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Ford Broadcasts, 1949-1950
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Ford Broadcasts, 1949-1950
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Broadcasts Files
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Soviet Union
Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
Appropriations and expenditures
Census data
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Congressional elections
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1950
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The original documents are located in Box D37, folder "Ford Broadcasts, 1949-1950" of
the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Radio Speech by Representative Gerald R. FndJr.
January 1949
Good mise, speeches
COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT TRUMAN'S "STATE OF THE UNION"
ADDRESS, JANUARY 5, 1949
Mr. Moderator and Members of the Panel:
President Truman's "State of the Union" message indicated clearly
that the present Administration intends to begin where the Roosevelt New
Deal left off. During the next two years the Democratic Pabby leaders plan
to push a vast across the board expansion of the program initiated in 1932.
The "State of the Union" speech before the first joint session of
the 81st Congress was general and all-inclusive.
In most instances he went down the line on his campaign promises
and in effect restated the Democratic Party platform. However, a new, and
I repeat "new" idea was expressed. The President clearly indicated that he
was at least thinking of putting the Federal government in the steel business.
This proposal and several others illustrate that the President or his class
advisers are not adverse to the kind of society that presently exists in
Great Britain. With this attitude I thomoughly disagree. For example,
private enterprise in this country in 1948 produced more steel than the rest
of the world combined. Under our present setup our methods of production are
the finest, while in other countries where there is a maximum of gevernment
interference and control the result has been inefficiency and lagging production.
The Chief Executive clearly laid out the course he intends to pursue
in the field of labor-management relations. He wants the Taft-Hartley Act
repealed and the Wagner Act re-enacted with certain improvements. The con-
tinuation of restrictions on jurisdictional strikes and unjustifiable
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 1 -
Digitized from Box D37 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
secondary boycotts, along with the means for prementing strikes in vital
insustries, seem to come within this improvement category. These three
ideas were enacted in the Taft-Hartley Act, so I assume that all other pro-
visions of that act are not contemplated to be within the new legislation
If this is the case, a vigorous fight will develop and probably result in a
coalition between middle of the road Democrats and most Republicans because
there are certain other provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act that are desirable.
In my estimation, it will be a step backward to abandon all such measures,
particularly without full and adequate hearings before the House and Senate
labor committees,
The President also called for a boost in the minimum wage from 40¢
to 754 per hour. With this suggestion I concur and I frankly wish that the
Republicans had done this in the 80th Congress. His opposition here will come
from the Southerners in his own party.
On the expansion of coverage and the increase of benefits under
social security, Mr. Truman will meet with success, unless the specific de-
mands are unreasonable and beyond the point of practicality. We must bear in
mind that the social security program is an insurance retirement plan. If
payments are raised beyond certain limits the solvency of the reserve of the
fund will be impaired. If the coverage is to take in everyone the cost of
administration will be prohibitive. A middle course will be supported by
Republicans and Democrate alike.
The President advocated a federatized health program comparable to
that recently put into effect in Great Britain. This issue will undoubtedly
cut party lines asunder. The doctors and dentists have promised to come up
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
with an alternative program. A feasible plan for the betterment of the
nation's health is needed but it should not take a course that will head us
into the further depths of Federal Control from Washington.
The President reiterated his demand for Federal aid to education.
There is a need for assistance, principally in the South. Would it be better
to make outright grants solely to the needy areas or should the Fefieral gov-
ernment pay money to all states on the basis of the dual formula worked out
by Senator Taft? The Taft bill passed the Senate in the 80th Congress but
it was not voted on in the House of Representatives. This bill will probably
be the basis for the education legislation in the present Congress.
The President wants a greatly expanded Federally subsidized housing
program. I believe he will get some new housing legislation but I prefer to
see public housing limited to the blighted areas in the large metropolitan
communities.
Mr. Truman asked for a continuation of credit controls and Congress
will probably approve, but his request for a standby OPA dèes not appear to be
essential. With the overall price level showing a gradual but consistent down--
ward trend and with an oversupply developing in many consumer goods, the need
for a new price control setup has vanished.
The Federal governments fight against monoplies and a program for
assistance to small business will be popular with many from both parties. It
will simply be a case of how much money will be available in the new budget.
When the President spoke of balancing the budget, a surplus and a
reduction of the national debt, he was enthusiastically applauded, but a
- 3 -
FORD & LIBRARY GENALD
deathlike silence pervaded the House when higher taxes were mentioned as the
means of accomplishing this end. The additional four billion in revenue was
to come principally from higher taxes on corporate profits, from increases in
estate and gift taxes and from a boos t in the taxes on the middle and high-
income groups. If higher corporation taxes are essential, it should be done
via an increase in the normal tax rate and not by the re-imposition of an
excess profits tax. There must be an incentive for management to produce
efficiently if private enterprise is to move forward. A penalty imposed for
doing the best job possible is a sure way to keep new risk capital out of
circulation. Perhaps a better way to balance the budget and to provide a
surplus would be to adopt the recommendations of the Hoover Commission for the
reorganization of the warious governmental agencies. It is estimated thesem
billion dollars can be saved in this way.
The President was neither here nor there on the question of whether
we should have farm price supports guarantting 90% of parity or a flexible
support program with guarantees of 60 to 90%.of parity. This issue must be
met. The Republicans tried by a long-range program under the Hope-Aiken
bill. Mr. Truman attacked this plan during the campaigg but he has failed
to offer anything better. Certainly, flat 90% gmarantees are not the answer,
even though good campaign talk.
On National defense the Chief Executive sought sufficient men and
arms to thwart foreign aggression. There is no quarrel from any quarter on
that request. When we see the proposed appropriation figures the arguments
may develop, but in these days of world tension in Europe, the Middle East
and in Asia, there will be little penny-pinching on military appropriations.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 4 -
The President will get more support from the Republicans on Civil
Rights than he will from some in his own party. Most forward-looking
Republicans will favor a sound and reasonable civil rights program.
In conclusion, we all recognize that in our present society there
must be a certain minimum of well-being for every individual. However, the
welfare state can go too far and thereby destroy individual initiative.
At some point a balance must be struck and it is the job of the 81st Congress
to cooperate in achieving hhis end.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
the Census
MASTER SCRIPT
for Dr. Peel's
Rodio
Congressional
Radio Recording
Census
CONGRESSMAN:
In just a few more days, On Saturday, April 1, be
an army of 140 thousand Census takers will start out from 450
Census district offices in various parts of the country to
enumerate an estimated 151 million inhabitants of the United
States. They will be setting out on the greatest single nose-
counting job in American history, the 17th Decennial Census of
our country. Before they finish their task at the end of April,
they will have travelled more than 25 million miles to visit 45
million dwellings in the 125 thousand cities, towns, and villages
and in the rural areas, including about six and a quarter million
farms. These Census takers will collect 15 billion facts about
our people, their social and economic characteristics, their
homes, and their farms. They will collect the information from
which the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department
of Commerce will compile a statistical picture of Uncle Sam in
1950. The top man in this great undertaking is Census Director
Roy V. Peel. Director Peel is here with me to give us some
information about the big job for which the Census Bureau has
been preparing for many months. Mr. Peel, perhaps you might
like to begin by telling us just why we have a Census every ten
years.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page 2
DIRECTOR PEEL:
Thank you, Mr. Congressman. As you know, of course, the
number of representatives in Congress is determined for each
state in proportion to its population. Article I of the
Constitution provides for an enumeration of the population
every 10 years so that the apportionment of seats in the
House of Representatives may be adjusted between states in
line with population changes. In compliance with this pro-
vision of the Constitution therefore, we are this year con-
ducting our 17th Decennial enumeration. This enumeration
has come to be called a Census, from the Latin word "censor,"
the title of the official who conducted such enumerations in
the days of the Roman Empire. While the counting of the popu-
lation for Congressional apportionment is still the primary purpose
of the Census it is used today to collect also the most important
social and economic facts relating to "We, the people..." and to
our endeavors.
GERALD
FORD & LIBRARY
Page 3
CONGRESSMAN:
We know from our history books that the first Census of the
United States was taken in 1790. This census counted a popu-
lation of 3,929 214, Indians not taxed. The first
nearly 4 mellim exclusive indeviduals of
five decennial censuses listed only the names of the heads of
households and the number of persons in each household. The
1850 Census, just 100 years ago, was the first to list all persons
by name. It also made inquiries concerning age, sex, race,
occupation, value of real estate owned, place of birth, marriage,
and education. Dr. Peel, how were these questions chosen then
and how are they selected now?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
For many decades, the Congress itself determined the questions
to be asked. Beginning with the 1930 Census, the selection of the
questions was delegated to the Director of the Census. It was
understood at the time the legislation was passed and it has been
the consistent practice of the Census Bureau since that these
questions are selected with the advice of users of Census infor-
mation such as business men, labor and educational organizations,
and public agencies, subject to the final approval of the Secretary
of Commerce. Hearings are conducted and committee conferences are
held to make these decisions. Questions on age, sex, race, birth-
place, citizenship, occupation, employment, marital status, and
education have become fixed items through 100 years or more of
tradition. Other questions vary from census to census as changing
times bring need for new information. In 1940, questions on income
were introduced and are repeated in 1950 to measure purchasing
This information is of vital importance to business in serving
GERALD power LIBRARY
markets.
Page 4
CONGRESSMAN:
I realize, Dr. Peel, that the 17th Decennial Census in reality
is a combination of three major censuses. They relate to popu-
lation, housing, and agriculture. Why are these three censuses
taken at the same time?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
Mr. Congressman, these three censuses are taken at the same time
because the Census taker can collect the information for all of them
in a single visit to the household. This means a great saving in
field costs over three separate censuses. Even more important
is the fact that all the information collected as of the same
date, April 1, provides a complete statistical picture of the
nation with all items in focus. There are 45 basic questions in
the Population Census. Only seven of these will be asked about all
individuals. These are name, relationship to head of household,
race, sex, age, marital status and birthplace. One additional
question will be asked of all foreign-born persons, whether
naturalized. For all persons 14 years old and over there are
additional questions on status of employment during the week before
the Census; and if employed, the number of hours worked and the
kind of work done. The remaining 29 questions including the one
on income will be asked of only a sample of the population.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page 5
CONGRESSMAN:
I understand that Federal law requires answers to the Census
questions. But the same law also specifies that the individual's
replies must be kept confidential by the Census taker. The in-
formation is only published by the Census Bureau in statistical
tables so designed as to conceal identities. Are people generally
cooperative in answering Census questions?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
On the whole, yes. Occasionally, an individual objects to
answering a Census question, usually because the purpose of the
Census is not understood. Census enumerators are instructed to
explain to the individual that his anonymity is assured by the
Census law, that the Census itself is a cooperative undertaking in
which all people participate and in whose benefits all share either
directly or indirectly. This usually dissolves the individual's
resistance. As every Census since 1790 has shown, general cooper-
ation is the rule.
CONGRESSMAN:
What assurance do I have that the information I give the Census
taker will be kept confidential?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
The Census law puts a heavy penalty on Census takers if they reveal
confidential information to others than sworn Census employees. This
penalty is a maximum of $1,000 fine and two years in prison. Census
takers take a special oath when sworn into office that they will not
reveal to the public the information they collect. Should they gossip,
the consequences would be costly to them. In addition, every
is made to hire only responsible people who can be depended on
effort GEBALO FORD LIBRARY
follow Census regulations.
Page 6
CONGRESSMAN:
As you have explained, the Population Census is concerned with
people and the facts about them. What does the Census of Housing
cover?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
Every dwelling unit in the United States will be enumerated and
listed by location in the 1950 Census of Housing. About 20
items of information will be obtained for each dwelling unit
by the enumerators. In addition to facts about the kind and
and size of the dwelling and its general condition, the Census taker
will note information about the number of persons occupying it,
the available utilities, whether occupied by owner or renter,
value of owner-occupied dwellings and monthly rental of those
occupied by tenants. For a sample of dwelling units, namely
one in five, the Census takers will ascertain information on
such items as heating equipment and fuel used, electric lighting,
type of refrigeration, radio or television set, kitchen sink,
kind of cooking fuel used, and age of structure.
CONGRESSMAN:
It is obvious, Dr. Peel, that the information collected in the
Housing Census is important to the construction industry, to
dealers in building materials and household equipment, to real
estate men, and to Federal, State, and municipal public agencies
concerned with housing problems. The information on the number of
is important
radios and television stations/in informing advertisers of the
number of homes equipped to hear or see their advertising. The
information on kind of heating plant and heating fuel used is im-
portant to distributors of heating equipment and repair parts, and
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
to distributors of fuels. In fact, all the Housing Census data are
subject to a great variety of uses. Now, why is a Farm Census
important?
Page 7
DIRECTOR PEEL:
The Census of Agriculture is the most extensive survey of any
one phase of the 17th Decennial Census. A census of the
country's agricultural enterprises has been taken at regular
intervals since 1840. Every individual in the United States
is concerned with the farm census. The farms feed the Nation
and 151 million people are dependent upon them, not only for their
food, but for the products of agriculture which are used to manu-
facture clothing, plastics, medicines, cosmetics, and literally
thousands of items in common use whose components in whole or in
part are derived from agricultural staples. There could be no
coordination in food production and distribution, in manufacturing,
in financing of farm commodities, in the furnishing of the goods
and equipment farmers need to operate their businesses without
accurate statistics.
CONGRESSMAN:
What are some of the more important facts expected from the 1950
Census? What about population changes?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
The Population Census is expected to show a gain of more than
19 million persons in the continental United States since 1940.
In 1940, our population was 131,669,275. The 1950 Census is ex-
pected to enumerate about 151 million persons in the continental
United States and more than three million in the territories and
island possessions. Recently, the Census Bureau estimated the U.S.
population, excluding armed forces overseas, at about 150 million,
as of January 1, 1950. With the present monthly rate of increase,
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
the total population present in the United States on April 1, the
opening date of the Census, is expected to have come close to the
151 million mark.
