LXXXIV-412 6522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 1 Mr. DIRKSEN. Once more I say to· you, particularly, my A number of economists and businessmen, and the American colleagues on this side of the aisle, whose hearts may have Retail Federation, comprising about 178;ooo members, ap­ been faint, whose feet may have faltered a little, there is peared in opposition to it. The American Retail Federation something more than pensions in the balance, and that is the made a survey of its members, and a representative of this economic structure of the United States of America. That is association appeared before the committee and testified that in the balance today. [Applause.] I am not willing to the opposition to the bill was unanimous. surrender upon that line. Every Member · who votes for this bill is voting for the Let me close with this one thought. I think it was Caesar most dangerous type of supersales tax ever proposed. Any who said: opponent of any man who votes for this bill can properly ac­ Cowards die many times before their deaths; cuse him of voting for a super sales tax. The valiant never taste of death but once. The tax proposed under this bill falls the heaviest upon There is not a man in public life who has not died politi­ the people least able to pay, persons of moderate and small cally over and over as crucial and controversial roll calls have incomes. been sounded. I experience it today, even as I experienced it The Brookings Institute shows that at the end of 1929, on the first controversial vote I ever cast, when I voted and that was supposed to be a year of prosperity, there against that notorious economy bill in 1933. I find always were 27,470,000 families in the United States consisting of that when you square away with conscience you can stand more than 1 person; that about 6,000,000 families, or more upon firm ground and defend your case, and there, I say to than 21 percent of the total, had incomes less than $1,000 you, my fellow Republicans, we must resolve the issue now, per year; that about · 12,000,000 families, or more than 42 and henceforth let that be your guide when the roll is percent of the total, had incomes of less than $1,500 per year; intoned. [Applause.] that nearly 20,000,000 families, or about 71 percent of the Mr. DOUGHTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remainder of total, had incomes less than $2,500 per year; that in the my time to the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. McCoR­ case of unattached individuals nearly 82 percent had in­ MACK]. comes below $2,000; also, and this is significant, that 84 per­ Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Chairman-- cent of all the consuming goods sold in the country were Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield bought by families with incomes of $5,000 less. for a question? · Mark you, this was in 1929, not 1939, when income had Mr. McCORMACK. I yield briefly, because I have agreed to sharply decreased from the 1929 figures, when so many mil­ yield to the gentleman. lions of our persons are directly or indirectly upon relief. Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Chairman, I have a brief letter that The income per family today is much less than it was in I want to read. First, let me say that if Mr. Jefirey made the 1929. statement ascribed to him he will be discharged. The passage of this bill will reduce the purchasing power of Mr. McCORMACK. I did not yield for that. I yielded for 9 out of 10 persons at least 25 percent in order to pay the the letter. pensions provided herein. In other words, it will increase the Mr. HENDRICKS. I have a letter to read here from Dr. cost of living of every person at least 25 percent. Townsend, and it is as follows: What about the interests of these persons? What are they TOWNSEND NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN, INC., going to say? What kind of an appeal can any opponent Washington, D. C., June 1, 1939. of any ·man who votes for this measure make to such per­ Han. JOE HENDRICKS, sons? House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. This bill particularly discriminates against those with DEAR MR. HENDRICKS: The bill H. R. 6466 contains the principles of the Townsend plan. I understand there will be a motion made to large families to support. recommit the bill. The pending bill, in addition to providing for a supersales Regardless of the contents of this motion, the friends of this plan tax-a transaction tax-is also a surtax. It is· imposed upon will not be fooled as to its intent. Any vote in favor of the motion will be viewed as an effort to scuttle the Townsend bill and will be so taxes that already exist to pay $200 a month to 10,000,000 considered by its millions of supporters in this country. persons and require the raising of at least $24,000,000,000. Respectfully, Is there any Member of this body who feels that can be done? Dr. FRANCIS E. TOWNSEND. The tax will have a bad efiect upon the standards of living Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Chairman, there is no question of small-income groups, which constitute the greater part of but what if the pending bill was voted on through a secret our people. It will sharply lower the already low standard of ballot it would not probably receive a vote. living that exists as a result of the trying c-onditions that con­ It is a straight pension plan under the color that by taxing front us and which the depression has brought about. nine persons to pay one person $200 a month pension that The passage of this bill will sharply reduce the effective recovery can be brought back to the country. There is not a purchasing power of wages. Member of this House who in his heart and mind feels that ·I voted for old-age assistance legislation in 1920 when I economic recovery will be brought about bY any such method was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature. I can well as this. The regrettable thing is the number of good, sin­ claim credit for being one of those pioneers in Massachusetts cere persons to whom "the wish is father to the hope" who who fought under the leadership of Wendell Thore of that are being misled. State, for the passage of such necessary humane legislation. These good persons believe that they are going to get $200 I also fought for assistance to mothers in need; for children a month no matter how one might argue or apologize to the in need; for the needy blind, and for general relief in other contrary; that is what they have been promised; that is what directions. . These deserving groups are also part of any they expect; and yet the very proponents of this bill know humanitarian program. They are also a problem that we that it comes nowhere near accomplishing that objective, and must solve. What about them? Under this law they will all the while good people throughout the country are making be penalized. The purchasing power of what little they get their contributions, which they.cannot afford, to a cause that will be sharply reduced. Why should they not get the bene­ cannot succeed, and if successful would result only in eco­ fits of this bill if it will assure prosperity? If the formula of nomic chaos to all and despair to those who are making their the pending bill is correct, why not make recovery quicker, monetary contributions. Dr. Townsend admitted before the an expansion of our national economy greater by paying Committee on Ways and Means that the Chicago office dur­ everyone $200 a month? If paying 10,000,000 persons $200 ing the past 5 years had received $3,000,000 from dues, which a month will assure prosperity and an expansion of national did not include contributions used for field operations, which economy, paying 130,000,000 persons $200 a month will as­ amounts to 40 percent, and which did not also include special sure greater prosperity, if the economic policies upon which collections nor the profits of ·the Townsend Weekly. this bill are based are con·ect. The passage of this bill will It must be borne in mind that no economist appeared before result in irreparable harm to agriculture. The farmer will the Ways and Means Committee in favor of the pending bill. have to pay the transaction tax. In that respect he is a 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6523 producer-he pays at the source. That being so, and as means; but there are other persons living in congressional experience tells us, he will have to absorb the tax of most of districts, and I wonder what they are going.to say when they his transactions and yet, he is also a consumer. When he find out that their Member of the House, if he does, bowed to buys he pays all of the transaction taxes imposed on the such expediency. I wonder what the small and the independ­ ·article he purchases. How long do you think he can stand ent businessman will say when he realizes that a vote was cast that kind of business? to drive him out of business. I wonder what his employees will A vote for this bill will be a vote against the best interests say when they realize a vote was passed the effect of which of the farmer. Any opponent of any man who votes for this would result in their losing their jobs. I wonder what the bill who represents an agricultural district can well claim that farmer will say when he realizes the meaning and the effect he voted to destroy the agricultural activities of this country. of this bill. The passage of this bill will destroy business-the small, the I wonder if it is realized and appreciated that if this bill moderate, and the independent businesses and businessmen becomes a law it will impose a tax that will not only seriously of this