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Ford Newsletter, Apr.-June 1950
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This file contains material relating to St. Lawrence Seaway, Harry Truman.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
April 5, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Consumers versus the big natural gas interests in Texas, Oklahoma and points
south and west. Yes, we in Western Michigan had a big stake in the outcome of the
legislative battle over the Kerr Natural Gas bill. We lost in the House by the nar-
row margin of two votes, 176 to 174, but only after Speaker Sam Rayburn made one of
his most eloquent speeches on behalf of the legislation.
The bill on behalf of the natural gas producers wasn't brought to the floor
for action until sundown on Friday, just when the dinner gong usually rings. The
bell rang this time but against the best interests of the gas users in our part of
Michigan and elsewhere. If President Truman signs this bill, gas rates will undoubt-
edly rise for home owners. I voted against the bill.
It was a dramatic situation. When the roll call was completed the bill was
licked by several votes but then the influence of the "big shots" in the House had
its effect. Before the final tally was announced four members changed their votes
from Nay to Aye. Even then the outcome was in doubt. A recapitulation was demanded
by one of the Congressmen. This required the reading of the names of those who had
voted Aye and Nay. Finally the result was announced. A victory in the 81st Congress
for the "special interests" and a defeat for thousands of home consumers of natural
gas.
******
Why will the Kerr bill raise gas rates? Here's the answer. At the present time
the wholesale rate paid in Texas and Oklahoma for gas, a valuable natural resource,
is not controlled by the Federal Power Commission. This means the producers can sell
to the pipelines at. any figure and our Michigan Public Service Commission can't do a
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
thing about it. The F.P.C. wanted to protect this natural resource and regulate
the basic rates. The Kerr bill specifically exempts the Texans and Oklahomans and
will permit them to set their rates. I hope the President vetoes the bill. If he
doesn't, more than likely our rates will go up.
******
Visitors: Mrs. Ken Beukema and daughter Judy, and Reverend John M. VaneKieft
and John P. Seven, all of Grand Rapids. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Minion of Rockford and
Millard Westrate of Holland.
******
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
April 12, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The Hoover Commission while investigating the day-to-day operations of bureaus
in the federal government found many instances where letters were routed and rercuted
from desk to desk. The Commission cited examples of such waste and inefficiency. I
recently received an example which can be added to the pile of evidence.
A firm in Grand Rapids wrote the Army a letter as follows: "Gentlemen: Will
you please send us one of U. S. Army Specification No. 50-62-4B." The letter came
back stamped with all kinds of numbers, initials and dates. The simple request had
crossed nine or more desks and took at least three weeks to process! Oh, well, what's
time and money to the government? There's always another generation coming along --
they can pay for it. Or will they?
******
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington is always a gala event, but the pro-
motors have problems with the weather. Last year the blossoms weren't in bloom on
the scheduled date and this year it was so cold, part of the affair had to be changed
to the following week. Hope the tulips in Holland are more cooperative.
There's good news in the 1950 Housing Bill for folks out in the rural areas.
Two provisions specifically open up financing possibilities which heretofore have
been tough to get.
For non-veterans, there's a "title" authorizing the FHA to insure loans up to
$5000 on homes that otherwise wouldn't qualify because of lack of city facilities.
For former servicemen (or their widows if not remarried), GI loans can be made direct
by the VA where proof can be offered that such financing is not otherwise available.
This latter provision does not go into effect until 90 days from the final pass-
age of the bill that would be around July 1st. However, when the provision does
go into effect, it should be a great help to young farmers and others who haven't as
yet taken advantage of their GI benefits. In fact, it ought to loosen up the whole
GI loan market. The guarantee for private banks has been raised to $7,500.
GERALD FORD LIBRAR,
This past week two groups of high school students came to Washington to view the
sights and see what makes the federal government operate. The Rockford High group,
64 strong, were here three days. The 9th grade students of Ottawa Hills High also
were in town with basketball coach, "Boots" Taveggia as chaperone. We're always
glad to see our young folks and hope more can make the trip in the years ahead.
Visitors- Grand Rapids: Barbara Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Woodman and their
two daughters, Oakley Henry, John Poe, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Davis, Mrs. Joe Haraburda,
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Droski, Dr. J. O. Stryker, James Stryker, Mrs. L, O. Grant, Richard
Grant, L. R. Marousek, Dr. and Mrs. O. N. Lipke and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred DeVries
and family, Alva Dilley, W. A. Ziel and Mr. Oliver and family.
