1941 - CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2219 of rank as previously nominated and con correct the date of-rank· as previously nomi That the Senate recede from its amen.d firmed: nated and confirmed. ment numbered 5. Paul H. Grouleff Charles C. Gold That the House recede from its disagree Joseph C; Wylie, Jr. Stephen M. Archer ment to the amendments of the Senate Anthony H. Dropp Theodore H. White CONFIRMATIONS numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8; and agree Francis M. Douglass Richard V. Gregory Executive nominations confirmed by to the same. William L. Richards John M. Grider the Senate March 13, 1941: C . A. WOODRUM, Francis D. Foley Earl P. Finney, Jr. LOUIS LUDLOW, Scott K . Gibson Alfred L. Cope POSTMASTERS J. BUELL SNYDER, Paul H. Harrington Richard C. Williams, NEW MEXICO EMMET O 'NEAL, ' William M. Ryan Jr. Ruby G. Holt, Oil Center. GEO. w. JOHNSON, Robert H. Kerr JOHN TABER, William I. Bull PENNSYLVANIA Levering Smith Edwin C. Woodward R. B. WIGGLESWORTH, William R. Wilson Max Silverstein Arthur F. Ellis, Cambridge Springs. W. P. LAMBERTSON, Leon S. Kintberger Charles M. Sugarman Managers on the ·part of the House. John R. Leeds Charles J. Oden'hal, ALVA B. ADAMS, Thomas M. Fleck Jr. C ARTER GLASS, John Munhollaild Robert E. Vandling -HOUSE QF REPRESENTATIVES KENNETH McKELLAR, Louis J. Kirn Ray M. Pitts CARL HAYDEN, William B. Short, Jr. Jack I. Bandy THURSDAY, MARCH _13, 1941 JAMES F. BYRNES, Earl T. Hydeman Travis R. Leverett GERALD P. NYE, John R. Van Evera Norman E. Blaisdell The House met at 12 o'clock noon. Managers on the part of the Senate. The following-named lieutenants to be The Chaplain, Rev. James Shera Mont lieutenants in the Navy, to rank from the gomery, D. D., offered the following STATEMENT date stated opposite their names to correct The managers on the part of the House at the date of rank as previously nominated prayer: the conference on the disagreeing votes of and confirmed: Grant unto us, our Father in heaven, the two Houses on the amendments of the William T. Zink, Jr., September 1, 1939. that faith in Thee, that hope through S:mate to the bill (H. R. 3617) "Making defi William P. Schroeder, September 8, 1939. Thee, and inspiration by Thee by which ciency and supplemental appropriations for George E. Hughes, September 23, 1939. we shall grow into the fullness of those the Army and Navy for the national defense Ernest M. Snowden, September 23, 1939. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1941, and Maximilian G. Schmidt, September 23, 1939. virtues which are highest and best. We for other purposes", submit the following Alvin W. Slayden, September 23, 1939. pray that the divine truth may inspire statement in explanation of the effect of the Herbert J. Campbell, September 23, 1939. knowledge, fidelity, obedience, and honor action agreed upon and recommended in the George W. Kehl, ·september 27, 1939. -that will lead us to carry in ourselves a accompanying conference report as to each John R. Spiers, October 1, 1939. rich portion of the Spirit from above, of such amendments, namely: John Corry, October 1; 1939 enabling us to cultivate those experiences Nos. 1 and 2: Appropriates $71,000, as pro Ralph M. Wilson, October 1, 1939. which shall indeed make us worthy to be posed by the Senate, instead of $11,000, as Jacob -C. Myers, October 1, 1939. proposed by the House, for Fleet Training for Wallace H. Weston, October 1, 1939. called the sons of God; We rejoice that the Navy. Paul E. Emrick, October 1, 1939. at the _center of power, high above sight, Nos. 3 and 4: Provide for 40 passenger au Robert 0. Beer, October 1, 1939. _ -high above sense, and hig-h above human tOqlObiles at $600 each for the Navy, as pro Daniel. L. Carroll, Jr., October 1, 1939. understanding are eternal light · an-d i vided by the Senate, instead of S6 ·such The following-named lieutenants to be peace, the cause of that rest which is the vehicles, at $600 each, as provided by the lieutenants in the Navy, to rank from the purest, the divinest, and the most com House. 1st day of November 1939, to correct the date passionate. Ever blessed Lord, be very No. 5: Strikes out the amendment, inserted of rank as previously nominated and con by the Senate, proposing the creation of a gracious' to our President, our Speaker, Plant Site Board to pass upon the size and ·firmed: · and the Congress and · through them William L. Tagg Samuel F . Quarles location of industrial facilities for the Navy. William Outerson William H. Grover grant that Thy will may be established No. 6: Appropriates $125,000 as proposed by John D. Andrew man, Jr. throughout the world. In the holy name the Senate for salaries and expenses of na Robert C. Young Edwin C. Asman ·of our Saviour. · Amen. · · tional-defense act-ivities of the Cfvil Service Commission. William A .. Stuart _Frank D. Latta The Journal of the proceedings o-f yes Alfred R. Matter William W. Vanous Nb. 7: Inserts the section, proposed by the ·William E. Kenna John S. Lewis .terday was read and approved. Senate, prohibiting the· use of funds in the Bruce McCandless charles S. Hutchings ·FOURTH NATIONAL DEFENSE SUPPLE bill to pay the salary or wages of any person Robert J. C. Maulsby Thomas D. F. Langen -MENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL who advocates, or who is a member of an William R . Cox Marcus W. William- organization that advocates, the ove-rthrow Burdette E. Close son Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. Mr. of the Government of the United States by Allen B. Adams, Jr. George W. Pressey · Speaker, I call up the conference .report . force or violence. This section is identical Richard S. Craighill Robert P. Walker on the bill Illinois [Mr. DIRKSEN] structed at Blakely Mountain. I ask unanimous consent to extend my may be permitted to extend his own I ask unanimous consent to extend my remarks and include a resolution passed remarks in the RECORD on the mine remarks in the Appendix of the RECORD by the Legislature of Kansas. inspection bill. by including .Senate Resolution No. 5 of The SPEAKER. Without objection, it The SPEAKER. Without objection, it the State legislature with reference to is so ordered. is so ordered. this subject. There was no objection. The SPEAKER. Without objection, it Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask There was no objection. is so ordered. unanimous consent to extend my re Mr. HOWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask There was no objection. unanimous consent to extend my remarks marks and include a brief press report on EXTENSION OF REMARKS the new Navy cook book. and include therein a joint resolution The SPEAKER. Without objection, it from the General Assembly of the State Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, I ask is so ordered. of Dlinois. unanimous consent to extend my own re There was no objection. The SPEAKER. Without objection, it marks in the RECORD and to include there Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask is so ordered. in an editorial from the Jackson coal mines for the purpose of ob bear, and this seems to me to be the taining information relating to health and to aid England we will, if we pursue the safety conditions, accidents, and occupa old custoli1, not only have to pay the best answer to the problem. I will at a tional diseases therein, and for other pur $7,000,000,000, but we will also pay $7,- later date try to explain this bill in its poses. That after general debate, which shall 000,000,000 in interest, or $14,000,000,000 entirety. The first bill of its kind was be confined to the bill and continue not to in all. One-half of that is absolutely introduced by the gentleman from Mas exceed 1 hour, to be equally divided and con wasteful, extravagant, and unnecessary. sachusetts in 1935. My bill is an amend trolled by the chairman and ranking mi Instead of having a debt of $65,000,000,- ment of his bill. [Applause.] nority member of the Committee on Mines [Here the 'gavel fell.] and Mining, the bill shall be read for amend 000 at the end of this year we will have a ment under the 5-minute rule. At the con debt of $130,000,000,000 on account of the EXTENSION OF REMARKS clusion of the reading of the bill for amend interest. So .there is no reason for the ment the Committee shall rise and report the people paying interest on the obligations Mr. VREELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask same to the House with such amendments as when the sovereign Government itself unanimous consent to extend my re may have been adopted, and the previous has the right to create the very money marks and include therein a statement question shall be considered as ordered on that they issue bonds to acquire. on the bill H. R. 1776. the bill and amendments thereto to final The SPEAKER. Without objection, passage without intervening motion except DEFINITE PROPOSAL TO SAVE $2,000,000,000 A one motion to recommit, with or without YEAR TO BE DISCUSSED it is so ordered. instructions. So I ask that you give the question There was no objection. serious and careful consideration at this (By unanimous consent, Mr. CLEVENGER DEMAGOGUERY OR PATRIOTISM? time. and Mr. CoFFEE of Washington were Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Next Saturday night, March 15, 7:30 to granted permission to extend their own to a question of personal privilege. 7:45 p. m., eastern standard time, I expect remarks in the RECORD.) The SPEAKER. The gentleman from to discuss over the Mutual Broadcasting BLAKELY MOUNTAIN DAM AND RESERVOIR Michigan will state his personal privi System radio hook-up, a definite pro lege. posal which, if adopted, will save the Mr. NORRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. JIOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise taxpayers $2,000,000,000 a year in inter unanimous consent to proceed for one to a question of personal privilege. On est charges and will thereby enable us half minute. the 28th of January 1941 there appeared to pay the entire $65,000,000,000 public The SPEAKER. Without objection, it in the Grand Rapids Herald, published debt in 25 years. is so ordered. at Grand Rapids, Mich., with a circula [Here the gavel fell.] There was no objection. tion throughout western and northern 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-- HOUSE 2223 Michigan, an article which; in part, is as JANUARY. 17, 1941. directed principally toward Government follows: Hon. CLARE E. HoFFMAN, workers. Member of Congress, Mr. HoFFMAN, the articles that I had read Sharp protest of the labor attitude of Con Washington, D. C. concerning your bill emphasized this pcint: gressman CLARE HoFFMAN (Republican), of DEAR CONGRESSMAN HOFFMAN: It Is In• H. R. 1408 is a pay cut for Government em Allegan, and a suggestion that he be removed explicable to clerks in the Post Office Depart ployees. Under the spur of the moment, from office were voiced Monday by the Grand ment to comprehend the fundamental rea without reading the text of your bill, I wrote Rapids Federation of Labor (A. F. of L.). sons for your introduction of H. R. 1408. the letter to you. I have taken time today In a resolution drawn up by a committee Your stated purpose to effect a saving for to read the full text of your bill, and while appointed to investigate HoFFMAN's alleged the Government to offset the defense de I may not agree with you on the necessity of antilabor attitude and passed by the union, mands boomerangs on all Government the measure, I sincerely wish to amend my the organization called HOFFMAN a reaction employees. · position. ary demagogue, and urged that his constitu · The men in the ranks of the Service are For those passages of my letter in whlch I ents remove him and seek a new Representa proud of the position they have maintained caustically berated· you for exercising preju tive. in promoting the Service to its high peak in dice against Government workers I sincerely The resolution read, in part: efficiency. We have been commended by the apologize. Far be it from me to insist that "Your committee is of the opinion that Postmaster General for our cooperation in a Congressman in his honest attempts to Congressman HoFFMAN, of Allegan, is of that handling a larger volume of mail at a decided est~blish his cpncepts of legislation, that for type of reactionary demagogue whose minds saving to the Department. And for this you this he should be censured. I realize, Mr. still live apparently in the old oxcart days; would reduce our salaries at a time when HOFFMAN, that my position and not yours is who fail to realize that the Civil War is over the cost of living is multiplying. untenable. and that slavery no longer exists in this Paradoxical as it may seem, that is your I am happy to assure you that the letter country. • • • position, Mr. HOFFMAN. You are waving the stating your position in the matter will re "Is his patriotism real and sincere, or is It flag of patriotism, but you are reviving that ceive the publicity you request. I also wish just fiar;-waving and' blatant oratory? Your hatred of the Revolution that free men shall to assure you that my friends in the Service committee is of the opinion that we should not tolerate unfair taxes. If Government will be pleased to know that the previous ar hold in contempt men the likes of Mr. HoFF- employees are your pet prejudice, if you can ticles we read were in error as to your position. . MAN. * * * not be fair-it will be better for liberty and · I am very regretful that I erred in following "We feel that the constituents of Mr. justice that you do not aspire to the halls of the information, and I wish to assure you HoFFMAN would be better off if they removed government. Your position is untenable, that you have my respect and admiration for him from office and sought the type of Rep you have not the confidence of an electorate. the letter you sent me. I shall be very resentative they are entitled to." In fairness; I ask you to reconsider H. R. . pleased to hear from you and hope that this This article re:tlects upon the integrity 1408. - unauspicious beginning may result in an un Sincerely, derstanding friendship. and the patriotism in his official capacity STEPHEN C. FENWICK. Sincerely yours, of the Member from the Fourth Con STEPHEN C. FENWICK. gressional District of Michigan, . and I replied to him as follows: raises the question · of personal privilege. DEAR MR. FENWICK: Certainly glad to have _ It is regrettable that a greater number The SPEAKER. The Chair feels that yours of the 17th. of those who criticize us are not equallY that part o! the resolution which asks: Our people want to extend aid to Great wllling to reconsider their :first conclu Britain. I presume ycru do. That cannot be Is his patriotism real and sincere or just sions relating to Congressmen and their done e~cept as we all make a sacrifice~you activities . . :Hag-waving and blatant oratory? know that just as well as I do. H. R. 1814 of which this resolution of does raise the question of privilege. No one is reducing your salary. Do you realize . that Federal employees get their the American Federation of Labor at Mr. HOFFMAN. How about the reac money every month; that they have prac Grand Rapids complains does not in any tionary demagogue part? tically no loss of time; that they get 45 days' way prohibit strikes. It does not in any The SPEAKER. The Chair has al- pay each year for days they are not working; way interfere with the right of collective . ready stated that the gentleman has that people in private industry are subject bargaining. It does not affect any pro raised a question of personal privilege, year in and year out to deductions and with vision of theN. L. R. A., the wage-hour, and the Chair quoted at least enough of drawals? or any other so-called labor legislation. the resolution to sustain the Chair's Are you so unpatriotic that if it is necessary The bill does provide that it shall be un opinion. . to defend ourselves by extending aid to Great Britain you, an employee always sure of his lawful to require any person performi'ng Mr. HOFFMAN. My only purpose in job, always sure of his pay check, will agree services or furnishing materials in con making the inquiry was that I did not you are not w1lling to pay your fair share of nection with any work or contract af want to be held out of order in replying defending the country? fecting in any degree the national-de to the charge that I am a reactionary The b111 which I introduced imposed a tax fense program to either pay a fee or demagogue. upon everyone with an income of more than join an organization as a condition prec The SPEAKER. The Chair will be $1,000. Why should you and other postal edent to furnishing materials or ren rather liberal with the gentleman. employees be exempt? Now please answer me. Under the bill I introduced the tax ranges dering services. In short, the bill, if it -Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, from from 10 p<:!rcent on salaries of $1,000 up to 35 became a law, would give protection to contemporary correspondence and news percent on salaries of $10,000 and over, and any man, whether he belonged to a union paper articles, it is quite evident that this it hits everyone alike. or whether he did not belong to a union, resolution of the GranJ Rapids local of Just why should you squeal when you are to work for, or furnish materia~s to, his the Michigan Federation of Post Office asked to contribute no more than everyone Government in connection with the na Clerks, division of the National Federa else receiving equal compensation must pay? tional-defense program. tion of Post Office Clerks, grew out of Read this letter at the next meeting of your Now, I ask you as one Member to H. R. 1408 and H. R. 1814, the first intro organization and give me an answer. I should think you would be ashamed of your another, and I ask you, you the om duced on the 6th of January and the self trying to shirk your share of the burden. cials of the C. I. 0., and you the second on the lOth of January, both hav Every 2 years I have to fight for my job. officers and agents of the A. F. of L., ing been offered in the prior session of Your job runs on automatically. Every 2 whether a man who stands on the floor Congress. years I have to spend a rather large sum in a of Congress, representing his people, H. R. 1408 was an attempt to provide campaign. Your job is yours for llfe, or until union men and nonunion men, is a legislation for a more equal distribution you reach a certain age. Now, brother, what is your kick anyway? demagogue, a tricky politician, when he of the cost of national defense. It was, offers legislation which would enable a however, by certain groups construed as Sincerely yours, CLARE E. HOFFMAN. man to earn a livelihood for himself and an attempt to reduce the salaries of his family without paying or being re Federal employees. Typical of the com Mr. Fenwick evidently is a patriotic quired to pay for a work permit from a plaints received is this one from Stephen gentleman who believes in fair play for, union organization? C. Fenwick, vice president of the Michi to my letter of the 22d, he made the fol NATIONAL DEFENSE OR COLLLECTION OF DUES? gan Federation of Post Office Clerks, divi lowing reply on January 27, 1941: PATRIOTISM OR UNIONISM? sion of the National Federation of Post DEAR MR. HOFFMAN: I am very glad that you Office Clerks, where the resolution to answered my letter, for it allows me an oppor We are asked to appropriate $7,000,- which reference has been made . origi tunity to continue this correspondence. You 000,000 for aid to Britain and national de .nated. Vice President Fenwick wrote me .were very correct in censuring the attitude I fense, and Congress will undoubtedly do as follows: had assumed that your bill, H. R. 1408; was it. We are extremely generous with 2224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 other people's money. Because of the to stop him; and to our shame be it said who deal with the unions. Skinker & propaganda which has swept the coun that Mr. Sheehan, contact man for the Garrett operate a closed A. F. of L. shop. try, we have lost all sense of value. Conciliation Service, uttered neither pro Now, note what the American Federa Our hard-working constituents, the test nor offered aid. tion of Labor is doing to them. The clerk and merchant behind the counter, The spokesman for the 14 business American Federation of Labor cannot the workman at his bench, the profes agents said to Sam and his contractors call a strike on that part of the work sional man, the farmer toiling from sun in substance-over here on the other side which is being constructed by the Army. rise to sunset, each and all working to of the room-there were 8 of them-"you It cannot call a strike against the Me pay the tax which we so quickly vote will either have every man on this job, randa Co. But, to stop construction on upon him, must be amazed when they. Skinker & Garrett's men, the Army's the whole job, the American Federation learn that we permit the whole program men"-over whom Sam has no control of Labor calls a strike on its own closed to be delayed by the representatives of "and your men pay dues to the A. F. of shop part of the work and throws pickets union organizations. L., every man who works on the job from around the whole job. The American Loyal union men are aghast at the lack the foundation to the shingles on the Federation pulls its men off the Skinkner of patriotism, at the greed, of their offi roof, or the job won't go on." Sam stood and Garrett job because Meranda work cials who stand in the way of the Nation's up and said, "All right; I have a contract ing more than 300 feet away, on 'an en efforts and insist that we shall have de with my Government to complete this tirely separate and distinct part of the fense only when and if their demands job, and you fellows can go"-to that job, a part which has no physical con are met. place I will not name-"if you wish, but nection whatever with the work of Skink The press yesterday carried the state the job is going on;" and the job, thanks ner and Garrett, employs men who are ment that 32 strikes were holding up pro to Sam, is going on, union wages are paid, not willing to pay the union $57.50 to duction in defense industries. Why talk all laws are obeyed, and no man pays the exercise their right to work. about patriotism, about sacrifice; why A. F. of L. for the right to work. I say The American Federation of Labor appropriate billions of dollars so that aid more praise to Sam. [Applause.] business agents, like all tyrants drunk to England may be extended, so that pro - Oh, for more Americans like Sam with power, penalize the company which duction for national defense may be in Meranda, who will insist that the God has submitted to their demands. It creased and accelerated; why boast of given right, the Constitution-guaranteed throws a picket line around the company the power of our Navy, of our Army, of right to work, shall not be taken from which employs none but members of the our ability to, if necessity demands, de any American citizen: Do we intend to American Federation of. Labor, and the stroy the Axis Powers, when here at home, let Sam Meranda and his subcontractors picket in front of the Meranda job wears because of the strangling grip of a few fight alone? Do we intend to desert them a placard, "Merando"-and they print politicians in high places, the Army and and leave them to the tender mercies of the word in red-"unfair to American Navy are unable to cope successfully with the A. F. of L. and its business agents? Federation of Labor." a minority pressure group headed by The A. F. of L. business agents have de Sam Merando not only defies the greedy racketeering union officials and manded that all of the employees of the American Federation of Labor but he red Communists stalling for Stalin? Meranda Co. and of the seven subcon makes them look ridiculous. The Ameri Why grow eloquent in behalf of the tractors working under it shall buy work can Federation of Labor picket appearing democracies, so-called, of the Old World, permits of the A. F. of L. Sam and his to Sam to be lonesome, Sam puts on a while Stalin's emissaries throughout the subcontractors-and all praise to them picket of his own to keep him company. country and 14 business agents of the have stood their ground, and, because Sam's picket carries a sign on which is A. F. of L. here in Washington defy the they did, last week the union teamsters printed, "American Federation of Labor Navy, hurl challenge at the Army, and refused to deliver material to Meranda, unfair to Meranda and this defense proj successfully stop work on Government and the business agent of the teamsters, ect." projects? who recently escaped indictment because The photographers flocked around; Neither group would last 15 minutes if the Supreme Court held that the provi there was laughter and there were jeers, politicians who control the Army and the sions of the antitrust law did not apply and the American Federation of Labor Navy would get their dirty, traitorous to labor unions, made the announcement pulled off its picket. In the Washington fingers from the throats of Army and that no material would be delivered to News of this noon you will find a picture Navy officials. the Meranda Co. nor to Skinker & Gar of Sam's picket, but the American Fed Here in Washington, almost within the rett until the Meranda Co. and its sub eration of Labor picket had disappeared. shadow of the Capitol itself, these busi contractors compelled their employees The American Federation of Labor could ness agents who place loyalty to their to join the A. F. of L. not stand the publicity; the disclosure of union above loyalty to their country have Think of it. Here are 14 business its unpatriotic efforts. stopped the work on the Medical Center agents of the A. F. of L. who demand, Yesterday I charged that there was a at Walter Reed Hospital. without protest from a single Govern rumor that the War Department was The work there has been divided into ment official, from either the conciliation considering calling upon Skinker and three parts. Skinker & Garrett have service, from the office of Secretary of Garrett to complete their contract or get been awarded the contract for the super Labor Perkins or the Department of Jus off the job. The Evening Star carried the structure on seventeen 63-men barracks. tice, that Meranda and his subcontractors statement that "At the War Department The Army itself is building the mess hall force their employees to join the A. F. it is denied this afternoon that any such and some other buildings. Sam Meranda of L. move was anticipated." Co. has the contract for the construction That demand is a demand that Me.:. Well, the Army called upon Penner of the neuropsychiatric ward. rando and the subcontractors violate the Corporation, a contractor at Wright Sam Meranda is the head of the Mer express provisions of theN. L. R. A. Yet Field, at Dayton, Ohio, to complete its anda Co. Sam was born here in Wash it is made, not by an employer but by contract or take the consequences. The ington, of Italian parents, and proud in officials of a labor union. Army officer in charge of the Chicago deed would I be to have him as a son. Turn that thought over in your mind. ordnance district called upon Allis Slender, slight of stature, I wish you could The law which this Congress passed to Chalmers to assume responsibility for have seen him last Saturday, when, in forward the cause of collective bargain the delay at its plant, and I challenge the offices of the Washington Building ing, to protect employees, is being used by the Army officials to let me call from the Trades Council, on Connecticut Avenue, the very organization which sponsored it, War Department and cross-examine wit like a true American, unafraid, he faced for its own selfish purpose and, in its nesses to ascertain whether or not they across the room 14 business agents of the drive for members and for the collection have not had under consideration such A. F. of L., 13 of them "big buys," all of of dues, it is asking that the law which a move. If they have not been contem them "tough guys," each and every one it begged Congress to enact be violated. plating such a course, then they are not of them by his attitude stamping himself Neither principle, respect for the law, nor performing their patriotic duty. as a man who placed his private interest patriotism stands in the way of these Mr. RANDOLPH. Will the gentleman above his country's need, and told them men. yield? he had a contract with his Government Skinker & Garrett belong to the Mas Mr. HOFFMAN. I yield to the gentle to complete defense work and defied them ter Builders Association of washington, man from West Virginia. 1941 · CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2225 . Mr. RANDOLPH. The gentleman Mr. HOFFMAN. That is fine, and Is it- not about time that we lay aside mentioned the Allis-Chalmers strike. that applause which came from the our personal ambitions, our petty jeal That strike is now going into its eighth Democratic side is welcome, but it does ousies and consider again the public week while $45,000,000 of defense orders not mean a thing unless you bring in a need? are being held up. bill to stop the practice. What is the It is true, too, that some Members, be Mr. HOFFMAN. Why is it going into use? Do you want defense? Do you fore the vote was taken, were called from that eighth week? Tell me. Do you want aid to Britain? You are going to the :floor by representatives of labor know? I think you know. I will tell you tax the people of this country $7,000,- unions, and that both the C. I. 0. and why it is going into the eighth week. It 000,000 for national defense. Do we lack the A. F. of L. opposed the passage of is because Sidney Hillman; the paid agent either the ability or the courage to rem that resolution. Perhaps some Members of the C. I. 0., the vice president of the edy the trouble? Which is it? Or is it yielded to the arguments of these unions, C. I. 0., the man who draws his pay from both? Which is it, gentlemen? Is it the desiring to please the local affiliates of the Garment Workers Union, is on the ability or the courage to bring out a bill? these organizations. Defense Council, but serving in the inter It would not take us 48 hours to pass To obviate that difficulty, to lay bare ests of the C. I. 0. He has not the nerve before the public the whole disgraceful to tell his man John Owen, who is mis legislation here to stop it. What is it we situation, I am offering today a resolu interpreting the agreement signed by the lack? Do we not know how, or do we tion to appoint a committee to investi union and by the company. That agree lack the courage? Are you afraid of the gate the activities of the labor unions ment does not mean that Allis-Chalmers labor unions and their votes? Why do here in the District of Columbia. The has to submit to a closed shop. That is you sit here? Join up on this side. activities of the committee, by the reso why that strike is continuing, and we There ought to be enough patriotic Mem lution itself, are limited to the District will have those strikes all over this land bers of Congress to stop this thing, which this for the reason that it was thought of ours in all of these defense industries we all admit is ruinous and is interfering that Members might feel more free to just as long as you have on that Defense with national defense-may in the end vote for an investigation to expose groups Council a man who is more interested in destroy us as it destroyed ·France. and racketeering here in the Nation's an organizing drive than he is in national . Why talk of sending aid to Britain to Capital, if such investigation did not defense. destroy the Axis Powers when here in touch their home districts. . Mr. RICH. Will the gentleman yield? Washington the Army, engaged in build When that resolution has been re Mr. HOFFMAN. I yield to the gentle ing a mess hall and other buildings, is ferred to the Rules Committee, I will ask man from Pennsylvania. told by an American Federation of Labor for a hearing and endeavor to get a rule Mr. RICH . . Does the gentleman mean teamsters' union that it will not deliver to place before the House an opportunity to say that the Army is trying to force needed material to continue with the job? to vote on the question of learning for -the contractors off .the Medical Center The fault does not lie with the quar ourselves who has been selling work per job who employ nonunion labor and is termaster in charge of construction at mits, how much money has been collected telling them either to go to work or get the Medical Center. The responsibility for that purpose, how long the men who off the job? In other words, they are for the humiliation forced upon the Army have paid have as a rule remained on trying to force them to take on union because of the open, notorious defiance the job, what has become of the money men? by the A. F. of L. teamsters lies directly and why it is that here in America men Mr. HOFFMAN. The Army, as it has a on the shoulders of a few, a very few, cannot work until they have bought a right to do, is calling upon the contractor labor politicians and high Government work permit from other than a Govern to proceed with his job and the contractor officials. ment agency. cannot proceed with his job as long as The union teamsters have refused to This resolution of the Grand Rapids the A. F. of L. men tie it up. Here is deliver cement to Meranda. They have · A. F. of L. charges that I am a "reaction what they are doing. It is not the offi refused to deliver steel to the Army itself. ary demagogue." I care· nothing about cials, it is not the Quartermaster out here The Army and Meranda have both been their charge nor about the publication of at the Medical Center, who is to blame, forced to send out their own trucks to it. As a matter of fact, it gives me an it is not the Quartermasters who are en obtain the n·ecessary material to carry on opportunity to speak on the :floor of the gaged in this other construction work, it the work, and now the threat is by these House and to expose some of the un is not the officials of the Navy who are at union organizers. that the A. F. of L. men patriotic, racketeering methods and prac fault. It is the dirty, traitorous politi who make the brick, who fabricate the tices of some of their affiliates, who cians higher up, maybe not more than a steel, will be called out on strike to gain at the present time are hanging like vul half-dozen, who block this thing, and if their point. tures and hyenas on the outskirts of the you will call in your Army officials before When the folks at home learn, as they national-defense program, seeking :l.ll op your Military Affairs Committee and go will learn, if they do not already know, portunity to pick the bones of honest, right through from the bottom up you that we are appropriating billions .upon patriotic American workers. will find that what I am charging is ab billions of dollars for this task; that we If the Grand Rapids local of the A. F. solutely true. are permitting an organized group, as of L. wishes--and apparently it does--to Mr. RANDOLPH. Will the gentleman well as Communists, to close production stand back of the practices of some union yield? in factories throughout the land and that organizers and racketeers who have been Mr. HOFFMAN. I yield to the gentle here in Washington the condition to exposed in the public press, who are man from West Virginia. which I have just referred exists and that seeking to fatten their pocketbooks by Mr. RANDOLPH. May I say that, in we must be fully cognizant of it, what shaving the pay check of fellow workers, my opinion, the continuation of the strike will be their opinion of our intelligence, that is their privilege. As for me, I want at the Allis-Chalmers factory is inde our ability, our courage or lack of it? none of it. fensible, and that such strikes through When our home folks know of the ex You and the people of the country who out America, whether in the District of isting situation, will they not be driven may be interested are the ultimate Columbia or in any of our States, are to the conclusion that each and every one judges; not the biased, the prejudiced, indefensible when defense contracts are of us who sits here in this Hall days after the self-seeking officials who mislead the at stake. May I say further that, in my day is either lacking in ability or in members of their organization into opinion, when Mr. Hillman states that courage, because of our failure to remedy strikes against defense industries. the strike situation is front page and is the situation? Let us have a few definitions of a not critical, he is not making an accurate Earlier this week, the House in its wis demagogue. A demagogue is- statement. I have supported legislation dom voted down a resolution to appoint A speaker who seeks to make capital of to aid labor, and will continue to do so. a committee to investigate the progress social diScontent and gain political influence. • I speak as a friend and not as an enemy of our national-defense activities. It is One skilled in arousing the prejudices and of the worker. The Congress of the passions of the populace by rhetorical, sensa matter of common knowledge that the tional charges, specious arguments, catch United States has the highest respon opposition of certain committees, which words, cajolery, etc., especially a political sibility at a time like this to see that we thought that their prerogatives were be speaker or leader who seeks thus to make cap- bring appropriate action to cover a very ing interfered with, had much to do with . ital of social discontent and incite the popu serious situation. [Applause.] the defeat of that resolution. lace, usually in the nazp.e of some popular 2226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE · MARCH 13 cause, in order to gain political influence or Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent sired to use them, could settle this whole office. to revise and extend my remarks and to situation? An orator or leader who seeks to influence insert in the RECORD two advertisements Mr. HOFFMAN. Beyond doubt, much the people by pandering to their prejudices from the newspapers of Gary and two of our trouble could be settled if the and passions. letters and a reply. President would make one--just one-of An unprincipled politician. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to his fireside chats and speak in favor of A leader of the mob. the request of the gentleman from Mich the enforcement of law, of the right of a Now, I leave it to you and to those igan? man to work. If the President would who may care to take cognizance of the There was no objection. say, in unequivocal language, that these controversy whether I am a demagogue Mr. HOFFMAN. I wish you would undermining and unpatriotic interfer or whether those who passed this resolu read the RECORD tomorrow and deter ences with our national-defense program, tion come nearer to adopting the prac mine whether a man is a demagogue with aid to England, must cease, and that tices of a demagogue. when he chooses patriotism rather than he proposed to see to it that they did Is a man a demagogue because in the unionism; whether we shall have in this cease, that would end practically all of Halls of Congress he protests against the country national defense or whether we our trouble. practices of requiring American citizens shall have men joining the unions at the In my judgment, if the law-enforce who are in need, who must work if they request, or rather, at the demand, of ment officers of the United States would would live, to pay a fee when the pay these fellows. take a firm stand against violence, we ment of that fee will work a hardship Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, will the gen would have but little trouble. I think we upon them or their families? tleman yield for a question. should amend the restraint-of-trade acts, Is a man a demagogue because in the Mr. HOFFMAN. I yield to the gentle the Clayton and the Sherman acts, re Halls of Congress and wherever he may man from Pennsylvania. quested by the Attorney General, so that be heard he insists that the father of the Mr. RICH. With regard to what I un conspiracies such as are going on in boy who has been conscripted and sent derstood the gentleman to say a few Washington today can be, and will be to a camp for training shall have the minutes ago concerning the strike at the taken care of by the Department of Jus right to work in that camp to build a Walter Reed Hospital, may I ask if it is tice. shelter for his son? in the power of the Committee on Mili Mr. RUTHERFORD. My question is, Is a man a demagogue who urges his tary Affairs to make an investigation of Does the gentleman not think the Presi fellow Members of Congress to end the that situation? · dent could, under these powers that have practices of greedy collectors who stand Mr. HOFFMAN. Representatives of been granted to him? outside the gates of our Army canton that committee said so here the other Mr. HOFFMAN. Oh, he is the chief ments or with -the Government's permis day. They would not let the Cox com law-enforcement officer. If he had the sion roam throughout those cantonments mittee be created because they are doing patriotism and the courage of a Cleve demanding the discharge of every Amer that work themselves. That is all right land, of a Coolidge, he could end all this. ican citizen, no matter how needy, who with me; I do not care who does it. He does not need even this last act. If refuses to pay the sum demanded by the Mr. LELAND M. FORD. Mr. Speaker, he would perform his duty under the Con union agent? will the gentleman yield? stitution to insure due process of law, the Am I a demagogue because here in the Mr. HOFFMAN. Yes. protection of property, the exercise by well of the House I demand that Sidney Mr. LELAND M. FORD. What does every man of the right to work, given by Hillman, the paid agent of the union, the gentleman think of the Secretary of the Constitution, we would not have this the vice president of the C. I. 0., cease Labor, Madam Perkins' statement that trouble. his coercive activities, which have for the C. I. 0. has a right to strike and that Is a man a demagogue because he their purpose the compelling of all em it is paramount to the welfare and safety breaks into speech when law-enforce ployees of the . Allis-Chalmers, all em- · of the Nation? ment has broken down to such an extent ployees of the Ford Motor Co., to join a Mr. HOFFMAN. We all have an that independent workers at Gary, Ind., union? And that union the union of answer to that. insert in the Post Tribune of that city, on which Hillman is vice president? Is Mr. EBERHARTER. Mr. Speaker, will March 7, 1941, an ad which reads: Hillman working for the Government or the gentleman yield? ATTENTION AMERICANS the union which pays him? Mr. HOFFMAN. Yes. Defenseless girls have been slugged, mis Is a man a demagogue when, know Mr. EBERHARTER. The gentleman, treated, and deprived of the God-given right ing that the National Labor Relations of course, is objecting, probably rightly to walk peacefully along an American high Act provides that no coercion or intimi so, to the use-- way. Womanhood is being crucified by a dic dation shall be used by employers to force Mr. HOFFMAN. Just probably? tator who snarls that "you join-or else!" employees to join a union, he protests And you, Mister Nonunion American, may be Mr. EBERHARTER. That is just my next. Where is your pride, your decency, your against the efforts of officers of one union opinion, and, of course, I am not speak to compel employees, members of an honor, your American love of freedom, and of ing for the House as a whole; but I justice and equality for all? Wake up be other union, to forsake their organiza thought it might be well to have the fore it is too late. Organize with the honest, tion and join a different union? House have the exact definition of a decent Jaw-abiding citizens of Gary to pro Is a man a demagogue when he pro demagogue; and if the gentleman will tect womanhood. Protect your sacred right tests the action of Sidney Hillman in his permit me, I will read it from the dic to work and to live in peace. Protect your efforts to force the employees of the Ford America. against traitorous interference with Motor Co. into the C. I. 0. by demand tionary. national defense. ing that the War Department withhold Mr. HOFFMAN. You do not need to, An organization is being perfected by loyal contracts from the Ford companies? because I am going to put it in the Americans to protect their rights. For fur Is a man a demagogue who protests RECORD. You do not need to take my ther information consult any of the follow when employees of the Allis-Chalmers time. ing: Co. are kept from their work by picket Mr. EBERHARTER. I think it would (1) Any nonunion worker at Gary Works be helpful to the Members of the House. Roll Shop. lines and the question of a settlement (2) Cecil Cole, 304 Harrison Street, Gary, and the ending of the strike is submitted Mr. HOFFMAN. Everybody can read Ind. by a ballot which reads: the dictionary and the Bible, too, if they (3) Any maintenance electrical engineer, Shall the bargaining committee's recom wish. Anybody who does not understand Gary Works. mendation to reject the company's propo what a demagogue is may read the defi (4) Any of the courageous tin-mill girls sals and to give the bargaining committee nition I put in. who were slugged. the right to call a. strike be rejected? Yes Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, (5) E. J. Freundt, box 748, Gary, Ind. or no. will the gentleman yield? Is a man a demagogue because he does Is a man a demagogue because he pro Mr. HOFFMAN. Yes. not agree with the sentiment of Van A. • tests when pickets at Gary, Ind., keep .M;r, RUTHERFORD. Under the pro Bittner, who, on the 28th of February, at men and women from their jobs, beat up Visions of the lease-lend bill, is it not the Bethlehem plant, boastfully stated girls, and defy officers charged with the the gentleman's opinion that the powers that the Government "did not believe we enforcement of the law? conferred upon the President, if he de- could close the plant, but we did"? •
1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE ·2227 , Is a man a demagogue because he be Is a man a demagogue because he can more efficiency, less domination - by lieves from the bottom of his heart that not go <~.long with Frankensteen, who is unions? no individual, no organization, should be now doing what he can to keep the Allis Is a man a demagogue becam:e he pro~ able to block our defense program? Be Chalmers plant closed and who said on tests when men on relief are denied work cause he believes in the necessity of, and another occasion that Ford would "either as carpenters unless they kick in $57.50 offers and urges the passage of, legisla recognize the union or he won't build au for a work permit? tion which will forward our national de tomobiles," this when we know that Ford Is he a demagogue because he says fense? is building automobiles for the Army as it is un-American, unpatriotic, when Is a ·man a demagogue just because he well as for commercial buyers? C. I. 0. men refuse to cut logs into lum refuses to remain silent when wreckers Is a man a demagogue when he pro ber, A. F. of L. teamsters refuse to deliver like Bittner, with their goon squads, defy tests the leadership of Powers Hapgood, finished lumber to Army cantonments, the courts, violate the laws, beat up who again is making trouble in industries for the erection of buildings necessary to workers, and, in spite of the Government, producing for national defense, when he protect draftees and enlisted men from a shut down production in industries pro remembers that Hapgood was a moving :fiu epidemic? ducing the materials which we need for spirit in an organization which Johri L. Is a Member of Congress a demagogue adequate national defense? . Lewis said was "doing .its dirtiest to cap when he joins the C. I. 0. in protesting . Is a man a demagogue who, when he ture the United Mine Workers and to that the A. F. of L. is racketeering when -learns from the public press that vio transform this union into a Communist it collects $350,000 from workers at Fort .Jence and rioting at the Lackawanna organization"? Hapgood, the man whom Grant, Rockford,. Ill., for work permits plant of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation Lewis himself characterized as a "fakir, and dues? was so great that all available Buffalo a traitor to . the unions, a purveyor of Is a man a demagogue because he ob police, squad cars, and men, were called every falsehood, slander, and deception." jects to the activities of these unions to the scene-when he learns that the Is a man a demagogue because he asks when he learns from the Labor Depart Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the only for legislation which will prevent slow ment figures that, during the last half adequate source of the Government for downs, when he knows that at the Inter of 1940, 3,904,922 man-days were lost be heavy armor plate, has been compelled, national Harvester Co. strike one of the cause of strikes? · That the increase for because of the violence of the C. I. 0., to union organizers and leaders-! think it the last half was 1,500,000 man-days over ask for governmental intervention in or- was Bittner~stated that even though the those lost during the first half of the . der that its work may go on, .calls upon strike was settled there would shortly year. Membe.rs of Congress to enact legislation after the settlement be a slow-down? Day before yesterday at St. Louis, Mo., .whicb will end the activities of those who Is a man a demagogue because he con the largest small-arms plant now .under are making it impossible for us to .tends that here in Washington we should construction, a $117,000,000 project, was carry on? . -have legislation which will enable those tied up when A. F. of L. building laborers Is a man a demagogue because he in ·wor.king at the Medical Center and the ·Were called out on strike because Earl sists that the policy· of those who, fit Army as well, which is doing a part of · Jennings, business agent of Local 42, was Fort Sheridan and at the Great Lakes the work, to get the material needed to .denied a p·ermanent permit to ente:t the 'Naval Training Station, will not. permit .continue construction? · project at will. . ·American citizens to work· as carpenters Is a .man a demagogue· because he does Stowell, superintendent of the Fruco until they have paid $122 initiation fee, not join hands with those who insist that · Construction Co., said that, under Gov: deny employment to laborers until they no man can work for his Government, ernment order, permanent passes to the .have paid $42, be ended? in defense of his home and fireside, until grounds are limited to the officials and Is a man a demagogue because he does he has paid the C. I. b. or the A. F. of L.? men actually engaged on the job. When not sit silent when C. I. 0. pickets tie Has the time come when unionism is he was not able to get the rule modified uo the Government's source of tin a.t .more important than patriotism? When as requested by the union, they pulled otf the Calumet-Illinois Corporation in Gary membership in a union is required as a their men. · ·and block the gates of other plants? condition precedent to rendering service Stowell said that when he referred the ~ Is a · man a demagogue when he joins · to the country? union demand to the· Army officials at the Undersecretary of War and seeks to Is a man a demagogue because he asks St. Louis ·they took the matter up with curb strikes in defense . industries. after for legislation which will enable the Navy, ·washington, and "the final order· came that official has declared that the strikes whose. demands were defied at Detroit, through that business agents would have ·are causing rearmament officials as much which will enable the Army, whose rea to obtain special passes every time· they concern as would a shortage of basic sonable requests are denied here by labor desired to come on the job." materials? . organizers, to successfully combat those What right has a business agent on a Is a man a demagogue because he does unpatriotic demands? Government small-arms plant job? With not agree with the policy of R. J. Thomas Is a man a demagogue because he in the unions infested with Communists, it of the U. A. W. A.-C. I. 0., who unpatriot sists that the biblical admonition that no is about time that we here in washington ically intending to hold up work on na man can serve two masters shall be ap demonstrate to these unions and their tional-defense material, said on January plied here in Washington and that Sid- business agents that Uncle Sam· is en 13, before the Genesee County Bar As . ney Hillman be required to decide gaged in a defense program; that we will sociation- whether he will serve the C. I. 0. or the not tolerate for one moment their unrea I won't guarantee to anyone there won't Federal Government; to make his choice sonable demands; that we make them be a strike at Ford's. I'm going to try to between the master who pays him and realize that they are servants of the Re cause one. the one who asks his unswerving loyalty? public and that the defense program was Is a man a demagogue because he in Is a man a demagogue because he not devised to afford them a source of sists that this same R. J. Thomas get a claims that the C. I. 0. has no right, at revenue. dose of law enforcement when he at Milwaukee, -in the Allis-Chalmers con The task of Congress is not half com tempts to carry out the threat made when troversy to demand that that company pleted. We shall follow in the disastrous he said- violate the law by discharging employees footsteps of France if we fail to put our I'm going to do everything I can to stop because they belong to the A. F. of L.? house in order. Her army, heralded as production at the Ford Motor Co. Or condemns the demand of the A. F. the best, her fortifications proclaimed to That was his statement on January 29, of L. at ·wright Field, in Dayton, Ohio, be the strongest in all the world, were . 1941. that the contractors there be compelled swept away as is dust before a hurricane. Who is this man, R. J. Thomas, who to refuse to accept the work of four To meet the mighty blast of a united, threatens to stop the production which C. I. 0. electricians who have been em powerful foe was a people torn by selfish will give the Army the tanks and cars it ployed in New York on subcontract work? groups, their every effort rendered futile needs? Is he the paid agent of Hitler, Is he a demagogue because he joins an by lack of devotion to the common good, or is he working in behalf of the Com Army officer who testified that the cost to France as a nation. munists, or is he just a common grafting at Fort Meade had been increased by 40 Here in America, while we add to the racketeer, a parasite living on the dues percent because of poor leadership, in taxpayer's burden, mortgage our Nation's collected from honest workingmen? efficient workers, in asking that we have future, conscript the youth of the land, 2228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 and prepare a devil's brew which we com Mr. SABATH. I cannot yield. I feel Department shall cooperate with State pel our people to drink, we protect and that the two large labor organizations agencies and shall utilize their services, further the cause of those whose activities should get together to eliminate friction and shall furnish them with their rna .. hinder and delay both national defense and jurisdictional disputes. I think it terials and reports. The bill, in brief, and aid to Britain. would be most helpful and beneficial; but merely provides the right of inspection, Mr. Speaker, I could go on all after as to legislation, only a few days ago--· recommendation, and report. I shall noon, and cite instances of sabotage. Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I make leave to the able chairman of the Com I shall not bore the Members further, but the point of order the gentleman from mittee on Mines and Mining, and to the I say this, that just as long as I am here lllinois is not speaking to the rule. sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from and can get the floor, every day or every The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. FLANNERY], to explain other day, at least two or three times a Illinois will proceed in order. in detail the provisions of the bill. week, you gentlemen on the Democratic Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I shall Before I conclude I must state that Mr. side are going to have this matter called proceed in order, and I think I am. For FLANNERY, and the Democratic whip, Mr. to your attention, and it is going to de the present I shall not say anything con BoLAND, and the chairman of the com lay your progress once in a while on some cerning the United States Chamber of mittee, Mr. SMITH, of West Virginia, and legislative program unless you take it in Commerce and the United States Manu the other gentleman from West Virginia, hand and solve the situation. I know facturers Association having passed reso Mr. RANDOLPH, and a great many oth that you are patriotic, that you have the lutions and gone on record against any ers, have been endeavoring for a long ability, but I do not know why in God's legislation in respect to strikes, or against time to obtain action on this legisla name we have fussed along and dodged labor organizations; but in view of the tion, and I feel that they are entitled this issue as long as we have. fact that I wish to bring before the to the thanks of the House, which can Mr. PATRICK. Mr. Speaker, will the House the bill H. R. 2082 which this rule now legislate for these thousands and gentleman yield? that I have reported makes in order, let thousands of men who have been sub Mr. HOFFMAN. Yes. me state that this legislation has been jected to hardships and have suffered Mr. PATRICK. I want to state to the sought for many years. Unfortunately, tremendously in years gone by. The gentleman that I do not think there is last session, due to the press of defense inspection which is provided for in this any demagoguery in the position that he legislation, it was impossible for me as bill will eliminate from 1,500 to 3,000 has taken here, in the fight that he has chairman of the Committee on Rules to deaths in mines in the United States, been making along that line, that ought report a rule for its consideration. Even and will afford protection to thousands· to be talked through. [Applause.] though 215 Members of the House at that of others from ravaging diseases. Mr. HOFFMAN. That is fine. I love session had signed a petition to discharge Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. that, and I hope the home folks will get the committee from further considera Speaker, will the gentleman yield? it, but over and above that, may I not tion, which under the rules of the House Mr. SABATH. Yes. appeal to the gentleman, and to his asso called for the consideration of the bill by Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. This ciates to really do something about that, the House itself, it was too late in the bill comes in with a unanimous report? to get us out a bill, and come on and session to consider the measure. Mr. SABATH. Yes. join with us in the fight to save America Therefore I am glad that the Com Mr. MARTIN of Massa:chusetts. The for Americans-get your committee to mittee on Rules has been able at this gentleman from Dlinois in giving credit bring a bill on the floor of the House and time and sv early in the session to report to those responsible happened to mention get a roll call upon it, and I believe we a rule for this deserving and meritorious all Democrats. ·I suppose, in view of the will nDt find 50 men who will vote against bill. This action was made possible when fact that the bill comes in with a unani it. [Applause.] the members of the Committee on Mines mous report, some others on that com Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance and Mining appeared before the Rules mittee may have had something to do of my time. Committee and agreed to eliminate sec with it. INVESTIGATIONS IN COAL MINES tion 2 of the bill to which objections had Mr. SABATH. Yes; but the others The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes been interpOsed as originally reported by were most insistent and persisted that the gentleman from Dlinois for 1 hour. their committee and to insert in lieu action be taken. Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 thereof the following: Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. The minutes to the gentleman from New York The Secretary of the Interior, acting gentleman tried to be fair, I know. [Mr. F'IsHJ. through the United States Bureau of Mines, 1s further authorized and empowered to make Mr. SABATH. I said it was a unani Mr. Speaker, it is to be regretted that or cause to be made the inspections provided mous report. The objection to section the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. HoFF- for in section 1 of this act at other than an 2 came from the Democratic side. Some 1\IANJ does not use his great ability in be nual intervals at any time in his discretion Members on the Democratic side ob half of legislation rather than to contin when the making of such inspections or in jected to that. I am always appreciative uously harp upon organized labor. vestigations in the mine concerned will be in furtherance of the purposes of this act. of the minority whenever they join the I fear that the gentleman is suffering majority on legislation that is helpful from "open shopnitis." While I agree The agreement of the Committee on and beneficial to the country and to the that there are some abuses on the part Mines and Mining to submit the amend of some unions, I feel that these labor preservation of life. ment as &. committee amendment from I shall not detain the House, this being organizations on the whole have per the floor enabled the Committee on Rules formed a great deal for the cause of labor; a unanimous report. I do not think there to take expeditious action the following will be any objection to the rule what and though I dislike to observe ·strikes day in reporting out the rule and I am at this time, the labor organizations happy that we have the bill before us for ever. should not be held responsible at every consideration today. Mr. SCHULTE. Mr. Speaker, will the turn for bringing them about. Strikes Mr. Speaker, H. R. 2082- provides for gentleman yield? are to be deplored, .and as a friend of ot: the inspection of coal mines annually Mr. SABATH. I yield. ganized labor I again urge that the or under the direction of the Bureau of Mr. SCHULTE. Does not the gentle ganizations and· factions cease their bick Mines. The purpose of these inspec man think that a great deal of credit erings and to take advice from the level tions is to obtain information as to should go to our colleague from Pennsyl headed men of their organizations in health and safety conditions, to ascer vania, Mr. FLANNERY, because of his un striving to eliminate frictions in the fu tain the causes of accidents involving in tiring efforts in bringing this to the at ture. It has taken years to build up these jury or loss of life, and the causes of tention of the country? organizations, and it will be deplorable occupational diseases. The bill provides Mr. SABATH. i have so stated. The indeed if, due to the acts of a few unions, that it shall be the duty of the Bureau gentleman from Indiana £Mr. ScHuLTE] the advantages they have gained will be of Mines to prepare studies and statis is also entitled to some credit, because he taken from them. tics of these conditions and to report was one of those who has importuned me Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the to the Congress and to the Bureau of to grant a rule. I could mention many gentleman yield? the Census. It further provides that the other names. 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2229
Mr. Speaker, I now yield 30 minutes to About 90 percent of all the coal produced modernly equipped mines in Ohio. It is the gentleman from New York [Mr. in the country is produced in 10 States. one of the hazards of the most hazardous FISH], who, I know, will also advocate the Pennsylvania is the greatest producer of industry in the country. There were passage of this broad and liberal rule that coal of any of the States. West Virginia probably 800 or a thousand men em will give Members a chance to offer is next, while Kentucky is third, Illinois plo~ · ed in that mine. They were down amendments and improve the bill, if that is fourth, and Ohio is fifth. Tennessee, under the surface of the earth probably is possible. [Applause.] Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, and Michi 400 feet, and a great explosion took place. I reserve the balance of my time. gan also produce some coal. The coal They had no warning. They were busy Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, this is a produced outside of these States named earnil.g a living for their families. They humane and humanitarian piece of legis is a negl"gible quantity in comparison to had a right to put their faith in the mine lation aimed to safeguard the lives of the total amount produced. owners and in their State and National American miners by providing for in In my great State of Ohio, coal is pro Governments that they would be protect spection of safety and health conditions duced only in probably 20 of the 88 coun ed, and until we, as their representatives in the mines throughout the Nation. It ties, but in these counties where coal is in the State and National Governments, comes to the House with a unanimous produced practically all of the great ~r~g do our utmost to protect them, we have report from the Committee on Mines and edies happen. Mr. FISH, the distin not done our full duty. In an effort to do Mining and also fr9m the Committee on guished gentleman from New York, who my full duty I propose to do all I can to Rules. Republicans and Democrats are has just preceded me, stated that there secure the passage of this bill. These men united on both of those committees in is no chance that the passage of this bill had no means of escape; they had no favor of this legislation. will prevent all these great accidents. chance to save their lives. They call upon However, I do not believe it is quite fair We do not claim that it will prevent all us from their graves to see to it that to the membership of the House or to the such accidents but if it will prevent one others are not sacrificed as they were. public or to those who work in the mines accident such as the one that occurred The scene that I have described is only to try to make out that this bill will put in my district at Millfield, Ohio, about 10 one of many similar disasters. Just last an end to these tragic accidents that years ago, it will have justified itself year another terrible disaster happened have been occurring for years, and par many times over. Or, as far as that goes, at St. Clairsville, within probably 75 ticularly during the last year. if it will save the life of one man it is miles of where the one happened that I Approximately 1,500 miners lost their worth our consideration. have just described. A few months ago lives in tragic accidents last year. The While there will be no serious objec another accident happened in that com purpose of this bill is to empower the tions to this bill, if any are advan~ed munity that, although it did not result in Federal Government, through the De they will be in one of two categones. the death of as many miners, it was ter partment of the Interior in cooperation Someone may say that this bill will be rible in that for days they were unable with the Bureau of Mines to investigate an additional cost to the Government as to recover the bodies of those who had safety and health· conditions in the coal it is an additional activity of the Govern died at their post of duty. mines and make recommendations. The ment. Let me answer that argument. It Mr. Speaker, in all solemnity and all bill provides no authority or power to en is an additional activity of the Govern seriousness, I again repeat that if we can force those recommendations. It is ment but it is so insignificant from the here today do something that will save hoped that the inspections and the standpoint of its expense that that is no the life of one miner or prevent any one recommendations will be made in coop argument against the measure. The of these great disasters that will happen eration with the various State mine-in committee has so amended the bill now in spite of the greatest care, we will have spection bureaus and that if anything is that it provides it must be administered done a good day's work. wrong, the people of America will be by the Bureau of Mines. This will pre Now, let us see if the State organiza advised and that the searchlight of piti vent setting up a new agency, and the tions are sufficient. I maintain that they less publicity will be directed against un only expense will be the actual expense of do fine work. Probably the greatest dis safe and unhealthy conditions that en carrying the benefits of the law to the asters have been the result of conditions danger the lives of those who work below people. In behalf rf the Bureau of Mines beyond the experience of the inspectors. the ground. · let :ne say there is no finer activity of the In other words, quite frequer_tly an acci Mr. Speaker, I want it distinctly under dent will happen from new causes. If we Government. It has done a wonderful can get the cooperation of the best minds stood that this is a unanimous re worl~ and it can be trusted to do a good port and that it is not a political one; job in this instan0e. The same may be in the Federal service and of the best that both parties are combined to fur minds in the State service and furnish said of the bureaus of mines in the them with proper equipment I am sure ther this humane legislation which has various States. Pennsylvania, no doubt, for its main purpose the safeguarding we will show a lessening of these dis has a fine operating organization. Ohio asters. and protecting of the lives of the miners. has a fine operating organization. These It simply provides for Federal inspection I remember an accident that happened State organizations can be depended near my city where one Monday morning and recommendation. upon to cooperate with the Federal agen We do not want it to go out throughout 80 men went down to work in a shaft 600 cy to the fullest extent. In spite of feet below the surface of the earth. Each the country that this bill is more than it the fact that Ohio has a fine organi really is. All it does is to provide for in and every one of those 80 men was zation, Ohio had 4 or 5 terrific acci asphyxiated and had to be brought out spections and recommendations. It will dents within the last few years. Only not prevent accidents or guarantee that by rescue crews. Thanks, however, to the about 8 years ago in my district I wit skill and efficiency of the rescue crews, there will not be any future explosions nessed the terrible scene of seeing 80 and accidents. [Applause.] they were able to save the lives of every bodies brought out of a mine as a re one of those 80 men. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 10 minutes to sult of a terrific accident for which not the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. JENKINs]. But a goodly number of them are draw one of those poor men was responsible. ing State compensation because of their Mr. JENKINS of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, They were not responsible for it in any I appreciate very much this opportunity injuries, and will continue to draw as way. That was a scene that I shall never long as they live. They did not draw to say a few words in favor of this mine forget. The sight of 80 bodies lying in any compensation for some time as it inspection bill which is a very worthy rows in the empty loft of a store was one . had not been determined what was the piece of legislation. The life and safety that would shock the most stout-hearted. cause of the accident. No blame was of human beings is one of the first re Then to witness the anguish of the wives attached on the company for any willful sponsibilities of government. Ours truly and children of those whose lives had or careless negligence. Still the men had is a Government for the people. been snuffed out was a trying ordeal. I been injured and were entitled to con Anyone will be surprised when he looks hope that I shall never have to see such a sideration. I took up this with the into the matter to find that coal is pro sight again. ·what was the cause of this Workmen's Ccmpcnsation Department of duced in so few localities in the United terrible disaster? It cannot be placed on the State of Ohio to determine what was States and in such a small area as com the shoulders of the dead. It did not the real cause of the injury. We had a pared to the total area. I d~re say of the happen as the direct willful negligence of great fight to convince the department 48 States there is not 1 pound of coal the operating company. This accident that this accident was one for which com produced in more tban half of them. happened in one of the largest and most pensation was allowable. After months 2230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE . MARCH 13 of hearings-mostly medical-we were finest administration. There need be no children, and friends gathered around able to show that although this was such jealousy-no lack of cooperation between there, wondering each time a body is an accident as to be beyond the experi the State agencies and the Federal agen brought up whether their loved ones ence of people generally, still it was cies under this law. The Federal agency would be brought up dead or alive, or, one over which the men had no control, need not project itself unnecessarily or indeed, wondering many times if they and they should be compensated. We unduly into the functions and provinces would ever be broug!"lt up at all, can were able to show that these men were of the State organizations, and I am sure appreciate what this bill does. afilicted by reason of a poisonous gas they will not; but whenever 50 or 75 It certainly is encouraging for· us to caused by the burning of rubbish down men are trappecarbon monoxide and car saving the lives of those who need assist inadequate track bonding, because of bon dioxide had been generated by ance. The most hazardous work is that loose rock and poor. timbering, black that great bonfire of rubbish, and that of mining, and mining requires more damp, foul air, lack of rock dusting, be the men suffered by the failure to re courage on the part of a workman than cause of the lack of proper braddish move that gas. That accident gave rea any other line of employment. work, and a great many other causes. sons for the mine disaster experts to How many people have been killed in In my district, in drilling for natural be on the lookout in the future that mine accidents in the last 40 years? I gas, we quite frequently strike wells such an accident should not occur again. heard Mr. John L. Lewis testify before which produce as much as 500,000 cubic The ordinary workman does not know the our Ways and Means Committee 3 or 4 feet of natural gas daily. This gas, when difference between carbon monoxide and years ago that 79,900 miners had been properly mixed with air, is highly ex carbon dioxide, but the gases are equally fatally injured in the past 37 years and plosive. poisonous, and one kills or inj';lre~ ju?t 14 times as many had been injured, many With the .coming of mechanical equip as effectively as the other. While It did of them injured terribly and . perma ment, electricity is coming into more not make any difference to the miner nently. I dare say that by today there universal use in the mines, and this is which it was caused him the suffering or have been 90,000 fatal accidents in the a contributory cause of a great many of loss of his health, still it did make a big mines of the country. When you think the disastrous explosions in the mines, difference in knowing how to prevent like of 90,000 people having been killed in partly because the sparks from this elec occurrences; and how to deal with them the small area of the few States in this tricity hlay ignite tl;le gases almost when they occur in the future. That country where coal is mined you can see always to be found in mines. Then, too, mine, well equipped as it was, was not that the fatality is terrific in proportion this machinery makes a great amount equipped to show the differenc_e ~etween to other industries. Then, you must add of coal dust which, if not properly rock carbon monoxide and carbon diOXIde, but to that 14 times that number to give you dusted, is highly explosive. In the past surely the Bureau of Mines here in an idea of the terrible toll of life and a great many operators, a great many Washington is equipped and qualified to happiness this industry takes. The kind districts, and a great many States have make such a determination if it should of in.iuries the miners suffer are most cooperated in mining laws and have en ever be necessary. Those who work in distressing, injuries that come from ex forced them most loyally, but this should mines live iri constant terror of these ter plosions-blindness and disfiguration be required to be uniform throughout the. rible gas explosions, and we hope that frequently the result. And then there Nation, because if one company, district, they can be prevented. are the injuries that come from the or State goes to the expense of putting In this connection it is interesting to breathing of these poisonous gases that in the most adequate and the most far compare the mining of today with mining · bring about such a decrasia of blood reaching safety measures it puts that of 40 years ago. Forty years ago more from which the miner never recovers. company, State, or district under a dif people worked in the mines than work in He might possibly recover to the point ferential as against those States, dis the mines today, but they had fewer acci of being able to walk around but never tricts, or companies that do not comply dents and fewer fatalities then than now. to the point of being able to engage in with all of the precautionary measures. Why? I will tell you why. We produced gainful employment. This is, therefore, an attempt to bring coal by different methods in those days. I want to compliment those who with about a uniform procedure in this mat Today it is produced mechanically; today myself have been responsible for this bill ter and will result in a more even dis it is produced by high explosives; today and bringing it to the fioor. From my tribution of the costs of production. it is produced by crews working day and district will come to you assurances that night; today it is produced by crews of Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the com your work is greatly appreciated. To mittee on bringing in this piece of legis men, each doing a different part of the those of you who support this measure job. They work under high pressure. lation. I congratulate everyone who has I can bring assurance that you will have been active in forwarding it; and I want We have one group of men doing one the eternal gratitude of the man who to express the sincere hope that no Mem thing-another group doing another goes down into the pits of darkness and thing. In a modern mine you will see danger to bring to you the coal that ber in this House will feel called upon men going in and coming out at all hours brings to you and your family warmth to vote against the measure which is of the day-some technically equipped, and safety. [Applause.] designed to prevent the unnecessary loss some skilled in every respect, and others [Here the gavel fell.] of life in the mining industry. who do the manual work. So mining Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield This legislation does not interfere with has gotten to be quite a science. Engi 5 minutes to the gentleman from Penn the mining regulations of the various neers, technical men, chemical men, and sylvania [Mr. FADDIS]. States but attempts to make sure that men skilled in all trades must be em Mr. FADDIS. Mr. Speaker, I am glad they work in a more efficient manner. I ployed in carrying on the work. It is indeed that the Federal Government is at believe the bill is so framed as to pre often that this high-pressured mechani last going to undertake supervision of clude it being prostituted to any un cal way of mining is the cause of the the mines throughout the United States worthy purpose. production of conditions from which in order that something may be done to I hope the bill will pass. [Applause.] these explosions occur. The equipment coordinate the work of the various States Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 intended to provide pure air does not to prevent the disastrous catastrophes minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee have time to do its work after one turn which menace the lives of all those who [Mr. JENNINGS]. has worked until another comes on. go down into the bowels of the earth to Mr. JENNINGS. Mr. Speaker, this Now I want to compliment those on earn their daily bread. Anyone who has measure is fair both to the operators and the committee who were wise enough to ever been around a pit mouth following to the miners. The mining of coal is a suggest that this bill be put together a mine disaster and watched the anxious, basic industry, vital to the life of the under terms that would admit of the sorrowful, prayerful crowd of women, .people from the standpoint of its use in 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2231 their homes for heating purposes, in their and to detect dangerous practices and vestigation I ·have found that· the Bitu industry, and in our national defense. dangerous conditions. minous Coal Commission has taken no The mining of coal is a hazardous call Mr. Speaker, last year 1,420 miners lost step, in the face of these widespread mine ing, one of the most hazardous callings their lives in mine accidents in this coun disasters, to set on foot any movement to in which men who labor must engage. try. That cannot be explained, in my inspect mines. This is due to the nature of the opera opinion, upon any other hypothesis or Mr. WOODRUFF of Michigan. Does tion. It involves the removal from un theory than that there must be some not that legislation, however, give the derneath the surface of the earth of the mines in operation which are inherently Commission the right to do that if it sees coal that is mined, which is a progres dangerous, because I know the operators fit to do so? sive operation. As the coal is withdrawn, do not want to see this loss of life. They Mr. JENNINGS. I think it does, but I the support of the overlying top is with are humanitarian men in sympathy with do not think it goes as far as this bill. drawn and in order to make the opera their employees and anxious to safeguard Under the law at this time, the repre tion safe, the top must be properly and their life and limb. The operators and sentatives of the Bureau of Mines have continuously supported by timbers prop the men are friends. Many operators be no right to go into a coal mine to conduct erly set. In addition to that, in order to gan life as coal miners. an inspection over the protest of the carry a proper amount of pure air to In addition, the operator has an incen owner. those engaged in the operation, airways tive to carry on his mining operations in [Here the gavel fell.] must parallel the entries of the mine as a safe and lawful manner because of the Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the- operation proceeds . underneath the fact that in each of the States where coal 5 additional minutes to the gentleman mountain and underneath the earth. mining is conducted there is on the stat from Tennessee. Most of the coal in large mines is un ute books a workmen's compensation Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. dercut with mining machines, which op law which makes the operator liable to Speaker, will the gentleman yield? eration produces a large amount of fine any injured employee regardless of the Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle dust. The circulating-air currents sus negligence of that employee, unless it was man from Michigan. pend this dust in the air, and, as a result, willful and akin almost to an attempt to Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. I may say much of it settles upon the props and commit suicide. So there is the incen to the gentleman that at no time in the sides of the mine and is suspended in tive to the operator to carry on a safe testimony before our committee was it these circulating-air currents. Many of operation not only from a humanitarian admitted that any Federal bureau in the accidents which occur in mines are standpoint but because he knows that .if spector had ever been denied admittance caused by falling slate and coal, due to an accident happens resulting in injury to a mine in the last 15 or 20 years. _ a failure to adequately timber the top. or death he must respond in damages in Mr. JENNINGS. I am not saying that The most devastating loss of life grows an amount fixed by the workmen's com anyone has been denied the right to out of the periodic explosions in the mines pensation law, regardless of the contrib enter a m.ine, but I am saying that under utory negligence of the injured party or the law as it is now the inspector does· of'the country. regardless of the negligence of a fellow not have the r~ght to enter the mine, - In my district in 1902 there occurred servant. an explosion in the Fraterville mine par has the Bureau of Mines the right This bill is designed to enable the Bu _to publicize and open to the public the. which cost the lives of 184 men and boys. reau of Mines to send experienced mining Again in 1911 in the Cross Mountain findings made by their employees as a engineers, experienced miners, into every result of their inspections. mine in Anderson County an explosion coal mine in the country to investigate occurred which cost the lives of 84 men Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, will and report the facts. This investigation the gentleman yield? and boys. Within the history of the min will disclose the conditions and methods ing business of this country more than of operation, and will result in everybody Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle 84,000 lives of those who go down into connected with the operation being on man from Pennsylvania. the bowels of the earth have been lost, tiptoes all the time in an effort to con Mr. VAN ZANDT. We recognize the and more than 500,000 men and boys have duct the operation in the safest manner fact that under the Guffey Coal Act the been maimed and crippled in mine acci possible: · authority is there to make-the inspec dents. I found out last year from the head of tions, but we who represent practical I know about these operations because the Bureau of Mines that the Bureau has miners do not want administrative offi they are carried on in a number of the in its employ and had at that time only cials to conduct inspections; we want counties of my district. Most of the mine 24 mine inspectors. There are more than actual miners such a : are employed by explosions that occur are in reality dust 6,000 coal mines in active operation in the Bureau of Mines. explosions. The dust accumulates, and the United States, so that you can see the Mr. JENNINGS. That is right. What then a pocket of gas is formed, which is utter futility and impossibility of an ade would men who have never been in a ignited by a spark from a wire or from quate inspection being made by the Bu coal mine know about whether it was a the light of a miner's lamp, which pro reau of Mines with only 24 inspectors. safe or unsafe operation? duces a gas explosion and this in turn In each coal-mining State, and in mine Mr. FLANNERY. Mr. Speaker, will operates as a percussion cap, exploding especially, we have a very far-reaching the gentleman yield? the mine dust itself that has accumu regulatory statute with respect to the Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle lated in the mine. The devastating after.. inspection of mines. It has teeth in it. mal from Pennsylvania. math of an explosion is due to the cr-ea It gives the State mine inspector the Mr. FLANNERY. Is it not a fact that tion of poisonous and deadly gases and right, through court proceedings, to shut the Guffey Coal Act has no reference by fire which results from the explosion, down any mine which his investigation whatever to the huge anthracite indus and, as has just been stated on the floor shows to be dangerous, and, in addition, try? by the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. JEN our TenneEsee mining law requires that Mr. JENNINGS. That is also true. KINS], a mine accident is one of the most coal-mine opzrators employ a certificated In addition to the inherent danger of disastrous things that may tefall men mine foreme.n who daily is required to go the operation and the vast numbers of who work. into the mines and make an inspection. casualties that are suffered as a result of This measure is not a police measure, Mr. WOODRUFF of Michigan. Mr. this danger, there are certain occupa it is not in any sense regulatory; it simply Speaker, will the gentleman yield? . tiona! diseases that go hand-in-hand gives the Bureau of Mines the right to Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle with the mining of coal, such as anthra select from qualified lists men who have man from Michigan. cosis, sil!cosis, and occupational pneu_. had engineering experience and who are Mr. WOODRUFF of Michigan. Is it mania. qualified as mining engineers, and who not true that under the provisions of the I know the coal miners. I have lived have had as much as 5 years' under Guffey Coal Act the Commission han among them. There is no finer body of ground experience in mining to conduct dling the activities under that particular men in this country than those who go annual examination of mines throughout piece of legislation already has the power down into the mines and bring forth the country and other examinations when to do everything this proposed bill would coal from the bowels of the earth. They they are necessary. The purpose of this permit anyone to do? are fine citizens, and they are patriotic. investigation is to ascertain the kind of Mr. JENNINGS. · I do not think so. I I mentioned a few days ago on the floor methods that are employed in the mines was under that impression. but upon in- of this House and I want to mention 2232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 again that in Morley, a little mmmg and also an ascertainment of facts which haps 1,500 feet down· in the bowels of the town in Campbell County in my district, will lead, if necessary, to the enactment earth and, probably, back from any open where there are only 20 families, 40 of of legislation which will make their call ing in that mine 8 or 10 miles and when their boys of military age, old enough to ing a safer one. [Applause.] an explosion occurs, you can see what get into the armed services of the coun [Here the gavel fell.] little chance there is for any of these try, have volunteered. They did the EXTENSION OF REMARKS men ever reaching the surface. They same thing in the World War. One of have to go through the black damp, the outstanding heroes of that war was Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani through the gases that have accumulated Bob Slover, a coal miner of Coal Creek, mous consent to extend my own remarks and caused by the explosion and then who when his battalion was held up by in the RECORD, and include therein a come back to the opening of the mine, machine-gun fire and a number of squads statement made before our committee by either to the drift mouth or to the shaft that had been sent against the German the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. VIN opening. Therefore it is a hazardous machine gunner had been killed, finally soN]. occupation. Is got permission from his captain to crawl The SPEAKER pro tempore. there I do not regard this bill as a challenge out on his belly through no-man's land, objection to the request of the gentle to the mine owners, neither is it a chal and being a squirrel shooter from the man from Georgia? lenge to the State mining officers. It is mountains of Anderson County, before There was no objection. an offer of aid, an offer not only to the it was over with he had shot the last INVESTIGATION OF MINES miners, but to the State officers and to German machine gunner out Of the trees Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, when I the operators of all the skill and all the from which they were dealing death to mentioned some of the gentlemen who knowledge that our Federal mining ex ou"':' forces. The coal miners are a patri have been after me to report out this perts may have. We owe this to them otic people and they are in need of this bill I failed to mention the gentleman and we owe it to every man who offers legislation. from West Virginia [Mr. RAMSAY], as his. services to delve down into the earth Mr. JENKINS of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, being among that number, and I now and bring out these treasures for the will the gentleman yield? take pleasure in yielding to him 6 min American people. We could not operate Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle utes. the industry of this country and we could man from Ohio. Mr. RAMSAY. Mr. Speaker, coming not live in this country without their Mr. JENKINS of Ohio. Is it not a fact from the State that produces more bi work. It is a necessary work and they that the mining industry is the most tuminous coal than any other State in are entitled to everything we can offer hazardous one, and is it not also a fact the Union, of course I would naturally be them in the way of aid and advice in that it requires more courage ·to follow for this bill. I am for it because I order to make these mines not only safe mining than any other occupation? believe it will be a great benefit not only for the men who work there, but safe for Mr. JENNINGS. Absolutely. A man to the miners but to the operators and the employers as well. [Applause.] engaged in excavating coal has his life owners of the mines. Of course, we have Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 constantly in his hands, for the reason our own mining laws in West Virginia minutes to the gentleman from Ohio rMr. that in the very nature of the operation and they are good ones, too, but our THOM]. he is constantly rendering a safe place mining laws are not adequate to meet Mr. THOM. Mr. Speaker, the State of dangerous. He is taking the coal from the situation of taking care of the mines Ohio has 25,000 coal miners, and I know beneath the roof of the mine, and as he properly. Probably our laws are like the that they will rejoice over the passage of progresses we have what we call horse laws of the rest of the States in that they this coal inspection bill. At first glance backs and kettles, pieces of slate that only require for their mine inspectors an there may be some criticism, as this seems are up in the top and that fall without experience of so many years of working to be a duplication of effort. We all know any warning. The work must be con in the mines, probably 8 years, and I that the States have their own mine in ducted by men skilled in the calling, and submit that this is not sufficient to make spection services, maintained by the State it must be conducted under the constant a real mine inspector. I have always governments, but I believe that in a thing supervision of men who know the haz advocated that a mine inspector should that affects so closely human life, some ards incident to coal mining. This meas be a mining engineer. This bill pro duplication will be helpful. A multiplicity ure is designed to preserve the health of vides for the inspector to be a mining of counsel will not be harmful. One in coal miners and to save them and their engineer appointed by the Government spection service will check the other in loved ones from a recurrence of the dis and I believe that one reason alone is assuring safety to the workers. asters that in 1940 cost the lives of 1,420 sufficient reason for the enactment of I am very optimistic about the future coal miners. I favor its passage and this legislation. of the operation of mines with respect to shall vote for it. It is an enlightened Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. accidents, for the reason that we now and humane measure that will result in Speaker, will the gentleman yield? have on the statute books the Guffey Coal benefit to the mine owners and to the Mr. RAMSAY. I only have 5 minutes. Act, under which a fair price is insured coal miners and to all the people of this Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. I shall for the sale of coal by the mine owners. country. not take any of the gentle.man's time. I In the past the coal mining industry has Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, will simply want to make the observation, if been by and large not a profitable busi the gentleman yield? I may, that the bill we are at present ness. It has been beset with deficits, and Mr. JENNINGS. I yield to the gentle considering does not provide that mining possibly some of the accidents have come man. engineers shall make these inspections, about through financial inability of the Mr. VAN ZANDT. Is it not a fact that but I may say to the gentleman that I owners properly to equip the mines with once you are a miner you are always a intend to offer that as an amendment to safety devices. But under the Guffey miner? the bill because I agree with the gentle Coal Act, assured as the mine owners are Mr. JENNINGS. Yes; when they once man from West Virginia. of the cost of production of their prod get into that calling they are inclined to Mr. RAMSAY. I certainly appreciate ucts, there is no reason why there should stick to it. They go in a mine on a hot that. be any future parsimony in providing day and find it cool, and they go in on a Of course, we all know that the miners the necessary safeguards in the mines. cold day and find the temperature just. have the most hazardous occupation of That is one of the great things that what they want it to be. They are a any men employees in our country. ought to flow from the Guffey. Act. people peculiar unto themselves. They While we have been considering this bill Mr. RANDOLPH. Mr. Speaker, will do not like to do anything but dig coal in the Congress there have been explo the gentleman yield? when once they have entered that call sions that have occasioned the death of Mr. THOM. Yes. ing, and, as I said awhile ago, we have some four or five hundred men. So you Mr. RANDOLPH. On the point of the no finer or more patriotic body of men can see the importance of such legisla Coal Stabilization Act, that is, the Guffey beneath the flag than the men who mine tion. This legislation would not guar measure, of course we know that it is our coal, and this is a needed step which antee safety in the mines, nor can any vitally necessary that that be kept in op will throw around them the protection other similar legislation. Mining is a eration. It expires in April, and certainly of the law and which will give them a hazardous occupation. Sometimes there this Congress cannot allow the advan Nation-wide and a uniform inspection, are as many as 1,500 men working per- tages of that act to be discontinued. 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2233 Mr. 'I'HOM. - I thank the gentleman information which is in the hands of the tively stated that mine gas, commonly for his contribution. Bureau of Mines, which is not freely ac called fire-damp, expelled from the mines Now for a few pertinent facts about cessible to the operators and miners to in Pennsylvania each year equals one what happened in the State of Ohio in day unless they request it. Here it will half the volume of all natural gas used 1940: We had two disastrous coal-mine be brought to them by these inspectors in the United States for heating, lighting, explosions. The first occurred at Neffs, and by these investigators. It is a mat and every other purpose. Ohio, in which 100 persons lost their ter of education and dissemination of in Mr. Speaker, during the Seventy-sixth lives; and after that terrible accident formation. Congress the so-called Neely mine-in an Ohio coal.miner, whose name I shall There is not a State nor a mining com spection bill died in committee. The insert in this RECORD because it is worthy pany that has the laboratory facilities present bill, H. R. 2082, introduced on of being preserved in the RECORD. D. for carrying on the scientific experiments January 13, 1941, is similar in some re Cunningham, secretary of Local 283 of that are necessary to carry on this pro spects, but is a modification of the Neely the United Mine Workers of America, gram successfully. Over many years, the bill to such an extent that today it ap wrote a letter on behalf of the miners Bureau of Mines has done this work and pears the membership of this House is in a mine located near Cadiz, Ohio, the has accumulated most valuable informa unanimous in their support of it. Nelms mine. In that letter Mr. Cun tion. It is our duty to see that this same During the calendar year 1940, 1,420 ningham asked for joint inspection by information is carried to ths mines. coal miners lost their lives in mine acci the Federal and State Governments of Many years ago when coal mining be dents. If the provisions of this bill will his particular coal mine, and in the letter gan in this country, it was done in a be instrumental in saving one human life, he stated that it was the feeling of the haphazard fashion with no attention congressional approval . will have been miners there that dangerous conditions paid to engineering and scientific prin more than justified. existed, and that preventive measures ciples involved. Today many mining op We who live in the great coal fields of were far from adequate. erations _1\re carried on in the same way, . Pennsylvania are alive to the hazards That request was directed to both the haphazarCI.Iy. Even in the mines that that confront the coal miner. We know State mine division in Ohio and the are using the best scientific skill, there him as a patriotic American citizen and Bureau of Mines in the city of Wash are large portions of them that are min one who loves his home. ington. The Bureau of Mines in Wash ing coal which was developed with hap To me this bill is nothing more than a ington responded with the statement hazard methods and these portions pre mandate from the coal miners of the Na that it could no: participate in an inspec sent additional hazards. In later years, tion that every possible precaution be tion of this mine unless it was invited to -of course, the larger and more wealthy given them in the pursuit of their haz do so by the State division of mines. mining companies developed their mines ·ardous occupation. That invitation was never forthcoming. along sound engineering _principles, Once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to The Ohio Division of Mines responded by using the best equipment and the emphasize my whole-hearted approval of saying that the thing was so urgent that most advanced safety methods. But this humane legislation and urge my col there still remains much that could and it c~uld not spare the time to invite the leagues to join me in support of H. R. cooperation of the Bureau of Mines in should be done even in these mines. The 2082. Washington. What happened? I am great number of accidents that occur · . Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield sorry to say that the same thing that indicate that great improvements can be the balance of the time on this side to the occurred in that mine at Neffs, Ohio, made. The great majority of mines are gentleman from Florida [Mr. PETERSON], occurred in November of last year at the owned and operated by smaller com who was chairman of the committee Nelms mine in Harrison County, costing panies that do not possess the organiza that investigated some of these unfor the lives of some 30 men. If joint in tion to study sufficiently nor with the tunate mine disasters in our country. spection had been made, perhaps tianger complete knowledge that which is es Mr. PETERSON of Florida. Mr. ous conditions would have been elimi- sential for the reduction of accidents. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to nated and lives saved. · Many of them are under economic pres place in the RECORD at this point an edi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time sure and cannot do the things which are torial from the New York Times and to of the gentleman from Ohio has expired. necessary .for low-accident rate. The revise and extend the remarks I shall responsibility for low cost is placed upon make in connection with this matter. Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the operating officials in the mine and in minutes to a real coal operator, the gen The SPEAKER. Without objection, it order to bring about this, they are in is so ordered. tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY]. clined to "cut the corners" and increase Mr. KELLEY. Mr. Speaker, the oper There was no objection. the hazards. The editorial is as follows: ation of coal mines is my business. I Federal inspection and investigation have been in it for 30 years in some ca of mines carinot nor will not bring about THE HUMAN COST OF COAL pacity, from a laborer to an executive the elimination of all accidents, but as Between July 1938 and the end of January position, to an owner. I firmly believe time goes on and the activities of the of this year coal-mine disasters in the 6 that this piece of legislation is an es States of Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Bureau continue to become more effec Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Tennessee took sential thing to promote the safety of tive with the scientific experimental the miner. It is a great step in that di the lives of 310 men. Many others were in work, gradual reduction in the accident jured. The list is probably not complete. rection. The operation of mines is en rate will be apparent. [Applause.] Certainly, no one who can imagine these tirely different from that of any other Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, I tragedies-who can visualize what happens industry. Mining operations are all car yield the remainder of the time on this underground and what takes place at the ried on underground, in dark subter pit mouth as the dead and wounded are ranean passages, where the men are not side, 1 minute, to the gentleman from carried out-would oppose any honest at grour;ed together, where they work in Pennsylvania [Mr. VAN ZANDTL tempt to prevent mine accidents. two's or three's. Therefore, inspections Mr. VANZANDT. Mr. Speaker, it is The principal way to prevent them is to and investigations become a paramount an honor and a privilege to represent use constant vigilance. Experience has issue, because their activities are not sub the Twenty-third Congressional District shown that this cannot be assured except ject to the scrutiny of their fellowmen of Pennsylvania, situated in the heart of by outside inspection by a governmental the bituminous-coal fields of the great agency. It has also shown that State in and foremen except when those foremen spection is inadequate. To remedy this sit enter the place in which they work. I Keystone State. Mr. Speaker, I intend uation the Flannery bill, which has been have been a firm believer in, and I think to vote for H. R. 2082 in the interest of reported out of the House Committee on experience will prove, that the increase of human life. Mines and Mining, authorizes the United efficient inspections decreases the fre The mining industry in Pennsylvania States Bureau of Mines to make "annual quency of accidents. This is what this is over 100 years of age and to date more or necessary inspections" as to health and than 13,000,000,000 of tons of anthracite safety conditions in coal mines. These in bill will do. It will increase the inspec spections may be made other than annually tions. and bituminous coal have been mined in when an accident has occurred, or on peti It has another great purpose. It will our State. This amount of coal, if taken tion of the majority of workers in a given bring, in an efficient and adequate man from a single opening having dimensions mine or the request of their authorized rep ner, to the operators and to the miners, a 8 feet by 20 feet, would form a tunnel resentative. The findings will be reported vast fund of scientific and engineering 400,000 miles in length. It is authorita- to Congress and made available to the public. 