Election 1944: Interval news

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Perkins: Independent union to do business with GOP and Democrats

Turndown for recognition by U.S. agencies leads them to work both sides of street
By Fred W. Perkins, Pittsburgh Press staff writer

Buffalo, New York –
A new labor complication appeared here today in the presidential campaign when the executive board of the Confederated Unions of America decided to go into politics on both sides of the fence to see what recognition they can get in governmental agencies for workers’ organizations not affiliated with the CIO or the AFL.

This followed the announcement by Donald F. Cameron, CUA secretary-treasurer, of the recipient of a copy of a letter by President Roosevelt denying the Independents’ demand for representation in War Labor Board membership, on the same basis as the AFL and CIO.

The confederation leaders, headed by Matthew Smith, under whose direction the Mechanics Educational Society closed down about 50 war plants last winter in strikes protesting what they called “official favoritism” for the CIO and AFL sent a telegram to Robert Hannegan, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, in Chicago, criticizing the President’s stand and asking that some attention be given to the controversy in the party platform.

Speak for three million

They also authorized negotiations with representatives of Governor Dewey, the Republican nominee, aimed at having that party take up the fight of the Independents.

Mr. Cameron said:

We speak directly for a membership of 700,000 and indirectly for more than three million members of independent unions which do not desire to be a part of the CIO or the AFL. In a democracy, these people are entitled to their choice of a union, and they are guaranteed the right under the National Labor Relations Act.

But when labor membership on the War Labor Board and other federal agencies dealing with labor questions is restricted to the organizations with which we are in competition, there is certainly a case of discrimination against the independent unions.

Mr. Roosevelt’s letter was addressed to Senator Elbert Thomas (D-UT), chairman of the Senate Education and Labor Committee, who presented the Independents’ plea after saying “these people have a cause the justice of which it is impossible to deny.”

Informed of hearings

The President’s letter said:

I am informed that the War Labor Board has held a series of conferences with representatives of some of the independent unions… and announced a five-point program intended to eliminate some of the disadvantages which independent unions have claimed to experience.

This program includes the designation of staff members at the National and Regional War Labor Boards to serve as liaison officers for independent unions and also provides that independent unions may have representation on tripartite dispute panels and on the sub-board committees which present cases to the national board for final determination.

The board also has reiterated its policy of equal treatment to all unions, whether affiliated or independent, and promised to take prompt and appropriate action whenever unfair organizing tactics based on the claim of preferred treatment are brought to its attention.

Record consistent

The President’s letter continued:

I am likewise informed that the board has found no evidence in its records of discriminatory treatment of cases of independent unions as compared with affiliated unions. Such a record is consistent with my designation of the labor members as individuals representing all labor, including workers in unaffiliated unions and workers not organized at all.

Under these circumstances I am not persuaded that any change in… the membership of the board is required at this time.

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America Firsters to back Wheeler

Chicago, Illinois (UP) –
Gerald L. K. Smith, self-styled “America First crusader,” predicted today that a meeting of nationalists he has called for tonight would go on record favoring Senator Burton K. Wheeler (D-MT) for the Democratic nomination for President.

Mr. Smith, who has organized his own America First Party in Michigan but is seeking to influence both the Democratic and Republican nominations and platforms, said that if the major parties fail to accede to nationalist demands, he will call a national convention of his organization in August.

Candidate goes voteless in own district

Salem, Massachusetts (UP) –
Ellsworth Y. Blenkhorn, a war worker, beaten, 936–21, for Republican Congressional nomination in Massachusetts’ 14th district, was considering demanding a recount. He’s sure he had more than 21 votes, he said. Returns from his own precincts showed 0. And he knows of at least two ballots cast for him – his own and his wife’s.

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Farm leaders urge adequate price plank

Foreign policy session may start Wednesday

Democratic Convention program

Chicago, Illinois (UP) –
The schedule of the Democratic National Convention (all times CWT):

MONDAY
10:00 a.m.: Platform hearings begin.
3:30 p.m.: DNC meetings.

TUESDAY
More committee meetings on platform and other matters.