Rockford: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bartlett and Mr. and Mrs. Stan McBride.
Holland: Mr. and Mrs. Stu Boyd and son, A. Schaafsma, Mr. and Mrs. A. Klassen
and their two sons.
Grand Haven: Bob Olsen.
I tried to see everybody and help wherever possible, but the schedule got a
little rugged as you can imagine.
******
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
April 19, 1950
Your Washington Review
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
Whenever I get home for a few days someone is bound to ask me, "What sort of
men are your fellow congressmen?" There's often a strong implication that congress-
men are just a little above rogues; at least it is implied I'm to be pitied for hav-
ing to associate with them. The press doesn't always flatter us-perhaps as average
human beings we don't deserve flattery. Still congressmen are just ordinary people
We come from all walks of life, all shades of American society.
But whatever personal weaknesses we may have, we represent the broadest cross-
section of 48 states. A citizen has only to spend an hour or two in the House of
Representatives gallery to be convinced of that. In the oratory of members you get
a deep southern drawl one minute, New England elegance the next and a strong Iowan
twang just to mix it up a bit. I always get a kick out of the Brooklynites. Dey
talk like dey do in da movies sometimes.
As a whole members of Congress get along pretty well. I've seen Charlie Hallek
of Indiana rip into Democrat John McCormick like a bantam rooster and a few minutes
later heard them chatting like pals in the cloakroom. Just because men differ pol-
itically seems no bar to personal friendship. In fact there's much legislation of a
non-partisan nature that must be put through for the general welfare,
Men in the House and Senate are often known by the characteristics of their
speeches. Do speeches in the well of the House chamber really affect the votes of
legislators?
The answer is "Yes" and "No". A lot depends on who's doing the talking.
Representative Carl Vinson, Chairman of the Committee on Armed Forces, is one
of the top-notch persuaders. This wily Georgian seldom takes the floor but when he
does his arguments usually tell. As he peers out over the edge of his frameless
glasses he sort of oozes you into believing his point of view.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Probably the most melodramatic old-style orator is Dewey Short of Missouri.
I've heard him hold the entire assembly spell-bound with his eloquent mixture of
classic oratory and Shakespeare. No Chautauqua speaker ever sent an audience like
Dewey Short. He whispers, shouts, coaxes and weeps. Even if you don't believe a
word he says you've got to admit he's a real "speechifyer."
John Rankin, the vitriolic Mississippian, is a master of political harangue,
He knows all the techniques on the bombastic side, and uses them.
On the Republican side, we seem to have fewer high-flown orators. Our own
Michigan Clare Hoffman, of course, is as individualistic and out-spoken as they come.
Rep. James Wadsworth of New York, a former Senator, ranks high with his distinguished
appearance and delivery. He gets attention and wields tremendous influence by his
sound logic and clear presentation. The younger generation--both Republicans and
Democrats--seems to lack colorful performers on the rostrum. We just peck away when
we get the chance. Perhaps it takes time to learn to be truly eloquent.
There are dozens of other Congressmen who deserve mention if space permitted.
Suffice to say, Congressmen aren't very much different from the fellow-members of
your Legion Post, Elks Club, or local Chamber of Commerce. They are representative
Americans-the largest majority of whom are sincere, hard-working and honest individ-
uals. Rather than being in any way disillusioned by the calibre of my colleagues in
the House, I can't help thinking they're a lot higher types than the public as a
whole generally believes. Sure, sometimes I get pretty darned mad at the strategy
of the inveterate politicians. Still at the same time taking them as a group, they're
pretty fine men.
Visitors in Washington last week-can't say. Spent the last four or five days
in Grand Rapids enjoying home-town hospitality. I'll have to get the report on who
I missed from Betty.
******
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
April 26, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
As kids we used to say a verse that went like this:
"Chink, chink Chinaman, sittin' on a fence,
"Trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents,
"Grass grew tall --- tickled his chin,
"His eyes flew out and his mouth fell in."
Now I know how the Chinaman felt! He felt like a member of Congress trying to
figure out the national budget prior to voting on an appropriations bill.
That's the main order of business these days. The "omnibus appropriation bill."
Well named! It takes in everything to the tune of some 29 billion dollars.
For the next few weeks members of Congress will sit on the fence and try to
make a dollar out of fifteen cents -- that is, we'll try to stretch the tax dollar
as far as it will go and at the same time lop off as many unnecessary expenditures
as we can.