country. It will create intense monopoly. It will interfere with business and agriculture and all other walks of increase unemployment. business activity, decreased purchasing power, but will also Dr. Townsend admitted in testifying before the Committee .seriously affect religious, educattonal, and charitable institu­ on Ways and Means that the passage of the· pending bill will tions. eliminate the middleman. He also said that the middleman I wonder what the dependent blind, the dependent chil­ "was incompetent" and was "an unnecessary appendage to dren-although they have no vote now-dependent mothers, our economic system." Do you agree with Dr. Townsend? Do and other general relief cases will say when they see what you think the average businessman and the worker, the per­ they receive, the little. that they do receive, reduced in pur­ son employed by such businessmen, agree with Dr. Townsend? chasing power to 25 percent. Do you think that the middleman and the average business­ I wonder what the veterans of the country will say who are man should be destroyed? Dr. Townsend admits that they receiving a pension for tbeir service to our country in case will be destroyed if this bill becomes a law. of war, and to those veterans who are receiving compensation What do you think these businessmen and their employees for a service-connected condition, when they realize, as they will say when they realize the significance of the vote of a will, that a vote for this bill is a vote to sharply reduce the Member of this body who represents their district? A power­ purchasing power of the pension or compensation that they ful argument an opponent could make on any Member on this receive from the Government. and other grounds who might vote for this bill. I wonder what all persons employed will say when they Dr. Townsend admitted that the effect of this bill would be realize that a vote for this bill is a vote to sharply increase to squeeze out the middleman, and a large financial group, in the cost of living, at least 25 percent, thereby reducing in order to avoid the payment of the transaction tax, would buy purchasing power the wages that they receive. direct from the producer and sell direct to the consumer. Yes; I wonder what the very persons who are sincerely but That means intense monopoly in addition to destroying the erroneously asking f-or the passage of this bill will say when average business of this country. It must be borne in mind they see it later on from a common-sense angle. What they that we have 1,600,000 retail stores in this country alone, will think and do to the very ones whom they elected to employing over 4,000,000 employees, and that is only a part of represent them in a constructive and fearless manner and our small, moderate, and independent businesses of our coun­ who voted for a bill that would injure the aged, destroy small try. It is estimated that such businesses employ anywhere and independent businessmen, reduce purchasing power, in­ from ten to twelve millions of persons. crease unemployment, adversely affect the farmer, and result The passage of this bill will give to foreign imports an ad­ in chaos. vantage over American products. Certainly any fabricated Every real American opposes dictatorships of all kinds. The article imported into the United States would not pay the passage of this bill would result in an economic dictatorship-­ transaction taxes abroad. Competitive articles produced or the control of all businesses by a few; the small and inde­ manufactured in the United States would pay the transac­ pendent businessman, employing millions throughout the tion taxes in the United States. That mean& foreign prod­ country, being squeezed out. That would result in economic ucts have a tremendous advantage over American products. dictatorship, and we cannot have such a condition existing Our foreign trade would be practically destroyed, if not without government itself being affected. destroyed; American produced and manufactured goods sold I respect the views of the persons who are advocating this abroad would be subjected to the transaction taxes while in plan. However, I cannot allow my respect for them to cause the process of fabrication or manufacture. How could such me, because of the fear of votes, to do something that I know is goods compete in the markets of the world with goods pro­ wrong, and which I know would be disastrous to the welfare duced or manufactured in other countries which are not of our country and to our people. subjected to the same type of taxation? Common sense tells Until the present administration came into power very us that our foreign trade would be destroyed. little, if anything, was done throughout the country for the Dr. Townsend first introduced H. R. 2. The pending bill aged. The Social Security Act, recommended by President is a repudiation of H. R. 2 and the hope and aspiration of Roosevelt, created a national pattern for relief for the de­ those who have been led to believe that they will receive $200 pendent aged, the dependent blind, and dependent children. a month and at the same time bring about recovery. Today, 48 States and 3 Territories have old-age assistance Dr. Townsend, in the hearings, said that any Member of laws, and the Federal Government is contributing toward Congress whom he had supported who voted for any bill the payment of the pensions paid. Whether the Federal other than H. R. 2 would be doing an act that would result in Government's contributions should be larger is a question Dr. Townsend's opposition. that is open to fair debate. Personally, I feel that the Fed­ He now says that any Member who advocates H. R. 2 will eral Government could and should make a larger contribu­ receive his opposition. tion. In over 40 States we have legislation making pay­ What more evidence of attempted control or ownership of ments to the needy blind and to the needy dependent chil­ conscience and vote of a duly elected representative of the dren. Prior to the passage of the Social Security Act very people do we want than that? few States of the Union made provision for payments for You must vote for what I say, right or wrong, says Dr. either the aged and blind or for deserving children. What­ Townsend. I can change my mind, says the good doctor, but ever improvements among these three groups should be no one else can without incurring my displeasure. I have made, should be done through amendments to the Social clubs in your district; the members bow to my will; they Security Act, and through a Federal-State program. will accept what I tell them-until they wake u:v--and through If the present bill passes it would wipe away State responsi­ them I put fear into the minds of legislators so that they bility and would completely give to the Federal Government will bow to my will. That is what Dr. Townsend actually the duty and responsibility of paying all pensions and of 6524 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-ROUSE JUNE 1 making an Investigations and aU supervision of such a na­ The SPEAKER. Without objection, the previous question tional plan. That means that assistance and supervision will be considered as ordered on the motion to recommit. would be directed from Washington. That means the cre­ There was no objection. ating of a bureaucracy that would be harmful to our country. The SPEAKER. The question is on the motion to re- That means investigators from one section of the country, commit. directed from Washington, going into other sections of the The motion to recommit was rejected. country, into the family life of the aged, and investigating The SPEAKER. The question is on the passage of the bill. their family life and supervising their family life. That is Mr. DOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, on that I ask for the yeas contrary to every instinct of sound government and to every­ and nays. thing which is consistent with the best interests of the indi­ The yeas and nays were ordered. vidual and in the individua1 preserving his or her dignity and The question was taken; and there were-yeas 97, nays personality. I do not want the people of Massachusetts to 3{)2, answered "present" 2, not voting 29, as follows: be governed from Washington in such a manner. The only [Roll No. 85] way that that can be stopped is by State participation. YEAS-97 The passage of this bill will not produce the· results de­ Anderson.. Calif. Garrett Keefe Risk sired. The promise is held forth of a payment of $200 a Andresen, A. H. Gartner Kirwan Schi.m.er month. The tax pr(}vided in the within bill will not produce Angell Gearhart Knutson Schwert Bender Geyer, Calif. Landis Scrugham anywhere near that amount. However, the taxes provided Bolles Grant,Ind. Leavy Seccombe for in this bill, as I have stated before, will result in economic Brewster Green LeCompte Secrest chws, and a stagnation of business and a decreased national Buckler, Minn. Gross Lemke Sheppard Burdick Guyer, Kans. Lewis, Ohio Smith, Maine income, and decreased revenues that will temporarily, at least, Cannon, Fla. Harness McDowell Smith, Wash. .result in a condition that will probably suspend all payments Carter Harter, N.Y. Magnuson Spring~r Cartwright Havenner Martin, Colo. Sutphin for relief purposes not only to the aged, not only to the gen­ Case, S. Dak. Hawks Massingale Sweeney eral relief cases, but to the blind and to the dependent Chiperfield Hendricks Mott Thorkelson children. Clason Hill Mundt Tolan Coffee, Wash. Hinshaw Murdock, Ariz. VanZandt For any Member of this body who is considering voting Collins Holmes Murdock, Utah Voorhis, Calif. for this bill based upon expediency and looking at it from a