WEDNESDAY
11:30 a.m.: Organizational meeting of convention to appoint committees and temporary officers.

8:15 p.m.: Addresses by DNC Chairman Robert E. Hannegan, Director of the Women’s Division Mrs. Charles W. Tillett and Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr, temporary chairman and convention keynoter.

THURSDAY
11:30 a.m.: Address by Permanent Convention Chairman Senator Samuel D. Jackson of Indiana. Adoption of platform and other committee reports.

8:15 p.m.: Addresses by Mrs. Helen Gahagan Douglas (movie actress and vice chairman of California State Democratic Committee), Quentin Reynolds (war correspondent). Nomination of presidential candidate.

FRIDAY
11:30 a.m.: Selection of vice-presidential candidate.

8:15 p.m.: Final session – adoption of resolutions of thanks to the host city (although it is unofficial, it is expected that President Roosevelt will address the closing session by radio).

Chicago, Illinois (UP) –
Farm leaders today urged the Democratic National Convention platform committee to adopt an agriculture plank calling for the development of an economy of plenty with employment for all.

Witnesses rushed their presentations on the insistence of Committee Chairman John W. McCormack of Massachusetts, who was determined to finish all domestic business by Tuesday night so Wednesday may be devoted exclusively to the vital foreign policy plank. In fact, the essence of the platform has already been drafted in a form agreeable to President Roosevelt.

Urging adequate farm prices and “an economy of plenty that makes full employment possible,” Albert S. Goss of the National Grange told the committee that “we must avert the tragic error of allowing abundance to destroy its producer.”

Pressure groups cited

In addition to asking a full share for farmers in the post-war economy, James G. Patton of the National Farmers Union hit at Congressional action which has limited lending functions and the tenant purchase program of the Farm Security Administration.

Mr. Patton charged that FSA functions were curtailed because it “has been vilified and misrepresented” by “pressure groups” profiting at the expense of the family type farmer who is the backbone of the nation’s economy.

W. Kerr Scott, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture (representing the Agriculture Commissions’ Association), asked the committee to recommend legislation setting a definite formula “to determine agriculture prices in relation to wages of labor and prices of consumer goods.” He asked that the legislation specify that jurisdiction of the price formula be under the Secretary of Agriculture.

News rights requested

Kent Cooper, general manager of the Associated Press, asked that the Democrats declare themselves in favor of a “worldwide right” of news services and newspapers “to gather and distribute news without government interference.”

The Platform Committee was also urged to favor reducing the legalized voting age from 21 to 18 years of age, and to give residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote.

Rep. Jennings Randolph (D-WV), chairman of the House District of Columbia Committee, said the Republicans had failed to heed the pleas of District residents at their convention and urged the Democrats to take advantage of this oversight.

1,000-word platform

Although Party Chairman Robert E. Hannegan denied he had brought from Washington a platform draft with President Roosevelt’s okay on it, there was little doubt that the sort of document desired by the President has been pretty well settled on.

It will be short – perhaps only 1,000 words; its domestic sections will be largely a pointing-with-pride to the administration’s record and most of it will be devoted to war policies and pledges for international collaboration to maintain peace.

Chairman McCormack said the group will meet tonight to hear all who want to appear, go over statements, and whip the party declaration into final shape.

Other scheduled to be heard today or tonight are Mrs. Emma Guffey Miller of the National Women’s Party, Miss Bertha Van Hoosen of the American Medical Association for women, and Miss Agnes Nestor of the National Women’s Trade Union League, on the proposed Equal Rights Amendment for women.

Negro rights next

After them will be witnesses on advancement of Negroes, which will bring up the proposal to create a permanent Fair Employment Practices Committee – a red flag to many Southerners.

The National Negro Council yesterday voted to demand an equal rights program with teeth in it that will include struct enforcement of the Supreme Court decision in the Texas case giving Negroes the right to vote in primaries, a permanent FEPC, anti-lynching legislation, repeal of poll taxes by constitutional amendment, and a “G.I. Bill of Rights” for Negro war veterans to protect them from lynching, discrimination and assure equal civil rights.