2234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-- HOUSE MARCH 13 There may be details of the bill which from all sides the committee has worked which it can be handled at the present need amendment. The principle is sound. o_ut a bill which it can present to the time. I should like to explain the bill Coal mining is inextricably linked with in Congress with complete confidence. very briefly. terstate commerce. Safety in the mines is properly a Federal concern. There· can be Mr. MURDOCK. Will the gentleman The bill provides annual or necessary no good argument, in law or in humanity, yield? inspections of coal mines by the Bureau against any measure which will reduce the Mr. PETERSON of Florida. I yield to of Mines for the purpose, first of discov risks and hardships inherent in the essen my good friend the distinguished gentle ering the causes of accidents;' second, to tial and heroic occupation of mining coal. man from Arizona. prepare and distribute information and Mr. PETERSON of Florida. Mr. Mr. MURDOCK. It has been brought third to report to the Congress a~d to Speaker, this particular bill is more or out, has it not, that the bill which we the Bureau of the Census. I said acci less a composite bill embodying the ideas present today is an entirely different bill dents, but I include also occupational of many, after hearings. As stated by the from that which was before the commit diseases. Under the bill the inspection chairman of the Committee on Rules, I tee last session? may be made annually or at the discre was chairman of a subcommittee that Mr. PETERSON of Florida. Entirely tion of the Bureau of Mines. The Bu investigated the disaster at St. Clairsville, different. It eliminates certain conflicts reau will be then authorized for the first Ohio. Men familiar with the industry with the State mining authorities. It time by law to enter into the mine work today have portrayed to you the dangers fixes the responsibility not in a new ings and make such inspections and the agency but in an old established agency. law imposes the obligation upo~ the op in mining and the horrors of those disas [Applause.] ters, and of the need for inspection. erator to afford that permission. The The bills which had previously been [Here the gavel fell.] only regulation in the bill is that refusal before the committee embodied various The SPEAKER. The question is on on the part of the operator to permit things that are not in this particular agreeing to the resolution. such an inspection to be made is made a bill. Some of us desired to pursue a sort The resolution was agreed to. misdemeanor and is punishable by a of middle ground, one that would provide Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. fine of not more than $500 or not more for adequate inspection and yet not con Speaker, I move that the House resolve than 90 days in jail. That is the only flict with the jurisdiction of State mining itself into the Committee of the Whole regulation contained in the bill. House on the state of the Union for the There are no standards of safety de authorities, and to secure full coopera scribed. tion between the Federal and State au consideration of the bill (H. R. 2082), re thorities rather than con:tlict therewith. lating to certain inspections and investi There is no conflict with State author When the new bill was drafted, as I gations in coal mines for the purpose of ity, there is no division of authority there have stated, it embodied new features obtaining information relating to health is no division of jurisdiction. The States which eliminated many of the objections and safety conditions, accidents, and oc are not relieved of the responsibility of in previous bills. I felt, and other mem cupational diseases therein, and for other regulating mines and mining, but for the bers of the committee felt, that we should purposes. ~rst t~me in. the history of this industry definitely place this under one of the ·old The motion was agreed to. light IS let mto the dark, dim, under established agencies of the Federal Gov Accordingly the House resolved itself ground recesses of the mines, and the ernment--namely, the Bureau of Mines into the Committee of the Whole House Bureau may bring before the American instead of setting up a new bureau, and on the state of the Union for the consid publi~ the conditions they find actually the committee still further amended the eration of the bill H. R. 2082, investiga to exist. Any operator who objects to bill. There will be offered to the House, tions in coal mines, with Mr. CoFFEE of this, it would seem to me, is unreasonable with the approval of the committee, ver Washington in the chair. · or, it might be inferred, has something to biage throughout the bill definitely fixing The Clerk read the title of the bill. hide; but in any event, the Bureau having the duties and responsibilities of the in By unanimous consent, the first read made this inspection under the law as I spection upon the United States Bureau ing of the bill was dispensed with. have said, shall report to the Congress of Mines. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman shall report to the Bureau of the Census' I have heard that there has been some from West Virginia [Mr. SMITH] is en and may publish its findings. ' criticism of the chairman of this commit titled to 30 minutes and the· gentleman In order to insure the positions of the tee because of delays. No such criticism from California [Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT] is States in the problem it is provided in the is well founded. He appointed a subcom entitled to 30 minutes. bill that there shall be cooperation with mittee. Complete studies and hearings Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. the State mining inspectors, and the bill were held. He bas been an active, splen Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the au also provides that State agencies may be did chairman. He has been fair in deal thor of the bill, the gentleman from utilized in the carrying out of the work. ing with this one great problem. I pay Pennsylvania [Mr. FLANNERY]. [Ap There is one phase of this proposed leg tribute to him, the distinguished chair plause.] islation to which no reference has been man of the Mines and Mining Commit Mr. FLANNERY. Mr. Chairman, at made to which I should like to call your tee, the gentleman from West Virginia the outset, as the sponsor of this bill, I attention briefly. [Mr. SMITH], want to express my appreciation to· the An advisory committee without pay The bill that is before you today creates members of both the Committee on Mines may be set up representing the operators no new bureau but fixes the responsibility and Mining and the Committee on Rules and the miners. Another provision I re in the United States Bureau of Mines, an for the conscientious and earnest con gard as important is that these inspec old established Bureau, which has the sideration which the problem has re tors shall come under the civil service respect and confidence both of the work ceived, and so that there may be no mis and_ shall be, as the bill provides, mining ers and of the operators. We feel that understanding, I might add from the engmeers. the bill as now reported is one which is Members on both sides of the House. [Here the gavel fell.] worthy of your support. I hope the rule The history of this legislation has Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. will be adopted, and from the sentiment been fraught with many unhappy differ Chairman, I yield 2 additional minutes expressed here today I feel that this bill ences in the past. There was a bill pre to the gentleman from Pennsylvania. is what we might term a "middle-of-the viously before the Congress, the story of Mr. DONDERO. Mr. Chairman, will road bill." Members from coal-mining which is well known to every one of us. the gentleman yield? districts have been diligent to present to The bill presented here, sponsored by Mr. FLAN.NERIY. I yield. the Congress a bill which would safe me, is a new bill and it has had new con Mr. DONDERO. What becomes of the guard the lives of men working in the sideration. The chairman of the Com State laws so far as they affect the in districts. mittee on Mines and Mining was very spection of mines, if this bill is enacted? I come from a district that has no coal fair and very generous and very earnest, Mr. FLANNERY. The State laws are mines. I try to look at the matter dis and the entire membership of his com the laws under which the mines shall passionately and at long range. I am mittee has worked in a spirit of coopera still be governed and the laws with which always fearful of invasion of States' tion, aid, and assistance. As a result we they must comply. rights and presented a number of amend have before the House today what I con Mr. DONDERO. What becomes of ments which were adopted. I believe ceive to be a fair bill which treats the those laws in the event the pending bill that in embodying the ideas presented problem in the most effective fashion in is passed? Would they be superseded? 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2235 Mr. FLANNERY. I tried to explain · The amendments that will be offered appropriation of approximately $350,000 that painstakingly. They are not super to perfect the measure were unanimously to promote health and safety in the seded. There is no conflict of authority, agreed upon by the Committee on Mines mines. With that they have been able to there is no regulation whatsoever in this and Mining of the House, and I urge the put in the field only 60 men, 30 of whom act. We have carefully avoided that. adoption of the measure by the House. are competent mining engineers or min The conditions have been very [Applause.] ing inspectors-technicians, if you thoroughly discussed and I am not going [Here the gavel fell.] please-and 30 of whom are safety edu to dilate on them at any great length. Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, cators, one might say, or instructors in It has been explained that there were I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from safety and in safe practices. approximately 1,500 deaths last year and Michigan [Mr. BRADLEY]. I want to get it clearly before you that the ratio of nonfatal accidents to fatal Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. only 60 men are now in the field sent out accidents is 50 to 1, but nothing has Chairman, as the chairman of our sub by the Bureau of Mines Health and Safety been said of occupational disease, "min committee has told you, our subcommit Department. In the State of Pennsyl ers' asthma." Let me assure you it is tee last year held hearings on this legis vania alone they have an annual appro pathetic to see these men aged and lation for a period of 5 weeks or longer priation of approximately $400,000 and broken before they reach 50, men whose and made an effort to be eminently fair they have 50 men in the field to cover lungs have been filled with coal dust. in considering this legislation which is so that one State. These 60 men in the They suffer a condition of asthma which important. May I say to the members of Bureau of Mines, as has been pointed leaves them helpless in their middle the committee right now that in so do out earlier, are charged with promoting years-industrial waste. They are casu ing we realized that not only our sub safety in some 6,000 to 10,000 coal mines alties of the industry and incurable. It committee but the entire Committee on in the United States, while the 50 men is a condition for which there are no sta Mines and Mining in the House were un in the Pennsylvania department are tistics. der constant pressure not only from the charged with responsibility only for that We all agree with the gentleman from miners, represented by the United Mine State. New York [Mr. FisH] that this bill does Workers, but also from the operators not guarantee there will be no more ac- group. I think that this bill today brings What will be needed in the way of ap . cidents, but as someone has said, if it to you, as the chairman of the subcom propriations when this bill goes through? It saves one life or if it improves conditions mittee has said, as the result of that in is estimated by the Bureau of Mines so that accidents are lessened or elim vestigation, a middle-of-the-road bill, as that it will require some $2,600,000 annu inated to any degree, it will have been pointed out to you by the gentleman from ally to make this bill effective. It will a great success. [Applause.] Florida [Mr. PETERSON]. Every member require a staff of approximately 300 men [Here the gavel fell.] of that subcommittee approached this in the field. I would be remis in my duty Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, important problem with the idea of try if I did not point out to the country right I am supporting this bill and will vote for ing to promote ·safety in the mines and now that you must not expect any pan the same. with an open mind absolutely. The acea to come from this bill overnight, be The Committee on Mines and Mining chairman of the full committee and the cause these inspectors must be trained has given a great deal of thought and chairman of the Subcommittee on Mines men of long experience. It will require study to this measure, and, in my opin and Mining are to be congratulated on one full year at least to train these addi ion, has made a workable measure of the their fairness and on their diligence in tional fieldmen, regardless of their com same, and it should prove of benefit to trying to bring forth a bill which helps petency when employed as inspectors. the coal miner, coal operator, and the rather than hinders everybody in the Conditions in mining change all over the general public. mining industry. country from State to state and mine to In its original form there were many We must remember that when the last mine, and these men must constantly objections to the bill, but as the result of bill was brought before us in the Seventy educate themselves in learning the causes the deliberations and care with which sixth Congress the statement was made of disasters in every unfortunate acci the measure has been amended, all by certain people in this country that dent that occurs in this country. This parties concerned are in complete ac that bill was designed not solely to pro they can only do by studying voluminous cord, and the bill was reported in its mote safety and healthy conditions in reports on various accidents as they oc final form unanimously by the Commit mines but to regulate and supervise the cur in various parts of the Nation, under tee on Mines and Mining. mining industry. Our committee felt various conditions and from many vari The amended bill places the responsi that we should bring in legislation to the ous causes. bility of mine inspections and recom House which would not be designed to Mr. COFFEE of Nebraska. Mr. Chair mendations for safety measures on the regulate and supervise the mining in man, will the gentleman yield? United States Bureau of Mines, a bu dustry but which would accomplish, if Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. I yield to reau of the Government that is held in possible, an improvement in the safe op the gentleman from Nebraska. high esteem by the public, and is com erating conditions of the mines. This Mr. COFFEE of Nebraska. Why pletely qualified to take charge of the bill is the result of that effort. should the Federal Government assume important subject of safety measures for Mr. FLANNERY. Will the gentleman this burden that apparently should be the protection of mine workers. The bill yield? borne by the respective States? as now drawn does not give the oppor Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. I yield Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. I will tunity to scatter authority through va to the gentleman from Pennsylvania. answer the gentleman in this way. While rious bureaus of the Government. The Mr. FLANNERY. Has there been any I fully appreciate the fact that many coal-mining industry presents many haz effort on the part of the sponsor of this States have been accomplishing splendid ards that baffle science and the best of bill in that direction? · work with their State mining services, endeavors to prevent mine accidents. Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. With re still, I believe the Federal Bureau of The opportunity that this measure gives spect to regulation and supervision, there Mines has better facilities for conducting to the Bureau of Mines to make studies certainly has not been. This bill is de investigations and better laboratory fa and apply its facilities to the subject signed solely to promote safety in the cilities for going into the causes of acci should produce results that will make mines. I intend to support the legislation dents and explosions. coal-mining operations safer and at the because we have put the responsibility in In justification of the expenditure of same time prevent great property loss. the hands of the Bureau of Mines where $2,600,000, may I say that the indisput Perhaps nothing is more appalling than it belongs. In view of some statements able figures issued by the Bureau of coal-mine accidents, and I believe that which perhaps may have been mislead Mines show that for the 32 years the Bu this bill will render a marked service for ing this afternoon, may I tell you some reau has been in operation it has been the protection of those who earn their of the work that has been done by the responsible for saving at least 1,000 lives daily bread working in coal mines and Bureau of Mines. I am going to give you a year. If you value a life at $5,000, and also give the operators the benefit of the some facts and :figures, if I have the time, that is a mighty small valuation, there studies that can be made by no other to substantiate this claim. is a saving of $5,000,000 a year in cost to agency in this subject as ably as by the We must realize that the Bureau of the operators. At least there is that Federal Bureau of Mines. Mines today has been getting an annual much tangible saving in compensation. LXXXVII--141 2236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH l3 In addition, on the average, there have TABLE I.-Num ber of men killed in coal a.nd TABLE 2.-Fatalities an.d fat ality rates per been some 50,000 nonfatal accidents pre ~ metal mines i n ·the United St ates-Con. ·_ m i llion ton s of coal :mined, 1906- 38, in· vented ·per year. If you estimate the cost: . elusive-Cont inued of these at $100 each to the operators, Anthra- Bitumi All coal Metal Year cite nous Number o Deaths per Tonnage (an- there is an additional saving of $5,QOO, mines mines m i n~s mines Year fatalities (an- million tons thracite·plus OOO a year there, or a total saving to the tbracite plus of coal pro- bituminous) bituminous) duced operators· of over $320,000,000 over the 1921.______547 I, 448 I, 995 230 past 32 years. 1922______300 1, 684 1, 984 344 1923______50!1 I, 953 2, 462 367 1909.------2, 642 5. 73 460,807, 263 As to the value of this Bureau. to the 1924______496 418 I, 906 2, 402 I910. ------2, 821 5. 62 501, 506, 378 workers, the average age of the workers 1925______400 I, 834 2, 234 371 191L _ ------2, 656 5. 35 496, 371, 126 who have been killed in the mines is 35 1926_,. ______453 2, 065 2, 518 430 1.912.------2,419 4. 53 534, 466, 580 1927------489 1, 742 2, 231 . 352 1913.------2, 785 4.89 5i 0, 048, 125 years. Let us assume that the worker 1928______447 1, 729 2,176 273 1914 ______2,454 4. 78 !i13, 525, 477 should have a normal expectancy of at 1.929______482 I, 705 2,187 350 1915 ______2, 269 4.27 531, 619, 487 1930______444 1, 619 2, 063 271 1916 ______2, 226 3. 77 .590, 098, 175 least 20 years more of working life. As 1 93~------383 1, 080 1, 463 158 1917 ______2, 696 4. 14 651, 402, 374 1932.______249 958 I, 207 I07 I918 ______2, 580 3.80 678, 211, 904 sume that his average wage will amount 1919 ______to $1,000 a year. The Bureau of Mines 1.933______231 833 I, 064 95 2, 323 4. 19 553, 952, 259 1934______268 958 I , 226 116 I920. ------2, 272 3. 45 658, 264,932 then has been responsible for saving to 1935______274 968 1, 242 164 1921______1, 995 3. 94 WG, 395, 401 each man whose life it has saved, and 1936______244 I, 098 1, 342 199 I922.------ I, 984 4. Hl 47o, 95 1, 121 1937______215 1, 198 1, 413 21 9 I923. _ ------2,462 3. 74 C57, 903, 671 to his family, some $20,000 of income. 1938______225 880 1, 105 156 1924 ______2, 402 4. 2() 571, 613;400 (1 ) Over a 32-year period this amounts to a 1.939______211 867 1, 078 1925.------2, 234 3. 84 f.S l , 869, 890 1940______2182 ! 1, 238 21, 420 (1) 1926.------2, 518 3. 83 657, 804, 437 total of $640,000,000 saved to the miners 1927 _ _. ______2, 231 3. 73 597, 858, 916 2, 176 3. 78 576, 093, 039 themselves and a total to the Nation and 1 Not available. 1929I928. ______------_ · Estimate. 2,187 3. 59 608, 816, 788 to the industry of nearly $1,000 ,000,000 1930.------2, ()63 3. 84 536, 911, 136 over the past 32 years. Who will deny You will note that in the 5-year period 1931______1, 463 3. 31 441, 750, 978 1932 ______1, 207 3.36 359, fi65, 093 $2 ,500,000 a year to the B\}reau of Mines? preceding the establishment of the Bu 1933 ______1, 064 2. 78 383, 171, 877 [Applause.] reau of Mines, namely from 1906 to 1910, 1934 ______1, 222 2. 93 416, 536, 313 It is an undisputed fact that the oper 1935_ ------I, 242 2. 925 424, 632, 005 there was an average of 2,658 miners 1936 ______I, 342 2. 73 491.138,762 ators and miners alike-and even some killed per year. And you will note, as 1937------1,413 2. 83 493, 792, 928 State officials-who appeared before our shown by table 2, which I shall include 1938 ...... - ~ - - 1,105 2. 79 1 395, 696, 632 1939_ ------1,078 12. 41 1 448, 131, 000 subcommittee last year joined in recom shortly, that the fatality rate during this 1940 ______11, 420 ( 2.82 1 503, 331, 000 mending increased appropriations for the 5-year period was 5.89 persons killed per Bureau of Mines for its Safety and million tons of coal produced. Now, let 1 Tentative, as estimated 1940, by W. W. Adams, Employment Statistics· Section, Bureau of Mines. Health Division. us jump down the table a bit. Let us These figures are likely to vary but slightly from the If this bill does nothing more than to take the year 1918, during the last World final figures which will not be available for several insure adequate . appropriations for the War, when there were 678,000,000 tons of months. Bureau of Mines to continue .its humani coal produced, and we note that in that Mr. Chairman, the figures cleaily tarian efforts to bring about more healthy year, there was a total of 2,580 fatalities, prove that the major disasters·in the coal working conditions and safer operating with a fatality rate of 3.80 deaths per industry do not by far represent the total conditions.in the mining industry of this million tons of coal produced. Let us fatalities in this industry. It is· true, of country, certainly the vote of every Mem jump down to 1923 when there were 2,462 course, by reason of their very spectacu ber of this House is justified in favor of persons killed with a fatality rate of 3.74, Htr nature, that these major catastrophes this particular bill. and approximately '658,000,000 tons of do receive considerable publicity, which; Now, Mr. Chairman, as I have previ coal produced.· Look at 1929, the famous. unfortunately, is only natural;· and, as· a ously stated, our committee last year was year of prosperity, when there were 2,187 matter of fact, it is the unfortunate ma made the target of much abuse from fatalities with a rate of 3.59, and, incl-. jor accidents which have occurred iri the various sources, and much misleading in dentally, you will notice in that year that past year, which undoubtedly caused ·so formation was then given out to the pub there were only some 609,0.00,000 tons much totally unjust criticism to be heaped lic, and much misinformation is still be produced. Now, then, Mr. Chairman, let upon our committee, and particuiaily ing given o1,1t to the public, which would us look at the record for the last 4 years, upon our esteem chairman of the M:iries read one to believe that safety in mining when some measure of prosperity had re and Mining Committee, Mr. JoE SMITH, is pn the decline, when, as a matter of turned to the country, and we will note of West Virginia. But let us look at the· fact, the records compiled by the F~deral that our accidents have materially re-· record of the major disasters in coal Burea-u of Mines prove conclusively that duced, as has the fatality rate. As a mat mines of the United States for 1906 to conditions are constantly being improved ter of fact, you will note that the rate in i940, which I include at this point: · · · - in the mining industry and accidents· are 1939 was the lowest in the history of the decreasing, rather than increasing, as a country, and at this point I might say, TABLE 3.-:-Major disasters in coal mines of th·e general thing, despite the unfortunate also, that had it not been for the six major United States, 1906-4_0, i nclusive set-back of 1940. Let us therefore look accidents of 1940 that year would have at the record. I call your attention to been the safest by far in the history of Number ~~ table No. 1, which I include in my re coal mining in this country; and even in Number Number fata~!t ie s f~tali ti es Year of major of per . many marks at this point and which lists the cluding those major catastrophes, you will disasters fatalities number of men killed in coal and metal note that the 1940 rate was materially I?ajor ~~~r disaster disaster mines in the United States from the year lower than ·ever achieved prior to the year -----1 ----1------1906 to the year 1940. 1931. And so I say to you that the Bureau I906 ______of Mines has been accomplishing very 17 235 13.8 35 TABLE I.-Number of men killed in coal and 1908907 -_------______-_ 18 918 51.0 361 metal mines in the United States worth-while results and there has been 1909 ______11 348 31.6 154 material progress made in the reduction 1910 ______19 498 26.2 259 1911______19 485 26.1 83 Anthra- Bitumi- of fatal accidents in the United States; 15 413 All coal Metai 1912______27.5 123 Year DOllS cite mines mines and when fatal accidents are reduced, 1913 ______13 254 19. 5 81 mines mines 8 464 58. 0 263 nonfatal accidents are reduced in a like 1914 ______11 316 ------1915______28.7 181 manner. 1916 ______11 262 23. 8 112 1906______557 1, 581 2,138 11 154 14.0 30 -·------TABL E 2.-FataZities an d fatality rates per 1917______1l!i08907- _------______708 2, 534 3, 242 9 262 29. 1 121 678 1, 767 2, 445 ------· million tons of coal m ined, 1906-38, in 1918 ______1909 ______------1919 ______4 54 I3. 5 21 567 2, 075 2,642 clusive 9 201 22. 3 92 1910 ______601 2,220 ------1920 ______19Il ______2,821 ------8 61 7. 6 12 699 1, 957 2, 656 I92L______1912 ______695 I922 ______5 34 6. 8 11 601 1, 818 2, 419 661 IS 285 I9. 0 90 1913 ______618 2, 167 2, 785 683 r!t~ft\~~\~~- ~8~~~s t~~rs Tonnage (an- I923 ______1914 ______Year 1924 ______11 301 27.4 120 595 1, 859 2, 454 559 thracite plus of coal pro- thracite plus 10 449 44. 9 171 1915 ______bituminous) duced bituminous) I925 ______1916 ______586 1, 683 2,269 553 14 270 19. 3 53 555 1, 671 2, 226 697 1926______1917 ______. ___ 16 348 21.7 91 582 2, 114 2, 696 852 ------1----- 9 162 1918 ______1!!06. - __ _.; __ 1HJ28927--- _____-----___ --__ 18.0 97 1919 ______551 2, 029 2,580 646 2, 138 5. 27 405, 955, 8R8 14 . 326 23. 3 195 635 I, 682 2, 323 468 1907 •••••••• 3, 242 6. 78 477,892, 536 1929 ______7 15I 21.6 1930 ______61 1920 •••••••••• 491 1, 780 2, 272 425 1908 •••••••• 2, 445 5. 97 409, 309, 857 12 225 18.7 79 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2237 TABLE 3.-Major disasters in coal mines of the measures employed to eliminate .a repeti Iri conclusion, Mr. Chairman, let me United States, 1906-40, inclusive-Con. tion of an accident. I think we are all call your attention, and the attention of agreed that no one seeks to cause acci the membership, to one thing ·more. Maxi- Number mum dents and everyone hopes to avoid acci Everyone realizes that whenever an in Number Number of fatalities dents. However, try as we might, acci spection is made of a piece of operating Year of major of fatalities in any disasters fatalities per one dents are bound to occur. We can never equipment, that equipment usually must major major hope to eliminate them, but we can hope be shut down and taken out of produc disaster disaster to prevent them, and I repeat that the tion as well as its feeder units. Likewise, ------first step in preventing accidents is to when an inspection is made of any part 1931______1932 ______6 56 9.3 28 make everyone connected with the in of a mine, production must cease in that 1933 ______6 145 24.1 64 dustry safety conscious. part of the mine. I feel that adequate 1934 ______1 7 7. 0 7 1935 ______2 22 11. 0 17 The Bureau of Mines can and does inspection, be it by a .Federal or State 1936 ______4 35 8. 7 13 study all new safety appliances and make inspector ·or by the mine boss himself, is 5 37 7. 4 10 absolutely necessary if we are to improve 19381937------______6 101 16.8 34 their recommendation to the operators 5 78 15.6 45 1939 ______and place their stamp of approval upon safe operating conditions. However, I 1940 ______2 33 16. 5 28 ti 276 46.0 91 machinery and other mining equipment caution you, it is conceivably possible which they deem to be safe. I know from that too frequent inspections can border We will note that a tremendous reduc experience that this information readily on the badger game, and used as a tion has been made, both in the number is made available to the operator, and, weapon to completely stifle production. of major disasters, the number of fatali likewise, I know that in many instances This would be a tragedy at this time ties, and, aside from last year, .in the these recommendations are promptly put when we realize that 90 percent of our number of fatalities per major disaster. into practice. defense industry is energized by coal. As a matter of fact, I think everyone will Likewise, I know from experience the When we had our hearings last year on agree with me that the re·cord of the past Bureau of Mines has been doing splendid the bill then before us, the danger was 10 years has been one of outstanding work in safety education. However, Mr. frequently pointed out that an ever accomplishment. Chairman, unfortunately they have not enlarging inspection service might be The question naturally arises as to just been receiving the proper cooperation created, and in fact was contemplated, what may have caused the alarming in from the miners themselves, and in this by which it might be possible to seriously crease in major catastrophes last year, I think that the miners' representatives hinder our coal production in this coun which took the lives of 276 miners. We have not been as fully cooperative as try, due to too frequent and unnecessary know that explosions are the principal they might to inspire in their member inspections. cause of most major disasters, and the ship a desire to acquire safety conscious This undesirable possibility has been fact that nearl!· all of the worst coal ness. I have been told that on numerous eliminated from this bill in that it is rea mine-explosion disasters of the past 4 occasions the Bureau of Mines has made sonable to assume that the Director of the years, and especially last year, have been safety lectures, and even courses, in safety Bureau of Mines will exercise his discre in mechanized loading or so-called practice available to the miners only to tionary powers granted under this bill, to mechanized mines is significant. In 1940, have -a disappointingly small attendance see to it that · inspections are not made 213 of those fatalities occurred in mech at these meetings. Surely no one 5hould when not necessary. As a matter of fact, anized mines; or, in other words, nearly be more interested in his own safety than it would be physically impossible for the more than three-fourths of the fatalities the miner himself, and the leaders of Bureau of Mines to make such "too fre for major coal-mine disasters in 1940 these miners are very much remiss in quent inspections" with the staff of in came .from mines which producec;l less their duty when they do not go out of spectors contemplated under this legisla than one-third of the country's coal. their way to help instill a safety con tion. I know that this was not the Yet it is significant that none of the sciousness in the men themselves. intention of the gentleman from Penn major explosions during these past 4 The Bureau of Mines, and many op sylvania [Mr. FLANNERY] when he drafted years have occurred in the mechanized erators, to my knowledge, issue safety this bill. This explains his readiness and mines in Dlinois ·and Wyoming, where bulletins acquainting their men with safe his willingness to amend section 2, as will mechanization was first established on a operating practices. In too many in be done later this afternoon. But I am large scale, and whence comes the largest stances this information is not read by disturbed, Mr. Chairman, by the following output of coal from these mechanical the men, but there is one publication demand, submitted by the international mines. This would prove that while which every miner in this Nation reads, policy committee of the United Mine mechanization itself may be increasingly and reads constantly, and that is the Workers of America to the operators' more hazardous, nevertheless, by proper official publication of the United Mine committee, with whom they are now in precautions, proper inspection, proper Workers. I ask, then, why the editors conference in New York, under date of regulation of ventilation, blasting and of this publication, and the officials of March 11, and which reads as follows: igpition agencies, as well as in the safe the United Mine Workers, have not been The mine. workers propose that in this con handling of the increased dust hazard in the past more safety conscious them tract there be written a clause that will give by wetting or rock dusting, these mines selves and contributed more to the pub the right to a safety committee or mine work can be operated equally as safely as any lication of safety and safety practices in ers to inspect -any mining operation, and when other mine. dangerous and menacing conditions are found their official journal. I am glad to re to authorize the men to refrain !rom work Mr. Chairman, prior to coming to Con port, Mr. Chairman, that I understand until conclusive inspection and findings are gress, I had been for a number of years the United Mine Workers have been do made by the State and Federal authorities. closely associated with safety work in an ing this recently, and I sincerely hope this In addition, this clause shall permit the inter industry allied to mining. Because of practice will continue on an ever-in national union, United Mine Workers or that association, I am thoroughly con creasing scale. Likewise, I sincerely America, to authorize mourning periods for vinced that one cannot legislate safety. hope that after the passage of this legis the dead in our industry, during which period Safety can be brought about best by co lation, that the leaders of the miners such coal production shall cease. operation of everyone concerned with themselves will encourage greater at Mr. Chairman, if the miners insist upon safety, by education of the workers, and tendance at these safety lectures and that clause being written into the con the instilling in the workers a safety con safety courses. The motion pictures are, tract now being negotiated, then I fail to sciousness. The constant study of the perhaps, one of the finest ways to put see why they should insist, as they are, causes of accidents leads to the improve across a safety lecture that I know of, upon the passage of this bill. Likewise, if ment of safety devices and the creation and I sincerely hope that the Bureau of that clause is agreed to, then I sincerely of safer operating equipment. The study Mines will enlarge their scope in this hope that the miners will exercise good of every accident invariably brings about field. It is an unfortunate fact-but a judgment--and I do not wish to impugn some determination of the cause and a fact nevertheless-that safety must be anyone's motives-in not demanding possible preventative remedy. Inspec sold to the public, to the operator, to the more inspections by the officials of the tion is required and education is required miner, perhaps even to the Congress. Federal Bureau of Mines than they can to see that similar causes are located else Only one interested in safety realizes the adequately provide. You can readily see where and where possible preventative absolute truth of that statement. that in passing this bill today, and if this 2238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH . 13 clause is agreed to, that you are setting . Coal ·is playing a vital part in the man and the members of that committee up the legislative machinery for provid defense industries of the country. Coal have been diligent and I recognize the ing for one or more Federal inspectors certainly is basic in times like these. Any difficulties under which they have la for every single mine in the United States, action this Congress can take looking to bored. We are grateful today that they if you carry this point to absurdity. I ward the increased safety and health of have succeeded in getting this bill to the know that that is not the desire of this the men who labor in the mines, those floor and I congratulate them upon the Congress in giving its approval to this individuals who go beneath the surface result of their labors. I wish to comment, legislation. of the earth to work in highly hazardous however, upon events which occurred After all, let us use judgment in safety, employment, will be commendable. shortly after the measure was proposed. as in all else, for the welfare of our fellow As has been said, in 1940 about 1,400 After this bill was introduced in May man. [Applause.] _ coal miners lost their. lives. This figure 1939, and within a period of 14 months, Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. was larger than that in the year 1939. in my State and the States of Kentucky, Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gen In taking my seat, I once again com.o Ohio, and Pennsylvania, we had a succes tleman from West Virginia [Mr. RAN pliment the chairman of the House Com sion of mine disasters which clearly indi DOLPH],. a member of the committee. mittee on Mines and Mining and all cated the pressing need for the passage . Mr. RANDOLPH. Mr . . Chairman, I those who have worked with him, in of this legislation .or some other cura think it appropriate to say that the prin- . cluding the present sponsor of the bill. tive and preventative legislation of like ciple of. this . legislation was first em ·There is brought to this House a measure character. In my congressional district bodied in the bill presented by the pres ,which we know ultimately will be for the · iil .the State of. West Virginia, within 30 ent distinguished Governor of.Wes.t Vir- . ben-efit· of those ·who labor in the· mines · . miles f-rom .my home town on January 1, ginia, M. M. Neely, then a Member of the and of the mine owners themselves. 