Crowther Houston Murray Wallgren Dowell Hull Myers Welch long-term angle, and having in mind a year from next fall, Eatou, Calif. Hunter O'Brien Wheat the correct vote, in addition to being the sound vote to make, Elli~tt Izac O'Connor White, Idaho is to vote against the bill. Ellis Jacobsen Oliver Winter Englebright Jeffries Peterson, Fla. Wolverton, N.J. This bill should be overwhelmingly defeated. [Applause.] Ford, Leland M. Jenks, N.H. Pierce, Oreg. The CHAffiMAN. The time of the gentleman from Mas­ Ford, Thomas F. Johns Pittenger sachusetts has expired. All time has expired. .Fries Johnson, Ind. Powers Under the rule the Committee rises. NAYS--302 Accordingly the Committee rose; and the Speaker having Allen, ru. CCJrbett Go.sEett McArdle Allen, La Costello Graham McCormack resumed the chair, Mr. SMITH of Virginia, Chairman of the Allen, Pa. Courtney Grant, Ala. McGehee Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, Andersen, H. Carl Cox Gregory McGranery Anderson, Mo Crawford Grltfith McKeough reported that that Committee, having had under consideration Andrews Creal Gwynne McLaughlin the bill (H. R. 6466) to provide for and promote the general ATnold Crosser Hall McLean welfare of the United States by supplying to the people a Austin Crowe Halleck McLeod Ball Culkin Hancock McMillan, John L. more liberal distribution and increase of purchasing power, Barden Cullen Hare Maas retiring .certain citizens from gainful empioyment, improving Barnes Cummings Hart Mahon .Barry Curtis Harter, Ohio Maloney and stabilizing gainful employment f.or other citizens, stimu­ Bates.. Ky. D'Alesandro Hartley Mamtield lating agricultural and industrial production and general BatE's, ~!ass. Darrow Healey Mapes business, and alleviating the hazards and insecurity of o1d Beckworth Delaney Heinke Marcantonio Bell Dempsey Hennings Marshall age and unemployment; to provide a method whereby citi­ Blackney DeRouen Hess Martin, TIL zens shall contribute to the purchase of and receive a retire­ Bland Dickstein Hobbs Martin, Iowa ment annuity; to prQvide for the raising of the necessary Blo.:>m Dingell Hoff~n MWrtin.~ Boehne Dirksen Hook Mason revenue to operate a continuing plan therefor; to pwvide for Boland Disney Rope May the appropriation and expenditure of such revenue; to pro­ Bolton Ditter Horton Merritt vide for the proper administration of this act; to provide Boren Dondero Jarman Michener Bra~ey, Mich. Dcmghton Jarrett Miller penalties for violation of the act; and for other purposes, Bradley. Pa. Douglas Jenkins, Ohio Mllis, Ark. pursuant to House Resolution 205, he reported the same back Brooks Doxey Jensen Mills, La.. Brown. Ga. Drewry Johnson, ill. Monk!ewicz to the House. Brown, Ohio Duncan Johnson, Luther A.Monroney The SPEAKER. Under the rule, the previous question is Bryson Durham Johnson, Lyndon Moser Buck Dworsh'l.k Johnson, Okla. Mouton ordered. Buckley, N.Y. Eaton N.J. Johnson, W.Va. Nelson The question is on the engrossment and third reading of Bulwinkle Eberharter Jones, Ohlo Nichols the bill. Bur.ch Elston Jones, Tex. Norrell Burgin Engel Kean Norton The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, Byrne, N.Y. Evans Kee O'Day and was read the third time. Byrns, Tenn. Faddis Keller O'Leary Byron Fay Kennedy, Martin O'Neal The SPEAKER. The question is on the passage of the bill. Caldwell Fenton Kennedy, Md. Osmers Mr. TREADWAY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recom­ Cannon, Mo. Ferguson Kennedy, Michael O'Toole mit, which I send to the Clerk's desk. Carlson Fernandez Keogh Owen Casey, Mass. Fish Kilday Pace The SPEAKER. Is the g-entleman from Massachusets op­ Chandler Flaherty Kinzer Parsons posed to the bill? Chapman Flannagan Kitchens Patman Church Flannery Kleberg Patrick Mr. TREADWAY. I am. Clark Folger Kocialkowski Patton The SPEAKER. The gentleman qualifies. The Clerk will Claypool Ford, Miss. Kraner Pearson Clevenger Fulmer Kunkel Peterson, Ga. report the motion to recommit. Cluett Gamble Lambertson Pfeifer The Clerk read as follows: Cochr.an Gathings Lanham Pierce, N. ~. Co1fee, Nebr. Gavagan Larrabee Plumley Mr. TREADWAY moves to recommit the b111 H. R. 6466 to the Com­ Cole, Md. Gerlach Lea Poage mittee on Ways and Means, with instructions to that committee to Cole, N.Y. Gibbs Lesinski Polk report back to the House after due consideration a bill which, in Colmer Gifford Lew.ls, Colo. Ra oaut the judgment of the committee, is constitutional and will provide Connery Gilchrist Luce Ramspeek a just, equitable, and sufficient pension for old people, based upon Cooley Gillie Lu~ow Randruph the pay-as-you-go principle. Cooper Gore McAndrews Rayburn 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6525 Reed, Ill. Schaefer, Til. Stefan Vreeland COMMITTEE ON LABOR Reed, N.Y. Schafer, Wis. Sullivan Wadsworth Rees, Kans. Schuetz Sumner, Til. Walter Mrs. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Rich Shafer, Mich. Taber Warren that the Committee on Labor may meet this afternoon while Richards Shannon Talle Weaver Robertson Short Tarver West the House is in session and also tomorrow afternoon while the Robinson, Utah Simpson Taylor, Colo. Whelchel House is in session. Robsion, Ky. Sirovich Taylor, Tenn. White, Ohio The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the. Rockefeller Smith, Conn. Tenerowicz Whittington Rodgers, Pa. Smith, TIL Terry Wigglesworth gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. NoRTON]? Rogers, Mass. Smith, Ohio Thill Williams, Del. There was no objection. Rogers Okla. Smith, Va. Thomas, N.J. Williams, Mo. Romjue Smith, W.Va. Thomas, Tex. Wolcott . EXTENSION OF REMARKS r<.o"l,ltzohn Snyder Thomason Wolfenden, Pa. Rutherford Somers, N.Y. Tibbott Woodrufi', Mich. Mr. DICKSTEIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Ryan South · Tinkham Woodrum, Va. to extend my own remarks in the RECORD by inserting a Sacks Sparkman Treadway Youngdahl speech made by the Ambassador of Cuba at the dedication of Sandager Spence Vincent, Ky. Zimmerman Sasscer Steagall Vinson, Ga. a pavilion at the World's Fair in New York City. Satterfield Stearns, N. H. Vorys, Ohio The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the ANSWERED "PRESENT"-2 gentleman from New York [Mr. DICKSTEIN]? Alexander Dunn There was no objection. NOT VOTING-29 COMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION Arends Dies McMillan, Thos. S.Seger Mr. DICKSTEIN. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Com­ Ashbrook Edmiston McReynolds Shanley Barton Fitzpatrick Maciejewski Starnes, Ala. mittee on Immigration, I ask unanimous consent that the Beam Gehrmann Mitchell Sumners, Tex. committee may sit this afternoon during the session of the Boykin Griswold Rankin Wood Geller Harrington Reece, Tenn. House. Curley Kelly Sabath The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Darden Kerr Schulte gentleman from New York [Mr. DICKSTEIN]? So the bill was rejected. There was no objection. The Clerk announced the following pairs: EXTENSION OF REMARKS On the vote: Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to Mr. Wood (for) ·with Mr. Beam (against). insert in the RECORD a bill which I introduced yesterday. Mr. Alexander (for) with Mr. Seger (against). The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Mr. Gehrmann (for) with Mr. Kelly (against). Mr. Schulte (for) with Mr. Thomas S. McMillan (against). gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. DUNN]? There was no objection. General pairs until further notice: Mr. Rankin with Mr. Barton. ADDRESS OF THE MOST REVEREND PETER L. IRETON AT ARLINGTON Mr. Fitzpatrick with Mr. Arends. NATIONAL CEMETERY Mr. Ashbrook with Mr. Griswold. Mr. KRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to Mr. Geller with Mr. Reece of Tennessee. Mr. Starnes of Alabama with Mr. Maciejewski. proceed for one-half minute. Mr. Boykin with Mr Harrington. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Mr. Shanley with Mr. Edmiston. Mr. Sumners of Texas with Mr. Sabath. gentleman from California [Mr. KRAMER]? Mr. CUrley with Mr. Mitchell. · There was no objection. Mr. McReynolds with Mr. Kerr. Mr. KRAMER. Mr. Speaker, on last Sunday Bishop Ire­ Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, on account of having ton, of Virginia, delivered an address at the ·grave of the been out of town and returning unexpectedly, I was paired Unknown Soldier in the Amphitheater at the solemn me­ with the gentleman from New Jersey, Mi'. SEGER. I there­ morial military field Mass, which was had there for the first fore withdraw my vote of "yea" and desire to be recorded as time. "present." The gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. SEGER, I I ask unanimous consent to extend my remarks at this understand, would have voted "nay." point in the REcORD, and to include therein a letter and the . Mr. ANDERSON of California changed his vote from "nay" address referred to . to "yea." The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Mr. PATMAN. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas, gentleman from California [Mr. KRAMER]? Mr. DIES, is unavoidably detained. If present, he would have There was no objection. voted "nay." The letter referred to follows: Mr. ROBERTSON. Mr. Speaker, my colleague the gen­ I am pleased to send herewith a copy of Bishop Ireton's ser­ tleman from Virginia, Mr. DARDEN, is unavoidably absent on mon, which was delivered at Arlington Cemetery on May 28, as part of the solemn memorial military field Mass, the first of its account of official business. Had he been present, he would kind ever to be held in the Amphitheater. The Mass was sponsored have voted "nay." by the Knights of Columbus and 42 Catholic societies of the District. Mr. McKEOUGH. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues the gentle­ I need not tell you how deeply pleased we were to have you men from Illinois, Mr. BEAM and Mr. KELLY, are unavoidably with us last Sunday and what an honor it was to have you in the line of march. abr:ent on official business. If present, they would have voted "nay." The address of Bishop Ireton referred to follows: Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, my col­ ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST REVEREND PETER L. IRETON, league the gentleman from New York, Mr. BARTON, is away COADJUTOR BISHOP OF RICHMOND on account of a death in his family. If present, he would Less than 3 years after the close of the War between the States, a small party from the North visited some of the cemeteries have voted "nay." and recent bataefl.elds in the vicinity of Richmond. At a burial Mr. HOBBS. Mr. Speaker, the distinguished Representa­ ground neal' Petersburg they were struck by the presence of faded tive of the First District of Alabama, Hon. FRANK BoYKIN, is Confederate flags and withered flowers, which met their eye from every soldier's grave; silent testimony to the grief and affection at the bedside of his seriously ill mother; therefore was not of loving survivors for those who had fought so bravely and had present at the roll call this morning. Had he been here, he gone. In this northern group was the wife of General Logan, would have voted "nay." commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. On her return to Washington, her recital of this feature, which more than Mr. O'TOOLE. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New anything else had impressed itself upon her, caught the heart and York, Mr. CURLEY, is detained by illness. He informs me if the imagination of the general. In consequence, he issued gen­ present he would have voted "nay." eral orders No. 11 under date of May 5, 1868. From that mes­ sage we select the following: The result of the vote was announced a~ above recorded. "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. the consecrated wealth and faith of the N"tion can add to their 6526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 1 ~ adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of One may read in an ancient Roman graveyard from imperial her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such pagan days the epitaph, "I was not and I became, I was and I am hallowed ground. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and not." What a contrast with the faith indicated here on the tomb going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of the Unknown Soldier: "Here rests in honored glory an American of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or soldier known but to God." the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the · Yes, our testimony is in the Christian tomb, "He is risen, he is cost of a free and undivided republic." not here." His soul goes marching on. We memorialize the dead Today, we obey that order. because of that belief. A memorial day for a nation of atheists, We assemble around this altar of sacrifice; we offer what to if such there could be, for a society of the godless is a contradic­ the Catholic, what in reality is the highest prayer given by God tion in terms. Man is God's creature, His greatest creature, "Thou to men, to offer, a holy sacrifice, a c1ean oblation; the renewal, hast made him a little lower than the angels; Thou hast crowned the continuance, the re-presentation of the sacrifice of the God­ him with glory and honor and hast set him over the works of Thy Man upon the cross, when He laid down His lif.e for friend and h~nds. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet" (Hebrews, for enemy. Mindful of the love that Christ Jesus had for His Xl: 2-7). Man's soul made in the image of God is a spiritual sub­ native land; mindful of His lament over the Jerusalem He loved stance. He is individualized; he is a person and therefore a center and which He foreknew would reject Him, we offer to Him our of responsibility, with the obligation to know God, to love God; thanksgiving that we have been born into or have been adopted and only in the pursuit of virtue and in the fulfilling of what he by a free America. In union with Himself, in union with one learns to be the will of God can he work out his destiny. Let the another, we offer to Him today our gratitude, our loving · grati­ radical whose prating would destroy both the earthly happiness of tude, for the souls of these patriots, nearly forty thousand, buried the individual, as well as his immortal soul, fulminate that re­ in this hallowed spot--soldiers, sailors, marines, men from every tribe ligion is a delusion, a soporific, an opiate. But the Christian knows and race. We recall to Christ His own words, "Greater love than this that God has created man incorruptible; after the image of His no man hath that a man lay down his own life for his friend." And own likeness and with the prophet he proclaims his belief, "I said these men, great or small, officer or private, gave their all, laid in my heart God shall judge both the just and the wicked and down their lives for their country, that its institutions and its there shall be the time for the reestablishment of all things." liberty be preserved. These with the other tens and tens of thou­ Therefore are we gathered around this altar of sacrifice in earthly sands buried in a thousand graveyards which dot America or in memory of those who have gone before, in anticipation of union foreign lands, or who nave found the bosom of the ocean their last through Him who is the resurrection and the life with the souls of resting place, died that this Government of free men might per­ all we love, in God's eternal kingdom, in man's eternal home. severe; that it might not perish from the earth. The offering If by divine intervention the general resurrection at this mo­ was theirs-the reward is theirs. ment might be anticipated for the souls and bodies of these nigh One hundred and fifty years ago the Constitution of free men 40,000 whose remains lie here in Arlington. If these bodies could in these free States came into being. Amended from time to be reanimated to stand at attention upon their graves, what would time, according to the wisdom of her citizenry, according to new be their message to us as children of God? What would be their conditions and new demands, basically it has remained the charter message to their fellow citizens? What would be their message to of the Republic. And oh, if only ~very citizen of these States, their fellow soldiers-to all the nations of the world? Their mes­ every resident, every emigrant had lived up to that ideal. One sage to each might be, "As you are, so once were we; as we are, so hundred and fifty years ago, too, on yonder Georgetown hill across one day you shall be." Remember that thou art dust, and unto the Potomac, there was founded a college, whose basic principle dust thou shalt return. But this is not spoken of the soul. Their was and has been, as has all Catholic education, the injunction of salute would not be the clenched fist of hatred and revenge in the Christ, "Render to Caesar the things that are caesar's, but to God perpetration of injustice and the will to possess. Their salute the things that are God's." And oh, too, if every Catholic in these would not be the upraised, averted hand of apostrophe and adula­ United States had lived up completely to that ideal, yea, more tion, enthroning some self-constituted leader almost to deification. than an ideal, to the demand of the founder of the churchJ how No; their salute would be the American soldier's salute in mutual much deeper would have been Christian influence on the life of respect from equal to equal, no matter the difference in rank. It the Republic. It was the thought and the pronouncement of would be the outstretched open hand of comradeship and fellow­ George Washington, as recently it has been the pronouncement ship in the bond of a common human and eternal destiny. of Franklin Roosevelt, that religion must be the basis of true They would bid us hearken to the counsel of a \Vashington, a democracy. Had these principles of religion, had the principles Jefferson, a Monroe. That as our ancestors came from an old land underlying the Constitution been permitted to find complete of persecution, of mutual strife among the nations, in search of a lodgment in the soul of every American, we should not be here new land of freedom and equality, that we should seek to preserve today; there would be no room, no occasion for a Memorial Day. with all our might the dearest of earthly possession. These serried Of it there were, it would be to memorialize soldiers of peace ranks of the risen dead would bid us remember the words from the and not of war. Men do not hate one another naturally. Hate pen of Robert E. Lee when he had declined the command of the is the outgrowth of avarice, of lust for power, of ambition to rule armies of the North: "I shall return to my native State, and, save in the individual or in the group. And hate means forgetfulness in defense, shall draw my sword no more." They would bid us all of God and of the responsibility of citizenship. War is God's remember in their clear light of the eternal day, unaffected by the permissive visitation on the sons of men. War is man's self­ distracting considerations of time, the law of God, that only in a chastisement for his disobedience to the laws which in God's just war does killing cease to be murder. design should govern man's being and his activities. God grant that as a