Page 8
CONGRESSMAN:
Will the census reveal any important shifts in the location
of population? What states will show the greatest population
gain?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
The greatest proportion of population gain is indicated in the
Pacific Coast states. More than average gains are indicated for
such states as Michigan, Ohio, Texas. Some of the New England
and Great Plains states are expected to show the smallest relative
gains. California is certain to show the greatest numerical
population gain among all the States. On July 1, 1949, the Census
Bureau estimated California's population at about 10,665,000, a
gain since 1940 of about three and three-fourths millions.
CONGRESSMAN:
I have read statements that the 1950 Census is certain to confirm
the continued decline in the total population living on farms.
Surveys conducted since the 1940 Census have revealed a continuation
of the long-term movement of population from the farm to the city.
There has been some counter-movement from the cities to the suburban
rural areas, but the farm population, which totalled a little over
30 and one-half million in 1940, has declined steadily. How big
a shift in the farm population will the 1950 Census show?
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page 9
DIRECTOR PEEL:
In 1949, the population on farms was estimated to have fallen
off by about two and one-third million from 1940. The farm
population reached its lowest point of the past decade in April,
1945, when estimates based upon a survey placed the farm popu-
lation at a little over 25 and one-half million. This low point
in the farm popul ation had been brought about principally by
military inductions and migration of farm workers to industrial
centers where employment at high wages during the World War II
years attracted this movement.
CONGRESSMAN:
It has been reported that the 1950 Census will show a change in
the ratio in numbers between men and women, Is that correct?
DIRECTOR PEEL:
In the 1940 Census, the sex ratio was 101 males per 100 females.
The enumerated excess of males over females in 1940 was about
454,000. In 1949, the Census Bureau estimated the sex ratio at
about 99 males per 100 females. If this ratio holds true in the
enumeration of an estimated 151-million U. S. inhabitants in
April, 1950, the enumerated excess of females over males will
be about one million. The most conservative estimate would
indicate at least an approximate balance in numbers between the
sexes.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page 10
CONGRESSMAN:
My guest today has been Dr. Roy V. Peel, Director
of the Bureau of the Census, United States Department
of Commerce. Dr. Peel has discussed the 1950
of 2 hope you will
Census which starts April 1. This is (name Congressman of Congressman) Jerry Ford
sugge sting you cooperate with
For the your Census information. takers. to 2 am informed
make sure you count in Amer ica's future.
by the Bureau f Cerous that if The any citying abject
to revealing their annual income, this specific
information can be franded derectly to the
Cenous Ifei in Washington
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Cr Krean War
speeches Adio
1950
RADIO SPEECH BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD, JR.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, this is your Congressman Jerry Ford.
Just five short years ago, most of us thought we stood on
the horizon of a new era. We had just won the war. Our armed might was
the greatest world had ever seen. Russia, which had shared in the victory,
was war-devastated. Yet today, only five short years later, Russia, which
controlled only 170 million people at the end of the war, now controls 800
million people. Now Americans live a life of fear that the 3rd World War is
closer than we think.
How did it happen? How did we lose the peace?
The answer is plain. We lost the peace by appeasing communism.
Korea is the inevitable price of the softness toward communism that began
when the United States recognized the Red Government of Russia in 1933. From
that time on, while Russia was swallowing one free people after another, the
United States did little more than tap an occasional Red wrist.
Today communism controls one-third of the world. The danger
to our own country, our own homes, our own families, is growing by the hour.
Korea has awakened us to that danger - a danger that has been brought on
largely by the fumbling appeasers of the Truman Administration.
The Korea chapter of the appeasement story began at the City
of Yalta in 1945. There the United States made a supersecret agreement to
give control of Manchuria to Russia, instead of restoring it to China,
its rightful owner.
Taking Manchuria away from China would be like taking the
North Atlantic States away from the United States. Even so, President Truman
met with Stalin in Potsdam in July of 1945 and agreed to carry out the
shameful Yalta deal.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Then Russia was ready for its master stroke - the communist conquest
of China proper. China is the key to the Pacific because its great mass of
land dominates the continent of Asia. The communists knew that. They had been
trying to take China since 1922. In 1946, the anti-communist, legitimate
government of China was on the verge of defeating the communist rebels once
and for all.
But at that crucial moment the Truman Administration cut off military
aid to the anti-communists - a deed which General MacArthur calls "the single
gfeatest blunder in the history of the United States." Russia of course
continued to train and arm the Chinese communists, and they eventually triumphed.
Then the communists turned to South Korea. In the summer of 1949,
the Truman Administration pulled our 50,000 troops out of South Korea. Repub-
lican members of Congress wrote an official report protesting the withdrawal.
Republican protests went unheeded. The Truman Administration gave Korea a dose
of appeasement - and a mere $200 worth of Signal Corps wire.
On last January 12th, Secretary of State Acheson, Mr. Truman's chief
appeaser, personally delivered the final blow to Korea. He proclaimed a U.S.
defense line running from Japan down through Okinawa to the Philippines - a line
that conveniently left little Korea on the outside. That was the green light
for the communist invasion of South Korea.
From last January until June, the South Koreans sent frantic pleas
for help. Leaders of the Truman Administration did nothing. They were too
busy bragging about our armed might and too busy promising peace.
Then came the war. You remember those horrible first months - those
months when our men were slain piteously and were almost driven into the sea.
Since then, we have turned the tide in Korea. But it may be onlya
temporary respite. We cannot risk more incredible blunders and more
sell-outs. GERALIA FORD LIBRARY
One lost peace is enough. We cannot afford a lost war.
To live through this crisis, our country must have competent
leadership. A Republican Congress. - the only Congress that will hammer
some common sense and some backbone into the fumblers and appeasers in
Washington.
Your future and your very life are at stake. We must act now -
before it's too late.
In closing I urge that the voters of Michigam support Harry Kelly
for Governor, our own John B. Martin for Auditor General, and all others
on the Republican ticket. These Republicans will stop confusion in your
State Capital in Lansing.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
1950
follow generally the same style of architecture. The principal
difference is the over-all size and the interior arrangements.
The Capitol in Washington is located on one of the few hills
in the area and because of that location one often hears the
comment, "I'm going up to the hill on business."
PAUSE
The left wing of our national Capitol is the Chamber of the
House of Representatives, and the wing on the right is
occupied by the Senate.
PAUSE
In competition with other architects, Dr. William
Thornton, was awarded first prise for designing Congress House,
the original name of our Capital. This award, made in the
year 1792, brought the winner only $500, and that was
considered a sizeable fee in those days. Actually, money wasn't
quite so plentiful in the years following the American Revolution.
The money to build our Capitol was raised by a national
FORD i LIBRARY 938870
lottery, and the cornerstone was laid by George Washington
- 4 -
at ceremonies held in 1793.
PAUSE
In 1814 British soldiers captured the city of Washington
and burned the Capitol before the structure was half finished.
The statue atop the dome was erected in December, 1863.
Many visitors imagine this is a figure of an Indian; actually
it represents Armed Freedom, and was executed by Thomas
Crawford. As you notice, the lady faces the east, because
it was anticipated that the city would grow in that direction.
Instead, Washington expanded toward the northwest, consequently,
one often hears the remark, "Freedom has turned her back on the
City of Washington."
PAUSE
Now let's take a look inside the Capitol, just as
thousands of visitors do every week.
(In the Rotunda)
In the great Rotunda of the Capitol, beneath the many
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
1
- 5 -
paintings that decorate the walls, the bodies of our
Presidents who die in office always rest in state before
the burial. The first Chief Executive so honored was the
Great Emansipator, Abraham Lincoln. Surrounding this large
room and lining the corridors on either side are statues of
other great Americans. Each state in the Union is allowed
to place statues of its two most famous citizens in these
halls. Michigan's selections are not too well known to
citizens of this era. Lewis Cass, whom you see now, had
a long and distinguished career. He fought in the War of
1812, served as governor of the Territory of Michigan,
was a member of President Jackson's capinet as Secretary of
War and served as Secretary of State under Buchanan, was Minister to
France, was elected to the United States Senate, and was a
Democratic nominee for President in 1848.
Zachariah Chandler, Michigan's other selection, served
as United States Senator and as Secretary of the Interior in
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 6 -
President Grant's cabinet. Chandler was one of the signers
of the call for the meeting at Jackson, Michigan, in 1854
and this "grass roots" conference launched the Republican
Party.
(House Doors gradually opening as Ford speaks)
(SPEED UP)
This is the Hall of Representatives, the largest legis-
lative chamber in the world. There are 435 Representatives, one
for each froup of 300,000 people. The Speaker is the pre-
siding officer of the House, and sits high above the chamber
floor surrounded by numerous clerks and stenographers.
(Exterior of the Senate Office Building)
Just a short walk from the Capitol in a northeasterly
direction we find the Senate Office Building. This beautiful
marble edifice contains the business offices of the Senators
and their committees. Each state has two Senators, elected
at large, making a total of 96 in all.
PAUSE
GERALD LIBRANY A. FORD
- 7 -
Through these portals have passed some of the greatest
figures in American history, such as LaFollette and Borah
and now our own Senators, Vandenberg and Ferguson.
(House Office Buildings from the Dome)
Members of the House of Representatives have their
offices in two buildings located just south of the Capitol.
PAUSE
(Old House Office Building)
The Old House Office Building, where I have my office,
was completed in 1908. Because its rooms are large, and no
provisions were made by the builders for file cabinets and
other necessary equipment, it accommodates only 180 of the
435 Representatives. Most newly-elected members are assigned
to the old building but if re-elected normally move to the
new office building. You will find, however, that there is
something traditional and impressive about the old building
with its high ceilings and homey atmosphere.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 8 -
(New House Office Building)
The New House Office Building, across the street from
the other, is modern, well equipped for office work, and more
lavishly furnished. Completed for occupancy in 1933, it
houses practically all of the Michigan delegation of 17
Representatives.
PAUSE
(Open door to Ford office, showing nameplate)
Now let's enter my office, which is open long hours
in order to accomplish the daily chores. While we have been
sightseeing my office staff has been busy at work. I have a
senior secretary, Ralph Pratt, who handles departmental work.
Ralph has been on the Hill for 36 years.
(Open door showing staff at work. Mailman enters and
leaves mail on desk.)
(Hands opening and sorting mail)
We open and read every piece of mail, so don't be
afraid that your letter to your congressman will be thrown
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 9 -
in the waste basket. The mail is carefully sorted as to its
contents, and we reply to all who write.
Some folks write because they know their Representative
likes to have the opinions and suggestions of his constituents
on legislative matters. Others write to request copies of
bills or various government publications. Many others are
kind enough to send me elippings and other information and
material of interest.
(Interior of Ford's office)
Adjoining the reception office is a second large 98. room
where I work on legislation and correspondence when the
House is not in General session. A good part of each morning
is spent answering the daily correspondence which during the
peak of the legislative season averages over two hundred letters
each day. In addition to answering personal letters we
periodically mail out numerous informative booklets and
pamphlets.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 10 -
(Tray of mail is brought to Ford at desk. He
picks up top letter and starts to dictate to
Miss Blakeslee. Telephone rings and Ford answers.)
Miss Barbara Blakeslee of Grand Rapids handles all details
such as my personal dictation and the voluminous office files
which permit us to put our finger on any information at any
time. In addition, she keeps the rest of us in the office
on schedule.
Frequently Representatives confer on mutual problems
that affect more than one of our Michigan districts. I am
now talking to Rep. Earl Michener of Adrian who has been in
Congress over thirty years. The older Congressmen, both
Senators and Representatives, at all times are most helpful
to a newcomer. Occasionally a Michigan Representative has to
contact one of the Senators from our state. PAUSE
Here is Senator Homer Ferguson of Detroit.
PAUSE
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
# 11 -
As you know, a Senator represents the entire state, whereas
a Congressman represents only his particular Congressional district.
(Visitor enters office.)
Friends from home who come to Washington often stop
in the office for a visit. Some come to sightsee, others
come on business matters. Whatever the purpose of the trip,
we're always glad to see hometown friends. Here you see a
constituent who happened to be in town while we were working
on this film. Our guest book contains the names of many
folks from the Fifth district who have been kind enough to
drop in my office for a friendly chat.
(Army Engineers office building, office room
where Ford discusses problem with engineers.)
One frequently must pay a visit to various government
departments to solve the many problems. A Representative
can't sit in his office all day long every day and do a good
job for the district. A call on the Army Corps of Engineers
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 12 -
helps with our flood control and harbor projects. The Corps
of Engineers do the survey and construction work on the
Federal projects throughout the United States and Colonel
W. E. Potter, a top-ranking Army Engineer, is the man to see.
It is important to keep Grand Haven and Holland harbors in
top shape and the flood problems of the Grand River concern
all of us, because it runs through and drains both Ottawa
and Kent counties.
(Interior of Public Works committee room,)
Page boys run thousands of errands for Congressmen,
such as bringing a copy of a bill from the bill clerk's
office.
(SPEED UP)
Each bill which is introduced by a member of Congress is
referred to the proper committee which studies, revises and
either approves or disapproves its passage. This is the
hearing room of the Committee on Public Works, of which I am
a member. A sub-committee is here considering a flood
FORD & LIBRARY
- 13 -
control survey proposal. This committee has jurisdiction
over flood control, rivers, harbors, public roads and
federal buildings.
(White House)
After a bill leaves a committee and is passed by one
House of Congress, it must be reconsidered by a similar committee
of the other legislative body. If approved by both Houses of
Congress, it goes up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House
for the President's signature or veto. The British captured
and burned the White House in 1814 during the War of 1812.