Cooperation from the folks at home will be appreciated. Please don't howl too
loud if your pet appropriation gets whittled back.
******
Any ordinary Joe sitting in my seat would be a little amazed at the peculiar
inconsistency of some Americans. We're a sort of Charlie McCarthy - Edgar Bergen
combination in that with one mouth we criticize the government for being too extrav-
agant and with another yell like mad if our project is curtailed. It takes resolu-
tion, believe me, to plow a straight furrow through this kind of pressure. My pos-
ition, however, is perfectly clear: SAVINGS MUST BE EFFECTED.
******
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
The bill itself consists of 431 pages! It takes a lot of writing to figure
out how to spend so much money.
Day by day we'll hack away at that finance monster, slashing off heads as best
we can. Here's hoping it won't wind up like that mythological beast that grew two
new heads for everyone cut off. However government has a way of resembling the
species.
Last week we managed to chop off a billion dollars. Next week, what more?
******
Speaking of money many reliable ecomonists are predicting that within the next
half century the dollar of the United States will be worth not more than 18 cents.
It is pointed out that the greenback has already shrunk to 59 cents from it's 1935-
39 level and is still slipping.
Offhand one might say that this was purely a relative matter. However, the
facts don't stack up that way when one considers the plight of folks with investments
pegged in dollars.
Meanwhile taxes keep going up. Those figures give a rough idea of what I mean:
Bread -- price, 10 cents (taxes 5 cents)
Qt. Milk -- price 13 cents (taxes 8 cents)
House ---- price $7,000 (taxes $3,000)
And so the list mounts up!
Is it any wonder that although the subject of national expenditures may get a
little boring, Congressmen do and should take the subject seriously.
******
Visitors in Washington last week: Jack Carman, Stuart Weiss, Jerry Steketee,
Mr. and Mrs. John Wurz, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Halliday and Father Joseph Walen, all of
Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. E. Phil Bradstrum of Sparta as well as representatives
to the D.A.R. Convention.
******
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
May 3, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Through the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway project, the Great Lakes can
become a fourth seaboard and as a result the economy of the middle west will be en-
larged and protected. In addition, the military strength of the United States will
be greatly increased. This is the gist of the testimony by witnesses before my Com-
mittee, the House Committee on Public Works.
For the past week an imposing array of "big league" talent has been urging the
Committee to act favorably on the proposed seaway and power project. Secretary of
Commerce Sawyer was the first witness and indicated that the combined project would
pay for itself through tolls and power charges. The Secretary, who appears to be a
sound businessman, contended the seaway is necessary to insure iron ore supplies for
American industry, particularly in view of the threatened "depletion" of the Mesabi
ore deposits in Minnesota.
Next witness on the schedule as an advocate for the seaway was Secretary of State
Acheson. His testimony related principally to the treaty problems between the United
States and Canada. This would be a joint project between the two nations. The test-
imony brought out the interesting point that Canada has already completed a large
part of its share of the project.
The following day the Committee heard the new and relatively young Secretary of
the Army, Frank Pace, urge the seaway's construction. The Secretary testified that
the project would aid national defense by providing a protected inland water route
for transporting iron ore from the newly found ore deposits in Labrador. General
Pick, Chief of Army Engineers, also contended the proposed investment was economically
sound for it would pay for itself with the income from navigation tolls and the sale
of power.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Other witnesses added substantiating evidence. REA Administrator Wichard point-
ed out the great need for more and cheaper electric power in New England. Senator
Wiley said the seaway would provide midwest agricultural products with a direct and
low cost outlet to world markets. General Fleming, head of the Maritime Commission,
contended the seaway would be extremely helpful in building up the commercial fleets
of the United States and particularly the Great Lakes shipbuilding industry.
So far only a few of the proponents have had a chance to voice their opinions
before the Committee. Others, however, will testify, including the Governor of
Wisconsin, and representatives of the Farm Bureau, the National Grange and several
labor unions. Later, I understand, a number of witnesses will oppose the project.
In the past the railroads and the Eastern seaboard interests (Baltimore, Philadelphia,
etc.) have violently attacked the proposal. It sounds like the old story, "We've
got our cake, and we don't want you to have any."
The evidence presented to date on behalf of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power
Facility sounds mighty convincing. I await with interest the counter arguments of
the opponents.
******
No known visitors last week, but from all indications there will be a gang in
town next week. Don't forget, when you are in Washington stop in for a visit.