result of this year's Memorial Day observance Neither should we be here today if certain teachings which there may be increasingly forced upon the mind of all the conviction emanate frequently from too many university chairs, which find that America's first need, the world's first need, is a return to God. expression in book after book, in magazine after magazine, were Such conversion is not a mass movement; it cannot be effected by true; teachings that would control the minds of men and sway the country-wide propaganda; it is an individual obligation in face of destiny of nations. time, in face of eternity. If the bqdies of the lowly or the mighty crumbled into dust U~fortunately America has gone far afield from the path, the beneath this Arlington sod were all, if these soldiers and sailors straight and narrow path mentioned by Christ as the road that had been but cogs in the machinery of a mechanistic universe, if leads to life. America through the decades has gone far afield we are but the slaves or creatures of a despot state, the duped and even from the. path that the founders of this Nation, with all unresisting pawns of absolutism or racism, we would not be here. their faults, pomted out as the road. Two hundred years ago, in a period of rampant unbelief, a great Not by continued cult of the human body, instanced in print, French preacher wrote: "If we wholly perish with the body, what in spectacle; not in the disregard of the sanctity of the marriage an imposture is this whole system of laws, manners, and usages ' tie and in the multiplying of the divorce courts; not in the break­ on which human society is f:lunded. If we wholly perish with down of family life and emancipation of our youth in lawlessness; the body, these maxims of charity, patience, justice, honor, grati­ not in the state or in society setting itself up in the place of the tude, and friendship, which sages have taught and· good men prac­ Creator in mercy death and multilation; not in the overlordship of ticed, what are they but empty words, possessing no real or wealth in economic injustice, not in the sacrifice of every spiritual binding efficacy? and national consideration in the pursuit of power, can America. "Why should we heed them if in this life only we have hope? claim the protection of a beneficent God. Think not of duty. What can we owe to the dead, to the living, Only in complete surrender to a God of purity, of justice, o! to ourselves, if all are, or will be, nothing. Think not of morality; mercy, of charity have we the right to hope that the scourge o! it is a mere chimera, a bugbear of human invention, if retribution war now or in the future be av.erted from us, from our children, ends with the grave. If we must wholly perish, then is obedience from our children's children. to the law but foolish slavery. Justice is an unwarrantable infringe­ EXTENSION OF REMARKS ment upon the liberty of man, an imposition, a usurpation. The law of marriage is a vain scruple. Modesty is a prejudice; honor Mr. WHITE of Ohio, Mr. VREELAND, and Mr. LEMKE asked and probity such stuff as dreams are made of. And incest, mur­ and were given permission to extend their own remarks in der, parricide, the most heartless cruelties and the blackest crimes, the REcoRD. are but the legitimate sport of man's in-esponsible nature. Accept the boasted philosophy of unbelievers, accept their maxims, and Mr. SHAFER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous the whole world falls back into a frightful chaos. The government consent to extend my own remarks in the RECORD on the bill of states and nations has not longer any cement to uphold tr.em. just voted on. The human race is no more than an assemblage of reckless bar­ barians, shameless, remorseless, brutal, denaturalized, with no ether The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the law than force, no other check than passion, no other bond than gentleman from Michigan? irreligion, no other God than self." There was no objection. 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-. HOUSE :6527 Mr. HORTON. Mr. Speaker, I a.sk unanimous consent to It must be admitted that the Congress so restricted the extend my own remarks in the RECORD and include therein a President that he was unable to go as far as he would have comparative chart of industrial production all over the world. liked in abolishing agencies and functions. As time goes The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the on I am sure the people will realize the wisdom of granting gentleman from Wyoming? the power to the President to improve the efficiency of the There was no objection. executive branch and they will look forward to the new VOTE ON THE TOWNSEND BILL orders he has promised to submit to the Congress in Janu­ ary. Reorganization is too important to be done overnight, Mr. DffiKSEN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the gentle­ but between now and the first of the year ample time will man from Illinois, Mr. ARENDS, has been unavoidably de­ have passed to enable the President to make sound recom­ tained. Had he been present, he would have voted "nay" mendations; and if plans I and II are successful, which on the passage of the Townsend bill. I am sure they will be, then Congress will voice its imme­ EXTENS'rON OF REMARKS diate approval. In transferring the Bureau of the Budget Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit two and the Central Statistical Board so that it will be under requests: First, I ask unanimous consent to extend my own his control, the President has the tools to do an excellent remarks in the RECORD in regard to the vote on the Town­ job on reorganization. The new set-up in the Budget worked send bill, and second, I ask unanimous consent to extend out by former Acting Director Daniel Bell, for which we ap­ my own remarks in the RECORD and include therein a radio propriated money in the Treasury appropriation bill, will address I delivered over station WDGY on May 30. enable that plan to go into effect July 1. With that investi­ The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gating unit constantly on the job, and with the aid of the gentleman from Minnesota? Statistical Board, information of great value should be There was no objection. gathered and placed before the President within the next Mr. SIROVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to few months. We now have an organization that will be extend my own remarks in the RECORD by printing a speech able to locate overlapping and duplication. Had the Con­ I delivered on the fioor of the House. gress taken advantage of the provisions of the Budget and The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Accounting Act of 1921, that unit could have been in opera­ gentleman from New York? tion all these years; but it remained for Mr. Bell to show the There was no objection. Appropriations Committee its value; and when he d:d, the necessary funds to carry on were cheerfully granted. The REORGANIZATION PLANS I AND II President should set this new organization to work for him Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Select immediately after July 1. Committee on Government Organization, I call up the joint Mr. Speaker, as I said before, your committee is in com­ resolution Rome, forwarding a Under plan No. II the present accounts would continue until communication received from the Apostolic Nuncio expressing the July 8, and in 8 days new accounts would be necessary. appreciation of the Holy See for the message of sympathy in question. While some of us felt that the amendment adopted unani­ Sincerely yours, mously by the committee, now section 2 of the resolution, is GEORGE T. SUMMERLIN, absolutely unnecessary, still to make certain that there is Chief of Protocol. nothing in this joint resolution or in one of the Executive (Enclosure: From Rome, May 3, 1939, with letter to the House of orders that would continue a temporary agency or its function Representa ti ves.) beyond the date set by law a provision was added so stating. The SPEAKER. The Clerk will read the accompanying There is no disagreement among the members of your paper. select committee on this resolution as amended. Its adop­ The Clerk read as follows: tion will conclude reorganization for this session. When we DAL VATICANO, April 26, 1939. return here in January the plans provided in this resolution The Hou~e of Representatives of the Uni ted States of America, Washmgton: will have been in operation for 6 months. The appropria­ Luigi Cardinal Maglione, Secretary of State to His Holiness, has tions for the next fiscal year will be transferred along with the honor to acknowledge receipt of the resolution of sorrow the various agencies. In many instances the money has al­ passed by the House of Representatives of the United States of ready been allocated. It is hard to predict what savings wlll America upon the death of His Holiness Pope Pius XI of venerated memory. result;, but we all hope that by consolidating functions a neat His Holiness Pope Pius XII, now gloriously reigning, to whom sum will remain unexpended at the end of the next fiscal year the resolution was immediately communicated, was deeply moved that will revert to the Treasury. by this expression of the sorrow and sympathy of the House of '6528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 1 Representatives and by the lofty tribute which they paid to the tions approved by the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the character and work of the deceased pontiff. Navy. At the gracious command of His Holiness, the Cardin al Secretary "SEC. 4. Materials acquired under this Act, except for