After the White House was rebuilt, except for refurnishing,
minor changes and additional office space, it has remained
substantially unchanged. Early in 1949 it was discovered that
the structure was in a dangerous condition and as a result the
President has moved temporarily to Blair House across the
street on Pennaylvania Avenue while a program of general
reconstruction takes place.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 14 -
(Supreme Court)
Even after a bill becomes law by the signature of the
Chief Executive, there is no positive assurance that it is
constitutional. The Supreme Court has the final say on this
score. If the Court decides the new act is unconstitutional, it is in
effect removed from the statute books. Our highest tribunal
of justice once met in the basement of the Capitol in confined
quarters, but it now occupies one of the most beautiful buildings
in Washington. Although the Supreme Court has established the
power to overrule Congress, it has no authority over the
acts of the President. This was determined when it tried to subpoena
Thomas Jefferson for the trial of Aaron Burr, and he refused to
appear.
(Washington Monument.)
Beautiful Washington, with its impressive government
buildings, is also the natural location for monuments and
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 15 -
memorials to our eountry's heroes. There are so many statues
in the District of Columbia that even native Washingtonians
cannot tell you the names of all of them. There is, however,
one monument that everyone sees and knows-the 555-foot
marble shaft that is a tribute to the memory of George
Washington, our first President.
PAUSE
(Monument from bottom to top.)
From the beginnings of this great city it was intended
that a memorial should be erected on this spot to the Father
of our Country. Using the same trowel that George Washington
used at the Capitol, the cornerstone for this monument was
laid July 4, 1848, over a century ago. However, funds for
its completion came in slowly, and it was not until 1884 that
the 3300-pound capstone was hoisted into place.
(Lincoln Memorial)
When the present location for the Lincoln Memorial was
selected, there were loud and vehement protests that it was
FORD i LIBRARY 074839
- 16 -
being built in a horrible mosquito swamp. Today this is one
of the most beautiful sights in Washington.
PAUSE
A marble shrine, in a setting of rich, dark green. The
reflecting pool and the Washington monument are in a direct line
toward the Capitol. Each state in the union donated one or
more marble blocks, which have been built into this edifice.
(Facets, stopping on Michigan stone)
PAUSE
This is the stone submitted by Michigan.
Lincoln's memorial is visited annually by thousands who
revere the memory of one of the greatest humanitarians the
world has ever known and the father of the Republican Party.
(Jefferson Memorial)
There was little or no argument about the location for
the Jefferson Memorial, which is on the shore of the famous
tidal basin and in the midst of the famed cherry blossom area.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom this is a place
R.FORD LIBRARY
- 17 -
startling beauty. The Jefferson Memorial is the Capital's
most recent major memorial project.
(PAUSE for close-up of Jefferson statue)
Guarded by giant marble columns, a thirty-foot bronse
figure of the author of our Declaration of Independence gazes
solemnly toward the White House.
(Panormmics from Washington Monument)
In bringing you these views of Washington, we've tried
to give you brief glimpses of some of the major points of
interest in your nation's Capital, but you should see Washington
for yourself, and I sincerely hope each and every one will
be able to visit here some day soon. When you do come to
town, always remember that you will be most welcome at the
offices of your Senators and Representatives.
(End titles superimposed over flag whipping
in the breeze. Musical background up and out.)
FORD i LIBRARY
RADIO ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Station WJR, Detroit, Michigan
Transcribed January 17, 1950
Ladies and Gentlemen:
strongly
A Washington report at this time should, emphasize the
Democratic Administration's foolish financial policy of unlimited
deficit spending, the State Department's weak and inept attitude
toward Communist China, and President Truman's failure to realize
and appreciate the extreme seriousness of the coal shortage in the
and the rest of the nation.
middle West. All three problems are of major importance and deserve
the closest scrutiny. The Democratic leadership in each instance
possible which I will discuss later in this tath.
has selected one of two courses: Most Republicans have wisely chosen
the opposite path in each controversy. There is little or no
"me-tooism" on any of the three issues.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the following eptremely
appropos
statement during his 1932 campaign for the Presidency: "Any government,
like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns.
But you and I know that a continuance of that habit means the poorhouse."
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
Those words by Franklin D. Roosevelt, important seventeen years ago,
have even greater importance today. Yet President Truman in his
recent budget message to the Congress and to the citizens of this
country advocated further deficit financing, to the tune of 5.1
billion dollars. This is the fourth successive year since the end
and to you the people
of World War II that the President has presented to Congress a federal
spending budget more extravagent in amount than the one submitted by
him the year previous. Each successive budget request of the President
has set a new all-time record for government spending in peacetime.
2n
By 1956 Mr. Truman wanted to spend 35.9 billions. In 1947 the price
tag was boosted to 37.5 billions. By 1948 the budget message called
for 39.7 billions; in 1949 41.9 billions and now, in 1950, the
President seeks 42.4. billions.
These figures prove one discouraging fact-the leadership
in the present administration in Washington believes in spending
more and more of your tax dollars. Furthermore, and this is vitally
federal
important, it is quite obvious that if there is not sufficient revenue
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
on hand to pay all the bills then the Democratic leadership blandly
says, "More borrowing to make up the deficit." By requesting authority
to spend some five billion dollars in excess of anticipated revenues
in 1951, the President seeks to guide the United States further down
the dismal deficit financing trail which this nation has traveled
too often in recent years.
Statisticians tell us the U. S. now owes more money than
the combined national debts of all other countries in the world. With
this fact in mind can we continue, in times of relative prosperity,
to operate in the red? The Republican party and a few members of
the Democratic party say emphatically NO.
Representative John Taber, ranking Republican on the House
Committee on Appropriations, said on January 9, 1950, and I quote,
"It is easy enough to see that if the President's budget goes through,
there are only two choices for the government: To default on its
obligations or to impose additional taxes on a tax-paying public
that is already groaning from the load." Congressman Taber, as the
Republican spokesman, added this: "I intend to fight for a balanced
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 4 -
budget. The revenues in sight are 38 billion dollars and we must
keep our expenditures down below that figure."
Most of you, I am sure, are familiar with, Senator Byrd of
Virginia, a fiscal expert and one of the staunchest economy-minded
legislators in the Congress. Senator Byrd has carefully laid out
a 36-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year of 1951. This Budget
n
of Progress, as blueprinted by Senator Byrd, is 6.4 billion less
than the President's and if adopted will permit the U. S. to reduce
the national debt. Furthermore, this proposed budget will eliminate
In contract the Presedent has requested an increase in your tax burden,
the need for any additional federal taxes., Frankly, the Congress
this session should face up to the critical deficit situation and
solve it by a policy of tight-fisted and hard-headed economy.
The second major controversial issue in Washington--one
descussion pro + con
that has generated considerable dispute, is the Administration's
policy or lack of a policy in China. Secretary of State Acheson
has consistently refused to advocate anything but a "wait and see"
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 5 -
attitude. In the meantime, while our State Department has been sitting
on the sidelines to let the dust settle, the Communist-inspired
overrun +
forces in China have conquered the Chinese mainland and heaped one
indignity after another on American officials. The seizure of our
American consul, Angus Ward, is the most notorious example of utter
disregard for American rights.
The principal question at the moment is whether or not the
United States should stand idly by while the Chinese Communists invade
the island of Formosa. The President and Secretary Acheson are
committed to a policy of letting Formosa go by default, claiming
that the United States has an impregnable line of defense in the
Pacific even without Formosa. It is a rather widely-known fact that
our military experts, the joint chiefs of staff, and General
MacArthur, believe strongly to the contrary. In addition, former
President Hoover, Senators Taft and Knowland and other Republican
Congressional leaders violently oppose the Administration's isolation/STS
policy in the Far East.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 6 -
The State Department, which heretofore has always been
internationally minded, supports a strong anti-Russian containment
policy bregren in Greece and Turkey. In fact, we have military missions
The fact nowe have had & now have
melitary
and American supplies in Greece and Turkey. The United States
^
wisely defied the Soviets with the Berlin air lift. Mr. Acheson
and his State Department colleagues apparently want to aid Tito in
Yugoslavia with American dollars. Yet the Administration refuses
to lift a finger to help the anti-Communist forces in China,
contending that such a policy might lead to another Pacific war.
The State Department, I believe, is using the war threat as another
"red herring." This is an argument of convenience, for Mr. Acheson
never raised the possibility of war with Russia when he proposed
his story Russian containment program in Europe and the Middle East.
a
Senator Smith, Republican of New Jersey, a man who just
returned from an extended first-hand survey of Chinese problems, has
a sound approach to our present Far Eastern dilemma. The Republican
Senator rightly contends that the millions of natives on the island
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
- 7 -
of Formosa who are neither Chinese or Japanese should not have
their fate determined by the war between Chiang Kai Shek and the
Communists. Senator Smith believes the decision on the Formosa issue
must be made at the conference table when the Japanese peace treaty
will be signed. In the meantime, the status quo must be maintained
and that means strong language to the Communists in China that any
attack on Formosa is against American policy at the present Teme.
For several years in World War II I served with the United
States Navy as our forces fought island by island to liberate the
people of the Pacific from totalitarianism, from anti-democratic
forces. In October of 1944, while the United States was fighting
the Japanese off the coast of Formosa the Navy lost two sizeable
cruisers, many airplanes and the lives of numerous Americans. At
that time Formosa was important from a military point of view. Now,
our State Department strategists say Formosa and China should be
written off without protest. Such reasoning makes no sense to me
or to many others waterans of the Pacific war.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
- 8 -
As you well know, England has recognized the Communist
regime in China. The given excuses by the British for a break in
our solid front against Soviet aggression are unconvincing and a
storm of Congressional criticism has broken loose. Foreign aid to
England from the United States may be materially reduced as a
consequence. There is considerable evidence that Great Britain
is only on our side against Russia and her satellites when it is
advantageous economically speaking.
A domestic issue, namely the coal crisis, has occupied
the Washington spotlight in recent weeks. The President has repeatedly
said no coal shortage exists and consequently refuses to take
However
affirmative action under the Taft-Hartley Act. Retail coal dealers
throughout the middle west have presented facts and figures to the
President and Congress showing a critical lack of coal on hand for
domestic use. The country so far this winter has been blessed with
mild weather but even under such favorable circumstances coal stocks,
particularly in rural areas, are dangerously low.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 9 -
John L. Lewis, with the President's acquiescence, has
gambled too long with the health and welfare of the American people.
Serious consequences may well result to all domestic coal users unless
the national emergency provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act are invoked.
Most Republicans in Congress, including myself, favor the enactment
of a resolution informing Mr. Truman a crisis exists. Even a few
Democratic stalwarts-for example, Senator Lucas of Illinois, who is
Democratic majority leader in the Senate--see the need for Presidential
a takes MI action
action, yet the Chief Executive hesitates. Congress has no authority
to force Presidential action but a rising tide of public opinion
can! It would be regrettable to have our citizens suffer for a
lack of coal in their homes before Presidential action takes place.
That, ladies and gentlemen, concludes my talk here in the
nation's capital. Before closing, however, I should like to leave
you with this last thought. The American people must wake up from
their lethargy and rise up against the ever-increasing wave of
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 10 -
bureaucratic control and bureaucratic red tape which has characterized
the Democratic administration. We must have legislation to protect
our freedom and liberty. We must have statesmanship in the adminis-
tration of our domestic laws and foreign policies. We are in a
critical era. Our citizens and their leaders must meet the
challenges, or the scourge of undemocratic forces will prevail.
My thanks and congratulations to WJR for inaugerating this
public service information feature. An informed nation is a free nation.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
grese.
RADIO ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD FORD
Station WJR, Detroit, Michigan
Transcribed January 17, 1950
Ladies and Gemtlemen:
A Washington report at this time should strongly emphasize
the Democratic Administration's foolish financial policy of unlimited
deficit spending, the State Department's weak and inept attitude
toward Communist China, and President Truman's failure to realize
and appreciate the extreme seriousness of the coal shortage in the
middle west and the rest of the nation. All three problems are of
major importante and deserve the closest scrutiny. The Democratic
leadership in each instance has selected one of two possible courses,
which I will discuss later in this talk. Most Republicans have wisely
chosen the opposite path in each controversy. There is little or no
"me-tooism" on any of the three issues.
[Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the following
extremely apropos statement during his 1932 campaign for the Presidency:
"Any government, like any family, can for a year spend a little more
than it earns. But you and I know that a continuance of that habit
means the poorhouse." These words by Franklin D. Roosevelt, important
seventeen years ago, have even greater importance today
Yet President
Truman in his recent budget message to the Congress and to the citizens
of this country advocated further deficit financing, to the tune of
5.1 billion dollars. This is the fourth successive year since the
end of World War II that the President has presented to Congress and
GERALD R. FORD TRAVARY -
- 2 -
to you, the people, a federal spending budget more extravagent in
amount than the one submitted by him the year previous. Each successive
budget request of the President has set a new all-time record for
government spending in peacetime. In 1946 Mr. Truman wanted to spend
35.9 billions. In 1947 the price tag was boosted to 37.5 billions.
By 1948 the budget message called for 39.7 billions; in 1949 41.9
billions and now, in 1950, the President seeks 42.4 billions.
These figures prove one discouraging fact-the leadership
in the present Administration in Washington believes in spending more
and more of your tax dollars. Furthermore, and this is vitally im-
portant, it is quite obvious that if there is not sufficient federal
revenue on hand to pay all the bills then the Democratic leadership
blandly says, "More borrowing to make up the deficit." By requesting
authority to spend some five billion dollars in excess of anticipated
revenues in 1951, the President seeks to guide the United States
farther down the dismal deficit financing trail which this nation has
traveled too often in recent years.
Statisticians tell us the U. S. now owes more money than
the combined national debts of all other countries in the world. With
this fact in mind can we continue, in times of relative prosperity, to
operate in the red? The Republican party and a few members of the
Democratic party say emphatically NO.