******
LIBRARY
May 10, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD JR.
Several months ago I prevailed on Betty to write one of the weekly newsletters
following a reception in Blair House. The feminine angle seemed to appeal to many
readers, so here she is again:
"Washington this week is bedecked in all its beauty. The parks and gardens are
filled with the colorful redbud and azalea bushes. In contrast to these beautiful
red tones are the delicate white dogwood blossoms. Everywhere you look you see a
maze of magnificent blossoms.
"One of the loveliest affairs for the wives of the Congressmen took place this
week at the Shoreham Hotel. It was the annual breakfast in honor of Mrs. Truman. I
took time off from my duties with our little redheaded son Mike to attend.
"About 300 of us gathered at 11:30 in the Terrace Room of the Shoreham to pay
tribute to the First Lady. The room was alive with color. Each table of eight was
attractively decorated with flower-edged shelf paper fans combined with Red and White
Carnations. The fans, Mrs. James C. Davis, Chairman of the decorations, explained
were used because, "We're all Mrs. Truman's fans.'
"Flowers and feathers bobbed in a row on hats at the head table. Mrs. Truman
looked lovely in a blue suit and little round sailor banded in red, Many wives of
the top officials were there side by side - Mrs. Fred Vinson, Mrs. Max Truitt, and
Mrs. Tom Clark, just to mention a few.
"The famous Mrs. Pearle Mesta, our First Lady Minister to Luxembourg, was there
with a bevy of friends and admirers. Mrs. Morris Cafritz, who has taken over Mrs.
Mesta's once cherished title, 'The Most Celebrated Washington Hostess', looked stun-
ning as always, her dark beauty set off with a spray of white apple blossoms and a
yellow apple on her natural straw hat.
GERALD road LIBRARY
"High spot of the afternoon was a piano program by the famous composer, Mario
Braggiotti, who by the way is the brother of Mrs. John Davis Lodge, wife of the Rep--
resentative from Connecticut, Mr. Braggiotti's program included the popular Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue, a Chopin Polomaise Polaise and Nocturne, and the pianist's own arrangement of
Yankee Doodle as Scarlatti, Beethoven, Chopin, DeBussey and Gershwin might have play-
ed it. Needless to say, a delightful time was had by all, I was amazed to hear the
next day while lunching with some friends from Grand Rapids that Mrs. Truman had also
appeared at their luncheon rather late, in fact as they were finishing their dessert
So, you see, the First Lady is just as busy as H.S.T. himself.
"Speaking of Spring and the beauty of our Capitol at this time of the year, I
noticed in passing the Blair House that Mrs. Truman is as busy as everyone else, get-
ting her house spruced up. The front fence was all glistening with fresh paint and
"Fresh paint" signs. Apparently spring cleaning habits in the Presidential household
correspond to those elsewhere in the country."
VISITORS - John Hekman, Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. McCobb, Nathan J. Harkness, George
H. Roderick, George S. Clarke, Noel K. Black, Fred H. Meyer, Lee M. Dygert, Clarke W.
Wilbur, Archie B. Millard, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Frey and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Don-
and J. Porter, Charles F. Runchey, J. Victor Stuart, Thomas D. Stafford, A. William
Honecker, Mr. and Mrs. Philip L. Anderson, Dr. and Mrs. Ferris N. Smith, Dr. J. D.
Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Renzo Rutili and Percy Owen, Mr. and Mrs. Orie Drake and two
daughters and Elizabeth B. Miller, all of Grand Rapids. Mayor Martin Boon, Aldermen
Louis Breitels and Claude Ver Duin, City Manager R. V. Terrill, James Van Zylen and
P. H. Murdick, all from Grand Haven.
May 17, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Last Wednesday, after a month of discussion, debate, hemming and hawing, the
House approved an appropriations bill totaling 28.8 billions of dollars. That's a
lot of money in any man's language, but it was less than proposed by the administra-
tion by better than a billion dollars.
The cuts had taken place as follows: the House committee whittled the figure
down to 29.6 billion and the House whacked off nearly another billion.
When we adjourned at 8 o'clock Wednesday night I went home feeling pretty good
about the whole thing. I honestly thought we had done a pretty good job.
The next morning I got up and read the Washington Post. Headlines: "200,000
jobs eliminated throughout the country; 25,000 Washington jobs cut!" Oh, what grie-
vous sin had we committed! We had saved the tax-payer nearly 2 billion dollars, but
in doing so had put a few thousand bureaucrats out of work.