rot ation to of State hereby conveys to the House of Representatives of the prevent det erioration, shall he used only upon the order of the United States of America the assurance of His Holiness' grateful President in time of war, or when he shall find that a national appreciation of the signal marks of respect which they have paid emergeney exists with respect to national defense as a consequence to the memory of his illustrious and beloved predecessor. of the threat of war. "SEC. 5. Purchasas under this Act shall be made in accordance ACQUISITION OF STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MATERIALS with title III of the Act of March 3, 1933 (47 Stat. 1520) , but a Mr. MAY. reasonable time (not to exceed one year) shall be allowed for pro­ Mr. Speaker, I call up the conference report duction and delivery from domesic sources and in the case of any an the bill (S. 572) to provide for the common defense bY such material available in the United St ates but which has not been acquiring stocks of strategic and critical materials essential developed commercially, the Secretary of War and the Secretary of to the needs of industry for the manufacture of supplies for the Navy may, if they find that the production of such material is economically feasible, direct the purchase of such material without the armed forces and the civilian population in time of a requiring the vendor to give bond. national emergency, and to encourage, as far as possible, the "SEc. 6. For the procurement, transportation, maintenance, rota­ further development of strategic and critical materials within tion, and storage of the materials to be acquired under this Act, the United States for common defense, and ask unanimous there is hereby authorized to be appropriated the sum of $100,­ o<>o.ooo, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appro­ consent that the statement be read in lieu of the report. priated, during the fiscal years June 30, 1939, to and including June The Clerk read the title of the bill. 30, 1943, to be expended under the joint direction of the Secre­ The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the tary of War and the Secretary of the Navy. "SEc. 7. (a) That the Secretary of the Interior, through the gentleman from Kentucky? Director of the Bureau of Mines and the Director of the Geological There was no objection. Survey, is hereby authorized and directed to make scientific, tech­ The Clerk read the statement. nologic, and economic investigations concerning the extent and The conference report and statement are as follows: mode of occurrence, the development, mining, preparation, treat­ ment, and utilization of ores and other mineral substances found in the United States or its Territories or insular possessions, which CONFERENCE REPORT are essential to the common defense or the industrial needs of the The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two United States, and the quantities or grades of which are inadequate Houses on the amendment of the House to the bill (S. 572) to pro­ from known domestic sources, in order to dt:termine and develop vide for the common defense by acquiring stocks of strategic and domestic sources of supply, to devise new methods for the treatment critical materials essential to the needs of industry for the manu­ and utilization of lower grade reserves, and to develop substitutes facture of supplies for the armed forces and the civilian population for such essential ores and mineral products; to explore and de­ in time of a national emergency, and to encourage, as far as pos­ velop, on public lands and on privately owned lands, with the con­ sible, the further development of strategic and critical materials sent of the owner, deposits of such minerals, including core drill­ within the United States for common defense, having met, after ing, trenching, test-pitting, shaft sinking, drifting, crosscutting, full and free conference, have agreed to recommend and do recom­ sampling, and metallurgical investigations and tests as may be mend to their respective Houses as follows: necessary to determine the extent and quality of such deposits, the That the Senate· recede from its disagreement to the amendment most suitable methods of mining and beneficiating them, and the of the House and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: cost at which the minerals or metals may be produced. In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the House amend­ "(b) For the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this sec­ ment insert the following: tion there is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any­ "That the natural resources of the United States in certain money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for each of the strategic and crit ical materials being deficient or insufficiently de­ fiscal years ending June 30, 1940, 1941, 1942, and 1943, the sum of veloped to supply the industrial, military, and naval needs of the $500,000, of which amount $350,000 shall be appropriated to the country for common defense, it is the policy of Congress and the Bureau of Mines and $150,000 to the Geological Survey." purpose and intent of this Act to provide for the acquisition of And the House agree to the same. stocks of these materials and to encourage the development of mines and deposits of these materials within the United States, A. J. MAY, and thereby decrease and prevent wherever possible a dangerous EWING THOMASON, and costly dependence of the United States upon foreign nations for CHAS. !. FADDIS, supplies of these materials in times of national emergency. CHARLES R. CLASON, "SEc. 2. To effectuate the policy set forth in section 1 hereof the THOS. E. MARTIN, Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Managers on the part of the House. the Interior, acting jointly through the agency of the Army and ELBERT D. THOMAS, Navy Munitions Board, are hereby authorized and directed to de­ ED. c. JOHNSON, termine which materials are strategic and critical under the provi­ H. H. ScHWARTZ, sions of this Act and to determine the quality and quantities of WARREN R. AUSTIN, such materials which shall be purchased within the amount of the CHAN GURNEY, appropriations authorized by this Act. In determining the mate­ Managers on the part of the Senate. rials which are strategic and critical and the quality and quantities of same to be purchased the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and STATEMENT Commerce shall each designate representatives to cooperate with The managers on the part of the House at the conference en the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendment of the of the Interior in carrying out the provisions of this Act. House to the bill (S. 572) to provide for the common defense by "SEC. 3. The Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, acquiring stocks of strategic and critical materials essential to the when they deem such action appropriate because the domestic needs of industry for the manufacture of supplies for the armed production or supply of any of the above materials is insufficient forces and the civilian population in time of a nat ional emergency, to meet the industrial, military, and naval needs of the country, and to encourage, as far as possible, the further development of shall direct the Secretary of the Treasury, through the medium of strategic and critical materials within the United St at es for com­ the Procurement Division of h is Department and from the funds mon defense, submit the following statement in explanation of the authorized by the provisions of this Act, to make purchases of such effect of the action agreed upon and recommended in the accom­ materials in accordance with specifications prepared by the Pro­ panying conference report: curement Division of the Treasury Department and approved by Section 2 of the Senate bill authorized the Secretary of War and the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, and to provide the Secretary of the Navy, acting jointly through the a~ency of for the storage and maintenance, and, where necessary to prevent the Army and Navy Munitions Board, to determine which ma­ deterioration, for the rotation of such materials. To accomplish terials are strategic and critical and to determine the quality and such rotation, the Secretary of the Treasury, with the approval of quantities of such materials to be purchased with sums appro­ the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, is authorized priated for that purpose. The House amendment adds t he name to replace acquired stocks of any such material subject to deterio­ of the Secretary of the Interior to those of the Secretary of War ration by equivalent quantities of the same material in such man­ and the Secretary of the Navy. The conference agreement adopts ner as he deems will best serve the purposes of this Act. The Sec­ the House provision. retary of the Treasury is empowered to meet, out of the funds Section 3 of the Senate bill authorized the Secretary of War and authorized in this Act, expenses necessary to accomplish such the Secretary of the Navy, when they deem such act ion appropriate rotation. The Secretary shall include in his annual report to Con­ "because the domestic supply of any of the above . materials is gress a detailed statement of expenditures made under this section insufficient to meet the industrial, military, and naval needs of and the method of rotation employed. The materials so pur­ the country," to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make pur­ chased shall be stored by the Procurement Division of the Treasury chases of such materials. Tho House amendment did