The Pittsburgh Press (November 1, 1940)
DEFENDS ROOSEVELT AS REDUCING HATRED
Editor, The Pittsburgh Press:
A recent Press editorial opposing re-election of Roosevelt stated that in aiding labor he had stirred class consciousness and increased industrial strife. But my conclusions clash with yours. The generally more pronounced class feeling of years ago has been reduced by the terrifying last depression which has greatly educated people in tolerance.
Capital now respects labor. The laborer taking pride in his accomplishments is eagerly improving himself in his field. Labor is indispensible, and the laborer is being educated to the value of all things, especially labor in its proper place. Newspapers shout that the profit system must not be destroyed. Of course it must not be destroyed. It must not be abolished. Without just rewards life would be a drudge.
The U.S. was founded on humanitarian grounds. Why all this objection to giving deserving profits? Labor is a business agency bidding for a fair price for what it has to sell. U.S. originated so that people might exercise personal freedom providing they did not impose upon others’ rights.
Greater progress would result in doling out a sufficient living wage. Business, like labor is indespensible, a necessary outlet for that class and type of genius whose product results in his happiness and the public’s gain. Profit, the reward for each, is life’s incentive.
Until other events prove my conclusions wrong, I shall hold our present President as a just sympathizer of labor.
HELEN THOKAR
SEES DEMOCRATIC BOOK SWAYING FEW NEGROES
Editor, The Pittsburgh Press:
Your recent editorial under the caption of “Smears, Eggs and Voters,” in which you call attention to mysterious pamphlets allegedly originating from Democratic sources and connecting the Republican presidential candidate, Mr. Willkie, with Negro-haters, reminds the writer of a trip made through Elwood City, Ind., a number of years ago. On the outskirts of this particular town, prominent warning signs were displayed:
Nigger, don’t let the sun go down on you in this town.
In connection with this, however, it is well to remember that the State of Indiana, in and around the early 1920s was a hotbed of a Negro-loving organization called the Ku Klux Klan.
It is indeed unfortunate that Mr. Willkie’s birthplace offers the “smear artists” such a juicy opportunity. However, the present-day educated and intelligent American Negro will not be governed or impassioned with hate by an artificial smear-containing pamphlet. Through no fault of his own the American Negro has become integral, and therefore forceful, part of the minorities constituting the American Public. Many well-known factors have contributed to his present economic standpoint. We must respect his intelligence to wield the powerful constitutional weapon of voting toward his own betterment. The impending presidential election will be a basic struggle between “those why have” and those who haven’t."
CHARLES W. WILLIAMS
23 Mawhinney St.
PEGLER CALLED UNFAIR TO WOMEN POLITICIANS
Editor, The Pittsburgh Press:
Mr. Pegler recently denounced women in the field of politics. “Fair Enough” is the wrong title for this man’s raving, because he is most unfair at all times.
His chief worry in this article was Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, Representative Mary Norton, and all women in politics. He referred to Mr. Willkie’s statement that the job of Secretary of Labor should be held by a man.
Secretary Perkins has accomplished many things in her term of office. One Pegler should applaud was the cleansing of the Department of Labor of a flock of labor politicians of the lower order. She supervised the drafting of the Social Security Act and had an important hand in Relations Acts. Her effort to handle John L. Lewis may have failed, but no one else to date has been able to handle him either.
Representative Mary Norton has done valiant work for labor and social legislation.
There are thousands of women throughout the length and breadth of this country who are actively engaged in political work, and we resent this statement:
Women in politics and office have contributed nothing to the political morality of the nation or its subdivisions.
We have had a voice in national politics just 20 years, as against the long years of men’s ruling. Give us time.
However we are proud of the record we have made so far, regardless of what Mr. Pegler may think.
MRS. L. G. STONE
120 Crotzer Ave.