Election 1944: Dewey foes cite ‘sweatshop’ fear (10-31-44)

The Pittsburgh Press (October 31, 1944)

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Dewey foes cite ‘sweatshop’ fear

Democratic leaders of McKeesport last night were warned that a Republican victory for Thomas E. Dewey over President Roosevelt in the November election would mean “a return to the old days of sweatshops and the days when to strike meant getting your brains knocked out.”

The speaker was William Morgan, head of the National Citizens Political Action Committee in McKeesport, who addressed Democratic leaders of McKeesport’s 41 districts at a pre-election rally in the Penn-McKee Hotel.

‘Ambitions’ denied

Mr. Morgan declared that the PAC has no political ambitions and “we don’t want to take over the Democratic Party.” He said the only purpose of the PAC was to see that people vote and that records of the candidates are publicized.

Dr. C. C. Kline, chairman of the Speakers Committee of Allegheny County and welfare director for the City of Pittsburgh, told the McKeesport Democrats that Democratic leaders are exultant over the overwhelming sentiment noticeable among the rank and file favoring the reelection of President Roosevelt. He prefaced his remarks by commenting on various endorsements of the Roosevelt candidacy by Republicans.

Others also speak

Other speakers at the rally included Will J. Yester, Democratic incumbent in the 9th Legislative District and Congressman Samuel Weiss, incumbent from the 33rd District who is also a candidate for reelection.

Senator Harry S. Truman, candidate for Vice President, will speak in McKeesport on Thursday.