Representative John Taber, ranking Republican on the House
Committee on Appropriations, said on January 9, 1950, and I quote,
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
"It is easy enough to see that if the President's budget goes through
there are only two choices for the government: To default on its
obligations or to impose additional taxes on a tax-paying public
that is already groaning from the load." Congressman Taber, as the
Republican spokesman, added this: "I intend to fight for a balaneed
budget. The revenues in sight are 38 billion dollars and we must
keep our expenditures down below that figure."
Most of you, I am sure, are familiar with the record of
Senator Byrd of Virginia, a fiscal expert and one of the staunchest
economy-minded legislators in the Congress. Senator Byrd has care-
fully laid out a 36-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year of 1951.
This "Budget of Progress" as blueprinted by Senator Byrd, is 6.4
billion less than the President's and if adopted will permit the
U. S. to reduce the national debt. Furthermore, this proposed budget
will eliminate the need for any additional federal taxes. In contrast,
the president has requested an increase in your tax burden. Frankly,
the Congress this session should face up to the critical deficit
situation and solve it by a policy of tight-fisted and hard-headed
economy.
The second major controversial issue in Washington--one
that has generated considerable discussion pro and con, is the
Administration's policy or lack of a policy in China. Secretary of
State Acheson has consistently refused to advocate anything but a
"wait and see" attitude. In the meantime, while our State Department
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 4 -
has been sitting on the sidelines to let the "dust settle," the
Communist-inspired forces in China have overrun and conquered the Chinese
mainland and heaped one indignity after another on American officials.
The seizure of our American consul, Angus Ward, is the most notorious
example of utter disregard for American rights.
The Principal question at the moment is whether or not the
United States should stand idly by while the Chinese Communists invade
the island of Formosa. The President and Secretary Acheson are com-
mitted to a policy of letting Formosa go by default, claiming that the
United States has an impregnable line of defense in the Pacific even
without Formosa. It is a rather widely-known fact that our military
experts, the joint chiefs of staff, and General MacArthur believe
strongly to the contrary. In addition, former President Hoover,
Senators Taft and Knowland and other Republican Congressional leaders
violently oppose the Administration's isolationist policy in the
Far East.
The State Department, which heretofore has always been
internationally minded, supports a strong anti-Russian containment
policy in Greece and Turkey. The fact is we have had and now have
military missions and American military supplies in Greece and Turkey.
The United States wisely defied the Soviets with the Berlin air lift.
Mr. Acheson and his State Department colleagues apparently want to
aid Tito in Yugoslavia with American dollars. Yet the Administration
refuses to lift a finger to help the anti-Communist forces in China,
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 5 -
contending that such a policy might lead to another Pacific war. The
State Department, I believe, is using the war threat as another
"red herring." This is an argument of convenience, for Mr. Acheson
never raised the possibility of war with Russia when he proposed his
strong Russian containment program in Europe and the Middle East.
Senator Smith, Republican of New Jersey, a man who just
returned from an extended first-hand survey of Chinese problems, has
a sound approach to our present Far Eastern dilemma. The Republican
Senator rightly contends that the millions of natives on the island
of Formosa who are neither Chinese or Japanese should not have their
fate determined by the War between Chiang Kai Shek and the Communists.
Senator Smith believes the decision on the Formosa issue must be made
at the conference table when the Japanese peace treaty will be signed.
In the meantime, the status quo must be maintained and that means
strong language to the Communists in China that any attack on Formosa
is against American policy at the present time.
For several years in World War II I served with the United
States Navy as our forces fought island by island to liberate the
people of the Pacific from totalitarianism, from anti-democratic
forces. In October of 1944, while the United States was fighting
the Japanese off the coast of Formosa, the Navy lost two sizeable
cruisers, many airplanes and the lives of numerous Americans. At that
time Formosa was important from a military point of view. Now, our
State Department strategists say Formosa and China should be written
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 6 -
off without protest. Such reasoning makes no sense to me or to many
other veterans of the Pacific war.
As you well know, England has recognized the Communist
regime in China. The given excuses by the British for a break in our
solid front against Soviet aggression are unconvincing and a storm of
Congressional criticism has broken loose. Foreign aid to England from
the United States may be materially reduced as a consequence. There
is considerable evidence that Great Britain is only on our side against
Russia and her satellites when it is advantageous economically
speaking.
A domestic issue, namely the coal crisis, has occupied the
Washington spotlight in recent weeks. The President has repeatedly
said no coal shortage exists and consequently refuses to take affirma-
tive action under the Taft-Hartley Act. However, retail coal dealers
throughout the middle west have presented facts and figures to the
President and Congress showing a critical lack of coal on hand for
domestic use. The country so far this winter has been blessed with
mild weather but even under such favorable circumstances coal stocks,
particularly in rural areas, are dangerously low.
John L. Lewis, with the President's acquiescence, has
gambled too long with the health and welfare of the American people.
Serious consequences may well result to all domestic coal users
unless the national emergency provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act are
invoked. Most Republicans in Congress, including myself, favor the
FORD & LIBRARY 938870
- 7 -
enactment of a resolution informing Mr. Truman a crisis exists. Even
a few Democratic stalwarts-for example, Senator Lucas of Illinois,
who is Democratic majority leader in the Senate--see the need for
Presidential action, yet the Chief Executive hesitates and takes no
action. Congress has no authority to force Presidential action but a
rising tide of public opinion can! It would be regrettable to have
our citizens suffer for a lack of coal in their homes before
Presidential action takes place.
That, ladies and gentlemen, concludes my talk here in the
nation's capital. Before closing, however, I should like to leave
you with this last thought. The American people must wake up from their
lethargy and rise up against the ever-increasing wave of bureaucratic
control and bureaucratic red tape which has characterized the
Democratic administration. We must have legislation to protect our
freedom and liberty. We must have statesmanship in the administration
of our domestic laws and foreign policies. We are in a critical era.
Our citizens and their leaders must meet the challenges, or the
scourge of undemocratic forces will prevail.
My thanks and congratulations to WJR for inaugerating this
public service information feature. An informed nation is a free nation.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
January 28, 1950
RADIO ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD FORD
Station WJR, Detroit, Michigan
Transcribed January 17, 1950
Ladies and Gentlement
A Washington report at this time should strongly emphasize the
Democrat. c Administration's foolish financial policy of unlimited deficit
spending, the State Department's weak and inept attitude toward Communist
China, and President Truman's failure to realize and appreciate the extreme
seriousness of the coal shortage in the middle west and the rest of the nation.
All three problems are of major importance and deserve the closest scrutiny.
The Democratic leadership in each instance has selected one of two possible
courses, which I will discuss later in this talk. Most Republicans have wise-
ly chosen the opposite path in each controversy. There is little or no "me-
tooism" on any of the three issues.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the following extremely
apropos statement during his 1932 campaign for the Presidency: "Any govern-
ment, like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns. But
you and I know that a continuance of that habit means the poorhouse." These
words by Franklin D. Roosevelt, important seventeen years ago, have even great-
er importance today. Yet President Truman in his recent budget message to the
Congress and to the citizens of this country advocated further deficit finan-
cing, to the tune of 5.1 billion dollars. This is the fourth successive year
since the end of World War II that the President has presented to Congress and
to you, the people, a federal spending budget more extravagant in amount than
the one submitted by him the year previous. Each successive budget request of
the President has set a new all-time record for government spending in peace-
time. In 1946 Mr. Truman wanted to spend 35.9 billions. In 1947 the price
tag was boosted to 37.5 billions. By 1948 the budget message called for 39.7
billions; in 1949 41.9 billions and now, in 1950, the President seeks 42.4
billions.
These figures prove one discouraging fact--the leadership in the
present Administration in Washington believes in spending more and more of
your tax dollars. Furthermore, and this is vitally important, it is quite
obvious that if there is not sufficient federal revenue on hand to pay all the FORD
GERALD LIBRARY
- 2 -
bills then the Democratic leadership blandly says, "More borrowing to make up
the deficit." By requesting authority to spend some five billion dollars in
excess of anticipated revenues in 1951, the President seeks to guide the United
States farther down the dismal deficit financing trail which this nation has
traveled too often in recent years.
Statisticians tell us the U. S. now owes more money than the com-
bined national debts of all other countries in the world. With this fact in
mind an we continue, in times of relative prosperity, to operate in the red?
The Republican party and a few members of the Democratic party say emphatically
NO.
Representative John Taber, ranking Republican on the House Committee
on Appropriations, said on January 9, 1950, and I quote, "It is easy enough
to see that if the President's budget goes through there are only two choices
for the government: To default on its obligations or to impose additional
taxes on a tax-paying public that is already groaning from the load." Con-
gressman Taber, as the Republican spokesman, added this: "I intend to fight
for a balanced budget. The revenues in sight are 38 billion dollars and we
must keep our expenditures down below that figure."
Most of you, I am sure, are familiar with the record of Senator
Byrd of Virginia, a fiscal expert and one of the staunchest economy-minded
legislators in the Congress. Senator Byrd has carefully laid out a 36-billion-
dollar budget for the fiscal year of 1951. This "Budget of Progress" as
blueprinted by Senator Byrd, is 6.4 billion less than the President's and if
adopted will permit the U. S. to reduce the national debt. Furthermore, this
proposed budget will eliminate the need for any additional federal taxes. In
contrast, the president has requested an increase in your tax burden. Frankly,
the Congress this session should face up to the critical deficit situation
and solve it by a policy of tight-fisted and hard-headed economy.
The second major controversial issue in Washington--one that has
generated considerable discussion pro and con, is the Administration's policy
or lack of a policy in China. Secretary of State Acheson has consistently
refused to advocate anything but a "wait and see" attitude. In the meantime,
while our State Department has been sitting on the sidelines to let the "dust
settle," the Communist-inspired forces in China have overrun and conquered the
Chinese mainland and heaped one indignity after another on American officials.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
The seizure of our American consul, Angus Ward, is the most notorious example
of utter disregard for American rights.
The Principal question at the moment is whether or not the United
States should stand idly by while the Chinese Communists invade the island
of Formosa. The President and Secretary Acheson are committed to a policy
of letting Formosa go by default, claiming that the United States has an im-
pregnable line of defense in the Pacific even without Formosa. It is a rather
widely-known fact that our military experts, the joint chiefs of staff, and
General MacArthur believe strongly to the contrary. In addition, former Pres-
ident Hoover, Senators Taft and Knowland and other Republican Congressional
leaders violently oppose the Administration's isolationist policy in the Far
East.
The State Department, which heretofore has always been international-
ly minded, supports a strong anti-Russian containment policy in Greece and
Turkey. The fact is we have had and now have military missions and American
military supplies in Greece and Turkey. The United States wisely defied the
Soviets with the Berlin air lift. Mr. Acheson and his State Department col-
leagues apparently want to aid Tito in Yugoslavia with American dollars. Yet
the Administration refuses to lift a finger to help the anti-Communist forces
in China, contending that such a policy might lead to another Pacific war. The
State Department, I believe, is using the war threat as another "red herring."
This is an argument of convenience, for Mr. Acheson never raised the possibil-
ity of war with Russia when he proposed his strong Russian containment program
in Europe and the Middle East.
Senator Smith, Republican of New Jersey, a man who just returned from
an extended first-hand survey of Chinese problems, has a sound approach to our
present Far Eastern dilemma. The Republican Senator rightly contends that the
millions of natives on the island of Formosa who are neither Chinese or Japan
:
ese should not have their fate determined by the War between Chiang Kai Shek
and the Communists. Senator Smith believes the decision on the Formosa issue
must be made at the conference table when the Japanese peace treaty will be
signed. In the meantime, the status quo must be maintained and that means
strong language to the Communists in China that any attack on Formosa is
against American policy at the present time.
For several years in World var II I served with the United States
Navy as our forces fought island by island to liberate the people of the
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
- 4 -
Pacific from totalitarianism, from anti-democratic forces. In October of 1944,
while the United States was fighting the Japanese off the coast of Formosa, the
Navy lost two sizeable cruisers, many airplanes and the lives of numerous Amer-
icans. At that time Formosa was important from amilitary point of view. Now,
our State Department strategists say Formosa and China should be written off
without protest. Such reasoning makes no sense to me or to many other veterans
of the Pacific war.
As you well know, England has recognized the Communist regime in
China. The given excuses by the British for a break in our solid front against
Soviet aggression are unconvincing and a storm of Congressional criticism has
broken loose. Foreign aid to England from the United States may be materially
reduced as a consequence. There is considerable evidence that Great Britain
is only on our side against Russia and her satellites when it is advantageous
economically speaking.
A domestic issue, namely the coal crisis, has occupied the Washington
spotlight in recent weeks. The President has repeatedly said no coal shortage
exists and consequently refuses to take affirmative action under the Taft-
Hartley Act. However, retail coal dealers throughout the middle west have
presented facts and figures to the President and Congress showing a critical
lack of coal on hand for domestic use. The country so far this winter has
been blessed with mild weather but even under such favorable circumstances
coal stocks, particularly in rural areas, are dangerously low.
John L. Lewis, with the President's acquiescence, has gambled too
long with the health and welfare of the American people. Serious consequences
may well result to all domestic coal users unless the national emergency pro-
visions of the Taft-Hartley Act are invoked. Lost Republicans in Congress, in-
cluding myself, favor the enactment of a resolution informing Mr. Truman a
crisis exists. Even a few Democratic stalwarts--for example, Senator Lucas of
Illinois, who is Democratic majority leader in the Senate--see the need for
Presidential action, yet the Chief Executive hesitates and takes no action.
Congress has no authority to force Presidential action but a rising tide of
public opinion can! It would be regrettable to have our citizens suffer for
a lack of coal in their homes before Presidential action takes place.