1940, there was an explosion in the mines Senate of the United States. I think it . [Applause.] at Bartley, McDowell County, -in which also appropriate that it is another West [Here the gavel fell.] there were 91 miners killed, leaving 70 Virginian, our own sincere chairman of Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, widows and 154 orphan children. In the Committee on Mines and Mining, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky, just a few days or weeks be who brings this measure with a u~ani ·New York [Mr. FisHJ. fore, at a place called Providence, there mous committee.report to the. :floor of the Mr. FISH~ . Mr-. Chairman, the need · was . an· explosion in which 28 miners House. . . for this legislation can best be shown by · . were . killed, -leaving 23 widows . and 50 . · Let us remember that during the. Sev- . reading .this ; Associated -Press clipping . c~ildr:en . without anyone to take care of enty-flfth Congress this measure, in dif from this afternoon's paper: them except, _possibly, the charity of the ferent form but with the same principle . REVLoc, PA.; March 13.-Four men were · State. At Willow Grove, Ohio, on March embodied in it, passed the Senate of the killed early today · by an explosion in the 16, 1940, while this bill was in commit United . States unanimously. There was Menroe Coal Mine Co 's mine in this western . tee, there were 72 men killed, leaving 59 a sincere effort by Members of-this body Pennsylvania community a few miles from . widows and 117 children. At Portage, to bring the measure to the floor during Johnstown. Pa., on July_15 ·, 1940, there was an ex the last session. At one time or another State Mine Inspector William Lamont· plosion in which 63 men were killed, leav there were as many as 215 Member::, of tentatively attributed the explosion to an ing 34 widows and 108 children. And this House who signed the petition which accumulation of gas. I could go on and on and call your atten was on the Speaker's desk. I hope the bill before us will be passed tion to other disasters in this industry, The gentlem-an from New York [Mr. unanimously and enacted into law with some of -which might nave been obviated SoMERS] has spoken about his shortcom out delay. The need for this type of legis . by an inspection such as is provided for ings. May I say that I am certain that ration must be apparent to all. [Ap- in this-bill. one of those is not that he is not fair, be plause.] . . Upon the record is the appalling fact cause I have found him, as I have found ·Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. ·Mr. that wfthin 14 months after the intro the chairman of our committee,. desir Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentle : duction of this bill, arid while ·it was ous of bringing-out-legislation which will man from West Virginia [Mr. KEEL pending; and while we were. debating. the in the last analysis aid iii the solution of Mr. KEE. Mr-. Chairman, the State of . advisability. of enacting it into law, we what we know as a very serious problem .West Virginia · is interested intensely in · · had accidents in which over 400 miners in the mining industry of the United this bill. West. Virginia produces more . were killed; and these unfortunate men States. · · · bituminous coal each year than any other left 186 widows and 429 children to be I believe that on both sides of the aisle - · State in the Union. At the same time it . taken care of by the workmen's compen we should remember that in the final has been argued that ·west Virginia, pos , sation laws of the States· in which these stages of the consideration of this legis sibly, has the best coal-mining inspection · accidents occured, or, failing this, to be lation the Republican members and the laws now in existence, although our clothed and fed by charity. Democratic members sat all day long, friends in Pennsylvania have a splendid I cannot saY-no man can · say-:.to from morning until evening, refining this system of coal-mine inspection. · what extent the accidents I have men measure, which comes today very logi When this bill was first introduced in tioned would have been. prevented had cally, may I say also, under the sponsor May 1939, the argument then used against the pending act been in operation and ship of the gentleman from Pennsylvania the measure was that it called merely for the mines involved had been subject to [_Mr. FLANNERY], who ha·s given a great a duplication of service already provided Federal inspection. I do say, ·however, deal of study to this subject. by the laws of the different States of the that if this act will serve to prevent in ' In the United States there are ap Union in which there were coal mines. any one year just one accident of . the proximately ·437,000 bituminous- coal At that time, I am frank to say, I thought. magnitude of any I have mentioned, then rhiners and approximately 93,000 an ·there· was virtue in this argument. I . its passage will have been fully justified.· thracite-coal miners, making a total of have since revised my .opinion. The b111 There has really been but one argu some 530,000 coal miners in the United calls for cooperation in a -service, not du ment ever urged against this measure. States. Th~ figures of -1939, which are . plication. · It has been urged that this act will simply the last authentic ones we have, indicate The bUI was passed by the Senate but· provide for a duplication of .the service · that in the state of West VIrginia at · was immediately held up in the House already rendered by the State mine in the present time there are about 104,000 committee for many, many months. spectors. This argument is . without bituminous-coal miners. : If there is any objection· I would urge foundation . . The pending bill specifically . Thaf mountain domain is first in. the · against anything in connection wrth this provides that 'the Federal ins·pectors shall production of bituminous coal in the measure at the present time, it would be cooperate with the inspection service of United States. In 1940 we had a tonnage the objection that it was not enacted and the State. Under its terms the State of approximately 127,000,000 that was written into law within a very short time mine inspection service will cbntinue to brought from the earth to the surface after it was introduced in the House and function independently of Federal con to go into industry, commerce, and busi within a short time after it was passed by trol. Once each year, however, or at ness; to · turn the wheels of an America the Senate. · I have no criticism, however, such other times as a condition or emer that we know increasingly today is being to offer of the Mfnes and Mining ·com gency may ·.justify it, the State . service . tuned to our -national-defense program. mittee of the ·House. ·I believe' the chair- : wm ·~ be called upon to· cooperate with 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2239 Federal authorities in the inspection of a Mr. LANDIS. The responsibility would The CHAIRMAN. The time of the mine. There will be neither usurpation fall upon the United States Bureau of gentleman from Indiana has expired. nor conflict of authority. Mines to make annual inspections. Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. Mr. Chairman, men who go down into Mr. SMITH of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gen the depths of our coal mines to earn a will the gentleman yield? tleman from Arizona [Mr. MuRDOcK]. living for themselves and their wives and Mr. LANDIS. Yes. Mr. MURDOCK. Mr. Chairman, I ask children are entitled to every safeguard Mr. SMITH of Ohio. Do I understand unanimous consent to extend my remarks that we can by law throw around them. the gentleman to say that in the event in the RECORD. Under the best of conditions their lives this bill becomes law and in the event of The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection? are filled with dangers and hardship. In a mining accident, the responsibility for There was no objection. these later years we of this Congress have that accident would be placed at the door Mr. MURDOCK. Mr. Chairman, as a been doing much to make the living con of the Bureau of Mines or the Interior member of the House Mines and Mining ditions of the miners and their families Department? Committee, I was pleased to favor this better and happier. We have still far to Mr. LANDIS. Not the responsibility, measure in the committee and am glad go. Right now, however, in addition to but the Bureau of Mines Will have the to support it now in final pas~age. It what we may have done to improve the equipment, and it will have the right kind has been quite properly pointed out that miner's condition outside the mine, let us of mine inspectors and mining engineers, this bill is very different from the bill pass this bill and improve his chance for and it will take the responsibility of going which we had before the committee in life inside the mine. I hope, Mr. Chair into the mines and seeing that they are the Seventy-sixth Congress and I think man, this bill will be enacted into law. inspected at least once a year. that difference has been made clear. I [Applause.] Mr. SMITH of Ohio. Let us put this fear some Members may feel, inasmuch [Here the gavel fell.] proposition. Suppose a mine is inspected as this is a middle-of-the-road measure, Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, by both the United States Bureau of it is not all that is to be desired. I ·I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Mines and by the State mine inspectors. think the gentleman was correct in say Indiana [Mr. LANDIS]. An explosion occurs or an accident takes ing that it is a compromise or a middle Mr. LANDIS. Mr. Chairman, the coal place. Then we will suppose action is of-the-road measure, and in my judg mining industry has been marked with a brought against the corporation owning ment it has benefited by a change of great loss of life because of hazardous the mine and it is decided by the court character. conditions. Most of the mine accidents that there has been inadequate inspec Some years ago Congress gave more in the coal mines are caused by' the fall tion. Upon which department, the Fed money to the Bureau of Mines for their of rock and the explosion of gas and coal eral or the State department, will fall the work than we have been doing in recent dust collected in the underground work responsibility for inadequate inspection? years, and during those former years of ings. Former accidents are attributed Mr. LANDIS. I believe. the United .greater congressional generosity the Bu generally to a lack of support, a lack of States Bureau of Mines will onlY be re ·reau did a splendid safety work, largely ventilation, a lack of rock dust and a lack sponsible for making annual inspections educational in character. Recent cur of proper mine inspection. Despite every and reports on its findings. tailment of appropriations to that won thing that has been done by the United Mr. SMITH of Ohio. Is there any derful agency of the Government resulted States Bureau of Mines and State min thing in this bill which would indicate I think in loss of life. As I view this ing rules and regulations, there were six that that responsibility will fall upon the measure it seeks to restore the Bureau's major explosions in the United States last Federal Bureau of Mines? effectiveness which was lessened by a year. Fourteen hundred twenty miners Mr. LANDIS. The authority to inspect. false economy. lost their lives and there were 45,000 in The Bureau Qf Mines are fully equipped It is true that we are a bit slow when juries in 1940. and they know their business, and it is we consider the casualties in 1939 and . The accident record ot the coal mines better to use a bureau with experience 1940, but now, at the beginning of. this -of the United States in 1940 is one which than some other department of the Gov great defense program in which coal must be given serious thought and rela ernment. plays so large a part, I think this bill tively quick action if the coal mining in Mr. FLANNERY. Mr. Chairman, will comes somewhat timely to prevent many dustry of this country is to be saved the the gentleman yield? accidents and casualties such as have oc stigma of a national scandal. Mr. LANDIS. Yes. curreu during the last 2 or 3 years. I Tile United States Bureau of Mines has Mr. FLANNERY. Might it not be said hope the House . will see fit to pass the been handicapped in years past. By en with propriety that responsibility would bill at once and unanimously. acting this mine inspection bill, we will lie with the agency that is respOnsible for The CHAIRMAN. The time of the give the Bureau of Mines authority and enforcement, which is the State, inas gentleman from Ariznna has expired. an adequate number of inspector::; and much as the Federal Bureau of Mines is Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. engineers to complete the job. there in an advisory capacity? Chairman, I yield the gentleman 1 addi As a former member of the mine rescue Mr. SMITH of Ohio. Then no respon ti ma;I minute. team in the State of Indiana and as a nibility whatsoever would fall on the Fed Will the gentleman yield to me? representative from the Indiana coal eral Bureau of Mines? It is merely acting Mr. MURDOCK. I yield. mining section, I believe a bill of this kind in an advisory capacity? Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. The will help reduce the loss of life and the Mr. LANDIS. That is right. gentleman realizes, does he not, that number of accidents in the coal mining The CHAIRMAN. The time of the safety in mining has been increasing industry, and I am happy to accord legis gentleman from Indiana has expired. each year due to the splendid work of lation of this nature my wholehearted Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, the Bureau of Mines? cooperation and support. I yield the gentleman 1 minute more. Mr. MURDOCK. Yes, viewed over a Mr. SPRINGER. Mr. Chairman, will Mr. HARNESS. Mr. Chairman, will long period, but perhaps of late years the gentleman yield? the gentleman yield? its possible effectiveness has been lowered Mr. LANDIS. Yes. Mr. LANDIS. Yes. by smaller appropriations. Mr. SPRINGER. The gentleman has Mr. HARNESS. The gentleman is on Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. While it made a £P!endid £tatement. In Indiana the Mining Committee? is true there were five major disasters we have a very splendid mine inspection Mr. LANDIS. Yes. in 1940, were it not for those disasters law. In the event of the passage of this Mr. HARNESS. And has given a great 1940 would have been the safest year in bill and its becoming law, would that con deal of study to this legislation. Is it the history of mining in this country. flict with the operation of our law in the not a fact that labor organizations other Incidentally, the month of January this State of Indiana? than the coal miners have endorsed and year has the greatest safety record ever Mr. LANDIS. It would not conflict at are sponsoring this legislation? recorded in the mining industry. all. Mr. LANDIS. Speaking for Indiana. Mr. MURDOCK. Itt.; the educational Mr. SPRINGER. And upon whom all of the labor organizations in Indiana feature embodied in this bill, placing the would the responsibility of carrying out that I have contacted are willing to co responsibility on the Bureau of Mines, the provisions of this law fall? operate in this legislation. [Applause.] that will still further increase that 2240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 safety record. That fs one benefit of politically appointed inspectors but men you will never stop these explosions by this measure. who have qualified by their training and passing legislation. Mr. BRADLEY of -Michigan. The experience will be appointed. Let me impress upon you that we are gentleman agrees, then, that safety is Mr. FENTON. That is correct. I just embarking upon something that is going pretty much a question of education and want to call attention to the news item to be a colossal ·undertaking unless we cooperation rather than legislation? that my colleague from New York [Mr. insist on· close cooperation between the Mr. MURDOCK. I think that is the FisH] reported, where four men were various State mine-inspection bureaus sentiment of the committee and is em killed early today by an explosion in the and the Federal Bureau of Mines. Un bodied in the measure. [Applause.] Monroe Coal Mine Co.'s mine in western le:s this is done we shall see every State LE:ere the gavel fell.] Pennsylvania. Perhaps this is another mine-inspection department start to dis Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, reason why this bill should be enacted. integrate. This bill provides that very I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Revloc is only a mile or two from the cooperation, and I sincerely trust that Pennsylvania [Mr. FENTON]. · home town of our colleague from Penn ·Members on this floor and Members of Mr. FENTON. Mr. Chairman, having sylvania, Mr. TIBBOTT. the House generally will see to it and been born and raised in the anthracite I am sure that the mining industry as insist that their State mine-inspection coal region of Pennsylvania, having a whole will appreciate the enactment bureaus are kept intact and that they worked in the coal mines myself, my cooperate with the Federal Eureau of friends and relatives all being mine work of this bill.. [Applause.] Mines. ers or dependent on coal mining for a [Here the gavel fell.] - In the British Isles, Great Britain, living, it is but natural that I am in favor Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, there are 2,000 coal mines. You could of any legislation that will benefit them. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from set Great Britain within the four bound I am not going to attempt to tell the Kansas [Mr. WINTER]. ary lines of the State of Kansas and have membership of this House about the Mr. WINTER. Mr. Chairman, I could a lot left over. Let me remind you, how hazards of coal mining. All of you know spend the 5 ·minutes allotted to me in ever, that Great Britain has a force of very well that it is the most hazardous talking to you about the hazards of coal 160 inspectors to inspect the mines in of all occupations. All of you know the mining and telling you about how many that compact district where the same terrible calamities that have occurred in widows and children I have seen stand atmospheric condition affects all the the past year or 18 months, with the ac ing at the mouth of a mine. It is fine for ·mines and where the mines are all about companying toll of death, its resultant you gentlemen to get up here and make the same depth, where the mines produce increase of widows and orphans, the speeches of that kind. I do not blame the same kind of coal. These mines are, hardships produced financially and eco you · for it. I c.an do the same thing. I as I say, in one small, compact district, nomically by all concerned. have been a coal miner in my early days. whereas in this country 26 States produce Mr. Chairman, I am in favor of any I come from district No. 14 of the United coal, and there are from 6,000 to 10,000 constructive legislation that will assist Mine Workers of America in the State coal mines. It is costing Great Britain ·and help those who have to go into the of Kansas. I want to say to you here ·$1,500,000 a year to inspect the mines in bowels of the earth to mine coal. They and now there is a great deal more to that one little territory. What is it are entitled to the best laws we can give "this situation than passing legislation ·going to do to us if we let these State laws to assure a limiting of the death and ac and sending somebody into -a mine to in ·get away from us? We have many. State cident rate to a minimum; to raise the spect it, and especially as it is under this ·bureaus that are competent, and they are standards of safety and health; to pre bill. I do not want to be misunderstood. doing a good job. They can do this work vent or at least try to prevent, anthra I am for this bill; I am going to vote for ·as well ·as the Federal ·Bureau of Mines, cosis', commonly called miner's asthma. it; but I am voting for it knowing when · and I am suFe if we will all keep in mind I am sure that any of you who are famil I do that it is not going to stop one single the necessity of maintaining the State iar with this terrible disease will agree solitary explosion in a mine or prevent mine bureaus and the necessity of coop that it is a worthwhile effort. As a phy the death of one single coal miner unless ·eration between State and Federal agen sician I have been .called upon to treat the coal miners themselves and the oper ·cles we can and will prevent mine acci;. ·injured miners and victims of asthma. ators are willing to cooperate and- werk "dents from happening; but unless we do ·No other occupation causing traumatic with the Bureau of Mines and follow out ·the miners are not goirig to·be any better injuries produces the crippled conditions their findings and their suggestions.- I off than they are today simply by the that come from the coal mines. Only happen to know that coal miner after passing of this bill . . war itself produces injuries that approxi coal miner has had ·an opportunity in · · [Here the gavel fell.] mate those of the mines. I have had ex the United States to go to meetings held Mr. ENGLEBRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, perience with both. by the Bureau of Mine~. to study and to I yield the remainder of my time to the I represent the Thirteenth Congres read and to learn something about the gentleman from Montana [Mr. O'CoN:. ·sional District of Pennsylvania, a district hazardous· conditions und~r whfch they NOR]. whose entire population is · dependent ·are working and ·the manner in which ' The CHAffiMAN. The gentleman upon anthracite coal mining. I come they can protect themselves. But do from · Montana is ·recognized for 3 Y2 from a State whose mining laws are ac they go? No. If you doubt my state minutes. . knowledged as the best in the United ment on that get in touch with the Bu Mr. O'CONNOR. Mr. Chairman, I States .. The mine inspectors and their reau of Mines and ftnd out how many know a little about this matter. I live in a examination are unsurpassed. We do meetings they have attempted to hold in district where we have many coal mines. not say that the enactment of this· bill various places ·and you will find that they .I want to see. those miners have every will eliminate all accidents, but if it will have advertised such meetings, sent protection and security that is possible. save one life or reduce other accidents, highly paid experts from the Bureau of I also want to· call your attention to nonfatal accidents, it will have done a Mines to these meetings, capable of ex the major disasters that occurred last good job. We all have confidence in the · plaining conditions ~o the coal miners, year. It was stated today that there United States Bureau of Mines. and only two or three out of possibly five were · 5 major explosions and ·accidents I am sure the Bureau of Mines with .its or six hundred working in the mine would during the year 1940. Let me correct capable Director, Dr. S~yers, wm· coop: show up to find out what they could learn ·that statement by saying that in the erate with the various State mining to help protect their own lives. · ·first 11 months of the year 1940 5 heads. Therefore I appeal to the mem I have been a ·coal miner. I · have . major explosions occurred in coal mines ·bership to support us in passing H. R. worked in the coal mines and I say to you throughout the U:.1ited states with a 2082. . . ·that I know whereof I speak, that a great fatality list of 267 men. This of itself Mr. RANDOLPH. Mr. Chairman, will many of the accidents in these coal mines should be enough to move this Congress the. gentleman yield? are caused by the carelessness of the men ·to enact this· legislation. Mr. FENTON. I yield. working in the mines. Until that con<:\1- The Committee on Mines and Mining Mr. RANDOLPH; I think the gentle tion is changed and until a congi~ion is is cer.tainly to be congratuhited for ·man would wai,It io brin'g to the com~ . brought about ·where the" co~l "~Piner can ' ··bringing this bill before tne ·Iiriuse- for mittee. the feeling that in the adminis• · be made-to realize: the seriotisness·of the ! consideration." ·: I feei that it. -should be tration of this new program not so-called conditions under. which he is ~orking; · passed without a dissenting vote, · and 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 224f I hope_ tt '\\rill be pass:e-d without a dis industry in this country. I believe: there and to the preventi.on or relie! ot accidents or senting vote. I believe it to be one of are _too many unnecessary accidents in. occupational diseases in coal mines. (d) For the purpose of ob.taining informa the most humanitarian measures that our mining industry, that supervision by tion relating to accidents involving bodily in has ever been brought before us for con the United· States Bureau of Mines will jury or loss of life in such mines or relating sideration. These men go down into greatly remedy the situation, and that to occupational diseases originating in such mines that are thousands of feet deep. the industry will go ahead and prosper mines, to be transmitted to the Bureau of the They take their lives in their hands from with many less accidents. census for use in connection with the prep the moment they enter those cages and I want to leave another thought with aration and compilation of the various census are lowered to the places where they you. We talk about expansion of the reports. perform their daily tasks. This bill will (e) For the purpose of obtaining informa Federal Bureau of. Mines, but I think it tion relating to health and safety conditions not be excessively expensive for the rea should be expanded. As has been said in such mines, the causes of accidents in sons which appear in the report to which before, the State of West Virginia pro volving bodily injury or loss of life in such I call your attention. The following in duces more bituminous coal than any mines, or the causes of occupational diseases the report of the committee covers the other State in the Union, yet there is not originating in such mines, to be transmitted case as to administration: a branch office of the United States to the Congress for its consideration in con The bill does not contemplate the estab Bureau of Mines in all the State of West nection with legislative matters involving lishment of a Federal inspection system Virginia. There is ample opportunity for health and safety conditions, accidents, or superseding or duplicating the work of local occupational diseases in coal mines-. excellent work by these skilled men of (f) The Secretary of the Interior, or any safety agencies in those States which have the United States Department of Mines established adequate inspection systems of agency of government which he may use in their own, but on the contrary it provides to function where the coal is being mined. carrying out the provisions of this act, shall for full and complete cooperation with these In the new · Federal building. nearing cooperate with the Bureau of Mines, or other agencies to the end that there may be no completion in Mount Hope, W. Va., space safety agency, in the respective States. and wasteful overlapping of effort. has been provided for a branch of the Territories, and shall report the acts of him United States Department of Mines. I self, or such agencies, to the State and Ter Mr. Chairman, I am for this bill and ritorial bureaus or safety agencies. He, or have called on the Appropriation Com such agency of government as may be used will vote for it, as I think ft will help to mittee to provide funds for this office and safeguard the lives of our coal miners. by him, shall give notice of all inspec [Applause.] shall again appear before that committee tions to such State or Territorial bureaus or in the very near future with more evi agt>ncies and afford an opportunity for their [Here the gavel fell.] dence of the necessity for this branch. representatives to assist in such inspections. Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. The location in Mount Hope has been ap All inspections made by the Secretary of the Chairman, I yield the remainder of my proved by all of the coal associations in Interior, or any agency of government which time to the gentleman from West Vir that section of West Virginia. There is he may use, sha!I not be in violation of any ginia [Mr. EDMISTON]. plenty of safety work to be done in all State, Territorial, or Federal law. · Mr. EDMISTON. Mr. Chairman, in tbe territory surrounding Mount Hope. Mr. MOSER (interrupting the reading answer to the charge particularly empha The United States Bureau of Mines has of section 1) . Mr. Chairman, I move to sized in the last session of Congress of asked for this station.. The quarters will strike out the last word. duplication of services by the Federal soon be available and I feel sure that The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will Bureau of Mines as against the existing Congress will provide the necessary funds permit the Clerk to conclude the reading State mine departments in the various in the Interior Department appropria of section 1 of the bill. States, there occurred to me one point tion bill so that this most important sta The Clerk continued the reading of the that I do not believe has thus far been tion, in the. heart of the world's biggest bill. hrought out~ Coal mining is the basic and best coal field, may start functioning Mr. MOSER (interrupting the reading industry of West Virginia. 'The mine in in the near future in Mount Hope, W.Va. of section 1). Mr. Chairman, a parlia spectors of West Virginia learned the The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex mentary inquiry. mining industry by working in the mines pired. The Clerk will read the bill for The CHAmMAN. The gentleman will of .their own State. They are then by amendment. state it, the Governor of the State appointed as The Clerk read as follows: Mr. MOSER. Mr. Chairman, I had State mine inspectors. With all due re intended to o:ffer an amendment. If we spect to these men, many very high class, Be it enacted, etc., That the -Secretary of are going to proceed with the re&ding of honest men, it is more or less human that the Interior is hereby authorized and em the bill beyond the point where I asked powered to make or cause to be made annual if a man is inspecting his boss' mine, inspections and investigations in coal mines to strike out the last word, we will have under whom he learned his profession, he the products of which regularly enter com passed that point. is not going to be very tough on the boss. merce or the operations of which substan The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will Federal inspectors will secure their posi tially affect commerce- have an opportunity to o:ffer an amend tions under civil service. I believe they (a) For the purpose of obtaining infor ment after the Clerk reads ·section 1. will do a more efficient job than the State mation relating to health and safety condi The Clerk concluded the reading of inspectors. I am, however, happy to see tions tn such mines, the causes of accidents section 1 of the bill. this bill on the floor today and with. ap involving bodily injury or loss of life in such The Clerk read the following committee parently no opposition to its passage, mines, or the causes of occupational diseases amendments:- originating in such mines. when in the last session of Congress, Page 1, line 3, after the word "Interior", although our distinguished present Gov (b) For the purpose of obtaining informa insert "acting through the United States tion relating to health and safety cond£tions Bureau of Mines." ernor of West Virginia, then our United in such mines, the causes of accidents in States Senator from West Virginia, se Page 1, line 5, after the word "annual", volving bodily injury or loss of life in such insert "or necessary." cured its passage in the Senate by unani mines, or the causes of occupational diseases Page 2, line 5, after the word "mines", in mous consent, we were never able to get a originating fn such mines, as a basis for de sert "whenever such health or safety con vote on the measure in this body. termining the most effective manner in which ditions, . accident. or occupational diseases I am mighty glad that it is in this posi the public funds made available for the pro burden or obs.truct commerce or threaten to tion, because my colleague, the distin tection or advancement of health or safety burden or obstruct commerce." · in coal mines, and for the prevention or re Page 3, strike out lines 17 to 24. guished chairman of the Committee on lief or accidents or occupational diseases Mines and Mining [Mr. SMITH of West Page 4, strike out lines 1 to 5, all of sub therein may be expended for the accomplish section (f). Virginia] was criticized and misunder ment of such objects. stoo:I about this same legislat~on in the (c) For the purpose of obtaining infor The committee amendments were last session of Congress, and I am happy mation relating to health and safety condl agreed to. to see it being passed almost by unani tians tn such mines-, the causea of accfdents Mr. MOSER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an mous consent under his direction. involving lxldily injury or lOSS' a! life in such amendment, which I send to the Clerk's A few mine&, or the- cauaea- of occupational disease& days ago in this House we voted originating in. such mines, a• a basis for the desk. funds and the Speaker appointed a com preparation and dissemination of reports. The Clerk read as follows: mittee to investigate the recent air aeci studies, statistics~ and other educational ma Amendment offered by Mr. MosER: Page 2, dents that have happened in our country. terials pertatn1ng to the protection or ad line 15, after "preventiun'', strike out "or The same condition exists in our mining vancement of health or safety in _coal mines relief." 