not include Department on military and naval reservations or in other loca- the quoted language. The conference agreement retains the Ian- 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6529 guage of the Senate bill but adds the words "production or" before bill carried a provision that the agency charged with·the pur­ the word "supply." Section 3 of the Senate bill also required that the Secretary of the chase of these materials should in their negotiations try to Treasury should include in his annual report a statement of the do two things: First, to purchase the materials from those expenditures made and the methods employed for the rotation of nations which are indebted to the United States and under­ materials which must be rotated to prevent deterioration. The take to credit the purchase price against such debts. You, House amendment did not include any such provision. The con­ ference agreement adopts the Senate provision. of course, are aware of the fact that the nations which Section 4 of the Senate bill provided that materials acquired produce these materials now owe us in excess of $12,000,- under the bill might be used only in time of war, when a national 000,000. The other provision was to the effect that in their emergency exists with respect to national defense as a consequence negotiations they should purchase these materials by ex­ of the threat of war, or when the President issues a proclamation that a state of emergency exists arising out of deficiencies in the changing for them surplus agricultural commodities. supplies of such materials. The Senate bill also provided that the The purpose on the part of the House committee and on President might sell any such materials upon finding that the the part of the House, I am sure, in approving these two quantity in possession is too large or not needed to carry out the provisions of the bill. The House amendment provided for use of provisions was to try to do two things, to save the United such materials only in time of war or when a national emergency States Treasury this appropriation of $100,000,000 at this exists with respect to national defense as a result of the threat of time when we are in bad need of funds, and to :find a mar­ war. The conference agreement adopts the language of the House amendment. ket for our excess agricultural commodities. Section 5 of the Senate bill provided that purchases under the Of course, I shall not undertake to resist the conference bill should be made in accordance with the provisions of the report, but I did feel compelled to take this opportunity to Buy American Act of March 3, 1933, and provided for allowing a reasonable time, not to exceed 1 year, for production and delivery register in this way my protest against the striking of these from domestic sources. The Senate bill also provided that vendors two provisions from the bill. of materials which have not been developed commercially in the Mr. LEWIS of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman United States but which are available here might be exempted yield? from the requirement of giving bond. The corresponding provi­ sion of the House amendment provided for the making of pur­ Mr. PACE. Certainly. chases in accordance with the provisions of the Buy American Mr. LEWIS of Colorado. What was the objection of the Act but did not restrict the reasonable time allowable for produc­ tion and delivery from domestic sources or permit the exemption conferees to the feature of the bill which the gentleman of vendors from the requirement of giving bond. The conference has so clearly pointed out and which the House so enthusi­ agreement adopts the language of the Senate bill. astically adopted? Section 6 of the Senate bill authorized the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1940, 1941, Mr. PACE. Frankly, I have not been able to learn the 1942, and 1943, for the purpose of procuring, maintaining, trans­ real objection on the part of the conferees unless it was porting, rotating, and storing materials to be acquired under the that they just wanted to make an outright purchase of these bill. The corresponding provisions of the House amendment, which were in section 5 thereof, authorized the appropriation of materials in cash, assuming that our national debt is not $100,000,000 during the period of the fiscal years June 30, 1939, quite large enough. to and including June 30, 1943, to be expended for the same pur­ Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? pose. The House amendment also made available for the same purpose all customs duties on any such materials. The conference Mr. PACE. Certa~nly; I yield to the chairman of the agreement adopts the provisions of the House amendment with committee. respect to the amount authorized to be appropriated and the time Mr. MAY. I would like to explain to the gentleman from when it may be appropriated but does not make the customs duties available for expenditure for the acquisition of additional Georgia and to the membership of the House that in the materials. discussion of the matter about which the gentleman has Section 6 of the House amendment provided that the agency just spcken in the conference, serious questions were raised charged with the acquisition of the materials should request the appropriate department or departments to undertake the acquisi­ by some of the Senators with respect to the treaty obliga­ tion of such materials from (1) those nations which are indebted tions of the United States and, particularly, provisions of to the United States and would agree to credit the purchase price our treaties relating to the war debts, and it was feared by against the principal of such indebtedness and (2) those nations the Senators, and we were convinced in the end, if we in­ which would consent to barter such materials for surplus agricul­ tural commodities produced in the United States. There was no cluded such a provision, it might lead to complications and corresponding provision in the Senate bill. The conference agree­ probably lead to avoidance of the d8bts that the debtor ment omits this provision of the House amendment. nations owe us. For this reason we consented, although Section 7 of the Senate bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the Bureau of Mines and the unwillingly, to the elimination of the matter from the con­ Director of the Geological Survey, to make investigations with ference report. respect to the development, mining, preparation, treatment, and Mr. PACE. With respect to the statement made by the utilization of domestic mineral resources which are essential to the "industrial needs of the United States for common defense." The chairman of the committee, of course, it might have been House amendment authorized such investigations with respect to necessary in some way to have modified the terms of some mineral resources which are essential to the "national defense or debt agreement, but the gentleman will recall that the the industrial needs of the United States." The conference agree­ status now is that they do not pay us anything and I think ment provides for such investigations with respect to mineral resources which are essential to the "common defense or the indus­ a modification to the extent of securing credit for $100,000,- trial needs of the United States." 000 would be worth while, and I regret the conferees were A. J. MAY. not willing to undertake that task. [Applause.] EWING THOMASON. [Here the gavel fell.] CHAS. I. FADDIS. CHARLES R. CLASON. Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, I move the adoption of the con­ THOS. E. MARTIN. ference report. Mr. MAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentle­ The conference report was agreed to. man from Georgia [Mr. PACE]. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Mr. PACE. Mr. Speaker, I cannot sit silent and permit EXTENSION OF REMARKS the conference report to be agreed to without expressing my regret and entering my protest against the action of the Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to House conferees in permitting the conferees on the part of extend my own remarks in the RECORD by inserting therein the other body to strike from the House bill a paragraph a statement I made before the Commerce Committee of the which had practically the unanimous approval of the Mem­ Senate with reference to the Clarks Hill Dam project. bers of the House. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the This bill proposes an appropriation of $100,000,000 for the gentleman from South Carolina? purpose of purchasing strategic war materials. The House There was no objection. 6530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 1