That, ladies and gentlemen, concludes my talk here in the nation's
capital. Before closing, however, I should like to leave you with this last
GERALD 7868817
- 5 -
thought. The American people must wake up from their lethargy and rise up
against the ever-increasing wave of bureaucratic control and bureaucratic red
tape which has characterized the Democratic administration. We must have
legislation to protect our freedom and liberty, We must have statesmanship in
the administration of our domestic laws and foreign policies. We are in
a critical era. Our citizens and their leaders must meet the challenges, or
the scourge of undemocratic forces will prevail,
My thanks and congratulations to "JR for inaugerating this public
service information feature. An informed nation is a free nation.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Rodio gnise,
January 31, 1950
Mr. Walter MacPeek
300 Association of Commerce Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear Walter:
This morning I made the transcription for
use over radio station WOOD. A platter will be
mailed to the station directly. I enclose for
your information a copy of my transcription.
As you know I am more than glad to cooperate
in this instance and will be willing at all times
to cooperate further if you so desire.
With kind personal regards, I am
Yours very truly,
GRF;th
Gerald R. Ford
attachment
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
GRAND VALLEY COUNCIL
Boy Scouts of America
OFFICE - 300 ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE BUILDING
GRAND RAPIDS 2, MICHIGAN
PHONE 9-6281
Serving Youth in
Allegan, Barry, lonia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Ottawa Counties
STRENGTHEN THE ARM OF LIBERTY * 40TH ANNIVERSARY CRUSADE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 1910 . 1950
Jan. 20 1950
Hon. Gerald R. Ford Jr.,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Jerry:
Lenore Little at WOOD was delighted to know that
you are going to make the transcriptions . She suggested
that you make two or three of them on the same recrod -
about 55 seconds each. Then they can use them at different
times.
Perhaps the enclosed will give you a point of
attack. Any pat on the back you can give to volunteer
leaderw of Youth - to youth itself for taking good citizen-
ship seriously - any kind of a Salute to Scouts is in order.
- and we thank you a million times.
Sincerely,
Walter
Walter MacPeek
Ass't Scout Executive.
P.S. The record may be sent direct to WOOD or to us.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
MEMBER AGENCY OF COMMUNITY CHEST
Suggested ideas for use of Congressman
Gerald R. Ford Jr., for transcription
SALUTE TO BOY SCOUTS
I am happy to salute the Boy Scouts of America on this, their 40th
anniversary. I was fortunate enough to have been a scout myself,
and I count my Scout training as having been of great value to me.
Those scouthood days - their expersinces and associations - rate
high among my treasured memories.
Congratulations Scouts and Scout leaders on your 40 years of
service to America. May your Appreciation Dinner, your colorful
Scout and Cub Circhs, your Camporee, Your Summer Camps, and
your National Jamboree be everything that you want them to be.
Good Scouting to you!
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Invitation
January 18, 1950
Mr. Walter Mac Peek
300 Association of Commerce Building
Grand Rapide, Michigan
Dear Walter:
I have your latter of January 13th asking me to parti-
cipate in a Boy Scout program by transcription. Needless to
say, I will be more than glad to cooperate.
I will be in Grand Rapids on Sunday, February 5th, but
not before. Perhaps this might be too late for the making of
the transcription. However, we do have good radio recording
facilities in the House Office Building and if you would like
me to have the transcription made here and forwarded to you
directly I can do so very easily.
This latter procedure sounds much better so unless
you have any other suggestions please dash me off a one-minute
script and I will handle it as above mentioned. Since you know
what you would like for such a program a script written by you
would be far better.
Thanks for your kind personal comments.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
GRFJr:bb
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
GRAND VALLEY COUNCIL
Boy Scouts of America
OFFICE - 300 ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE BUILDING
GRAND RAPIDS 2, MICHIGAN
PHONE 9-6281
Serving Youth in
Allegan, Barry, lonia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Ottawa Counties
1/13/50
Dear Jerry -
Greetings!
We are arronging for a mumber
of men of who have been acouts to make
short 1 minite transcriptions Salute
to Boy Scouts at WOOD for use during
Scout week Fah 6-12.
It occared to me that you
might he in town late this month
transitutions. and he willing to make one of these
Were all very froud and Veny
are doing. Sincerely
hobby at the statemanlike job you 63840
FORD LIBRARY
Watta-Mand MEMBER
AGENCY OF COMMUNITY CHEST
Rabio address by Representative Gerald RFord I
W.L.S. april 13,1950 (1) 7:30 to 7:45 P.M. (CST)
to possent a Washington Report. +
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - it is a real pleasure for me to discuss
with you the legislative situation and related matters as they appear from
one in the Nation's Capitol. An open forum with questions and answers or
an informal round table discussion would undoubtedly be more interesting
and productive for your views, comments and suggestions on the state of
the Nation are as important as mine. Circumstances, however, prevent that
kind of a get-together, so with your indulgence several problems and issues
will be examined as I see them as a Michigan Congressman. Needless to say,
your own thoughts, whether in agreement or disagreement with mine, will be
most welcome.
Every household, every business, big or small, every farm, yes,
every individual, is faced day to day with financial problems. Whether we
like it or not, money helps to keep the world, your government, your business,
your home in operation. Generally speaking, if there is enough cash in our
pockets or in the bank, things naturally look good, but if we're broke we
aren't nearly as strong and vigorous, mentally or physically.
When we as individuals or as citizens of the United States talk
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
about money inevitably these problems arise - how much do we have, do we
available
this evening
have enough today, will there be any tomorrow? Your speaker is no iscal
1
1
Page 2
expert but I do know the safest and only sensible way to analyze those
whendonttansis
The
qu estions 1 is to take a good look at the balance sheet and profit and loss
statement. Your records will undoubtedly reveal that your own fiscal affairs
are in A-1 shape. If so, that's fine. I assure you, however, an unbiased,
nonpolitical examination of Uncle Sam's books will indicate that the money
problems of the federal government are definitely not O.K. Unfortunately
too few citizens realize that in the long run the income and expenditures
of the federal government must balance; that if we as a nation continue
to drown ourselves in red ink the United States will fall apart from within
and be a hollow shell if attack should come from our enemies.
The true facts and figures on the fiscal situation of the federal
treasury are alarming. Uncle Sam is today over 255 billion dollars in debt.
own
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Each of us as citizens of the country are obligated to pay out of our A pockets
a part of that governmental debt. What the United States as a nation owes
Page 3
to its creditors we as citizens and taxpayers in turn owe the creditors. This
debt of 255 billion with annual interest charges of 5 billion 6°million is a
very real burden to us at this time and the same helds true for the generations
to follow.
The condition of the federal balance sheet does or should disturb you
but in the event it doesn't this further fact should be an eye opener - in Uncle
Sam's annual operating statement for the past, the current and the next fiscal
year the treasury has and will continue to write totals in red ink. In other
words instead of stopping our excessive government spending policies J balancing
the budget, the"powers that be"seek to drive us further down the road of inevitable
financial insolvency by spending more and more of your tax dollars.
President Truman in his Budget Message to the Congress on January 9th
advocated a deficit of 5 billion one hundred million for the twelve month
period beginning July 1st. For the fourth successive year since the end of
World War II, Mr. Truman has presented to the Congress a federal spending budget
higher in amount than the one submitted by him the year before. Actually each
successive budget request has set a new all-time record for federal expenditures
in peacetime.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Once the President submits his budget, the House and Senate take over.
Page 4
At the present time the Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, are con-
peopleting
fronted with this problem. Should the legislative branch of the federal
government accept the President's deficit financing policies or should the
House and Senate make some cuts in an effort to bring income in line with
P
expenditures. The House Committee on Appropriations has the initial responsi-
bility in determining how your tax dollars should be spent and this committee
of Representatives The major appropration Gul
recently submitted to the House abill which if finally approved without
these onthays do not include. permanent "apporporations for all P interest, dollars new openling programs the
change will cost our taxpayers over 29 billion dollars. 29 billion is a
President
non proposed
panks for
lot of dough. The pros and cons involve no penny-ante issues. We're all
foreign and.
taxpayers. It's our money, whether we contribute to the Federal treasury
by paying income taxes or by paying the thousand one hidden taxes each
and every day. I therefore respectfully suggest that you concern yourself
or necessary
with the desirability of spending more or less than that recommended by the
Committee in This instance.
The Committee on Appropriations has made some cuts in President
Truman's money requests. Many of the Washington bureaucrats are complaining
bitterly because their special programs and projects felt the economy axe
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
the Committee. Others who are just taxpayers and not high-powered propa-
candists contend the Congress must cut expenditures still further.
Page 5
This important fact should be remembered, however, in any determina-
tion. Our federal taxes cannot be reduced unless and until the expenditures
by the various federal bureaus and agencies are reduced. Don't forget this
point, Congress wants to cut your taxes, but Congress cannot justifiably re-
duce your tax burdens if you as citizens continue to demand more and more
government services, protection and assistance from Washington.
Of late a number of promiment military authorities including General
Eisenhower, have emphatically suggested that the United States was unwisely
cutting corners, skimping too much in expenditures for national defense.
Naturally such highly respected criticism should make us all stop and re-
evalue the military reductions proposed by the House Appropriations Committee.
Did the Committee emphasize economy rather than security? Representative
Vinson, Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, contends the reductions
would possibly scuttle the defense plans of the Army, Navy and Air Corps.
He specifically denounced the lack of adequate funds in the Committee's
budget for military aircraft pointing out that the Congress had previously
authorized a 70 group air force and that this appropriation proposal by the
Committee would cut the airgroups to 48.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page 6
Representative Vinson and General Eisenhower in general would like
Congress to ante up another 500 million dollars. Their arguments are diffi-
cult to refute. However, another Congressman, Representative Mahon of Texas,
one of the top military fiscal experts in the House of Representatives, says
NO on the basis that any sizeable boost in such expenditures might well break
the nation's economic back.
In addition, Representative Mahon graphically points out that the
United States in the coming fiscal year, even with the slightly reduced funds,
will spend sòmething over 20 billion dollars for military security. This total,
of course, includes everything, atomic energy and aeronautical research, the
stock piling of critical and strategic materials, guided missile developments,
military public works and a number of other projects and programs. Repre-
sentative Mahon doesn't contend the 20 billion plus defense dollars will
provide a 70 group air force today or in the future but he stoutly argues
the funds would build up our Navy and Air Force fighting squadrons to an
adequate strength for any predictable emergency.
This further point should be made in opposition to the Vinson-
FORD i LABRARY GERALD
Eisenhower view. The science and development of modern warfare is moving
Page 7
forward rapidly, almost too fast. For example the combat airplanes we
buy next year, the B-36 for example, will probably be outmoded and ineffect-
ive two years hence. Representative Mahon advocates that the United States
concentrate the use of its funds on further research and development so
if war should come and God forbid that it should, we would have the most
powerful offensive and defensive weapons available for immediate produc-
tion. This point of view by no means contemplates a foolhardy and com-
placent attitude toward the ever eminent threat of Soviet aggression similar
to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. However, those who concur with
Representative Mahon and the Committee on Appropriations believe it
shortsighted to purchase today an overabundance of military equipment of
any kind when in a relatively short time it might all become useless
museum pieces.
balancing the
The fundamental problem is one of/maximum and minimum military
needs now and in the foreseeable future with the over-all availability
of tax dollars. The decisions are vital to you, to us all. May our
military leaders, the Congress and the President have the wisdom to
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
pick the right path for future action.
In closing let me express my appreciation to radio station WLS,
Page 8
one of our great stations in the United States, for making time available for
this discussion and report. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you. Good night.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
12:05
(1)
RADIO ADDRESS BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R.FORD, JR.
W.L.S. APRIL 13, 1950 - 7:30 to 7:45 P.M. (C.S.T.)
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - It is a real pleasure for me to present a
Washington Report and to discuss with you the legislative situation and
related matters as they appear from one in the Nation's Capitol. An open
forum with questions and answers or an informal round table discussion
would undoubtedly be more interesting and productive for your views, comments
and suggestions on the state of the Nation are as important as mine. Cir-
cumstances, however, prevent that kind of a get-together, so with your
indulgence several problems and issues will be examined as I see them as
a Michigan Congressman. Needless to say, your own thoughts, whether in
agreement or disagreement with mine, will be most welcome.
Every household, every business, big or small, every farm, yes, every
individual, is faced day to day with financial problems. Whether we like it
or not, money helps to keep the world, your government, your business, your
home in operation. Generally speaking, if there is enough cash in our pockets
or in the bank, things naturally look good, but if we're broke we aren't nearly
as strong and vigorous, mentally or physically.
When we as individuals or as citizens of the United States talk about
money inevitably these problems arise - how much do we have, do we have enough
today, will there be any available tomorrow? Your speaker this evening is no
fiscal expert but I do know the safest and only sensible way to analyze those
questions when doubt arises is to take a good look at the balance sheet and
the profit and loss statement. Your records will undoubtedly reveal that your
own fiscal affairs are in A-1 shape. If so, that's fine. I assure you, however,
FORD
an unbiased, nonpolitical examination of Uncle Sam's books will indicate that
GERALD
LIBRARY
(2)
the money problems of the federal government are definitely not okay.
Unfortunately two few citizens realize that in the long run the income
and expenditures of the federal government must balance; that if we as
a nation continue to drown ourselves in red ink the United States will
fall apart from within and be a hollow shell if attack should come from
our enemies.
Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the following ex-
tremely apropos statement during his 1932 campaign for the Presidency:
"Any government, like any family, can for a year spend a little more
than it earns. But you and I know that a continuance of that habit means
the poorhouse." These words by Franklin D. Roosevelt, important seventeen
years ago, have even greater importance today.
The true facts and figures on the fiscal situation of the federal
treasury are alarming. Uncle Sam is today over 255 billion dollars in debt.
Each of us as citizens of the country are obligated to pay out of our own
pockets a part of that governmental debt. What the United States as a
nation owes to its creditors we as citizens and taxpayers in turn owe the
creditors. This debt of 255 billion with annual interest charges of 5 billion
600 million is a very real burden to us at this time and the same holds
true for the generations to follow.