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Stokes: How strong does Roosevelt go for Wallace in letter?

That’s the $64 question that nobody can answer because that missive is ‘missing’
By Thomas L. Stokes, Scripps-Howard staff writer

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Allen: Dewey’s eye on President’s chair, but look what Roosevelt has on it

By Gracie Allen

Chicago, Illinois –
Well, here I am back in Chicago to report anther political convention. This time, the Democrats are going to meet and try to figure out how to keep Mr. Dewey out of the White House.

The Democrats I’ve seen so far don’t seem to look very worried. I guess they figure that if Dewey has his eye on that presidential chair… look what Roosevelt has on it. I asked someone if the Roosevelts owned the White House and they said “No.” Too bad – think of the rent they could have saved.

And, by the way, this time my husband, George Burns, is with me. I was afraid George might object to my working as a newspaper reporter. The average husband doesn’t like his wife to work. But then George always has been above average in that respect.

I’m awfully glad George is with me. He can give me wonderful political advice. You see, back in Los Angeles, George ran for the office of second assistant substitute city councilman from the 3rd district, and he only got one vote, so he can sort of give me the Republican outlook on things.

I was shocked when I arrived in Chicago to see some Republicans still here from their convention. At first, I thought perhaps they had been left behind to fight a delaying action – plant booby traps, etc. But upon questioning them, I found they just haven’t been able to get train reservations out of town. One Republican finally got a lower berth, but meantime he had sent his laundry to be done. He’ll be lucky if he gets home in time to vote.

I only hope the Democrats send as many handsome men to Chicago as the Republicans did. My, those Republicans were good-looking. Still, I guess a 12-year vacation would put any man in the pink.

Now, as I told you before in my column, I don’t pretend to know anything about politics. I’ll just report what I see and hear. I heard one man say that Roosevelt undoubtedly would be the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, but that they might have trouble finding him a running mate.

Well, my goodness, I don’t know where you could find anyone who does more running than the mate he has now. She’s always on the go.

That’s all for now – more political news tomorrow.

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South’s revolt not as violent as expected

Rebels not likely to disrupt convention
By Marshall McNeil, Scripps-Howard staff writer

Chicago, Illinois –
As convention week opens here, dissident Southerners seem somewhat less belligerent than had been expected.

The revolt in the South is the No. 2 topic in the hotel lobbies beginning to fill with delegates (No. 1 is the vice-presidential contest).

But with the renomination of President Roosevelt assured, the objections of Southerners seem less important. It may turn out that the rebels will furnish merely the color and the noise, and not seriously disrupt convention proceedings.

What happens will depend in part on a caucus tonight of Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina, Virginia, and perhaps Georgia and Florida delegations.

Platform demands

This caucus will work out its platform demands, then return to the respective state delegations for ratification. Failing ratification, they will take the issues to the committee themselves, perhaps even to the floor.

Their first demand will be restoration of the two-thirds nominating rule. Secondly, they want a platform plank on state’s rights to govern elections (to protect their poll tax laws), third, they want a plank which upholds their segregation laws. They don’t like to have this called a “white supremacy” plank.

In Texas and Mississippi, presidential electors are to vote in the electoral college against the party nominees unless these demands are met. But peace feelers are out to stop such a bolt.

Texas situation

Dan Moody, former Governor of Texas and chairman of the state’s “Regular” delegation to this convention, discussed the situation yesterday.

The right of his delegation to seats will be opposed by pro-Roosevelt rump delegates. But, with the Texas national committee having recommended the seating of the Regulars, it looks as if Mr. Moody’s group will be in. Middle-of-the-road Texas politicians think this would take a lot of wind out of the anti-fourth-term sails there.

Mr. Moody explained that the Texas Regulars’ convention admonished their electors on three scores:

  • To vote against the party nominees if the rump delegation were seated here.

  • They were not morally obligated to vote for the nominees if the two-thirds rule were not restored, and would be morally obligated to vote for some other Democrat who favors the two-thirds rule.

  • They would not be obligated to support the nominees if the segregation-state’s rights planks were not included in the platform, and may vote for any Democrat who shares their views.