The paper went on to lash us by accusing the House of Representatives of acting
"irresponsibly."
******
Arriving at the House Office Building I stepped on the elevator with my usual
"good morning" to the operator.
Icy silence greeted my salutation.
As I was about to step off, the operator said, "Mr. Ford, you certainly stabbed
us young fellows in the back by cutting out those jobs."
This from a law student - a future attorney! I had always thought him a bright
young man.
But the criticisms I was to get did not end there.
Shopping at the corner grocery store that evening for Betty, the owner hailed
me with this observation, "Business has been terrible, Mr. Ford, and how am I going
to operate if you fire all those government employees?"
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
All of which clearly illustrates the state of dependency on the money bags of
the Federal Treasury some Americans have been reduced to. Personally, I think it's
about time tax-payers knew the facts of the tax situation as it applies to their own
home-town.
******
How much do you think comes out of Kent and Ottawa Counties on the basis of the
budget for 1951? How much is the share of the Federal debt in each area?
Calculated on the basis of the publication Sales Management here's the cold dope.
Kent County contains somewhere in the neighberhood of 267,800 persons! Kent's
share of the Federal Budget will be $75,520,000 roughly in 1951, including aid to
foreign nations and interest on the debt.
Ottawa County contains in the neighborhood of 69,400 persons and pro-rating
the budget they'll take the rap for $19,570,000!
Now we come to figures that are even more staggering. Kent's share of the
Federal Debt is $469,721,000. Ottawa County simply owes itself because the nat-
ional debt is a debt to ourselves --- $121,728,000!
In other words each one of us bears a burden of $282 toward the yearly budget
and we are mortgaged to the tune of $1754 per person by the national debt.
And Congressmen get jumped on for trying to cut the burden down! Oh, well, I
was once told that my job would require a certain philosophical sense of humour.
******
No visitors in Washington last week guess it was so nice back home noone
wanted to leave Michigan. Can't blame them.
FOR RELEASE THURSDAY
May 25, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Members of the House of Representatives are nominated and elected every two
years. The 24 months between elections come and go pretty quickly. Several days
ago I heard an old-timer in the House define a Congressman as the shortest distance
between two years. These first two years have gone that fast for me.
This all leads up to my decision to be a candidate for another term as the
Representative from Kent and Ottawa Counties. I hope my past efforts have justified
the confidence you placed in me when you sent me to Washington. The work has re-
quired long hours and the decisions on occasion have been difficult but at all times
I have acted as my judgement and conscience dictated. I do not say this lightly,
but it really has been fun -- serving you to the best of my ability.
******
Some folks might say, "What makes a man want to put himself to all the trouble
of running for election every two years?" Well, I guess that's a question of tem-
perament and character as much as anything. The truth is I enjoy working with peo-
ple. I like to feel I can help them when they've got problems and noone can deny
the fascination of grappling with modern political problems.
******
A few months ago I read an article in a national magazine purporting to reveal
the unhappiness and misery of a man who served several terms in Washington. His
complaints were numerous. His disillusionment bitter. I feel very grateful that
I have had none of those reactions. To me there is nothing disillusioning about the
"inside picture" in Washington. Congressmen are like all other human beings -- some
good and some bad.
******
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
The week in Washington hasn't been one of spectacular news. We're all happy
the railroad strike got wound up without too much loss of time. Mr. Truman, of
course, returned from his barn-storming tour and yelled for the scalps of all
"obstructionists." I wonder if by his definition I'd be placed in that catagory?
It seems to me someone ought to remind Mr. Truman of that famous saying, "I wholly
disapprove of what you say but, will defend to the death your right to say it."
Voltaire knew the distinction in spirit that makes the difference between fascism
and democracy. Mr. Truman seems to think that anyone who disagrees with him is an
"obstructionist." On that basis, there would be literally millions of Americans
who ought to be liquidated. Does that sound like America?
******
Where else could it happen but in the United States? I ran across these fig-
ures and was quite astounded.
Michigan pitches into the Federal Treasury 6.34 percent of all the nation's
revenue. We get back only 3.8 percent in the form of federal aid money. Thus we
take quite a licking in dollars every time the federal government encroaches on local
authorities. Some of the loss, of course, goes for the "general welfare". What
part, however, goes up in bureaucratic smoke?