The condition of the federal balance sheet does or should dis-
turb you but in the event it doesn't this further fact should be an eye
opener - in Uncle Sam's annual operating statement for the past, the current
and the next fiscal year the treasury has and will continue to write totals
in red ink. In other words instead of stopping our excessive government
spending policies, balancing the budget, the "powers that be" seek to
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
drive us further down the road of inevitable financial insolvency by
spending more and more of your tax dollars.
(3)
President Truman in his Budget Message to the Congress on Janery
9th advocated a deficit of 5 billion one hundred million for the twelve
month period beginning July 1st. For the fourth successive year since
the end of World War II, Mr. Truman has presented to the Congress a federal
spending budget higher in amount than the one submitted by him the year be-
fore. Actually each successive budget request has set a new all-time record
for federal expenditures in peacetime.
Once the President submits his budget, the House and Senate take
over. At the present time the Congress, both Democrats and Republicans,
are confronted with this perplexing problem. Should the legislative
branch of the federal government accept the President's deficit financing
policies or should the House and Senate make some cuts in an effort to
bring income in line with expenditures.
The House Committee on Appropriations has the initial responsibility
in determining how your tax dollars should be spent. This committee recently
submitted to the House of Representatives the major appropriation bill which
if finally approved without change will cost our taxpayers over 29 billion
dollars. These outlays do not include "permanent" appropriations for debt
interest, new spending programs of the President nor proposed funds for
foreign aid.
29 billion dollars is a lot of dough. The pros and cons involve no
penny-ante issues. We're all. taxpayers. It's our money, whether we
contribute to the federal treasury by paying income taxes or by paying
the thousand and one hidden taxes each and every day. I therefore
respectfully suggest that you concern yourself with the desirability or
necessity of spending more or less than that recommended by the Committee
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
in this instance.
(4)
The Committee on Appropriations has made some cuts in President
Truman's money requests. Many of the Washington bureaucrats are complaining
bitterly because their special programs and projects felt the economy axe
of the Committee. Others who are just taxpayers and not high -powered
propagandists contend the Congress must cut expenditures still further.
This important fact should be remembered, however, in any determina-
tion. Our federal taxes cannot be reduced unless and until the expenditures
by the various federal bureaus and agencies are reduced. Don't forget this
point, Congress wants to cut your taxes, but Congress cannot justifiably
reduce your tax burdens if you as citizens continue to demand more and
more government services, protection and assistance from Washington.
Of late a number of prominent military authorities including General
Eisenhower, have emphatically suggested that the United States was unwisely
cutting corners, skimping too much in expenditures for national defense.
Naturally such highly respected criticism should make us all stop and re-
evalue the military reductions proposed by the House Appropriations Commit tee.
Did the Committee emphasize economy rather than security? Representative
Vinson, Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, contends the reductions
would possibly scuttle the defense plans of the Army, Navy and Air Corps.
He specifically denounced the lack of adequate funds in the Committee's budget
for military aircraft pointing out that the Congress had previously authorized
a 70 group air force and that this appropriation proposal by the Committee
would cut the airgroups to 48.
Representative Vinson and General Eisenhower in general would like
Congress to ante up another 500 million dollars. Their arguments are diffi-
cult to refute. However, another Congressman, Representative Mahon of Texas,
GERALD R. FORD
one of the top military fiscal experts in the House of Representatives, says NO
the basis that any sizeable boost in such expenditures might well break
(5)
the nation's economic back.
In addition, Representative Mahon graphically points out that the
United States in the coming fiscal year, even with the slightly reduced funds,
will spend something over 20 billion dollars for military security. This total,
of course, includes everything, atomic energy and aeronautical research, the
stock piling of critical and strategic materials, guided missile developments,
military public works and a number of other projects and programs. Representa-
tive Mahon doesn't contend the 20 billion plus defense dollars will provide a
70 group air force today or in the future but he stoutly argues the funds would
build up our Navy and Air Force fighting squadrons to an adequate strength
for any predictable emergency.
This further point should be made in opposition to the Vinson-
Eisenhower view. The science and developmant of modern warfare is moving
forward rapidly, almost too fast. The combat airplanes we buy next year, the
B-36 for example, will probably be outmoded and ineffective two years hence.
Representative Mahon advocates that the United States concentrate the use
of its funds on further research and development so if war should come and
God forbid that it should, we would have the most powerful offensive and
defensive weapons available for immediate production. This point of view
by no means contemplates a foolhardy and complacent attitude toward the ever
eminent threat of Soviet aggression similar to the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor. However, those who concur with Representative Mahon and the Committee
on Appropriations believe it shortsighted to purchase today an overabundance
of military equipment of any kind when in a relatively short time it might
all become useless museum pieces.
The fundamental problem is one of balancing the maximum and minimum
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD ARY
military needs now and in the foreseeable future with the over-all availability
(6)
of tax dollars. The decisions are vital to you, to us all. May our military
leaders, the Congress and the President have the wisdom to pick the right path
for future action.
In closing let me express my appreciation to radio station WLS, one
of our great stations in the United States, for making time available for
this discussion and report. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you. Good night.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
RADIO ADDRESS BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R.FORD. JR.
W.L.S. APRIL 13, 1950 - 7:30 to 7:45 P.M. (C.S.T.)
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - It is a real pleasure for me to present a
Washington Report and to discuss with you the legislative situation and re-
lated matters as they appear from one in the nation's Capitol. An open ferum
with questions and answers or an informal round table discussion would un-
doubtedly be more interesting and productive for your views, comments and
suggestions on the state of the nation are as important as mine. Circumstances,
however, prevent that kind of a get-together, so with your indulgence several
problems and issues will be examined as I see them as a Michigan Congressman.
Needless to say, your own thoughts, whether in agreement or disagreement with
mine, will be most welcome,
Every household, every business, big or small, every farm, yes,
every individual, is faced day to day with financial problems. Whether we
like it or not, money helps to keep the world, your government, your business,
your home in operation. Generally speaking, if there is enough cash in our
pockets or in the bank, things naturally look good, but if we're broke we
aren't nearly as strong and vigorous, mentally or physically.
When we as individuals or as citizens of the United States talk
about money inevitably these problems arise - how much do we have, do we have
enough today, will there be any available tomorrow? Your speaker this evening
is no fiscal expert but I do know the safest and only S ensible way to analyze
those questions when doubt arises is to take a good look at the balance sheet
and the profit and loss statement. Your records will undoubtedly reveal that
your own fiscal affairs are in A-1 shape. If so, that's fine. I assure you,
however, an unbiased, nonpolitical examination of Uncle Sam's books will indicate
that the money problems of the federal government are definitely not okay. Un-
fortunately two few citizens realize that in the long run the income and ex-
penditures of the federal government must balance; that if we as a nation con-
tinue to drown ourselves in red ink the United States will fall apart from
within and be a hollow shell if attack should come from our enemies.
Former President Franklin D. Rocsevelt made the following extremely
apropos statement during his 1932 campaign for the Presidency: "Any government,
like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns. But you
and I know that a continuance of that habit means the poorhsuse." These words
by Franklin D. Roosevelt, important seventeen years ago, have even greater
importance today.
The true facts and figures on the fiscal situation of the federal
treasury are alarming. Uncle Sam is today over 255 billion dollars in debt.
Each of us as citizens of the country are obligated to pay out of our own
pockets a part of that governmental debt. What the United States as a nation
owes to its creditors we as citizens and taxpayers in turn owe the creditors.
This debt of 255 billion with annual interest charges of 5 billion 600 million
is a very real burden to us at this time and the same holds true for the gener-
ations to follow.
The condition of the federal balance sheet does or should disturb
you but in the event it doesn't this further fact should be an eye opener - in
Uncle Sam's annual operating statement for the past, the current and the next
fiscal year the treasury has and will continue to write totals in red ink. In
other words, instead of stopping our excessive government spending policies.
balancing the budget, the "powers that be" seek to drive us further down the
road of inevitable financial insolvency by spending more and more of your tax
dollars.
President Truman in his Budget Message to the Congress on January
9th advocated a deficit of 5 billion one hundred mildion for the twelve month
period beginning July 1st. For the fourth successive year since the end of
World War II, Mr. Truman has presented to the Congress a federal spending
budget higher in amount than the one submitted by him the year before. Actually
each successive budget request has set a new all-time record for federal expen-
ditures in peacetime.
Once the President submite his budget, the House and Senate take
over. At the present time the Congress, both Democrate and Republicans, are
confronted with this perplexing problem. Should the legislative branch of the
federal government accept the President's deficit financing policies or should
the House and Senate make some cuts in an effort to bring income in line with
expenditures.
GERALD R.-FORD LIBRARY
(2)
The House Committee on Appropriations has the initial responsibility
in determining how your tax dollars should be spent. This committee recently
submitted to the House of Representatives the major appropriation bill which
if finally approved without change will cost our taxpayers over 29 billion
dollars. These outlays do not include "permanent" appropriations for debt
interest, new spending programs of the President nor proposed funds for foreign
aid.
29 billion dollars is a lot of dough. The pros and cons involve no
penny-ante issues. We're all taxpayers. It's our money, whether we contribute
to the federal treasury by paying income taxes or by paying the thousand one
hidden taxes each and every day. I therefore respectfully suggest that you
concern yourself with the desirability or necessity of spending more or less
than that recommended by the Committee in this instance.
The Committee on Appropriations has made some cuts in President Tru-
man's money requests. Many of the Washington bureaucrats are complaining
bitterly because their special programs and projects felt the economy axe of
the Committee. Others who are just taxpayers and not high-powered propagand-
ists contend the Congress must cut expenditures still further.
This important fact should be remembered, however, in any determina-
tion. Our federal taxes cannot be reduced unless and until the expenditures
by the various federal bureaus and agencies are reduced. Don't forget this
point, Congress wants to cut your taxes, but Congress cannot justifiably
reduce your tax burdens if you as citizens continue to demand more and more
government services, protection and assistance from Washington.
Of late a number of prominent military authorities including General
Eisenhower, have emphatically suggested that the United States was unwisely
cutting corners, skimping too much in expenditures for national defense.
Naturally such highly respected criticism should make us all stop and re-
evalue the military reductions proposed by the House Appropriations Committee.
Did the Committee emphasize economy rather than security? Representative
Vinson, Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, contends the reductions
would possibly scuttle the defense plans of the Army, Navy and Air Corps.
He specifically denounced the lack of adequate funds in the Committee's budget
for military aircraft pointing out that the Congress had previously authorized
a 70 group air force and that this appropriation proposal by the Committee
would cut the airgroups to 48.
Representative Vinson and General Eisenhower in general would like
Congress to ante up another 500 million dollars. Their arguments are diffi-
cult to refute. However, another Congressman, Representative Mahon of Texas,
one of the top military fiscal experts in the House of Representatives, says
NO on the basis that any sizeable boost in such expenditures might well break
the nation's economic back.
In addition, Representative Mahon graphically points out that the
United States in the coming fiscal year, even with the slightly reduced funds,
will spend something over 20 billion dollars for military security. This
total, of course, includes everything, atomic energy and aeronantical research,
the stock piling of critical and strategic materials, guided missile develop-
ments, military public works and a number of other projects and programs.
Representative Mahon doesn't contend the 20 billion plus defense dollars will
provide a 70 group air force today or in the future but he stoutly argues the
funds would build up our Navy and Air Force fighting squadrons to an adequate
strength for any predictable emergency.
This further point should be made in opposition to the Vinson-Eisenhower
view. The science and development of modern warfare is moving forward rapidly,
almost too fast. The combat airplanes we buy next year, the B-36 for example,
will probably be outmoded and ineffective two years hence. Representative
Mahon advocates that the United States concentrate the use of its funds on fur-
ther research and development SQ if war should come and God forbid that it
should, we would have the most powerful offensive and defensive weapons avail-
able for immediate production. This point of view by no means contemplates a
foolhardy and complacent attitude toward the ever eminent threat of Soviet
aggression similar to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. However, those who
concur with Representative Mahon and the Committee on Appropriations believe
it shortsighted to purchase today an overabundance of military equipment of any
kind when in a relatively short time it might all become useless museum pieces
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
(3)
The fundamental problem is one of balancing the maximum and minimum
military needs now and in the foreseeable future with the over-all availability
of tax dollars. The decisions are vital to you, to us all. May our military
leaders, the Congress and the President have the wisdom to pick the right
path for future action.
In closing, 1et me express my appreciation to radio station WLS, one
of our great stations in the United States, for making time available for
this discussion and report. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you. Good night.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Feb
Podio
"A NATION IS BORN"
A 15 minute Dramatized Program
depicting the Signing of the
Declaration of Independence
NARRATOR:
Keith S. Jameson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
Robert J. Coar
WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND
DIRECTED BY:
Radio Division
Republican National Committee
1337 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C.
July 4, 1950
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
"A NATION IS BORN"
MEMBER:
Fellow Americans, as we pause to observe this greatest of all
our national holidays. the birthday of our freedom. it gives
me great pleasure to bring you this special program in honor of
that anniversary. May I present now "A Nation is Born"
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
A NATION IS BORN
(July 4th Program)
SOUND:
MUSICAL FANFARE.
INTO CROWD NOISES AND HORSES HOOFS
UP TO ESTABLISH.
THEN UNDER AND HOLD UNDER
ANNX:
It is July 1 of the year 1776 in the city of Philadelphia. Many persons
have gathered here outside the State House. There is a great feeling
of emotion in the crowd. They talk softly among themselves, discussing
again and again, the issues of the bitter controversy which has been
sweeping the colonies. As the shadow of the State House portico
lengthens over the cobbled street the onlookers press closer to glimpse
the members of the Continental Congress as they arrive by foot or on
horseback or in their carriages. mr. John Adams of Massachusetts,
attired all in black with silver buttons at knee and wrist has just
arrived; Mr. Benjamin Franklin in his sober, home-spun clothes has gone
up the steps and passed through the doorway, as have many other members.