MAJOR OVERHAULS FOR CERTAIN NAVAL VESSELS to regulate the number of warrant and commissioned war­ Mr. VINSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous rant officers of the Marine Corps, which I send to the desk consent for the immediate consideration of the bill San Francisco (WELCH) ; H. R. 2870, drydock facili­ ranking minority member agreed upon would be eminently ties for Los Angeles Italy in America, urging the arid and semiarid areas of the United States; to the Com­ cooperation of the United States with all nations for a lasting mittee on Irrigation and Reclamation. world peace, strengthening our air, naval, and land forces By Mr. COCHRAN: against any foreign attacks and an investigation of all for­ H. R. 6614. A bill to amend the Government Losses in Ship­ eign propaganda calculated to involve us in foreign wars; to ment Act; to the Committee on Expenditures in the Execu­ the Committee on Foreign Affairs. tive Departments. By Mr. DEMPSEY: 3446. By Mr. THOMAS F. FORD: Resolution of the grand H. R. 6615. A bill to authorize the purchase of certain council of the Grand Lodge of California, Order of Sons of lands for addition to the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Italy in America, petitioning Congress to manifest a spirit of Mexico; to the Committee on Indian Affairs. friendship toward all nations and cooperate toward a lasting By Mr. FLANNAGAN: world peace; also petitioning Congress to reenact the present H. R. 6616. A bill to provide for the erection of a memorial neutrality law without change, and requesting the President to Gen. William Campbell; to the Committee on Military of the United States to invite England, France, Germany, and Affairs. Italy to participate in a conference to settle all major disputes By Mr. FRIES: existing among them, the United States to act as impartial H. R. 6617. A bill to provide for the safe transportation mediator; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. and delivery of inflammable oils, etc., in the District of 3447. By Mr. HARTER of New York: Petition of the: Columbia; to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Buffalo Division of Women's International League for Peace By Mr. LANHAM: and Freedom, favoring an amendment to the Constitution H. R. 6618. A bill to provide for the registration of trade­ of the United States requiring a popular referendum before marks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of cer­ engaging upon overseas war; to the Committee on Foreign tain international conventions, and for other purposes; to Affairs. the Committee on Patents. 3448. By Mr. KEOGH: Petition of William Piehl, Social By Mr. HOFFMAN: Service Employees Union, No. 39, New York City, concerning H. Res. 208. Resolution to preserve the integrity of the amendments to the National Labor Relations Act; to the records of the House and of the House; to the Committee Committee on Labor . on Rules. 3449. By Mr. RICH: Petition of sundry citizens of Kane, :ra., favoring the passage of legislation to curtail advertis­ PRIVATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ing of the sale of alcoholic beverages by press and radio; to Under clause 1 of rule XXII, private bills and resolutions the Committee en Interstate and Foreign Commerce. were introduced and severally referred as follows: 3450. By Mr. SHAFER of Michigan: Petition of 60 citi­ . By Mr. ANGELL: zens of Coldwater, Mich., requesting enactment of House bill H. R. 6619. A bill for the relief of William Kelley; to the 5620, known as the General Welfare Act; to the Committee Committee on Military Affairs. on Ways and Means. 1939 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6535 3451. Also, petition of 600 citizens of New York, request­ The SPEAKER. · Is there objection to the request of the ing enactment of House bill 5237, providing for 30-year op­ gentleman from Virginia [Mr. RoBERTSON]? tional retirement; to the Committee on the Civil Service. There was no objection. 3452. By Mr. VANZANDT: Petition of R. W. Bailey, pres~ Mr. HENDRICKS asked and was given permission to extend ident, and Thomas J. Bogle, recording secretary, Townsend his own remarks in the RECORD. Club No. 1, of Rockton, Pa., urging a favorable response tO' Mr. O'CONNOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent the Townsend bill in order that the aged of the country may to extend my own remarks in the RECORD and to include be assured comfort and security in their closing years; to therein a letter I received from the Malta irrigation district the Committee on Ways and Means. in Montana. 3453. By the SPEAKER: Petition of J. A. McCulloch, of The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Ogden, Utah, and others, petitioning consideration of their gentleman from Montana [Mr. O'CONNOR]'? resolution with reference to House bill 2, known as the There was no objection. Townsend bill; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to 3454. Also, petition of P. Q. Robison, of Kelseyville, Calif., extend my own remarks in the RECORD and to include therein and others, petitioning consideration of their resolution with an address I gave on the fiftieth arinivers·ary of the Johnstown reference to House bill 2, known as the Townsend bill; to flood. the Committee on Ways and Means. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. SNYDER]? There was no objection. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1939 extend my own remarks in the RECORD and to include therein a short editorial from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The House met at 12 o'clock noon. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the The Chaplain, Rev. James Shera Montgomery, D. D., gentleman from Missouri [Mr. CocHRAN]? offered the following prayer: There was no objection. Spirit of Light, in this new dawn, lifting the shadows of Mr. SMITH of Washington asked and was given permission darkness, let us hear Thy silent voice; do Thou impart to extend his own remarks in the RECORD. Thy soul-giving strength. Looking to Thee, blessed Lord, Mr. THOMAS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ may we not fail to realize that in this hurried, restless life mous consent to extend my own remarks in the RECORD and Thou art ever ready to give guidance. Like Thy prophet of to include therein an article which appeared in a Washington old, we pray for the riches of wisdom, that high duty and not newspaper. selfish inclinations may determine our actions. In quiet and The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the calm may we keep the ways of the great truths of life; we gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. THOMAS]? pray for pure hearts and contented spirits. Through labor, There was no objection. zeal, and resolute courage may we ever look forward for better UNITED STATES COTTON EXPORTS AND RECIPROCAL-TRADE things. Be merciful unto us, dear Father; give us our daily AGREEMENTS bread; feed our hearts, enrich our minds, and forgive us when Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to pro­ we are blind to the common treasures of life. In our ceed for 1 minute. Saviour's name. Amen. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the The Journal of the proceedings of yesterday was read and gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. RicH]? approved. There was no objection. MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, I have here an article entitled "Exports of United States Cotton Hit 50-Year Low," dated A message from the Senate, by Mr. Frazier, its legit:lative New York, June 1, as follows: clerk, announced that the Senate had passed, with amend­ ments, in which the concurrence of the House is requested, EXPORTS OF UNITED STATES COTTON HIT 50-YEAR LOW NEw YoRK, June !.-Exports of American cotton during April and bills of the House of the following titles: the first 3 weeks of May, reported by the Bureau of Agricultural H. R. 5748. An act to amend the Second Liberty Bond Act, Economics, were the smallest in more than 50 years. as amended; and Cotton experts attribute the low export movement partly to the price support derived from Government loans to growers in past H. R. 6260. An act making appropriations for the fiscal seasons. 'l;'his, they contend, has tended to impair the competitive year ending June 30, 1940, for civil functions administered by position of the American fiber in world markets. · the War Department, and for other purposes. April exports of Egyptian cotton increased 48 percent over a year ago, whereas our shipments declined 53 percent. March exports PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE from India were 23 percent greater than the same month last year. Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ Mr. Speaker, think of it, our exports of United States cotton mous consent that on June 14, following the legislative pro~ have hit the lowest point in 50 years. Are the Members satis~ gram in order for the day, the gentleman from Pennsylvania tied with the reciprocal-trade agreements that have been [Mr. McDowELL] may be permitted to address the House for made, which are primarily responsible for this condition? 20 minutes. If we continue to permit Secretary Hull and the President The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the of the United States to regulate our foreign commerce, then gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. MARTIN]? our cotton exports will be wiped out altogether. The power There was no objection. should lie in the Congress of the United States to regulate the EXTENSION OF REMARKS American imports and exports, and unless the Congress does Mr. LUDLOW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take action we are not going to help American farmers gen~ extend my own remarks in the Appendix of the RECORD and erally, and particularly the American cotton grower. to include therein an address by the gentleman from Kansas [Here the gavel fell.] [Mr. LAMBERTSON]. SPECIAL COMMISSION ON OLD-AGE PENSIONS The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Mr. ROUTZOHN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent gentleman from Indiana [Mr. LUDLOW]? to proceed for 1 minute. There was no objection. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the Mr. ROBERTSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent gentleman from Ohio [Mr. RouTZOHN]? to extend my own remarks in the Appendix of the RECORD There was no objection. and to include therein a speech delivered on yesterday by my Mr. ROUTZOHN. Mr. Speaker, I desire to call the atten~ colleague from Virginia [Mr. DARDEN]. tion of the Members of the House to the fact that I am now