******
Visitors in Washington last week:Floyd A. Thornton of Grand Rapids, member of
the Michigan State Letter Carriers Association, also Si Alberts, and Bill Boyle of
Grand Rapids.
******
May 31, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD JR.
The betting odds in Washington on the continuation of rent controls have chang-
ed somewhat in the last couple of weeks. Four months ago I would have said the law
was a dead duck now I'm not so certain. The administration has turned on the
heat, and the House committee came out with a watered-down version so that it may
get the support of some fence-sitters. One of the problems that bothers everyone
is the question of the effects on tenants in the big cities of America. Regardless
of what Congress does, however, it looks like a lay-off for employees in the rent
control offices. The Housing Administrator's money has run out and until the new law
is settled there is no more. Congress will not get to the question until week after
next.
******
Friends are beginning to ask when Congress is likely to call it quits. That's
always a highly speculative question but sometime between the 1st and 15th of Aug-
ust would be a fair guess. The big issue yet to be settled is the tax bill, and of
course, excise taxes are the hottest question.
Other questions being kicked around are how to plug loopholes in the present
legislation as well as rent control mentioned. Winding up a session is like trying
to slam the door with a string attached to a sore tooth. It just takes a certain
amount of procrastination.
Last week I had the pleasure of going to Nashville, N.C. as the guest of the
Dearborn Motor Co. The trip was occasioned by the first showing of a film specially
made to tell the story of the Land Grant Colleges of the United States and their
contribution to agriculture. This film was the idea of President Hannah of Michigan
State College. Ideas like this have made Hannah one of the outstanding college
prexys of the country. The little town of Nashville ordinarily boasting a popula-
tion of 1800 people was busting with visitors. Nearly 10,000 folks turned out and
it really was an occasion.
FORD is LIBRAR. GERALD
How many Americans appreciate just how unique the Land Grant Colleges of the
United States really are? The foresight of our early politicians in setting aside
government land to finance educational institutions is a fair measure of the calibre
of men who went before us.
******
The House on Wednesday approved an extension of the Draft Law.
The President wanted the law left as it was but Congress thought differently.
The new law is called the Manpower Registration Act and it is in force for two
years. Under it, however, men can only be called up if the House and Senate in con--
current resolution declare a new emergency to exist. General Bradley's urging was
the main force that put the bill through. Personally it seems to me like a reason-
able proposition.
******
Visitors in Washington last week: Dick Krause of Rockford and John Janssen.
From Grand Rapids came John Champion and Captain Durakov, son-in-law of Glenn P.
McCauley.
******
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
June 8, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
This past week two ranking members of the House died in office. Rep. John
Lesinski, Democratic chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, passed on
most unexpectedly. Congressman Bill Lemke, a rugged Republican individualist from
North Dakota, had been ill off and on for the past year, yet the news of his death
was a bit startling. I first got the word while acting as an honorary pallbearer
at John Lesinski's funeral.
******
Bill Lemke made a reputation early in the 1930's as the co-author of the Frazier-
Lemke moratorium act. He was a likeable gentleman with a lean, weather-beaten face.
Bill had many friends among the old members on both sides of the aisle. I learned
this several weeks ago when a new homestead bill for Alaska came to the floor of the
House. Bill Lemke was the author of this legislation and despite the opposition of
the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture literally pushed the
bill through the House.
******
The U. S. Forest Service bitterly opposed the bill because it might well destroy
the superb national forests in Alaska. It was a bill that had excellent objectives
but at the same time might prove to be a paradise for timber speculators. I sided
with the Forest Service and tried to get the legislation sent back to the Committee
on Public Lands. Although Bill Lemke and I disagreed on this specific matter we
were good friends. The House of Representatives and the nation has lost a good Amer-
ican.
******
Rep. John Lesinski of Dearborn had represented Michigan's 16th Congressional District
for seventeen years. In the 81st Congress, John was Chairman of the Committee that
GERALD FORD
had wrangled for seventeen months over the issues of Taft-Hartley repeal and federal
aid to education. Although John Lesinski seemingly was a rugged man physically,
apparently the responsibilities assigned him by the Administration were too much for
a man of his age.
******
When a member of the House passes on the Speaker appoints a number of his
colleagues to attend the funeral ceremonies. Normally those so chosen are colleagues
from the same state or from the same committee. Political party affiliation is
immaterial. Practically all the Michigan Republicans including Senator Ferguson
were at John Lesinski's funeral. He was our friend and associate. Any differences
and disputes were bygones as we paid tribute to his long and faithful service in the
nation's capitol.