Mr. Thomas Jefferson is now alighting from his coach, his white stock
and wrist bands shining in the afternoon sun
someone else is ap-
proaching rapidly
I
can barely
SOUND:
HORSE APPROACHING FAST
ANNX:
make out who it be ah, it is Mr. Caesar Rodney of Delaware. He must
have ridden hard for his horse is flecked with foam. They say that
his colleague, Mr. Thomas McKean of Delaware sent for him to come in
all haste so that he might add the weight of his vote and he has ridden
80 miles, stopping only to change horses, to be here for the meeting.
We are entering the State House now and passing into the great, high-
ceilinged meeting room with its narrow windows and gilded chairs.
SOUND:
RAPPING OF GAVEL.
CROWD NOISES OUT
VOICE:
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! THIS MEETING WILL NOW COME TO ORDER!
FORD & LIBRARY 074870
-2-
ANNX:
Now the members are taking their places yonder is Mr. Roger
Sherman of Connecticut and I have just glimpsed the powdered wig
of Mr. Robert Livingston of New York who has taken a seat beside
Mr. Sherman. This is indeed a tense moment here in this very
room
within the next few minutes The Continental Congress will
decide whether or not the colonies shall sever their union with the
old world. Mr. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia is speaking
VOICE:
COMING ON MIKE
I move, gentlemen, that the United Colonies are, and of a right
ought to be, free and independent; that they be absolved from all
allegiance to the British Crown and that political connections
between them and Great Britain is, and ought to be dissolved
SOUND:
HAND CLAPPING AND APPLAUSE CROWD NOISES UP AND THEN UNDER
ANNX:
Over the elated voices of the crowd perhaps you can hear the roll
call
wait
wait
listen
IT'S UNANIMOUS
SOUNDS:
CROWD NOISES UP FULL INTO FANFARE
ANNX:
That was the beginning
there in the meeting room of the State
House in Philadelphia, one hundred and seventy four years ago.
Brave men, men who loved liberty more than life, country more than
self, pledged themselves to the grave task of bringing forth a
new nation. That ringing resolution by Richard Henry Lee set in
motion a chain of events which as Abraham Lincoln has said was
"to give liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but
hope to all the world, for all future times". Those early years of
our nation were indeed "times that tried mens' souls". For years
the colonists sensed the widening breach between the old world and
the new. And, conversely, as the bonds between the two worlds were
GERAL FORD LIBRARY
-3-
loosened, so the pattern of unification between the colonies was
woven tighter, strand by strand. Far-seeing, clear thinking men
knew this bond of unity must be encouraged that only in the unity
of all, could all be strong. It was not easy. George Washington,
in writing to the President of the Congress said:
VOICE:
(FILTER MIKE)
"I have learned since I have been in service, to discourage all
kinds of local attachments and distinctions of country, denominating
the whole by the greater name of 'American", but I have found it
impossible to overcome prejudices".
ANNX:
But true patriots, such as Washington and Jefferson and Franklin
were not made of the stuff which wilts under discouragement.
Quietly, sincerely, they worked to bring about the unification they
knew to be so necessary. A series of agressive actions by a tyrant
king aided their cause. Slowly but surely the rumblings of
discontent against the Crown grew stronger and more compelling.
Gradually, in the minds of the colonists the conviction developed
that they must unite
must have their own form of government
must be independent, finally and forever. Then, in January of
1776, Tom Paine, ardent patriot, who well understood the confused
minds of the people wrote and published a volume whose terse,
vigorous style summed up all the motions that thousands were
beginning to put into words and action. In ringing phrases he
urged independence and the sooner the better.
VOICE I:
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered
VOICE II:
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-4-
VOICE III: Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men,
undergo the fatigues of supporting it..
ANNX:
His writings spread like wildfire through the colonies from Maine
to Georgia. When Richard Henry Lee made his dramatic proposal the
people were ready. Events moved swiftly. The continental Congress
appointed a committee of five to draft the document with the
actual writing allotted to Thomas Jefferson. We have all thrilled
to the inspired words of that sacred document. We have all
thrilled to the power, the honesty, the love of fellow man, the
pride in country, the honor of freedom in those lines. We have
read with awe, the denunciation of a tyrant king. The righteous
anger of those aroused patriots blazed forth in these imperishable
words
VOICE:
FILTER MIKE
He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and
necessary for the public good.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither
swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out of their
substance.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of immediate and
pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation til his
assent has been obtained, and when so suspended, he has utterly
neglected to attend to them.
He has combined with others to subject us to jurisdiction
foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving
his assent to their acts of pretended legislation.
He has imposed taxes on us without our consent.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-5-
MEMBER:
Strong language? Yes, my friends, but the living words from that
yellow and faded manuscript still have fresh meaning for us today.
The issue then was independence-decisive and final. And in the
span of 174 years our nation has remained independent. The issue
today is also independence
shall the American people be masters
of their government, or shall the government be master of the
people? Today, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence
having narrowly escaped destruction in two fires and capture by
the British in two wars, is enshrined in its own special case in
the Library of Congress here in our Nation's Capital. There,
daily from the 48 states of the Union, from War ravaged Europe,
from lands where liberty has all but vanished, from the north,
the south, the east and the west, pilgrims pause to pay homage
to
that
sacred
document
the document so beautifully described
by Thomas Jefferson as "This holy bond of our Union".
SOUND:
MUSIC FANFARE INTO QUIET CROWD NOISE
HOLD UNDER
ANNX:
It is just three days later the afternoon of July 4, 1776. A
great crowd has gathered in the court yard of the state house here
in Philadelphia. There are anxious faces
concern in every eye.
The bright hues of the ladies parasols make brilliant splashes of
color against the white pillars of the State House. But there is
little gaiety. The gentlemen converse quietly, asking each other
over and over
will the Congress sign that important document?
Will we be free? In the belfry the ancient bellman stands, holding
the rope in his gnarled hands. Will that bell peal out the news
that Colonies will fight to the death for their liberty? The
bellman shakes his head. He doesn't think so. The crowd is
getting restless now more and more eyes are turned toward the
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
doors behind which the Congress is deciding. The hour of two
o' clock approaches and still no word. Ah
now, there is some
movement among those standing in the doorway of the State House.
Someone is darting toward us it's a young lad running. running.
SOUND:
VOICE COMING ON MIKE
BREATHLESS
They' ve signed they' ve signed. Ring! Ring! Ring, grandfather!
Ring for liberty!
SOUND:
EXCITED VOICES
BELL PEALING
SHOTS
CHEERS
FADE UNDER
ANNX:
The excitement is intense. They're cheering women weep men
pound each other on the back. Someone has climbed up and is
tearing the King's Arms from the top of the State House they're
going to burn it in the street. Couriers are mounting their
saddled horses to spread the tidings to every far corner of the
country. they' 11 ride north to New Jersey and to New York and
on to Massachusetts and to Maine to Delaware south to the
Carolinas and Georgia, and to the wilderness of the great Ohio
Country in eight days the word will spread to every town and
hamlet of the new nation. This
SOUNDS:
ALL OUT EXCEPT BELL. BRING BELL UP FULL
ANNX:
is indeed a joyous day in the history of mankind. Today, here
in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, a new nation has been
born. Under the sight of God, joined in love and devotion may
this Holy Bond of our Union guide and protect our nation in freedom
forever.
SOUND:
BELL UP FULL.
TINO
MUSIC:
AMERICA
UP THEN FADE AND HOLD UNDER
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
-7-
MEMBER:
As we pause to observe this greatest of all American anniversaries,
it is fitting that we re-dedicate ourselves "for the support of
this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our Lives, our
Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor."
MUSIC:
UP FULL TO FINISH
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
w wood
Speeches
10-6-50
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, citizens of Western Michigan,
it is a pleasure for me to participate on this public service
program on behalf of the Department of the Army in conjunction
with those who are trying to build up our over-all national
defense program.
Only a few weeks ago our boys in the Army, the Navy,
the Air Force and the Marine Corps were fighting desperately
for the liberty and freedom which we as citizens of the
greatest nation of the world 80 proudly possess. Their
valiant efforts on our behalf have been successful. We are
proud of our G.I.s who have won military successes against
the imperialist aggression of the Russian Communists. All
of us salute and honor our boys who have won these victories
for all the citizens of the United States.
Unfortunately Stalin and the other ruthless Communist
leaders throughout the world cannot be trusted. Peace treaties
mean nothing to the Red leaders in Russia, China or elsewhere.
As a result we in America must, for our own protection, build
up our military strength. If we fail, if America hesitates,
Russia will undoubtedly strike again. The best protection
we have against ruthless aggression 1s strength. Russia is
like a bully and the only way to handle a bully is to show him
he is not stronger and more powerful than those he seeks to
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
destroy. Russia will respect us if we are strong. We as a
nation must be militarily strong. The everlasting peace
-2- -
sought by us can and will be accomplished with the full
and complete cooperation of all our citizens.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Jodw speche- Nov.7,1950
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, on this important election day
it is vital that our voters have all the facts at hand for the
decisions to be made by our citizens today will directly and
unmistakably affect the destiny of our nation and the world. I
am completely confident that the voters of Michigan and those in
the other states of the Union will act to protect our system of
government and the principles of liberty for which we stand. The
housewife, the workingman, the farmer and the businessman must all
it is obvious they
vote and in exercising their voting privilege n will vote for the
common good and the preservation of this great country.
During this political campaign various statements have been
made by my opponent that must be answered with the truth. The
record must be corrected in order that the citizens of Kent and
Ottawa counties will know the whole truth. I have no intention
of attacking my Democratic opponent personally but it is essential
to expose and refute a campaign technique of innuendo and implica-
tion. It should be stated that at no time has he indicated a will-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
ingness to discuss the issues face to face. In fact, on one occa-
sion where we were scheduled to appear before a group of citizens
-2-
on the same platform he failed to show up.
make his appearance
I am glad to report that my opponent has now publicly
acknowledged that his statements made on November 5th in reference
to the federal election laws were made without full knowledge of
all the facts. A lack of information is no excuse and a mighty
weakkneed alibi. The Democratic candidate, an attorney at law,
should have used better judgment. In addition, his advisors should
have been interested in the truth. He knows now and he should have
known beforehand, that I had complied in every detail with the
federal election laws.
Foreign policy is an issue in this election. My opponent
has stated from time to time that I have not supported the Marshall
Plan. He is wrong again on this score. Here are the facts. You
be the judge. In the 81st Congress, from January 3, 1949 through
September 22, 1950, I voted on five occasions, I repeat five times,
for the Marshall Plan. In this 20 month period while I have been
your Congressman over 6 billion dollars was authorized and appro-
priated for Marshall Plan funds. I favored this program because it
FORD
GERALD
AUTUST
has stopped thus far a Communist invasion against our allies in Eurone
-3-
and it will receive my support as long as it is effective in com-
batting the menace of Communism throughout the world
Although over 6 billion dollars was spent for the Marshall
Plan in the last two years a cut of 150 million dollars was made
by the E st Congress
in September, 1949 A saving of 150 million in your tax dollars
has not harmed the Marshall Plan one iota. In fact, I am proud to
report that my vote in this instance and in many others was helpful
in saving your tax dollars. The Marshall Plan is a sound program
and I have voted for it 5 out of 6 times, but that does not mean
that the Congress should rubber stamp every penny of extravagance
recommended by Secretary of State Acheson. Apparently my opponent
freely advocates such policies and recommendations of Mr.Acheson,
the man who would not turn his back on Alger Hiss.
The Democratic candidate for Congress in his political
campaign has advocated another Acheson policy, namely economic aid
to Korea. The Secretary of State in January of 1950 strongly urged
the United States to spend 120 million of your tax dollars to build
electricpower plants, fertilizer plants, etc. in South Korea. Mr.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Acheson requested that Congress appropriate your money for such
#-
economic assistance even though our military forces, 50,000 troops,
had been withdrawn from South Korea six months before. I voted
against this Acheson proposal, a policy that was the brain child
of the dreamy Soviet sympathizers in the Department of State.
The record shows that my Democratic opponent strongly favors this
proposal by Mr. Acheson, the man who would not turn his back on
Alger Hiss.
An analysis of the Democratic Party candidate's attitude
clearly indicates that he approves of the Far Eastern or Pacific
Area foreign policies of the Department of State. As you know, the
Truman-Acheson policy in China and Korea has led directly to the
blood shed of the past four months. Over 4000 of our finest
young men have died in combat, additional thousands are war casual-
ties because the Acheson policy in this area of the world was a
complete failure. For example on this very day the Chinese Commu-
nists are fighting against our GI's in Korea. This means greater
war casualties by the thousands. It should interest you to know
FORD is LIBRARY GERATO
that Mr. Truman's Secretary of State, Mr. Dean Acheson, believes
the Communist victory in China was the dawn of a. new era.
-5-
Every clear thinking American realizes that in reality
the Communist victory in China was the greatest diplomatic blunder
in the history of American foreign policy. The Chinese Communist
appeasement policy was insidiously promoted and sponsored by a
little group of insiders in the State Department - men like Alger
Hiss. Republican members of Congress fought against this Truman -
Acheson policy of appeasing the Chinese Reds but to no avail. As
a result the voters today in this Congressional District and else-
where must decide whether they will support Republican candidates
who will not under any circumstances coddle the Chinese communists
or whether they will support Democratic Party candidates who believe
in the Communist appeasement policies of Mr. Acheson. A vote for
a Republican is a vote for the statesmanlike policies of Senator
Arthur H. Vandenberg. A vote for the Democratic candidate is a
vote for the Acheson policy with all its, obvious weaknesses. Y failures
There are other matters of equal importance that should be
discussed. I want to talk to you today about your own personal
safety. When you go to bed at night, do you wonder what might
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
happen if the enemy should strike before dawn? I worry about
-6-
those things, and I think most other Americans do, also.