Conformity with constitution

Mr. Moody pointed out that what the Texas electors do depends upon this convention. He insisted that all the Texans were requesting was conformity with the constitution, return to an ancient nominating rule of the Democratic Party, and the seating of the legally-qualified delegates to this convention.

He said he was personally opposed to a fourth term, but added that he did not “hate Roosevelt,” that he admired him, but doubted the wisdom of a fourth term.

Democrats told: No Southerner!

Chicago, Illinois (UP) –
The Democratic Party “can kiss the Negro vote goodbye” if it nominates a Southerner for Vice President, Walter White, executive secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, warned yesterday.

Mr. White told the association’s wartime conference that his prediction was based “not on the opinion of a single individual or even of the NAACP’s 400,000 members,” but is something “deep in the hearts of the thoughtful Negro citizens all over this country.”

He asserted, however, that Negroes are not fooled by the “dishonest and stupid” platform of the Republican Party, which “reached the height of double-talk” on the Negro and contained “a weasel-worded plank on post-war international relations.”

And, he said:

Negroes have reason to be grateful for much during the Roosevelt administration. We have keen respect and affection for the courage and integrity of Mrs. Roosevelt.

We may have to submit to the temporary defeat of seeing Tweedledum replace Tweedledee. We cannot run the risk – so desperate is our plight – of an anti-Negro figure as heir-apparent to the most powerful position in the world today. We are finished in the world today. We are finished with being treated as nitwits and dolts.

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Lonesome Jim Farley back to oppose Roosevelt again

Chicago, Illinois (UP) –
The lonesome man of this Democratic Convention – politically speaking – is genial Jim Farley.

Twelve years ago, here in Chicago, eight years ago in Philadelphia, Mr. Farley was Democratic National Chairman and ran the show for Franklin D. Roosevelt. But eight years of Mr. Roosevelt were enough for Jim. He fought the third-term nomination here in 1940 and is back again to line up some delegates to go on record against a fourth.

It’s lonesome business, politically, because when the roll is called Thursday night, there aren’t going to be many anti-Roosevelt votes. Possibly there won’t even be a roll call, but Mr. Farley aims to prevent the fourth-term nomination from being made by acclamation, if possible.

It is a matter of principle with Jim, and the certainty that he can’t stop Mr. Roosevelt hasn’t erased the old smile or stopped him from quipping with callers like this: “This is Jim Farley. Remember me? I used to be in politics.”

He has no organization this time – just he and his lanky young son. Jim Jr., in a three-room suite at the Blackstone Hotel across the street from convention headquarters in the Stevens. But many people have visited his suite.

Some called for old times’ sake, because they still like Jim personally, even though they aren’t going along with his anti-Roosevelt ideas; others were canvassing the situation with him.

Some Democrats want to present Mr. Farley’s name to the convention to provide a rallying point for a fourth-term protest vote. Mr. Farley, however, was still uncertain whether he would permit the presentation of his name.

“When I decide what I’m going to do about it, I’ll let it be known,” he told a news conference.

He was less hesitant about his opposition to the renomination of Vice President Henry A. Wallace.

He said:

While I’m not going to become involved in any vice-presidential contest, I was rather amused to read about many Democrats apparently now opposed to Wallace who worked for him in 1940, when I voted for the late Speaker John Bankhead.

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Editorial: New Freedom and New Deal

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The Pittsburgh Press (July 18, 1944)

Wallace given farewell pat by Roosevelt

Vice President going to Chicago to face foes
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer

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Caucus votes 41–21 –
State Democrats split on Wallace

Even Cabinet members on opposite sides
By Kermit McFarland

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Dewey charges plot against soldier vote

Demands ‘campaign of deceit be exposed’

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Stokes: New Deal’s control of party at stake in Wallace dispute

Gleeful conservatives see chance to move in and regain rule
By Thomas L. Stokes, Scripps-Howard staff writer

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Arizona, Montana vote in primaries

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Taylor: Democrats really afraid of trend in critical states

By Henry J. Taylor, Scripps-Howard staff writer

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Perkins: Democrats to heed labor demands ahead of white-collar plea