2242 CONGRESSIO-NAL RECORD-- HOUSE MARCH 13 - Page 3, line 1, strike out "or relief"; line The question·was taken; and on a divi the recommendation that it pass, and the 2, after "diseases", insert "among"; after sion (demanded by Mr. MosER) there "coal", change "mines" to "miners." committee again deadlocked. were-ayes 4, noes 52. The gentleman from West Virginia Mr. MOSER. Mr. Chairman, the loose So the amendment was rejected. [Mr. SMITH] in no way merits the invec construction of the language in this bill The Clerk read as follows: tives that were hurled in his direction, is something that we did give considera SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Interior is nor does any member of the subcom tion to in the Committee on Mines and further authorized and empowered to make mittee that was headed by the gentleman · Mining last year, and wherever the word or cause to be made the inspections and from New York [Mr. SoMERS], nor does "relief," as applied in the bill that we investigations provided for in section 1 of any member of the Committee on Mines this act at other than annual intervals in kept in that committee was contained, either of the following situations: and Mining, nor does any Member of the among other objectives it obviously was (a) Upon the occurrence of an accident Congress of the United States. None of calculated that the bill instead of pre involving bodily injury or loss of life in a. them is in any degree responsible, as venting accidents in mines and protect mine subject to the provisions of section 1; was abusively charged by John L. Lewis ing the safety of the men who go into (b) Upon the submission to the Secretary in some of the intemperate and ill-ad the bowels of the earth and mine coal of the Interior of a petition signed by a. vised letters he sent to Members of Con for the comfort of mankind and the majority of the underground workers in a. gress stating that the Members of the utility of industry was intended for mine subject to the provisions of -section 1, or signed by the authorized employee repre Congress of the United States are re other purposes. sentatives of a. majority of the unqerground sponsible for the butchery that continues In the month of December, when we workers in such a mine, or signed by the in the coal mines. That kind of letter were in recess, with that in view, I took collective-bargaining representative of a ma came to us. the Kelier bill and made some changes, jority of the underground workers in such I served as a member of the Committee which I handed to the distinguished mine; on Mines and Mining without having so chairman, the gentleman from West Vir if the circumstances of the accident or the licited membership thereon. I was taken facts disclosed in the petition indicate that off the Committee on Mines and Mining ginia [Mr. SMITH], expecting him to in the making of such inspections or investi troduce it, which he did not do, and gations in the mine concerned will be in without resigning or requesting that I be introduced the original Neely bill, as I furtherance of the purposes of this act. taken off that committee. I know that understand it; whereupon I introduced a great many Members of the House are the altered bill myself, and it happened Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. under the delusion that once you are on to be introduced on the same day that Chairman, I offer a committee amend a c?mmittee you can stay on it until you my colleague from Pennsylvania [Mr. ment. resign or go to another committee of FLANNERY] introduced this bill. That The Clerk read as follows: your own choice. That was my delusion bill is H. R. 2090. Committee amendment offered by Mr. until I found that I had been taken off Now, in tbe verbiage and language of SMITH of West Virginia: On page 4, begin the committee. I feel that I know ex ning in line 6, strike out all of section 2 and actly where in Pennsylvania politics to a bill of tl'.~ kind, we all know, we all insert the following: understand, and I know that the g.en put my finger on the pulse of that situa tleman from Pennsylvania, Congressman "SEc. 2. The Secretary of the Interior, act tion. However, that is something with FLANNERY will readily understand that a ing through the United States Bureau of which I do not propose to burden the Mines, is further authorized and empowered House as a matter of any imposition on coal mine is not amicted with a disease to make or cause to be made the inspections and that occupational diseases are not a and investigations provided for in section 1 my part. Having been placed on that part of the real estate and physical of this act at other than annual intervals committee without my solicitation, I property of a coal mine. So I feel that at any time in his discretion when the mak would have as cheerfully resigned. The the term "relief" in that bill does not ing of such inspections or investigations. in opportunity to resign is a courtesy that belong in there. I feel that with the the mine concerned will be in furtherance of I believed was accorded to every Mem Workmen's Compensation Acts that are the purposes of this act." ber of the House until removal was forced enacted and in operation in the different The committee amendment was agreed on me in a manner that I resented for States, relief is no part of this bill and to. prejudiced reasons. ' should not be a part of this bill, the Mr. MOSER. Mr. Chairman, I move In absolving the gentleman from West same as I feel that occupational diseases to strike out the last word. Virginia [Mr. SMITH], however, may I say are not a realty amiction, for which I be ·. Mr. Chairman, I wish to pay a tribute that pressure came from an unnamed lieve my neighbor and colleague and to the distinguished gentleman from source in this House to keep that bill in good friend, Dr. FENTON, can find a ·nos West Virginia [Mr. SMITH), against committee. As a member of the com trum. I think we should confine it to whom vituperation and abuse was hurle-d mittee, I assure you that effort was not the men who dig the coal, and I trust with a number of invectives last year be given any consideration by the mem the committee will adopt these two cause that bill remained in the Commit bers, as far as I was able to observe and amendments. tee on Mines and Mining. The bill was that pressure did not come fran{ the Mr. FLANNERY. Mr. Chairman, I chairman of the Committee on Mines ostensibly designed for other purposes. and Mining. rise in opposition to the amendment. As I mentioned a minute ago, it was not Mr. Chairman, after an accident the a bill that was calculated to be of benefit I have acted in good faith in offering Bureau of Mines comes in and assists in to the people whom I believe the entire an amendment which I felt should clarify locating the bodies, removing the bodies, Congress would be willing to benefit and the language. The committee has· de clearing debris and cooperating insofar help and relieve in any case of distress. cided against me, and I abide by the as possiQle with the State agency. That After .the distinguished gentleman from will of the majority. [Applause.] is the thought considered in connection New York [Mr. SoMERS] presented the Mr. CANFIELD. Mr. Chairman I with the use of the word "relief." report of the subcommittee I went to the move to strike out _the last two words: With reference to the other r..mend executive session of the committee, hav Mr. Chairman, I am for the passage of ment, anyone who has had any contact ing given to the chairman of the commit t~?-is legislation today for two reasons. with the mining industry knows that tee, the gentleman from West Virginia First, I believe it should pass on its merits. anthracosis and industrial pneumonia [Mr. SMITH], the assurance that I would Second, I am interested in its sponsor are very common in their effects upon move to report the bill out. There was ship. the constitution and are very devastat opposition to the acceptance of the re~ In 1918, when I was discharged from ing and widespread in the industry. I port as filed by the gentleman from New the Army of the United States, I was em respectfully submit that it is an impor York as chairman of the subcommittee, ployed for a time in Carlisle, Pa. Soon tant part of the bill, and the amendment but it was adopted. Immediately a mem after my arrival I hung my hat in a offered by the gentleman should be de ber of the committee moved to report the boarding house operated by a charming feated. [Applause.] bill out with the recommendation that it old lady whom we knew as Mother The CHAffiMAN. The question is on pass. On that the committee dead Schenck. A fellow boarder of mine was the amendment offered by the gentleman locked. The same gentleman immedi a young student then studying law in from Pennsylvania. ately moved to report the bill out without Dickenson College. We often discussed 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2243 the pros and cons of the day. I meet last session also to bring about the en (d) To expend the funds made available to him here today on the floor of this House actment of this legislation for the pro him for the protection or advancement of health or safety in coal mines, and for the for the first time in 23 years. He is a tection for the thousands of men en prevention or relief of accidents or occupa Democrat; I am a Republican. His name gaged in this hazardous work. Lional diseases therein, in such lawful man is HAROLD FLANNERY, sponsor of H. R. Mr. Chairman, I understand the aver ner as he may deem most effective in the light 2082. ·Good luck to you, Harold! [Ap age earnings of coal miners are less than of the information obtained· under this act to plause.] $1,000 a year. When one takes into con promote the accomplishment of the objects The Clerk read as follows: sideration the dangers they are con for which such funds are granted; SEc. 3. The Secretary of the Interior, or any fronted with in this occupation every day (e) To transmit to the Director of the Cen duly authorized representative of the Secre in the year we cannot escape the conclu sus, either in summary or detailed form, the tary, shall be entitled to admission to any sion that they are not overpaid. information obtained by him under this act, coal mine the products of which regularly for use in connection with the preparation Mr. O'CONNOR. Mr. Chairman, will and compilation of the various Census re enter commerce or the operations of which the gentleman yield? ports; and substantially affect commerce, for the ·pur Mr. HEALEY. I yield to the gentle pose of making any inspection or investiga (f) To make available for public inspection, tion authorized under section 1 or section 2 man from Montana. in summary and detailed form, the informa of this act. Mr. O'CONNOR. I would like to call tion obtained under this act immediately the gentleman's attention to this fact: upon the acquisition of such information. With the following committee amend .The coal miners do not work the year With the following committee amend ments: round. In other words, their jobs are ment: Page 5, line 1, after "Interior", insert "act seasonal and if they get high wages or ing through the United States Bureau of Page 6, line 7, after the word "Interior", what appear to be high wages, in the insert "acting through the United States Mines." end they do not receive what you would Line 3, strike out "the Secretary" and in Bureau of Mines." call really high wages, because they are Page 7, strike out lines 14, 15, and 16, and sert "such Bureau." not employed every day. Insert: The committee amendments were Mr. HEALEY. I just referred to the "(f) To make available for public Inspec agreed to. fact that the average earnings of the tion, either In summary or detailed form, the The Clerk read as follows: men engaged in this occupation is less information obtained under this act, as soon as practicable after the acquisition of such SEc. 4. Any owner, lessee, agent, manager, than $1,000 a year. information." superintendent, or other person having con Mr. O'CONNOR. That is because it is trol or supervision of any coal mine subject a seasonal occupation. The committee amendment was agreed to the provisions of section 1 or section 2 of Mr. HEALEY. That is true, or because to. this act who willfully refuses to admit the they are not employed steadily. Secretary of the Interior, or any duly author The Clerk read as follows: ized representative of the Secretary, to such [Here the gavel fell.J SEc. 7. The Secretary of the Interior shall mine, pursuant to the provisions of section 3 The Clerk read as follows: devolve the execution of the provisions of this of this act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor SEC. 5. Every owner, lessee, agent, manager, act upon any of the existing bureaus or and, upon conviction thereof, shall be pun superintendent, or other person having con agencies under the Department of the In ished by a fine not exceeding $500 or by im trol or supervision of any coal mine the prod terior, or may create such new offices or prisonment not exceeding 60 days, or by both. ucts of which regularly enter commerce or the agencies thereunder as he may deem advisable operations of which substantially affect com for the execution of the provisions of this With the following committee amend merce shall furnish to the Secretary of the act. In the execution of the provisions of ments: Interior, or to any duly authorized represent this act, the Secretary of the Interior may Page 5, line 12, strike out "willfully." ative of the Secretary, upon request, complete also utilize the services of any other instru ·Line 13, after "Interior", insert "acting and correct information to the best of his mentality or agency of the Federal Govern through the United States Bureau of Mines." knowledge concerning any or all accidents in ment, or of any State or Territorial Govern Line 14, strike out "the Secretary" and volving bodily injury or loss of life which oc ment, authorized to make investigations or insert "such Bureau." curred in such mine during the calendar year Inspections pertaining to.health or safety in in which the request is made or during the coal mines, if the agency or instrumentality The committee amendments were preceding calendar year. consents to such utilization. The Secretary agreed to. of the Interior may reimburse any such Fed Mr. HEALEY. Mr. Chairman, I am With the following committee amend eral agency or instrumentality for the serv very happy to note the spirit with which ment: ices rendered by it out of any funds made this legislation is being received by the Page 5, line 24, after the word "Interior", available to him for the execution of the House this afternoon. Apparently, there insert "acting through the United States provisions of this act. is little if any opposition to this just and Bureau of Mines." With the following committee amend On page 6, line 1, strike out the words "the humane measure. Secretary" and insert "such Bureau." ment: The coal miners are engaged in an Page 8, strike out lines 21 to 25, on page 7, occupation which is, perhaps, the most The committee amendment was agreed and line 1 to line 11, on page 8, and insert: hazardous of any occupation followed by to. "SEc. 7. The execution of the provisions of mankind. It is high time that Congress The Clerk read as follows: this act shall devolve upon the United States should insist that something be done for Bureau of Mines and the Secretary of the SEC. 6. The Secretary of the Interior is . Interior may designate other bureaus or of the thousands of workers engaged in this hereby authorized and directed- industry toward the elimination of some fices in the Department of the Interior to (a) To report annually to the Congress, cooperate with the United States Bureau of of the hazards of their occupation. This either in summary or detailed form, the in-· Mines for such purpose. In order to pro bill which makes it possible for the Bu formation obtained by him under this act, to mote sound and effective coordination of reau of Mines to inspect the mines, to gether with such findings and comments Federal and local activities within the field make reports of unsafe and dangerous thereon and such recommendations for legis covered by this act, the secretary of the In conditions, and further to recommend to lative action as he may deem proper; terior, and the several bureaus and offices Congress legislation for the improvement (b) To compile, analyze, and publish, under his jurisdiction, shall cooperate with either in summary or detailed form, the infor the official mine inspection or safety agencies of dangerous, unsafe, and hazardous con mation obtained by him under this act, to ditions. of the ~everal States and Territories, and, with gether with such findings concerning the the consent of the proper authorities thereof, The fatalities in this industry are causes of unhealthy or unsafe conditions, ac may utilize the services of such agencies in really appalling, some 1,400 men lost cidents, or occupational diseases in coal mines, connection with the administration of this their lives last year, something like 60,000 and such recommendations for the preven act. Copies of all findings, recommendations, men suffered disabling and crippling in tion or amelioration of unhealthy or unsafe reports, studies, st atistics and information juries. I am gratified that Congress has conditions, accidents, or occupational diseases made public under the authority of clauses at last realized that something should in coal mines as he may deem proper; (b), (c), and (f) of section 6 of this act shan, be done about such a situation. I want (c) To prepare and disseminate reports, whenever practicable, be furnished any coop studies, statistics, and other educational ma erating State or Territorial agency which to pa ytribute to the author of this bill, terials pertaining to the protection or ad may request the same." · the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. vancement of health or safety in coal mines FLANNERY], who has worked so arduously and to the prevention or relief of accidents The committee amendment was agreed in this session of Congress and in the or occupational diseases in coal mines; to. 2244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE- MARCH- 13- The Clerk read as follows: played for this work. The provision "or rate vote demanded upon any amend SEc. 8. The Secretary of the Interior may, the equivalent" permits the judicious ment? If not, the Chair will put them tn his discretion, create and establish an · employment of the mechanical, electri en gross. The question is on agreeing advisory committee to exercise consultative cal, or civil, or other trained engineer to the amendments. - functions, when required by the Secretary, in who by force of circumstances has, The amendments were agreed to. connection with the administration of this through experience, qualified himself for The SPEAKER. -The question now is act. The said committee shall be composed the job. on the engrossment and third reading of of representatives of coal-mine owners and Mr. SMITH of West Virginia. Mr. of representatives of coal-mine workers in the bill as amended. equal number. The members of said com Chairman, the committee accepts the The bill as amended was ordered to be mittee shall be appointed by the Secretary amendment. engrossed and read a third time, was of the Interior without regard _to the civil The CHAIRMAN. The question is on read the third time, and passed, and a service laws, and shall receive such compen agreeing to the amendment to the com motion to reconsider was laid on the sation for their services as the Secretary may mittee amendment. t.able. fix, not to exceed $10 for each day actually · The amendment to the committee DEFENSE HOUSING spent in the work of the committee, together amendment was agreed to. with such necessary traveling and other ex The committee amendment as amended Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speakert the gen penses as may be allowed by the Secretary. was agreed to. tleman from North Carolina [Mr. With the following committee amend - The Clerk read as follows: CLARK] has been called away on an ex ment: Committee amendment: Page 10, line 12, tremely important matter to his district, Page 9, line 5, after the word "Interior," after the word "mines", strike out "the basic and on his behalf, I call up House Reso insert "acting through the United States qualification of such inspectors shall be" and lution 137, which I send to the desk and Bureau of Mines"; insert "due consideration shall be given "mine safety. Obviously the man who is The SPEAKER. Under the rule, the from New York [Mr. FISH] and to the a trained mining engineer should be em- previous question is ordered. Is a sepa- gentleman from Indiana [Mr. HALLECK], 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-· HOUSE 2245 minority memberE of the Committee on enlarged program to build American effort now being carried on by the coun Rules, in cooperating in reporting this homes, for I know of no better way to try. I undertook to say a few things rule out. I feel that some may regard combat the spread of communism than about that proposal. One of the things the work of the Committee on Rules as by creating home owners in America. I suggested was that every legislative an encroachment on the prerogatives or Mr. Speaker, the only opposition that committee of the House has not only the legislative function of the Committee on I heard of to the bill was based upon right but the duty to audit the perform Public Buildings and Grounds, but the that section that provided for electric ance of the agencies operating under it, members of my committee felt it neces refrfgerators in these houses. to see to it that the functions of govern sary, as I have stated, to obtain all in Mr. SABA TH. Mr. Speaker, will the ment which have been delegated by it in formation on the best possible housing, gentleman yield? legislation that it has presented to the on its economic construction, and, at the Mr. FISH. I yield. House are carried out in line with the ... same time, to receive assurances that Mr. SABATH. I wish to inform the will of the Congress. So I believe the sufficient rentals would be obtained from gentleman, if he has not been informed, legislative committee having this bill in those who are to have the benefit of these it has been agreed upon that an amend charge should assume a continuing re housing facilities. ment will be offered to strike that out. sponsibility for the carrying out of the We had before us gentlemen who are Mr. FISH. Yes; I understand. The work under it. in charge of this construction and gen only opposition to the bill urged before Back in September and October of 1940 tlemen who have made the recommenda the Rules Committee was the fact that the Congress enacted what has since be tions and allocations. I am pleased to the bill provided for electric refrigerators come known as the Lanham Act. That say that nearly every member of the in these homes. Most of the members act authorized the appropriation of Rules Committee, after listening to those of the committee were of the opinion that money for, and provided for the setting splendid gentlemen-Mr. Carmody, Ad that was highly improper; that it was up of, an administration to build defense ministrator of the Federal Works Agency; unnecessary; and that if it was done it housing, to build houses at such loca Mr. Palmer, Housing Coordinator; and would create a situation that amounted tions as might be necessary to accom Mr. Melick, of the Public Buildings Ad to unfair competition with homes and modate workers or laborers in defense in ministration; and others-were satisfied private houses for rent in the community. dustries, and to house regular enlisted that those gentlemen are endeavoring to I am glad, as a member of the Rules personnel, noncommissioned officers, as do a splendid job to provide proper hous Committee, that an agreement has been signed to permanent and regular estab ing for these hundreds of thousands of reached, after very lengthy consideration, lishments of the Army and Navy. wage earners in various sections of the extending into days and even weeks, to When we passed that act we had in country. strike out this provision and to eliminate mind some of the experiences of World I feel, in view of the agreement these electric refrigerators, which many War I. The Government did not go into reached on the part of .the chairman of Members of the Congress themselves the construction of houses then as it is the committee which reported the bill, cannot afford and do not have in their now going into such construction, but and in view of the agreement on the part own homes. It was a justifiable com our experience at that time proved that of all members of the Rules Committee, plaint that we should not appropriate the carrying on of defense industry, the that the resolution will receive the unan money for expensive refrigerators in manufacturing of necessary war mate imous approval of the House. It is an these houses to be ·rented at $20 a month rials, was seriously handicapped by the open rule. Opportunity will be given, as it would be unfair to the local com lack of good housing or sufficient hous and I understand the chairman of the munities and home owners there, because ing. As a result, men did not go there committee has agreed to offer a certain their rents would be ruined if new houses to work, or if they did go there to work amendment which will be satisfactory to were built by the Government provided they soon became dissatisfied because of all. with electric refrigerators and other mod inadequate housing. This resulted in an In view of that, I shall conclude my ern appliances which the people of those immense labor turn-over and seriously statement in the hope that the rule will communities do not have. affected the efficiency of the industries be speedily adopted and that the 2 hours involved. provided for general debate will not be I hope now that there will be no op This act seeks to build houses when it used, because of the arrangements and position to the bill .. It is a defense meas becomes apparent that they must be agreements that have been entered into ure, and if those homes are created it built. It recognizes that first of all pri eliminating the objectionable features. will promote Americanism and create ad vate capital should be encouraged to I reserve the balance of my time. ditional taxpayers in the Nation. . come in and build houses if it can pos Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, this rule I now yield to the gentleman irom Indi sibly see its way clear to do so. Then comes in with a practically unanimous ana [Mr. HALLECK], a very hard working the other day we relaxed the provisions of report from the Committee on Rules and and industrious member of the Rules title VI of the Federal Housing Act to from the committee which had the bill Committee, 10 minutes, and more if he · the end that the Government might co · under consideration. It simply in wants it. [Applause.] operate with private capital in building creases from $150,000,000 to $300,000,000 Mr. HALLECK. Mr. Speaker, as has these houses in sc me locations where they the amount of money to be spent on been suggested, I think we are all very would be needed. But even after that is housing to help the national-defense much agreed on this proposal and con done we find there are some of these in program. vinced that it should be adopted. So dustries so temporary in nature that it is There are many communities, Mr. possibly, under those circumstances, no absolutely impossible to bring about the Speaker, in which new defense works one should take the time of the House construction of houses except by the di have been set up, where they do not to discuss the proposal or what it seeks rect use of money out of the United States have sufficient housing facilities to take to do. On the other hand, I am con Treasury. care of the workers. Therefore this is vinced that at times some of these mat Mr. HARNESS. Mr. Speaker, will the an emergency measure to provide houses ters should be talked about and some gentleman yield? and homes where workers who have been discussion should be had and something Mr. HALLECK. I yield. assembled in these big plants, shipyards, should be put into the RECORD as to what Mr. HARNESS. I wonder if any in and manufacturing units can bring their the program is and what has been ac vestigation has been made of the pro families to live. complished under the act and what it gram thus far as to whether or not the The part that I like particularly is that seeks to do in the future, because it is houses that have been constructed under it provides for homes, for family homes yet a matter of some importance to me the act are permanent in nature. and not for large apartment houses, that we proceed to authorize an appro Mr. HALLECK. The Rules Committee, which, in my opinion, are generally un priation of another $150,000,000 out of the as the chairman has said, conducted satisfactory. This bill calls for the Treasury of the United States. hearings for several days. We had be building of small inexpensive homes. Just the other day we had before the fore us the different people• who have Where you have home owners you de House a resolution seeking to set up a charge of this program. They told us that velop Americanism and taxpayers, and committee of Members of this House to the type of house being built is 24 by 30 a bulwark to communism, socialism, investigate into the progress and effi feet in dimension, does not have a base and radicalism. I would like to see an ciency of the over-all defense or war ment, that it is heated by a furnace on the 2246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH .13 . ground floor, that all houses have been quirements, they are just not going to problem that has to do with the socializa of frame construction except in two loca come. The need originally is determined tion of housing. I do not believe in the tions where they used brick. I believe the by the Division of Defense Housing socialization of housing and would not houses generally are being built in. such Coordination, headed by Mr. Charles F. want to see such housing paraded under manner as to make them permanent Palmer, who appeared before our com the guise of this program. Right here structures. mittee. He has been in charge, along may I say that I was very much impressed Mr. HARNESS. Under this program with the Administrator, Mr. Carmody, with the ability and character of Mr. are these houses sold to the workers on and his staff, of the carrying out of 'the Palmer, the Defense Housing Coordina contract or are they just made q,vailable program. In order that it may be in tor, who appeared before us, and I was to them for rent? the RECORD, I for one believe that while likewise favorably impressed with Mr. Mr. HALLECK. The houses are not this program is necessary as a part of John Carmody, the Housing Administra sold to the workers, and I do not believe our defense or war effort, it ought not tor. I want them to know that as one there is any provision :in the act that to be administered in a wishy-washy, Member of Congress I stand with them would permit a worker to buy one of carefree manner. Rather should it be in what I believe is their sincere and them. The provision is for the renting administered in a hard-boiled manner . earnest desire to administer this whole of the properties. As to whether or not and according to the -necessities of na program in a businesslike way to the end they would be purchased I do not know tional defense. tllat it will cost us as little as possible and because the same consideration of the [Here the gavel fell.] that when we get through we will not temporary character of the work or the Mr. FISH. Mr ... Speaker, I yield the 1have too many headaches following ·the length of time work will be available gentleman 10 additional minutes. program, .. because in this as in a great might prevent a worker from buying one . Mr. HALLECK. Mr. Speaker, it should many other things involved in this tre of the houses. be definitely determined first of all mendous effort, we see economic disloca · Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, will the whether or not the housing is necessary. tions that cannot be helped. We are gentleman yield? · I can understand why any worker would . undoubtedly building houses in places rather have a nice new home for his where one of these days there will not be Mr. HALLECK. I yield. family in which to live in preference to much use for those houses, assuming that Mr. SABATH. The evidence presented some other quarters that might be avail the war does not go on forever~ and I am to the committee also showed that some able in the community and which may 'convinced it is not going on forever r • prefabricated houses would be built in not be as desirable. But we are in a · Some attention should be paid to ulti certain localities far removed from tremendous effort that demands the best mate .consequences; for instance, to .the centers where housing can be had. These that is in every one of us, and I do not matter of selling the houses or working are intended for use where housing will believe that in the administration of this · . them in with the housing program in the be used for a short space of time and then act anything should be sought .but the particular. community in which they are they can be moved to some other place . . absolute .minimum requirements, and I do located_after . the defense effort is con The cost for such housing would be not think anything beyond this will be cluded. How much· attention should be limited. . asked by the Congress, by the country, or paid to that now as against the necessi Mr. HALLECK. As the chairman of by the laboring people of the c'ountry ties of the moment which demand that the Rules Committee states, that is being either. the job he done quickly I would not un done in some places. If we reach the conclusion that the dertake to say, but I think the adminis ·We appropriated originally $150,000,000 houses must be built, then, of course, the trators in charge of this program ought for this program. They have aliocated question conies along, What sort of houses . to keep• those matters in mind. They the larger part of the money-! do not should we build? The bill itself fixes a ought to be looking ahead to. the time remember the exact figures-to make limit of $3,000, which I think has been . when we will try to get some money back provision for ~omething like 33,000 fam very effective. An amendment ·will be from the houses, or try to work them in ily-type homes and 2,445 units for single offered here today which will tend to with a slum-clearance. prog:r:am, ~ when persons. Out of that larger figure, 4,904 keep down.some of the things that have permanent uses for them can be found. houses will be built for the accommoda been characterized by some as frills. I . In,. connection. with carrying out this tion of enlisted noncommissioned per am frank to- confess that in my own home · ·program, I asked Mr . . Palmer if he , did sonnel of the Army and the Navy. I want an ice box, a refrigerator, and an not feel that there should be a growing · This bill seeks the authorization of electric or gas range. When I am home national patriotism and unity in the $150,000,000 more money. They seek to in Renssell\_er, I buy them myself as part . country, the development of something build with this money upward ot 44,000 of my furrliture; but when I ··come to of a spirit -of sacrifice; the development additional family units, 1,400 single Washington and rent a house here, they of a spirit that makes us willing to units, and about 9,500 units for enlisted ;:tre in the house. Whether it is a part undergo some hardships ·and inconveni personnel. of the house or a part of the furniture ence in order .to· carry on the program There is no question but what there is that one moves in, I do not know, but that is now before the country. He said need for defense housing of this sort. ·certainly if the needs of the defense effort he felt so, and he referred to some ·of his Private housing, it has been shown, can can be met without this added expendi observations in foreign lands, where, not take up all of the slack. The ques ture, then the Government should· be whether we like it or not, some of these tion was raised in the Rules Committee, saved this expenditure wherever possible. people have developed something· of that and it came into my mind too, as to just After we get these houses built, how sort of a spirit. That same sort of spirit what is the responsibility of the 'Qnited about rents? · I want this administration can again be kindled in this country, in States Government to take money out to charge rents that are fair and reason my opinion. . We are starting in with a of its Treasury and build homes in which able and clearly adequate. The law· says i debt aggregating close to $50,000,000,000, workers are to live. Normally I do not that they shall have regard to the ability and it will be added to. as we go along day think there would be any responsibility. of the occupant to pay, which would have after day, week after week, and inevi The responsibility flows directly from the to ·do with his salary. . It has been -in tably so. But as we go along with that absolute necessity of doing this sort of dicated Jn the committee they. had · in program every one of us should con building. If we are to bring the work-.· mind some sort of a rule that the rent · stantly keep before us the idea of cutting ets into the factories and keep them would represent· roughly 20 percent of a · out wherever possible unnecessary ex there so they can carry on the work, they man's income. -I do not know whether penditures, avoi(;lin:g the use of -things must have reasonably adequate housing. it should be that sort of a rule or a rule that are not absolutely neces'sary to the The thought occurred to me that, inas which would provide that ·a man ·drawing success of the program, because, as I in much as we draft men for the Army, put a good salary shall pay at least 10, 12, timated a moment ago, · when we get them in tents, and give them $1 a day, or 15 percent of the cost of the house; · through defeating the threat of totali why should •we build houses for defense which is what most of us have to do who tarianism from without, we will again workers? The obvious answer, of course, rent a place, but be that as it may, I be at grips· with the threat of that· sys is that we do not draft men to work in think the rents should be fair and ade- tem from within, and we · ought to pre- these factories; they come there volun quate. ~ .serve every possible bit of strength.