The memory of those horrible first two months in Korea 1s
still fresh in our minds. We recall only too well how hard pressed
the United States was to turn back a relatively minor foe. We became
almost afraid to think of what might happen against a major foe.
The Korean War has exposed the terrible weakness of our military
military
Party
forces and our lack of preparedness under the Democratic leaders.
The Truman Administration spent ninety -five billion dollars
on defense since V-J Day. Do you think the United States should
be caught unprepared after spending ninety-five billion dollars on
defense in five years? For those ninety-five billion dollars, our
brave troops in Korea were sent into battle miserably equipped
and tragically outnumbered. No wonder they were almost pushed
into the sea. Only heroic efforts by the G.I.s and the masterful
strategy of General MacArthur saved the day.
Just listen to our pitiful lack of strength in Japan when
the Korean war started. We had only six Pershing tanks - the tanks
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
that could stand up to the Russian T-34 tank. We had in Japan when
the Communist armies attacked only 30 combat aircraft that were
-7-
suitable to give our ground troops the tactical support they needed
80 badly. In the entire Far East, we had only one aircraft carrier
and not a single combat Marine.
Contrast that line-up with the strength of the United States
at the end of World War II - Just five years ago - when we had the
greatest military force the world had ever seen. But when the test
came the summer in Korea, we read bitter reports from the front
lines like the sergeant who exclaimed: "Our shells bounce off those
Russian tanks like ping-pong balls."
That is the spot the Truman Adminis tration fumbled us into.
That is the price we are paying for leaders who tried to soothe
the people with phony assurances of preparedness while those
same leaders were unwisely weakening our defenses.
Here are some facts you should remember. President Truman
blocked the efforts of the Republican 80th Congress to build up
our armed forces. The Republican 80th Congress passed a law order-
ing a 70-group Air Force. But President Truman personally limited
the Air Force to 48 groups. The Re ublican 80th Congress ordered
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
construction of a super-aircraft carrier. But President Truman and
-8-
his Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, personally scrapped that
carrier. Said it wasn't needed. Why, President Truman even tried
to wipe out the Marine Corps and it was the Republican 80th Con-
gress that saved the Marine Corps.
That is the official record - a record that shows exactly
who was trying to protect America and who was trying to weaken it.
Probably the most shocking fact of all about America's
unpreparedness is this: In the last four years, only one dollar
out of every seven military dollars has gone for arms. Out of
every seven military dollars, only one dollar has been used to
buy tanks, guns, planes, ships, and all the other equipment that
1s needed to fight a war.
So you ask: Where did the rest of the money go? That
answer 1s also shocking. The rest of the money went largely for
"housekeeping" - which is another word for red tape, paper shuffling
and bureaucracy. That is why the Defense Department has been
employing one civilian for every two men in uniform. Think of it
- one bureaucrat on the defense payroll for every two men in
uniform.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
From the Production Department of Radio Station WGRD
you san should how law me The pact. President Communists in the Unty
that
Trummn, retail a bill that requires
to register. The Present also wants under are The
men ti registed for the druft
Selective young family law. The Demoratic Party
therefore your is on record of for no patritte repotation
7 Reb but for the registration of my young men.
This in a hamble record t should be repredented.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Many Republican members of Congress and other Americans
protested repeatedly against the squandering and fumbling that made
us an easy prey for Stalin's forces. But this was President Truman's
reply on May 4, 1950: - quote - "We are not alarmed by any sense of
the word." - unquote.
Well, much time has run out since May 4th. Although we have
turned the tide in Korea except for the new danger from the Chinese
Communists, Russia's threat to ur safety is as great as ever -
perhaps greater. At stake at this very moment is our country, our
lives, and the future of civilization. We cannot afford more fumb-
ling, more unpreparedness, and another Korea.
If we lose Just once, it's all over - permanently,
The decisions made in Washington during the next two years
may determine the fate of the world. The issues are clear cut. My
Democratic Party opponent favors proposals advocated by Mr. Truman's
Secretary of State Mr. Acheson, the man who wouldn't turn his back
on Alger Hiss. As your Congressman, I vigorously oppose the Acheson
policies in China and the Far East and will continue to do 80 in the
82nd Congress.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
-10-
Furthermore, the Truman administration cut the Air Force,
the Navy, and wanted to eliminate the Marines from our fighting
forces. As a Republican I voted for a 70 group air force, protested
vigorously against the scrapping of the super aircraft carrier
and fought against Mr. Truman's anti-Marine Corps policy.
In conclusion, if you want a strong anti -communist foreign
policy and if you want adequate military forces to defend America,
vote Republican.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
RABIO SPEECH BY CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD, JR.
OVER RADIO STATION WGRD NOVEMBER 7, 1950.
LADIES AND gentlemen, on this important election day
it is vital that our voters have all the facts at hand for the
decisions to be made by our citizens today will directly and
unmistakably affect the destiny of our nation and the world. I
am completely confident that the voters of Michigan and those in
the other states of the Union will act to protect our system of
government and the principles of liberty for which we stand. The
housewife, the workingman, the farmer and the businessman must all
it is obveroos they
vote and in exercising their voting privilege 4 will vote for the
common good and the preservation of this great country.
During this political campaign various statements have been
made by my opponent that must be answered with the truth. The
record must be corrected in order that the citizens of Kent and
Ottawa counties will know the whole truth. I have no intention
of attacking my Democratic opponent personally but it is essential
to expose and refute a campaign technique of innuendo and implica-
tion. It should be stated that at no time has he indicated a will-
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
ingness to discuss the issues face to face. In fact, on one occa-
sion where we were scheduled to appear before a group of citizens
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on the same platform he failed to make his appearance
I am glad to report that my opponent has now publicly
acknowledged that his statements made on November 5th in reference
to the federal election laws were made without full knowledge of
all the facts. A lack of information is no excuse and a mighty
weakkneed alibi. The Democratic candidate, an attorney at law,
should have used better judgment. In addition, his advisors should
have been interested in the truth. He knows now and he should have
known beforehand, that I had complied in every detail with the
federal election laws.
Foreign policy is an issue in this election. My opponent
has stated from time to time that I have not supported the Marshall
Plan. He 1s wrong again on this score. Here are the facts. You
be the Judge. In the 81st Congress, from January 3, 1949 through
September 22, 1950, I voted on five occasions, I repeat five times,
for the Marshall Plan. In this 20 month period while I have been
your Congressman over 6 billion dollars was authorized and appro-
priated for Marshall Plan funds. I favored this program because It
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has stopped thus far a Communist invasion against our allies in Europe
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and it will receive my support as long as it is effective in com-
batting the menace of Communism throughout the world
Although over 6 billion dollars was spent for the Marshall
Plan in the last two years a cut of 150 million dollars was made
by the 81 at Congress
in September, 1949 A saving of 150 million in your tax dollars
has not harmed the Marshall Plan one 1ota. In fact, I am proud to
report that my vote in this instance and in many others was helpful
in saving your tax dollars. The Marshall Plan is a sound program
and I have voted for it 5 out of 6 times, but that does not mean
that the Congress should rubber stamp every penny of extravagance
recommended by Secretary of State Acheson. Apparently my opponent
freely advocates such policies and recommendations of Mr.Acheson,
the man who would not turn his back on Alger Hiss.
The Democratic candidate for Congress in his political
campaign has advocated another Acheson policy, namely economic aid
to Korea. The Secretary of State in January of 1950 strongly urged
the United States to spend 120 million of your tax dollars to build
electricpower plants, fertilizer plants, etc. in South Korea. Mr.
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Acheson requested that Congress appropriate your money for such
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economic assistance even though our military forces, 50,000 troops,
had been withdrawn from South Korea six months before. I voted
against this Acheson proposal, a policy that was the brain child
of the dreamy Soviet sympathizers in the Department of State.
The record shows that my Democratic opponent strongly favors this
proposal by Mr. Acheson, the man who would not turn his back on
Alger Hiss.
An analysis of the Democratic Party candidate's attitude
clearly indicates that he approves of the Far Eastern or Pacific
Area foreign policies of the Department of State. As you know, the
Truman-Acheson policy in China and Korea has led directly to the
blood shed of the past.four months. Over 4000 of our finest
young men have died in combat, additional thousands are war casual-
ties because the Acheson policy in this area of the world was a
complete failure. For example on this very day the Chinese Commu-
nists are fighting against our GI's in Korea. This means greater
war casualties by the thousands. It should interest you to know
that Mr. Truman's Secretary of State, Mr. Dean Acheson, believes
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the Communist victory in China was the dawn of a new era.
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Every clear thinking American realizes that in reality
the Communist victory in China was the greatest diplomatic blunder
in the history of American foreign policy. The Chinese Communist
appeasement policy was insidiously promoted and sponsored by a
little group of insiders in the State Department men like Alger
Hiss. Republican members of Congress fought against this Truman -
Acheson policy of appeasing the Chinese Reds but to no avail. As
a result the voters today in this Congressional District and else-
where must decide whether they will support Republican candidates
who will not under any circumstances coddle the Chinese communists
or whether they will support Democratic Party candidates who believe
in the Communist appeasement policies of Mr. Acheson. A vote for
8. Republican 1s a vote for the statesmanlike policies of Senator
Arthur H. Vandenberg. A vote for the Democratic candidate is a
vote for the Acheson policy with all abvious its, weaknesses. of failures
There are other matters of equal importance that should be
discussed. I want to talk to you today about your own personal
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safety. When you go to bed at night, do you wonder what might
happen if the enemy should strike before dawn? I worry about
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those things, and I think most other Americans do, also.
The memory of those horrible first two months in Korea is
still fresh in our minds. We recall only too well how hard presse
the United States was to turn back a relatively minor foe. We becar
almost afraid to think of what might happen against a major foe.
The Korean War has exposed the terrible weakness of our military
military
Party
forces and our lack of preparedness under the Democratic leaders.
The Truman Administration spent ninety -five billion dollars
on defense since V-J Day. Do you think the United States should
be caught unprepared after spending ninety-five billion dollars on
defense in five years? For those ninety-five billion dollars, our
brave troops in Korea were sent into battle miserably equipped
and tragically outnumbered. No wonder they were almost pushed
into the sea. Only heroic efforts by the G.I.s and the masterful
strategy of General MacArthur saved the day.
Just listen to our pitiful lack of strength in Japan when
the Korean war started. We had only six Pershing tanks - the tanks
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that could stand up to the Russian T-34 tank. We had in Japan when
the Communist armies attacked only 30 combat aircraft that were
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suitable to give our ground troops the tactical support they needed
80 badly. In the entire Far East, we had only one aircraft carrier
and not 8. single combat Marine.
Contrast that line-up with the strength of the United States
at the end of World War II - just five years ago - when we had the
greatest military force the world had ever seen. But when the test
came this summer in Korea, we read bitter reports from the front
lines like the sergeant who exclaimed: "Our shells bounce off those
Russian tanks like ping-pong balls."
That is the spot the Truman Adminis tration fumbled us into.
That is the price we are paying for leaders who tried to soothe
the people with phony assurances of preparedness while those
same leaders were unwisely weakening our defenses.
Here are some facts you should remember. President Truman
blocked the efforts of the Republican 80th Congress to build up
our armed forces. The Republican 80th Congress passed a law order-
ing a 70-group Air Force. But President Truman personally limited
the Air Force to 48 groups. The Resublican 80th Congress ordered
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construction of a super-airoraft carrier. But President Truman and
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his Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, personally scrapped that
carrier. Said it wasn't needed. Why, President Truman even tried
to wipe out the Marine Corps and it was the Republican 80th Con-
gress that saved the Marine Corps.
That is the official record - & record that shows exactly
who was trying to protect America and who was trying to weaken it.
Probably the most shocking fact of all about America's
unpreparedness is this: In the last four years, only one dollar
out of every seven military dollars has gone for arms. Out of
every seven military dollars, only one dollar has been used to
buy tanks, guns, planes, ships, and all the other equipment that
is needed to fight a war.
So you ask: Where did the rest of the money go? That
answer is also shocking. The rest of the money went largely for
"housekeeping" - which is another word for red tape, paper shuffling
and bureaucracy. That is why the Defense Department has been
employing one civilian for every two men in uniform. Think of 1t
- one bureaucrat on the defense payroll for every two men in
uniform.
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Many Republican members of Congress and other Americans
protested repeatedly against the squandering and fumbling that made
us an easy prey for Stalin's forces. But this was President Truman's
reply on May 4, 1950: - quote - "We are not alarmed by any sense of
the word." - unquote.
Well, much time has run out since May 4th. Although we have
turned the tide in Korea except for the new danger from the Chinese
Communists, Russia's threat to ur safety is as great as ever -
perhaps greater. At stake at this very moment is our country, our
lives, and the future of civilization. We cannot afford more fumb-
ling, more unpreparedness, and another Korea.
If we lose just once, 1t's all over - permanently,
The decisions made in Washington during the next two years
may determine the fate of the world. The issues are clear cut. My
Democratic Party opponent favors proposals advocated by Mr. Truman's
Secretary of State Mr. Acheson, the man who wouldn't turn his back
on Alger Hiss. As your Congressman, I vigorously oppose the Acheson
policies in China and the Far East and will continue to do so in the
82nd Congress.
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Furthermore, the Truman administration cut the Air Force,
the Navy, and wanted to eliminat e the Marines from our fighting
forces. As a Republican I voted for a 70 group air force, protested
vigorously against the scrapping of the super aircraft carrier
and fought against Mr. Truman's anti-Marine Corps policy.
In conclusion, if you want a strong anti -communist foreign
policy and if you want adequate military forces to defend America,
vote Republican.
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