It’s safe bet the organized 15 million will get more than the unorganized 20 million
By Fred W. Perkins, Pittsburgh Press staff writer

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Wallace denounced by Smith followers

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Allen: Running mate for Roosevelt means VP – not Eleanor

And as long as No. 2 spot is wide open race, how about George Burns for the job?
By Gracie Allen

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Fate of Wallace delivered in a pale green envelope

Anonymous messenger hands letter, dated July 14, to Senator Jackson

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Texas delegation battle shifted

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Dewey to visit GOP leaders in Pittsburgh

July 31 conference scheduled here

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Lewis aide asks for Dewey votes

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Soldier voting reports filed

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Editorial: Mr. Roosevelt’s convention

The Democratic National Convention opens tomorrow with all the suspense of a thrice-told thriller, and as much reality. Speakers will recite well-remembered lines, and delegates will arrive at their make-believe decisions written by an author who is not there. If some forget their cue, they will be prompted if they make faces at the stage manager or stick out their tongues at the audience, in revolt or boredom, that will not matter much – the end will be the same.

Mr. Roosevelt in effect has even accepted the nomination in advance. A bit hard, perhaps, on the dignity of delegates trying to give reality to the show, but effective withal. There is no other possible candidate – for 10 years he has killed off politically every potential successor as rapidly as one arose.

He has also written most of his own platform. So, the delegates will not have to bother with policy decisions. It is said to be a well-polished document, first outlined by his chief scribe, Judge Rosenman, and then rewritten by Mr. Roosevelt himself. Maybe room has been left here and there for lesser men to fill in the chinks, and a little argument may arise over that humble labor, but the completed product will have the symmetry which only a single architect can achieve. Compromises, to be sure, but his own.

Doubtless that is only fair to the candidate. For he has decided it is better politics for him to make few campaign speeches, thus denying to himself the customary candidate’s privilege of recasting the party’s platform as he goes along.

Anyway, the Democratic platform is singularly unimportant this year. Mr. Roosevelt’s record, for better or for worse, is the actual platform. His promises won’t count. The most naïve voter will not suppose that this candidate can provide more wisdom or efficiency, if returned to the White House, than he has already shown while in office. Being a fourth-term aspirant thus has its disadvantages. Whatever the platform verbiage or the nominee’s maneuvers, his candidacy perforce boils down to a four-word appeal: “More of the same.”

Whether that appeal will elect Mr. Roosevelt again depends less on him and his party than on Mr. Dewey and the Republicans. “More of the same” is not good enough for many independent voters – how many, will be determined chiefly by Mr. Dewey ability to convince the dissatisfied voters that a younger and freer administration would be more progressive and efficient than the same old bureaucracy under the same one-man rule.

Because that would-be indispensable man is not as young or as vigorous as he once was, which increases the possibility that he would not finish his fourth term if elected, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee must be picked consciously as a potential President. Hence the unusual public and party concern over the second man on the ticket, who may become first. Mr. Roosevelt, nothing loath, is taking care of that too. He gave Mr. Wallace a perfunctory pat on the back, but then said he was leaving the choice open to the delegates.

However, no running mate can be chosen without his approval. In 1940, he forced the unpopular Mr. Wallace on the unwilling convention. But his aides – who have to make the delegates take it and like it – are begging him to be more considerate of the convention’s pride this time. Apparently, he has agreed. But if he refrains from dictating his choice openly, he will OK the man in secret – hands-off gestures in public notwithstanding.

Even in the best-bossed convention – and there has never been one like this -* there is always a chance of minor revolt and a few delegates breaking away. Texas now threatens to do just that. But this would not upset the convention’s preordained decisions. For the Southern politicians as a whole have one thing at least in common with the other delegates, including the New Deal office-holders and the Kelly-Flynn-Hague machines: They must accept Roosevelt dictation or else.

Such is this command performance for the candidate who says: “I would accept and serve, but I would nor run in the usual partisan, political sense. But if the people command me…” Certainly there is nothing “usual” about this performance. Neither is that the kind of “command” Mr. Roosevelt says he craves from the American people.