· We tarily and can leave voluntarily:· Ex · I do not think we· ought to be concerned . o_ught to develop, i-f you -please-, iJ:i the cept as the conditions meet their re- in this program with any · aspect of the hearts and minds of·as many of our peo- 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2247 ple as we may a growing desire to think has to be determined. You have to de we just have to get the men to work in more about what the individual can do termine first of all how many new work these locations. If a man does not want for the Government and the country and ers are coming in, then what housing to come there and work without his a little less about ·what the Government facilities will be available for them. It family or a decent place in which to live, and the country ought to do for them. I does necessarily take some time. I do he will not come. Therefore, the gun is believe that the men who are working in not believe, however, that any particular not built for the man who is in the Army, these plants are ready to go along with defense project has as yet been seriously However, I am frank to confess that the that sort of a program. They will be de handicapped by any failure to carry on question the gentleman poses strikes at manding homes, and they will be the this program expeditiously. the sense of fairness of any person who ones who will know first of all where the [Here the gavel fell.] has thought about this problem at all. homes are needed and how many are Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. LANHAM. Mr. Speaker, will the needed, but they should not be too im 5 additional minutes to the gentleman gentleman yield? patient with a Government that seeks to from Indiana. Mr:. HALLECK. I yield to the gentle be a little conservative and a little care Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, will man from Texas. ful, as I believe the administrators in the gentleman yield? Mr. LANHAM. I may say to the gen charge of this program are going to be. Mr. HALLECK. I yield to the gentle tleman, furthermore, that, of course, I thank you for bearing with me and man from Michigan. some houses are built for the families of listening to me. Mr. CRAWFORD. I hold in my hand noncommissioned officers and enlisted Mr. EBERHARTER. Mr. Speaker, will a statement for the week ending March men. However, let m_ call to the atten the gentleman yield? 8, 1941, issued by the Federal Works tion of the gentleman the fact that the Mr. HALLECK. I yield to the gentle Agency, Information Division, Defense most of the boys who are in the camps man from Pennsylvania. Housing Construction Bulletin, which for the period of training of a year are Mr. EBERHARTER. Was information states that the total estimated construc single men. These dwellings are being furnished to the Committee on Rules con tion cost of units under contract is $75,- built for industrial workers where the cerning how many houses have already 448,063; total dwelling units approved to facilities cannot otherwise be provided, at been constructed, not allocated but com date, 51,242; total dwelling units under places like shipyards, where they are go pletely constructed? contract 23,847. I assume this refers to ing to be working for several years be Mr. HALLECK. There have not been this program. cause the .shipbuilding program neces very many as yet completely constructed. Mr. HALLECK. Perhaps I did not sarily takes considerable time. catch it definitely, but there are numer I believe I saw somewhere a figure that Mr. HALLECK. If I may intervene, possibly upward of 2,000 had been either ous agencies that are taking part in the defense-housing program. I believe the may I say that the houses that are built completed or were very rapidly nearing as a part of the permanent establishment completion. Possibly the chairman of the Maritime Commission has built some houses, the Army has built some houses, of the Army are for the regular enlisted · committee can say. personnel and are not in connection with Mr. LANHAM. I would say in that re and the NavY has built some houses. Different agencies are involved. cantonments and camps where the gard that, of course, this law was not drafted personnel are serving, passed unttl the middle of last October, Mr. MICHENER. The gentleman might state that Mr. Palmer told the Mr. LANHAM. In addition, we do not and all the organization and planning give these houses to anybody. They are had to be done; The houses are in the Rules Committee about that, and he counted for the Rules Committee, 13 built to be rented at a proper rental and course of construction, in the main, and sold, the money to recoup the Govern relatively few of them, necessarily, have agencies that are engaging in this hous ing program. ment. It is not a matter of giving these been completed within that time. The houses to the industrial workers. statement has been made by those who Mr. HALLECK. Yes. Maybe they are do construct these houses through the not actually building houses. The F. H. Mr. VORYS of Ohio. There is nothing Public Buildings Administration that A., for instance, is a part of the whole in the law; is there, that requires that they are in a position now for the con defense housing picture. they should be sold or rented at a reas struction to proceed very rapidly, because Mr. CRAWFORD. These are the onable :figure? all of that preliminary work has been projects under the Federal Works Ad Mr. LANHAM. Yes, there is. done. ministrator; defense housing. Mr. VORYS of Ohio. In the old law, Mr. EBERHARTER. I am just won Mr. VORYS of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the Coordinator is given authority to do dering whether the chairman is satisfied will the gentleman yield? as he pleases about that: that they have really been expediting Mr. HALLECK. I yield to the gentle Mr. HALLECK. No, not that. man from Ohio. this work. I have heard that they were a Mr. LANHAM. The gentleman is little bit slow in providing homes for the Mr. VORYS of Ohio. When we con script soldiers and send the members of wrong. It provides for fair rentals and defense workers. I wonder whether the fair disposition of the property after the ·committee is satisfied that they are really the National Guard and Reserve officers into camps, we give them a place to sleep, period of the emergency is over. The expediting the program. gentleman is wrong in each particular Mr. LANHAM. May I say to the gen but if they are so human as still to want to have their families near them, we tell and the law so provides. tleman in that regard that before con The SPEAKER. The time of the gen struction can be authorized a very careful their families to look out for themselves. Can the gentleman explain how we tleman from Indiana has again expired. survey must be made of all available Mr. SABA TH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 housing, also a survey of what private justify putting up homes for the families of volunteer defense workers while we minutes to the gentleman from Missis capital will do toward furnishing this sippi [Mr. COLMER] . housing, in order that we may not build extend no such arrangements to the any more than necessary. Of course, it families of conscripts? Mr. COLMER. Mr. Speaker, after lis takes a little time for that investigation Mr. HALLECK. I believe the gentle tening to the distinguished gentleman t6 be made, but considering that, and man touches on a matter I touched on from Indiana [Mr. HALLECK], I do not considering the fact that they have had briefly in my statement. It goes back to know that there is much that I could add to organize a plan and get started, I think the old argument we had about the pay to what has already been said. In fact, they have made a very good record and ing of the bonus and the question of the had I known he was going to make that are in a position now to continue that man drafted in the Army to serve at a speech I do not think I would have asked work at much greater speed. dollar a day while the man working in for the time. I think he has covered the Mr. HALLECK. If the chairman will the shipyards got $15 a day. As I see it situation very well and very fairly and permit me to supplement his statement, the only answer is, first, that we draft very forcefully and said many of the which I believe is a very satisfactory an men for the Army and do not con things that I would like to have said and swer, may I say that they also make some script labor to work in the industries. which I shall not repeat. As he so aptly determination as to the available labor We operate, as far as our industry is said, we have come to the conclusion, supply. You may build a new plant in a concerned, on the system of private en after careful consideration, that defense given location and there may be a lot of terprise. I am hopeful, for one, that the housing is necessary. ! ·realize, as you do, -people right there, living in homes at that job can continue to be done that way, that the question raised by the gentleman spot, who could come in and work, so that and done efficiently and well. Secondly, from Ohio [Mr. VoRYS], naturally arises 2248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 1\iARCH 13 in one's mind. Why should the Govern .other words, we fopnd that Mr. Carmody .ment from these gentlemen that such prac• ment prepare houses for (iefense workers and Mr. Palmer were most cooperative · tice in the future will not be followed except. when it does not for soldiers? The gentle and that they were perfectly willing that in the rarest !nstances. · · man from Indiana has answered that the intent of Congress should be carried RENTAL most fairly and appropriately, but I would out, and while I think it is necessary that In line with this thought, Mr. Chairmar... like to add this to what he has said. they have some discretion in the admin I think that the Government should by all While it is incumbent upon the Govern istration of this law, yet we have been means require an adequate rental fee to be ment in this emergency to provide hous successful in having such an amendment paid. In this respect I am assured by these ing, I do not think it is incumbent upon agreed upon which will be offered here public officials who will have charge of thi.s the Government to provide luxurious so that the so-called frills will be cut out matter that it is their purpose to charge housing for these defense workers. As a approximately 20 percent of the income. I of the houses that are built in the future once thought of proposing an amendment matter of fact, after some calculation for administrative purposes. that would set out an adequate yardstick for and after discussing this matter on nu Let me say in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, such rental, but after mature reflection I merous occasions with Messrs. Carmody, that the sooner the American people found that this would be a rather difficult Palmer, and the others in charge of the realize the great emergency that faces thing to do, and that, in the final analysis, administration of this law, I see no rea this country and the sooner we get down some discretion should be left to the Admin .son why. the Government should not re to the ground and basic work that is istrator. However, I do think that a house coup most, if not all, of the money that it which costs the Government around $3,000 · necessary to be done to meet the emer should not be rented for less than $2'> to puts out on this defense project. To be gency, the better off this country is going $30 per month. gin with, most of the houses will be oc to be. It is absolutely necessary that we cupied by men who dr.aw comparatively get down to the basic facts and prepare SALE OF HOUSES big wages in the industrial and ship this Government for the emergency that Moreover, Mr. Chairman, I think there building plants. Most of the workers in is coming, leaving aside the frills of a should be written into this legislation some the munition plants, the shipbuilding provision whereby the industrial worker more abundant life for another day. could purchase these .houses from the Gov plants, and other similar industries draw [Applause.] anywhere from $5 to $25 a day in salary. ernment, if in fact such power is not already In this connection, Mr. Speaker, I de glven. Even if the worker were allowed to .I think it would be wrong, I think it purchase his house upon a monthly basis in would be unjust to the taxpayer for the sire to insert herein the following state ment which I made today before the lieu of rent, we would be making much prog Government to furnish hou.Ses to these ress toward the solution of this prcblem. people and.rent them for a nominal rent Committee on Public Buildings and Many of these workers could easily afforrt to al. There is no reason why the Govern Grounds: pay from $30 to $60 a month toward the retire ment should not get a minimum of $25, Chairman Lanham and members of the ment of the purchase price of the house. America is a Nation of home owners. Nothing and in many instances they ought to get committee, I have been, as you are awar~. $40, as a rental for a.house that cost the intensely interested in this housing legisla would contribute more toward a happy tion from its very inception. Likewise, I worker than the fact that he was purchasing Government anywhere from $2,500 to ·am keenly interested in the bill now before . .his own home. Of course .. it is not necessary $4,000. You will find that in every one the committee for consideration. · While I · to mention that this would go a long way of these towns where thes.e projects are have been convinced all along that it is toward making hJm a better citizen cif the ·being constructed the private owners of necessary for the Government, if· it is to :community h:~: addition tO 'giving hi.m the property are getting such rentals for make a g0od job of this defense .program, to pride of ownership of his own home·. similar properties, if not inferior proper provide adequate housing facilities for tl)e EQUALITY OF PROVISIONS TO ALL APPROPRIATIONS . workers in our industrial plants where the ·ties, to those which the Government· is And now, Mr. ·Chairman, I desire to call building. · local communities 'Cio not have sufficient housing, I have nevertheless pointed out re your attention to a most vital matter. It There has been some criticism of the peatedly that these houses shouJd be simple Will be recalled .that in tlle haste to get. some Committee on Rules for going !nto this and comfortable; that they should be built of this work under construction prior to the ·legislative feature ·of this measure . . I with the idea that they might eventually have passage of H. R. 10412, the original Lanham ·have heard rumors about the floor that Act·, there was attached to a House national- to be dismantled as surplusage upon the -defense ·appropriation bill tn the Senate an the Rules Committee was going beyond -housing market. In. other wor.ds, Mr .. Chair ·amendment which authorized the expendi man, it has been my thought all along that its jurisdiCtion in this matter. As a mem ture of $100,000,000 for the construction of .ber·o·f that committee I do not think that since it is necessary to construct these houses defense houses. This was the :(lrst legisla- is true and I differ most forcefully with due to the large influx of workers in the in -tion of this kind. I understand that all of dustrial. defense· plants they should be eco this money has been allocated and that the that contention. I think the Rules Com nomically constructed with the idea always mittee has done a fine piece of work on ' houses thereby authorized to be constructed in view that the Guvernment could ·get Its ·are in various stages of construction. Sub- this legislation. We have elicited much investment back, or as much of its invest information that has been helpfUl not sequently, the original Lanham ·Act, H. R. ment as possible, during the emergency. -10412, authorizing an additional $150,000,000 only to the country, but to the adminis With this in mind I have protested vigorously for this purpose of construction of defense tration of the legislation. Congress al against the inclusion o~ such luxurious and , houses, was carefully considered by this com ways intends that these matters shall be unaccustomed articles in unfurnished houses mittee, reported out,_and passed by the Con administered fairly and that they shall as electric refrigerators, ranges, etc. In most . gress. Under the provisions of that bill, of the communities where these houses are . which was much more carefully considered be administered to the best interests of built it is not customary for unfurnished the country. and better written than the Seriate amend houses to be rented with such equipment. ment, provisions were made for the payment [Here the gavel fell.] There are many reasons· why this should not by the Government to overburdened munic~- Mr. SABA TH. Mr. Speaker, I yield be done, foremost among which is the fact ·palities for a certain percentage of the money the gentleman from Mississippi 2 addi:.. pointed out before that many of these houses . thus appropriated to assiSt these municipali tiona! minutes. will have 'to be dismantled and the .Govern . ties in caring for the. additional burdens of Mr. COLMER. And we find . that ment will, therefore, lose money on its invest administration .occasioned by the construc sometimes we get these theories in the . ment. tion of new town sites within their borders. administration of the Government and ·Moreover, J, might S:dd that I think· such a This was a very wise provision. And while practice is wrong in view of the discrimina- · it did not go as far as the legislation now the work is done upon a theoretical tion between men drafted into the Army and under consideration, it nevertheless con rather than a practical basis. · For in the industrial workers. For instance, when tributed to the relief of the situation. But, stance, there has been a lot in t}le news- , a man is drafted into th,e Army he gets the . . unfortunately, the municipalities in which papers and otherwise about the question nomir.al pay of $30 per month; in many in . these houses were constructed under the pro of refrigerating units, gas· ranges and stances· lives in a tent with the crudest kind visions of the Senate amendment referred stoves, as has already been menti_oned of heating apparatus; and foregoes the lux ·to were eligible for none of these benefits .here. As a result of that investigation, uries of civil life. Then why should an in- provided under the ·first Lanham Act. · Of if you want to call it an investigation, . dustrial worker who receives from five to course this inequality, injustice, and dis twenty dollars a day be furnished with such crimination was never intended by the Con- by the Rules Committee, there has come luxuries by the Government? I am happy . gress. But it was Just one of those things ·an amendment which will be· offered by to say that after conferring with the Coor that resulted from hasty legislation. This the distinguished chairman of the Com. dina,tor of Defense Housing and the Federal • ·inequality and ilfjustice is one that · sh~?.uld . mit tee on Public ·Buildings and Grounds ~ Works ·Agency' Administratorj and . their a.S- : ·. be. r.emedied in. tl}:is · legislation and one, ~ I ·that will take care of that situation:. In .·ststarits, ·~e have ~ucceeded ln getting·a state- · ; am · sure; · that the · Congress · w'ould i:ea(:Uly 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2249 agree should be remedied. To· that end, ~. Mr. HOLMES. Under the division of ability of those who uccupy the dwellings. Chairman, I have prepared an amendment time, 1 hour is alloted to this side, is The statement was made before the which I am submitting for your consideration it not? Committee on Rules that the general ba to cover that situation. I feel sure that it sis for charging such rentals is that of 20 will be adopted as it should be. Mr. LANHAM. That is correct. The gentleman has .1 hour. percent of the income of the, tenant who H . R. 3486 Of course, Mr. Chairman, we all de occupies the dwelling. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman and mem plore the necessity which makes it in Much has been said about the matter bers of the committee, permit me to say that cumbent upon us in these trying times of refrigerators and _stoves in a great I think the committee is doing a very fine to authorize large expenditures of money, many of these family dwelling units. and splendid piece of work in the legislation They were justified by the Administrator now under consideration. It so happens that but that necessity does exist, and it is a very tremendous one. on several different grounds. The men in my own community of Pascagoula, Miss., who are to live in these defense areas, and in the municipality of Hattiesburg, With reference to the matter of de Miss.-within my congressional district who will work in these projects, are not fense housing, it has been very much low-paid workers; they are well-paid there are located a large shipbuilding indus enhanced in these Urnes as contradis try and a large Army cantonment, respec workers and are accustomed to living in tively. Pascagoula was a town of approxi tinguished from the time when this coun a very decent manner. The Administra mately 6,000 people, and Hattiesburg a town try was actually at war. In the World tor made the statement that he could of approximately 20,000 prior to the advent War we were preparing soldiers to go get an increased rental for these build of the shipbuilding industry and the Army abroad to foreign fields. We were doing ings in certain instances where these cantonment. As a result of the shipbuilding relatively little from the standpoint of ' facilities were available and that when industry at Pascagoula the population has the preparation of our own country for almost doubled, while at Hattiesburg approxi the emergency period had ended he could defense and little or nothing from the sell the houses for more money if they mately 60,000 soldiers have moved into the standpoint of furnishing munitions of Army cantomnent. It does not require much had such facilities in them. imagination to realize the additional tax and war to our Allies across the sea. Our Mr. GORE. Mr. Chairman, will the burden that have been placed upon these efforts now are devoted primarily to gentleman yield? small communities by the influx of so many preparation for our own defense. This people. The construction of additional hous involves great expansion of our indus Mr. LANHAM. I yield. ing units, streets, lighting, sewerage, police trial operations-industrial operations Mr. GORE. In the amendment which and fire protection, school equipment, and which have taken workers from many it has been suggested the gentleman pro additional personnel required to maintain fields and transported them to different poses to offer, has the gentleman taken and operate them is all out of proportion into consideration the possibility of the with the ability of the communities to fields; taken them from one kind of work not connected with national defense and Government making better disposition, finance. The need for some such legislation more equitable disposition of the prop as this to take care of the unusual activ transferred them to labor primarily con ities and the abnormal conditions produced nected with national deferu:e. Yet in erties, by the inclusion of theee facilities by such a situation is apparent. spite of the fact that the obligation upon in certain cities where it is the accus In my own home town of Pascagoula, for us in this regard has been very much tomed practice to have them? instance, where 700 additional houses are multiplied by the seriousness of the Mr. LANHAM. The amendment, of being built--practically doubling the amount times in which we are living, I should course, provides a certain leeway, and of houses already there--the city is met with necessarily so. Some of these houses are an almost insurmountable obstacle in the like to call attention to the further fact question of financing additional facilities. that even in the World War we appro built for families of noncommissioned As an illustration, the city has just recently priated $175,000,000 for defense housing officers; and, insofar as having these ar completed a $3.00,000 school building at the and an additional $20,000,000 for the ticles in the houses that are built for expense of the local taxpayers. It was transportation of workers to the various them is concerned, no objection has been thought that this building, together with the projects where they were employed. So made by anybody; and in certain par others already there, would take care of the by comparison the amounts that we ex ticular instances it is a matter of good school situation for 20 years. But now the pend r:IOW in this extended program are sound economy for them to be included. enrollment will practically double itself when Although it may at first blush seem that the houses are finished. The same situation not so considerable as at :first sight they prevails at Hattiesburg, as well as in many appear. These houses are being built they are putting in frills and extrava- • other small communities where defense in for the purpose of renting them to in gances for the type of homes occupied by dustry and Army cantonments have appeared dustrial workers in congested defense the men who receive wages of the kind like mushrooms overnight. It is obvious areas and for a fair rental. these skilled workers receive, you usually that some Federal assistance is essential to The rentals, as set forth before the find such homes provided with accessories the orderly procedure of community life. Committee on Rules and before the Com of this sort; and may I say, furthermore Mr. SABATH. Mr, Speaker, I move mittee on Public Buildings and Grounds, with reference to some of the things that the previous question. indicate that they are going to be fair. I are being used that formerly were expen The previous question was ordered. should like to say in that connection sive-for instance, bronze fittings-it is a The SPEAKER. The question is on with reference to an inquiry that was fact that such furniture now is cheaper agFeeing to the re:::olution. · propounded by the gentleman from Ohio than with the old-fashioned type of fit The resolution was agreed to. [Mr. VORYS] that it is impossible to fix tings; and in the case of chromium Mr. LANHAM. Mr. Speaker, I move an absolute standard of rentals, because plated accessories they today can be that the House resolve itself into the the;:;e buildings are not all of the same bought cheaper than the old-fashioned Committee of the Whole House on the class, in the first place, and the workers brass. I believe it will be found that the state of the Union for the consideration who will live in them do not all receive the Administrator has been working on a of the bill fs constructed, can be purchased and in Texas [Mr. LANHAM], who presides over tory not only to Congress but to the stalled at that time at a much lower cost this particular committee. [Applause.] people of the country. [Applause.] per unit than if bought by the individual? I want to say personally that I am Mr. HOLMES. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. LANHAM. The testimony is to the heartily in accord with this bill. I do 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michi effect that the:· have bought these re want to correct, however, an impression gan [Mr. MICHENER]. frigerators at a cost of $52 each, which that might oo created in the committee Mr. MICHENER.. Mr. Chairman, I certainly is a very reasonable cost for a by my very distinguished and good friend rise just to make this observation: A refrigerator, and it would not take much and colleague, the gentleman from Ohio, few days ago Congress authorized $100,- of a differential in rent to pay for it. Congressman VORYS, who, most of the 000,000 additional to provide more hous Mr. CRAWFORD. And perhaps at time, is 99.44 percent correct, but at this ing for the national-defense program. one-half of what it would cost the indi particular time he is using up a portion of That was under the Federal Housing Ad vidual if he had to install it in the house. that fifty-six one-hundredths percent ministration, and the money will be fur Mr. LANHAM. I think that is right. wherein he is WJ:ong, because this bill spe nished by local lending agencies-the Mr. CRAWFORD. Is there anything cifica1ly gives to the Administrator the Government to insure the loans. Today in the amendment which would prohibit right to sell and to collect rent. I want to we are adding another $150,000,000 to a the Administrator from proceeding on state that the evidence before this Com bill which but a few weeks ago granted that basis if the Administrator finds that mittee will show that the committee very $150,000,000 to furnish housing for this it is in keeping with the general pro carefully looked into the matter, that we same purpose. That makes $400,000,000 gram? were not donating anything to anyone, within the last few weeks. Ali this for Mr. LANHAM. May I read the and in reality a portion of this is going to defense housing. And the thing that amendment to the gentleman: be paid back to this Government. How distresses me is the fact that Members That all items of cost shall be separately ever, we do not want to kid ourselves that of Congress pay so little attention to estimated with a view toward economy, and ~ e are going to get all this money back, these vast appropriations. There are but that no movable equipment shall be installed but I know of no portion of the defense a few Members present; apparently there in such units unless the Administl'ator shall program where we expect to get all our is no interest. I believe this particular in any particular case deem such installa money back. We have an emergency appropriation is necessary. r so believe tion to be in the public interest. where we must have these workers in because I have heard the proof as a If the tenant is going to go to the Ad these various localities in order to rush member of the Rules Committee. How ministrator and say, ·~I would like to have forward our defense program. Represent ever, because a committee so recommends these facilities, and I would like to pay atives of various localities have appeared is no reason why the Congress--the 435 more rent in order to get them," I think, before our committee and I believe I am Members representing their people perhaps, there would be no difficulty. . correct in saying that there never has should leave to committees entirely the Mr CRAWFORD. In that case 1t appeared before the committee, one indi power to expend billions of the tax would be possible for him to put them in. vidual or one group of individuals, rep payers• money just because the appro Mr. LANHAM. I think that would be resenting any group or organization that priation is labeled national defense. r in the public interest because the Gov is opposed to this measure. This is due sat throug:1 days of hearings in the Com ernment would get the money back. I to the fact that we are not going into mittee on Rules. I believe those hearings think this allows a reasonable discretion c:>mpetition with their own private real were profitable. I beli.eve these admin to the Administrator, and I think, by all estate agencies. So I say to you that we istrators learned the views of Congress means the Administrator should be al do consider that we are engaged in a on defense housing. I believe these ad lowed 'a reasonable discretion. portion of the defense program when we ministrators---some of whom have been Mr. CRAWFORD. I agree with the are asking for the passage of this bill, bitten by the bug of uplift, the more chairman in that respect. Reference and even though we may not pay back abundant life, and social reform-find it was made by the gentleman from In dollar for dollar the money invested, yet rather difficult to ditferentiate between diana, I believe, to galvanized iron versus the money we lose will be very small in the days when the Congress and the copper or brass piping. I know that_ in comparison with the necessity for speed country had lots of money and the days certain localities where defense housmg in our defense program. when we must borrow· every dollar that is being provided the water conditions are I trust that the Committee will carry we spend, and need every ·dollar that we such that within 3 to 5 years galvanized the consideration of this bill to a success can borrow for national defense. piping will absolutely be eaten U? and ful conclusion. [Applause.] I know that Mr. Carmody is a good of no utility whatsoever. There 1s not Mr. HOLMES. Mr. Chairman, I Yield man and ·I know that Mr. Palmer is a anything in the bill that will prohibit the 5 minutes to the gentleman from Penn good man, but it is almighty difficult for Administration from using copper or sylvania [Mr. RUTHERFORD). Mr. CarmOdy acting today on one of brass piping in such cases, is there?- Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Chairman, these Federal housing uplift projects Mr. LANHAM. The only limitation "in I was in the same position as the gentle and acting tomorrow on a necessary de the law is with reference to the average man from Oklahoma [Mr. NICHOLS] on fense project to distinguish between cost of the dwelling, and I think it should this proposition. When it first came to luxury and essentials. They mean well, be so because circumstances differ so in · my attention I did not see quite eye to eye but social reform dreams have no place the various places that what is feasible in with some of the other members of the in the picture at the moment. Congress one place, naturally, may not be feasible committee. As I gave the matter some should be on guard throughout the entire in another. What costs less in one place consideration, r realized that conditions time that these vast sums are being ex might cost more in another. today are entirely different Jrom what pended, and Congress should never be Mr. CRAWFORD. I agree with the they were in the last war, and that we criticized because it inquires into the chairman in that approach to the have to proVide suitable housing for the question of the necessity for and the ad matter. · men to work in the munitions and the visability o_f the spending of sums asked Mr. LANHAM. I had not intended, Mr. powder plants if we want them to go for by the administration or by any· Chairman, to consume so much time, but there to work, and after listening to agency of the Government. It is our I have been very glad to give such in Mr. Carmody, the Administrator of this duty, it is our function. Our grip- on the formation as I could in response to these affair, I was convinced that the adminis purse strings is about the last vestige of questions. tration is in fine hands. I believe that if power retained by the Congress. When M.r. HOLMES. Mr. Chairman, I yield the other departments and agencies of we give the President the $7,000,000,000 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio the Government had men like Mr. Car he asks for in the defense program where [Mr. McGREGOR]. mody there would be no objection or will our control be then? Mr. McGREGOR. Mr. Chairman, as criticism of their work. He is one of the I doubt whether many here realize that a member of the committee I first want to finest administrators in the service of the this same Committee on Public Buildings pay my respe£ts to one of the finest chair Government today r and I have the ut and Grounds has been holding hearings, men it has been my p1ivi!ege to serve most confidence that if this bill is passed and that within the next few days this under in my short years in the legisla and tbe money advanced, it will be ad same committee is going before the Com- ture, the distinguished gentleman from ministered in a way that will be satisfac- mittee on Rules to ask for a rule for at 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2253 le-ast $150,000,000 more, and for what? ·The bill was paSSed . . there-has been a general expectation that To furnish the "facilities" for the housing A motion to reconsider was laid on the this bill wolild be taken up on Wednes \\c are authorizing today. This bill table. · day. Several people have left town with builds the houses. Within 10 days we PROMOTION OF NATIONAL DEFENSE that expectation. are going to be authorizing the school Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. Mr. Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. Well, houses to go with the houses. We are Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that general debate will be taken up on Tues going to be providing possibly swimming it shall be in order at any time to con day and the bill would go over until pools to go with the houses, that is if sider the· bill appropriating money to Wednesday. the uplifters have their way. We are carry out the purpose of H. R. 1776 as a Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. The going to be authorizing more hundreds general appropriation b111; that debate vote on the bill would not come until of millions of borrowed money. It is on the bill be equally divided and con Wednesday? not to impede national defense that some Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is of us call trolled by myself and the gentleman from attention to these facts. Our New York [Mr. TABER], and confined to correct. motto must be billions for national de Mr. TABER. Not even a vote on an fense but not one cent for waste, ex the bill, and that said debate shall be amendment? travagance, or luxury. We cannot justify concluded not later than the close of the day on which it is taken up. Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is providing all the comforts of life for the correct. highly paid defense worker while the boys The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Vir Mr. TABER. And, if the gentleman carrying the guns and wearing the uni will yield further, is it not the purpose form work for $30 a month, 24 hours a ginia? Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. Mr. of the gentleman to permit the debate day, and possibly live in tents. to continue just as long throughout the I am not criticizing, but I am calling Speaker, in explanation of that, I would like to say that if this consent is granted evening as anyone is prepared to talk, upon the Congress to assume its full re so that we may have the full day avallable sponsibility, come out of its lethargy and it is the purpose of the committee to call up the bill on Tuesday, have the for debate? by close scrutiny guarantee to the tax Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. And a payer a dollar value for every dollar debate Tuesday afternoon, and consider the bill under the general rules of the night session if the House wishes to have spent, and perform the functions of the it, so far as I am concerned. body which must keep control of the House for amendment on Wednesday. Mr. TABER. Mr. Speaker, reserving Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. There purse strings of the Government. will be nothing but debate the first day [App1ause.J the right to object, the primary object of haviJ:.lg the bill treated as a general the bill is considered. [Here the gavel fell.] Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is Mr. LANHAM. Mr. Chairman, I ask appropriation bill would be to have the bill read for amendment by paragraphs, correct. that the Clerk read the bill. Mr. TABER. Debate, however, to be The Clerk read the bill as follows: so that as to each individual item amend ments might be in order rather than to confined to the bill. . Be it enacted etc., That section 3 of the have the whole thing read at one time Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is act entitled "An act to expedite the provision correct . of housing in connection with national de . and considered at one· time. It gives a fense, and for other purposes," approved Oc fairer opportunity for anyone who has Mr. MICHENER. Will the gentleman tober 14, 1940, is amended by striking out an amendment which they want to offer yield? "$150,000,000" and inserting in lieu thereof in that way. Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. I yield. "$300,000,000." Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. It is all Mr. MICHENER. And if this request Mr. LANHAM. Mr. Chairman, I offer · to be considered just like general appro is not granted, nothing will be gained, an amendment. priation bills are considered, with all because a rule will be granted. The Clerk read as follows: rights of the Members fully protected. . Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is Mr. MICHENER. Reserving the right correct. Committee amendment offered by Mr. LAN to object, is this the $7,000,000,000 bill? HAM: Page 1, line 7, after "$300,000,000", The SPEAKER. Is there objection to strike out the period, insert a colon, and add Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is the request of the gentleman from Vir the following: "Provided, That all items of correct. ginia? cost shall be separately estimated with a view ·Mr. MICHENER. Is it the purpose to There was no objection. toward economy, and that no movable equip bring the bill in as a. unit or covering EXTENSION OF REMARKS ment shall be installed in any such units authorizations and the appropriation of unless the Administrator shall in any par $7,000,000,000, or is this bill to be split Mr. ROBINSON of Utah. Mr. Speaker, ticular case deem such installation to be in up and only such amounts be authorized I ask unanimous consent to extend my the public interest." and appropriated for at this time as have own remarks in the RECORD and to in · The committee amendinent was agreed been justified before the committee? clude therein an address delivered bY to. Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. It is the Rudger Clawson, president of the Twelve The CHAIRMAN. Under the rule, the purpose to bring in such amounts as may Apostles of the Mormon Church on Sun Committee will rise. be justified in the hearings before the day evening, March 9, at the Washington Accordingly the Committee rose; and committee, but complete frankness com Chapel, where memorial services for the the Speaker having resumed the chair, pels me to say it will · be for the total late Senator Reed Smoot were held. Mr. SMITH of Virginia, Chairman of the amount of $7,000,000,000 cash. The SPEAKER. Without objection, it Committee of the Whole House on the Mr. MICHENER. In other words, is so ordered. state of the Union, reported that that there will be justification for certain There was no objection. Committee had had under consideration items and a blank check to the Executive Mr. LEAVY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan the bill H. R. 3486, and pursuant to House for the $7,000,000,000? imous consent to extend my own re- · Resolution 137, he reported the same back · Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. Well, marks in the RECORD and to include to the House with an amendment adopted , not a blank check. Under the terms of therein certain excerpts. in Committee of the Whole. ' the lease-lend bill the funds will be The SPEAKER. Without objection it The SPEAKER. Under the rule, the handled ·by the President through the is so ordered. previous question is ordered. · regular departments of the Government. There was no objection. The question is on agreeing to the It will conform exactly to the terms of Mr. KILBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask amendment. the lease-lend bill which has become law. unanimous consent to extend my own · The amendment was agreed to. Mr. TABER. Is it not the understand remarks in the RECORD and to include The SPEAKER. The question is on ing that these articles will all be procured therein a letter from Mr. E. B. Crosby, the engrossment and third reading of through the regular bureaus, depart Director of the National Seaway Council. the bill. ments, and set-ups of the Army and The SPEAKER. Without objection· it The bill was ordered to be engrossed Navy? is so ordered. and read a third time and .was read the Mr. WOODRUM of Virginia. That is . There wa~ no "objection. _ . . . third time. · correct. · · · · · · Mr. KILBURN.'· Mr. S~ak~r. I . ask .: · The SPEAKER. The question is on : Mr ~ MARTIN of Massachusetts·.- Re unanimous· consent that the. gentleman the passage o.f the bill. serving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, -from Michigan [Mr. BRADLEY-] maJ have 2254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 permission to revise and extend the re call to the attention of the public, the as W. P. A. Administrator, be expected marks he made this afternoon on the Senate of the United States, and the poor ever to find him. After 8 long years of mine inspection bill and to include there victims on the W. P. A. rolls the recm·d search. for the ill-clad, the ill-housed, and in certain tables and statistics on mines of Mr. Hunter as Deputy Administrator the ill-fed, certainly Howard 0. Hunter and mining prepared by the United of W. P. A. is. not the man to continue the search. States Bureau of Mines. · Read House Report No. 2187 of the The SPEAKER. Under the previous. . The SPEAKER. Without objection it W. P. A. subcommittee: order of the House. the gentleman from is so ordered. The investigation has divulged many past Tennessee [Mr. REEcE.l is recognized for There was no objection. deeds. Some were known toW. P. A. authori 30 minutes. (Mr. FORAND and Mr. HEALEY asked ties and nothing was done about them. Some and were given permission to revise and were not knov1n to them, and W. P. A. au ANDREW JOHNSON extend their remarks.) thorities disputed the findings or defended Mr. REECE of Tennessee. Mr. Speak Mr. MARCANTONIO. Mr. Speaker, the practice. • • • The category runs an er, one of the monumental privileges vf I ask unanimous consent to extend my the way from minor abuses to major offenses. membership in the House of Representa own remarks in the RECORD and to in Mr. Speaker, Howard Hunter was tives is the fact that every now and then clude therein a letter written to me by Deputy Administrator at the time these we are accorded opportunities of undoing the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. LARRA major offenses were committed. miscarriages vf justice and righting BEE], chairman of the Committee on The hearings further show that, in great wrong. Education, in reply to a letter by Mr. some unexplained way, Hunter managed Seventy-three years ago, on March 13. Aubrey Williams of January 29. 1941. to make New Orleans-his home from 1868, there occurred under this dome one The SPEAKER. Without objection it an early age-for holidays, football of the most disgraceful events in the is so ordered. games, and the like. I quote further whole history of the world. There was no objection. from the report: Ti1is afternoon I would like to briefly Mr. MARCANTONIO. Mr. Speaker, The worst situation which the subcommit- · recall to your attention that tragic blo1P I ask unanimous consent to extend my tee•s inves~igation encountered was tn the on the pages of our history and to beseech remarks and to include therein a short State of Louisiana. * * * It is incompre the aid of my colleagues in reminding letter sent to me by Robert W. Dunn. hensible that Federal o:fficials, at least in the Nation of one of our greatest citizens executive secretary of the Labor Re Louisia.na, were not cognizant of the waste and patriots. search Association. and diversion and misapplication of public On that Black. Friday C!lf which I The SPEAKER. Without objection tt funds that were taking place there. spoke-a day of swirling snow 'and 1s so ordered. Mr. Speaker, if there is any justifica almost night-like gloom, thousands. of There was no objection. tion for Hunter's charging per diem ex people converged on the Capitol, strug Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Speaker, I ask penses and traveling expenses to Louisi gling and jostling to get inside. It was unanimous consent that the gentleman ana, there certainly is no excuse for the like a Roman holiday with the Senate from Michigan [Mr. HOFFMAN] may be maladministration of W. P. A. in that fioC!lr for an arena. permitted to extend the remarks he made state. Long before noon the galleries and this afternoon and to include therefn The record shows that Hunter,s ofi'icial corridors were thronged with a motley certain excerpts. travel led the way to Kentucky for the crowd. The elite of Washington jostled The SPEAKER. Without objection it annual derby, and to other places in the elbows wtth petty politicians, discharged is so ordered. United States where important sporting soldiers, emancipated sJa ves, and curious There was no objection. events took place, including the sunny visitors. Overhead and on the side walls HOWARD 0. HUNTER clime of Florida at times when the cold gas lights :flickered and danced in the blasts of winter, hail. and snow cut short drafts, casting weird shadows over the Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan· his northern sojourns. kaleidoscopic scene. imous consent to address the House for Mr. Speaker, if there is any doubt that There was tension and apprehen&on 1 minute. Howard Hunter has not picked up the written on every face. This. was one of The SPEAKER. Without objection it worst practices of maladministration that the most solemn days in the history of 1s so ordered. ha.ve ever been conceived by the chief of the Nation, and the seething mass of There was no objection. all maladministrators. Harry Hopkins, humanity was not insensible to the Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, the ill-clad, read volume 3, page 578 and the following tragedy and drama they had come to ill-fed, ill-housed, and the "forgotten of the bearings befoie the House W. P. A. witness. man of 1932" are about to be subjected subcommittee. Here. in part, is what Cynosure oi all eyes was the crowded to another abuse. The President has the hearings show: Hunter spent 1,4.163.4 diplomatic section, filled with brilliantly nominated Howard 0. Hunter as Ad days as a traveler between August 1, 1934. garbed.. bejewelled, medalled, and rib· ministrator of the Work Projects Admin and January 31~ 1940-71.59 percent of boned men and women, representatives istration. Let u.s see what the Wash the time. How much did be collect? of most of the nations of the earth. ington Post says about his qualifications. Per diem and traveling expenses, $8.- In the press section famnus writers I assume tbat since the Government 558.48; and he expended $9,172.17 for and artists of the day nervously waited spends millions of dollars a year for pub transportation; making a total of $17,- and stared at the sea of faces, so expres licity, the Post story is based on what 730.65 for the perioo; and that is not all, sive of all the gamut of human emotions. Mr. Hunter's publicity hounds are using Mr. Speaker. He drew a fat, handsome There wa.s Thomas Nast with his vitriolic to gild his lily. Here is what the Post salary during this period. pencil, the pungent Horace Greeley, indicates that Mr. Hunter says about And that is not all, Mr. Speaker. He eager young Georges Clemenceau, later himself; here is what he has to brag issued Government transportation re destined to become the Tiger of France about: Twenty years a social worker, quests for the transportation of his secre but then only a humble news reporter. mixed with a :finger now and then in the tary, and the General Accounting Office There were other men whose reports community chest. He was born in deducted $1,764.42 from his expen~ ac· were to inflame the entire country. sunny Georgia and educated in the Peli counts for the cost of her travel. Then, Down on the Senate :floor, America's can State; he attached himself to the when these matters were brought to the greatest tragedy was now unfolding. Im· relief activities· during the tender years attention· of the W. P. A. subcommittee, peachment proceedings were being of the New Deal's quest for the "forgotten Mr. Hunter explained that his secretary brought against Andrew Johnson, seven. man." Under the maladministration of was, in fact, his wife, and claimed that teenth President of the United States, by the Colonel House of World War No. II, she worked for W. P. A. without compen a little cabal of black-hearted men, Harry Hopkins, he rose to a high place sation; which, in the absence of a special whose names today are anathema to all in the administration of emergency relief. provision in the relief laws, Mr. Speaker, fair-minded men. When Aubre:· Williams became patron is a violation of the general law. At the time their motives were obscure saint of Stokowski's orchestras, as Mr. Speaker, this man who spent the and cloaked under the· false garb of loy. N. Y. A. Administrator, Hunter stepped greater part of his time for 5% years alty and patriotism to a Nation bleeding into Williams' shoes as Deputy Adminis traveling at Go.vernment expense, in from the hideous wounds of civil war trator of W. P. A. With deep regret I search for the "forgotten man," cannot, and the problems of reconstruction. 1941 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 2255 Thank God! History now reveals that declared Lincoln, in June 1864, in answer The two men had first met in Congress cabal as character a.ssassins whose only to critics. Later on both Lincoln and during the stirring days when the first motives were revenge for fancied wrongs, Stanton asked the same question ·of the rumble of the approaching Civil War was greed for power, and the extortion of country: heard. Lincoln became impressed with gold and power from the prostrate What man in America has done more !or Johnson's stand on State rights and his South. the Nation's life than Andrew Johnson? views on slavery and secession. More They are dead and long since gone than any other man in the Nation, Lin today but their infamy will ever live after What man indeed? coln knew that Johnson had staved off them. Because of their unwillingness to Yet March 13, 1868, was to find this war for years and that they both stood compromise, they were more responsible foremost patriot of America brought to alike on the question of the inviolability than any other group for the horrors and bay by a rabid pack of radicals, masquer ading as men anointed to save the Na of the Union. sufferings of the Civil War and the tion. Only the presence of stately Chief As Senator and later as Lincoln's mili di'awn-out travail of reconstruction. tary governor of Tennessee during the You can instantly weigh them by one Justice Chase kept the impeachment trial Civil War, not only the President but the of the heinous accusations they brought from being an utter travesty on justice. entire country were enabled to take the that day-"that said Andrew Johnson As it was, Johnson was shown less con ex-tailor's true measure. had conspired with Booth and Davis to sideration and respect for his constitu tional rights than the vilest criminal who Those military governorship days were have Lincoln murdered that · he might the most trying and dangerous of his life. become President." ever entered the dock. Originally called to start on March-5, For 4 years there was a price on his head Of that hideous, soul-searing charge, and often he was harried like a wild one historian wrote: · Johnson was allowed only ·7 days in which to pr~pare answer to the 11 beast. Time and again, he missed am No accusation more deliberately concocted charges-9 of them based on an alleged bush by seconds. Obliged to leave or more wantonly false, in all the annals o! Greeneville, his family were forced tore mankind, is elsewhere recorded. violation of the Tenure of Office Act-an act forbidding the President to remove main behind. To bring such a despicable charge, the any appointee who had been approved They were harassed and annoyed and cabal stooped to perjured testimony fr.om by the Senate. would have starved but for food smug convicted criminals already in the Dis Flimsy, baseless, and conceived in des gled to them by loyal mountaineers. trict jail. Eleven hundred dollars of peration, those charges have been termed Their home was seized and condemned·, Government money and the promise of the "products of diseased minds." Un being used first as a hospital for Con a pardon was paid for "evidence" known able to find any real basis for impeach federate officers and then as a br-othel to be false. ment, the cabal fell back on abuse. for colored troops. · Small wonder, Mr. Speaker, that for "Traitor," "murderer," "drunkard," "Ne Years passed ere Johnson saw his fam any parallel of cruelty one must· compare ro," "usurper," "apostate," were only a ily again. In fact, the war-was over· and the trial of Andrew Johnson with that few of their hydrophobic utterances. he was President ere the reunion became of Jesus. .One instance, Mr. Speaker, clearly re possible. By then, his -noble wife was The difference is that Christ was veals the despicableness of Johnson's ac dying of tuberculosis. Rich literary re crucified in the :flesh and His agony cusers. Benjamin Wade, elected head of wards await the writer who tells the was comparatively short-lived. Andrew the Senate when Johnson left to assume world about her noble sacrifices. Johnson, noble patriot that he was, suf Lincoln's office, would succeed Johnson It was this placing of country and fered mental cruciation that lasted the as President if he were successfully im Union above self and party that earned rest of his life. . peached. him Lincoln's respect and the love of a In. the long, drawn-out days of the IIll- · Yet, not Withstanding his interested vast majority of the voters. They knew peachment trial Johnson lived life's position, Wade was, by a majority ruling, he \-;as fearless and above reproach. The darkest moments. Lampooned, satirized, permitted to vote and make charges very multiplicity of his enemies proved dubbed drunkard and even illegitimate, against Johnson. With brazen effron his nobility, for the world has not time to it is small wonder he questioned whether tery he cried out "Guilty" when the roll hate men of lesser caliber. he had a single friend left ·on earth. was called-on the final day. · As he laid his plans for a second term -But friends he did have and they must Let me give ·you a few highlights of the in the White House, Lincoln wisely and have numbered millions. Thousands of terrible issues and events leading up to shrewdly chose Johnson for his running ex-soldiers offered to pour into Washing this infamous proceeding. mate. Able to control the Republican ton and fight for him and the principles For more than half a century histo Convention, it was no impossible thing he stood for. rians maligned Johnson and held him up to haye a Democrat selected to run 'with -Many former officers .from both the to posterity for everything that· he was him. Northern and Southern Armies offered to not. They questioned his parentage, his A life-long Democrat whose patron . raise full regiments and march to his de habits, and his motives. Falsely they saint had been his namesake, Andrew fense. You can read hundreds of their dubbed him drunkard,__ Jackson, Johnson nevertheless had ideals wires and letters in the Library of Con One thing they consistently forgot: which he placed higher than party. Al gress today. It is no exaggeration to say Johnson was probably every inch as great though he perhaps would · have fiercely that we came ever so close to a second as any President we have ever had. Even denied it, fate proves that party .was but civil war during that trial. Only John Lincoln does not hold .peership over him a springboard toward his destiny. son's courage and coolness kept many for service to the Nation. His decisions were ever based on what well-meaning hotheads in check. Lincoln, whose place Johnson suc wa:s best for the masses, according to the Longfellow, in his poem The Spanish ceeded to, was the most ridiculed man in Constitution. "I am no party man, Student, wrote that, "Out of suffering our history. But for Booth's bullet, ·he bound by no party platform, and will vote cometh strength." would undoubtedly have been mentally as I please," he once thundered out in If that be true, then we have the secret torn to pieces by the 'radicals in Congress the Senat'e, while opposing Federal aid of Johnson's strength, for no man in our in his reconstruction program. Assassi to the Pacific Railroad. whole history ever suffered inore for this nation, however, made him a legendary It w.as this liberalism of Johnson and country than did he. That suffering was figure, and even his enei:nies were hushed his refusal to be moved o:r sw_ay~d by sec not the agony of a day or a month. It by the Nation's grief. · tionalism which created· so many ene lasted for years, but never once .did his . There is every indica.tion as w~ study mies for him. Then, too, the disbanding proud body falter before herculean odds; more intimate pages of history than fall of the old Whig Party brought scores of never once did he quail before mobs who to casual eyes, that many of Lincoln's his former political opponents into the sought his very life nor from treacherous policies were the result of Andrew John ranks of the Democrats· but this new groups who tried to steal his honor. son's infiuence. Lincoln was a lonely, alinement did riot reconcile them to him. No man has a right to judge Andrew John suspicious man, but he had a profound Poor. Andrew Johnson! Slated to don son in any respect who has not suffered as belief in Johnson. He knew he was above Lincoln's mantle, he was also destined by much and done as much as he for the Na price and almost fanatical in his respect fate to drink the bitter cup of hemlock tion's sake- for the Const.itutton. life would ~~ve ·· held ~P ~o Lincoln's"Ups 2256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE MARCH 13 had he lived to fight for his reconstruc 1808, in a humble cottage in Raleigh, contact with all the leading characters tion plan. N.C., dire poverty and wretchedness were of the impending tragic era, Johnson · The Great Emancipator's body was not his lot for many years. His father was learned to know Lincoln, Jefferson Davis yet cold before the radicals started their porter of an inn, his mother the maid of John Quincy Adams, Greeley, Yancey: campaign against his successor. His all work. and many others. His speeches of that body was not yet in the grave ere they At the age of 3 his father gave his life p~riod left much to be desired, but defi were scheming their villainous machina to rescue three prominent citizens from mtely the tailor of Greeneville was climb tions. drowning. That they were wealthy made ing up. Although many books have been writ no difference in the heroic struggle of To quote a historian of that period: ten on the causes behind the quarrel be Mrs. Johnson to keep herself and two tiny He had pleased his friends and disappointed tween Johnson and the radical group in sons alive. By 1822 the struggle became his enemies. Congress it is possible to boil it all down too much. • and young Andy, then 14, and his brother were bound out to a tailor. By now his name was known every to a few sentences. where. The North fought the Civil War on the Two years later he was a fugitive from theory no State had a right to secede justice, having run away from his master. Despite his lack of academic education from the Union. Neither Lincoln nor By March ·1827, after many bitter eco and a woefully inadequate vocabulary Johnson ever deviated in the slightest nomic ups and downs, he was established Johnson was gradually developing int~ from this theory. Reconstruction would in his own tailor shop in Greeneville, an orator of unusual power over crowds have been a simple thing had the radicals Tenn. Two months later he was married Unlike other speakers of that day h~ to the noble girl whose influence on his ~asted no time on buffoonery, ribald shared this view. All that was needed JOkes, or lofty rhetoric. was an application of the Golden Rule. life was to be as great as that ofi his mother on Lincoln. His speeches were based on the pres It was the viewpoint of the cabal the entation of facts, logic, and law. By Southern States had left the Union and Marriage was the making of Johnson. Not yet 22, he was rough, uneducated, reiteration, he made the humblest listener should now be treated as conquered ter grasp his meaning and believe him to be ritories. They must be made to don sack fiery, tactless, and inclined to bitterness cloth and ashes, be ruled by military gov toward those whom he recognized as be right. He was a terrible foe in debate. longing to a superior social strata. From He mortified his antagonists, crushed ernors, and their leaders be hanged for them, and made them flee. His argu treason. Also, there was the question of earliest manhood, his whole life was to be a fight for the lowly, underprivileged ments had the devastating effect of naval damages. The radicals demanded suf broadsides and few men ever dared to frage for all Negroes.. They alsc;> pro classes to whom he claimed proud alle giance. debate him the second time from the posed to break up the old plantations and same platform. · ~Iizabeth McCardle Johnson, his young present small farms to all the new voters. His fiery, haughty manner, his piercing That, in substance, was the casus belli bnde, taught him to read and write and fed his dreams. Soon his tailor shop black eyes, and fearless poise had a which led up to impeachment charges hypnotic effect on individuals and crowds. against the tailor President. became a mecca for those who liked a political argument. He joined an eve They sensed sincerity and divine purpose. Looking back today, it is very plainly But many of them resented his tactless to be seen that but for Andrew Johnson's ning debating class in a nearby college. A thirst for education burned in him like ness and blunt mannerisms. Of humor, bulldog courage and his unchangeable be he seemed to have little. Life was deadly lief in the sanctity of the Constitution, an all-consuming fire. He spent 50 cents a day from his tiny income to have read earnest to Andrew Johnson. this mighty Nation of ours today might October 1853 found Andrew Johnson easily have become a group of small coun to him as he worked the outstanding ora tions of famous Englishmen. GFlood Control, House of the Union. tary of the Navy to convey certain lands sit of Representatives, adopted April 13, 1938; to Mr. ROBINSON of Utah: Committee on uated in Duval and Brevard Counties, Fla., to the Committee on Flood Control. the Public Lands. H. R. 2685. A bill to the State of Florida for highway purposes; 342. A letter from the Secretary of War, authorize the disposition of recreational H. R. 2112. An act to amend the act of May transmitting a letter from the Chief of Engi . demonstration projects, and for other pur 4, 1898 (30 Stat. 380; U.S. C., title 34, sec. 21}, neers, United States Army, dated January 25, poses; with amendment (Rept. No. 248). as amended, to authorize the President to 1941, submitting a report, together with ac Referred to the Committee of the Whole - appoint additional acting assistant surgeons companying papers, on reexamination of House on the state of the Union. in time of national emergency; Arkansas River-drainage and levee district H. R. 2113. An act to authorize an exchange · No. 2, Conway County, Ark.-requested by Mr. ELLIOTT of California: Committee on of lands between the people of Puerto Rico resolution of the Committee on Flood Control the Public Lands. H. R. 3193. A bill validat and the United States; House of Representatives, adopted February ing certain conveyances heretofore made by . H . R. 2495. An act authorizing the State of 10, 1938; to the Committee on Flood Control. Central Pacific Railway Co., a -corporation, and Maryland, by and through its State roads 343. A letter from the Secretary of War, . its lessee, Southern Pacific Co., a corpora commission, or the successors of said com transmitting a letter from the Chief of Engi tion. involving certain portions of right-of mission, to construct, maintain, and operate neers, United States Army, dated January 25, way, in the city of Tracy, in the county of a free highway bridge across the Potomac 1941, submitting a report, together with ac San Joaquin, State of California, and in the River at or near Sandy Hook, Md., to a point companying papers, on a preliminary exami tqwn of Elk Grove, in the county of Sacra opposite in Virginia; nat ion of Bellows Pond and Canada Lake mento, State of California, acquired by Cen H. R. 2953. An act extending the provisions drainage area, Fulton County, N. Y., author tral Pacific Railway Co. under the act of of the act approved August 27, 1940, entitled ized by the Flood Control Acts approved Congress approved July 1, 1862 (12 ' Stat. L. "An act illcreasing the number of naval avi June 28, 1938, and August 11, 1939; to the 489) , ·as amended by the act of Congress ap- . at ors in the line of the Regular Navy and Committee on Flood Control. proved July 2, 1864 (13 Stat. L. 356}; without Marine Corps, and for other purposes"; 344. A letter from the Secretary of War, amendment (Rept. No. 249). Referred to the H. R. 3000. An act for the relief of Joseph transmitting a letter from the Chief of Engi Committee of the Whole House on the state S . Albis, Jr.; . neers, United States Army, dated ·January 31, of the Union. H. R. 3004. An act for the relief of John W. 1941, submitting a report, together with ac Mr. ELLIOTT of California: Joint Commit Young; companying papers, on reexaminat ion of tee on the Dispositio:n of Executive Papers. H. R. 3297. An act to amend the first para- · Wabash River in the vicinity of Hutsonville, House Report No. 250. Report on the dispo graph of section 22 of the act of February Dl., requested by resolution of the Committee sition of records by Committee on the Dis 23, 1931 (46 Stat. 1210}; and on Flood Control, House of Representatives, position of Executive Papers; without amend H. J. Res. 60. Joint resolution to amend the adopted August 2, 1939; to the Committee on ment. Ordered to be printed. Internal Revenue Code, Flood Control. · Mr. BLOOM: Committee on Foreign M 345. A letter from the Acting Postmaster fairs. Senate Joint Resolution 7. Joint reso ADJOURNMENT General, transmitting a report of the facts lution affirming and approving nonrecogni and recommendation in the matter of the tion of the transfer of any geographic region Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, I claim for credit of Martin F. Gettings, post in this hemisphere from one non-American move that the House do now adjourn. master at Rahway, N. J .; to the Committee power to another non-American power, and The motion was agreed to; accordingly on Claims. providing for consultation with other Ameri (at 5 o'clock and 17 minutes p. m.) the 346. A let~r from the Acting Secretary of can republics in the event that such transfer House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, the Navy, transmitting the draft of a pro should appear likely; without amendment March 14, 1941, at 12 o'clock noon. posed bill to authorize the transportation of (Rept. No. 251}. Referred to the Committee dependents of Reserve and retired personnel of the Whole House on the state of the Union. ordered to extended active duty; to the Com Mr. STEAGALL: Committee on Banking COMMITTEE HEARINGS mit tee on Military Affairs. and Currency. S. 262. An act regulating the COMMITTEE ON INTERSTATE AND 34 7. A letter from the Secretary of the warehousin~, storing, and reconcentration FOREIGN COMMERCE Treasury, transmitting the annual report for of cotton held by the Commodity Credit the fiscal year ending June 30, 1940, of the Corporation; without amendment (Rept. No. - There will be a meeting of the Com Exchange Stabilization Fund; to the Com- 253) . Referred to the Committee of the m.ittee on Interstate and Foreign Com- , mittee on Ways and Means. Whole House on the state of the Union. 1941 CONGRESSIONAL 'RECORD-HOUSE. 2259 ' REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PRI By Mr. MARCANTONIO: By Mr. ARENDS: . VATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H. R. 3994. A bill to proP,ibit discrimination H. R. 4003. A bill for the relief of Camp by any agency supported in whole or in part bell Holton & Co.; to the Committee on · · Under clause 2 of rule XIII, · with funds appropriated by the Congress Claims. Mr. BLOOM: ,Committee on Foreign Af of the United States of America, and to pro By Mr. ARNOLD: fairs. S. 706. An act for the relief of Blanche hibit . discrimination against persons em · H. R. 4004. A bill granting a pension to W. Stout; without amendment (Rept. No. ployed or seeking employment on Govern Arthur Garfield Carter; to the Committee on 252). Referred to the Committee of the ment contracts because of race, color, or World War Veterans' Legislation. Whole House. creed; to the Gommittee on the Judiciary. By Mr. CHAPMAN: By Mr. O'CONNOR: H. R. 4005. A bill for the relief of Grace · H. R. 3995. A bill imposing a manufactur Knight, administratrix of Herman B. Knight; CHANGE OF REFERENCE ers' excise tax, to provide revenue, to reduce to the Committee on Claims. property taxes, promote the general welfare, By Mr. DIES: · Under clause 2 of rule XXII, the Com and for other purposes; to the Committee . H. R. 4006. A bill for the relief of A. A. mittee on Pensions was dischl'trged from on Ways and Means. Martinez; to the Committee on Claims. By Mr. PETERSON of Georgia: By Mr. GAMBLE: the consideration of the bill