Although the President recently stated the world is now closer to peace than
at any time in the last five years the Administration continues to request tremendous
funds for military aid for our European allies. I wonder if the European countries
are doing enough to help themselves. The U. S. has been mighty generous in the past
years in helping to rehabilitate the economy of Europe. If the President is correct
in stating that real peace is close at hand then our allies should assume a greater
share of their economic and military burdens.
The Department of Agriculture has announced there will be no new 1950 Yearbook,
The next issue will be out in 1951. In 1949 an excellent volume entitled "Trees"
was most popular and it is being re-issued for 1950. I have some copies of "Trees"
on hand but will not have any new or different issue until 1951.
June 14, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
One of the most interesting operations to watch in Washington is the manner in
which the President is protected by the special police force assigned to the job.
One evening last week I attended a dinner at one of the Washington hotels where the
President was the speaker and guest of honor, From my observations you can rest
assured that every possible precaution is taken for the safety and security of the
Chief Executive. When you consider the fact that three Presidents out of thirty-two
have been assassinated in office, it is no wonder that security is important.
******
For example, all parking areas in and around a sizeable portion of the particular
hotel were roped off and guarded by policemen, The hotel lobby was filled by a large
group of husky young men. Prior to the President's arrival in the banquet room three
or four tables were only partially filled but upon Mr. Truman's appearance most seats
were quickly occupied. In addition an entourage of guards kept milling around the
head table where the President was sitting.
The newspaper photographers are rigidly restricted at such functions. Only two
out of many were allowed to photograph the President and while in the process they
were carefully watched by a couple of husky Secret Service men.
A few years ago a sizeable modern hotel was constructed in Washington with the
finest banquet hall in town. Rumour has it that the architects specially designed
this dining facility for the personal protection of the President. In other words,
it is so constructed that there is the minimum of danger when the Chief Executive
attends functions where some 2000 can be dined. Appropriately enough the banquet hall
is called the Presidential Room.
******
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Last week the primary elections were held in California, the state where Repub.-
licans file and run in both their own and the Democratic primary and vice versa. It's
an unusual system but the results are quite satisfactory, particularly to the candid-
ate when he wins the nomination of both parties. It appears that in thirteen out of
the twenty-three Congressional Districts one candidate won both the Republican and
Democratic nominations. Peculiarly enough, Governor Warren also came mighty close to
winning from Jimmy Roosevelt both gubernatorial nominations,
******
As many of you know annual order blanks for farmers bulletins have been sent out
by my office. When you return your order please include your name and address. So
far five orders have come back with no names and addresses, one each from Sand Lake,
Holland, Nunica, Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. We can't comply with your requests
unless you give us names and addresses.
******
Visitors this week - Lynn Bradshaw, John Salatka, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Anderson,
Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Ryan and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hilborn and daughter all
of Grand Rapids. The Ryans had a bad break during their visit. The family came
down several weeks ago so their daughter could attend June Week at Annapolis. While
in Washington Mrs. Ryan had an acute attack of appendicitis. Glad to report the
operation was successful.
******
June 21, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
As the session draws to a close it is apparent that the House will have many
new faces simply because a number of the older men in both parties are retiring
voluntarily. This list of "old warriers" presents an imposing array of talent, and
I assure you their presence will be missed. Several days ago I heard one of the
most astute members of the House say, "Our good colleagues retire voluntarily; the
bad ones stay here till they're licked."
******
From.a personal point of view the retirement of Congressman Earl Michener, of
Adrian, is a real loss. No member of the House has been so helpful to me as this
fine gentleman from the 2nd District. Earl is concluding 30 years of superb Con-
gressional service. It is regrettable that he leaves but his wife is very ill and
needs him badly. Such fine public servants record an indelible mark on the pages
of history and rightly SO.
Two fair and able committee chairmen, Representative Peterson of Florida and
Whittington of Mississippi, are also voluntarily stepping down. "Pete", who heads
the Committee on Public Lands, wants to spend a little time "fishin" and"Mr. Will"
who chairmans my Committee on Public Works, can't wait to spend 12 months a year on
his "delta county" farm in Mississippi. Several weeks ago the members and wives
of the Committee on Public Works jointly banquetted Mr. and Mrs. Whittington. It
was our small way of showing our appreciation to a man who is the foremost legislative
authority in the country on flood control and harbor problems. From a local angle
Bill Whittington has been most helpful to us in Western Michigan whenever I needed
a boost on the Holland or Grand Haven harbor projects or the Grand River flood con-
trol problem.
******
GERALD R.FORD CIBRARY
Representative James Wadsworth of New York, another veteran in the Congress,
is unfortunately retiring. Jim is one of the very few members of the House who
originally served in the Senate. The records show he was Senator from the Empire
State for twelve years before losing in 1926. Subsequently Jim, who is a dairy
farmer by trade, was elected to the House for the past 18 years. He has served
with real distinction in that capacity. His retirement is truly the nation's loss.
******
Others are also leaving, including Frank Keefe of Wisconsin, who has been a
valuable member of that all-important Committee on Appropriations. One of New
England's old-timers, Charley Plumley of New Hampshire, is also retiring after 18
years. There are others who are leaving the House for new fields to conquer. Five
or six members of the House are seeking Senate seats, in fact the Senatorial race
in California is between Republican Congressman Dick Nixon and his Democrat colleague
Helen G. Douglas. From here this looks like another Pepper-Smathers race with Mrs.
Douglas leaning pretty closely to the views of Senator Pepper.
r
Last week five elected officials from various German legislative bodies were
visiting members of the House, and during their tour stopped in my office. These
men, all anti-Nazis, are here to see how free people govern themselves in contrast
to the police state methods of Soviet Russia. All of us did our best to inculcate
them with the principles of our great Republic,
VISITORS - Elizabeth D. Knapp, Geraldine F. Masters, Ernest J. Ansted and P.F.C.
Richard Verne Nelson all of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Fay E. Benjamin of Cedar Springs.
******
June 28, 1950
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD JR.
Within the last few weeks the British Labor Party really showed its true attit-
ude on an international issue that is vitally important to us all. The labor party's
rejection of the Schumann Plan for the integration of the coal and steel industries
of France, Germany and other European nations is a serious blow in our all-out fight
against the spread of Communism.
I was mighty glad to see the strongly worded condemnation of the Labor Party
stand by Mr. Paul Hoffman, head of the European Recovery program. Our state depart-
ment should be just as forceful in telling the British, "Either cooperate with your
friends and allies to the maximum, or don't expect any further financial aid from
the United States."
The apologists are saying, "Oh, that decision by the British Labor Party execu-
tive council doesn't mean much." The apologists are 100% wrong. England at the
moment is controlled by Prime Minister Attlee and the members of the Labor party.
If the labor party bosses say the party is against economic cooperation with France,
Germany and the rest of western Europe, than the British government is also opposed
to such joint action.
The United States in the last few years has bent over backwards to work with
free democratic nations throughout the world, including England. The American
people have assumed great financial burdens since the last war so that Europe could
get back on its feet. However, the time has come when England should either get on
our team and pull with the rest or get off and make its own way without further
financial aid from the United States.
******
GERALD FORD
This past week while the House marked time to let the Senate catch up, I flew
home for a few days. Along with 2,599 others I spent most of one day at Elton
Smith's farm where the first annual Kent County Grass Day program was held. Those
who couldn't attend the demonstrations missed a very worthwhile show. Congratulat--
ions to those who made the program a bang-up success. Hope we have more in the
future.
******
The middlewest, but principally Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, are mighty depen-
dent on our manufacturing plants for our continued prosperity. For example --- if
Michigan didn't have its automobile industry the State would be in tough shape. The
automobile depends on an adequate supply of good but cheap iron ore. We now get
most of our ore from Minnesota but that supply is limited, -- 20 years the experts
say. When that is gone, iron ore must come from either Labrador or South America.
Unless the St. Lawrence Waterway is constructed the Labrador ore will not be avail-
able at reasonable rates in Michigan. This means our automobile plants and other
steel fabricators will have to move elsewhere. The south, particularly Alabama,
wants them and with their cheap South American ore and cheap water transportation,
Michigan will be in trouble. Before people say No to the St. Lawrence, let's look
ahead.
Just a work of appreciation for those who helped in circulating and signing
my nomination petitions. The response was swell and I want to thank everyone for
the fine cooperation.
Last weeks visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Ransom C, Chamberlain, George Boucher, Morie
Turnwall and Family, Carol Morrissey and Paul Jr., and Robert Daverman and son Bob,
all of Grand Rapids. Willard A. DePree of Zeeland and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Crawford
and sons from Holland.