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PSF
Frank w. Murphy
Subject File
Box 158
/
PSF: Frank Murphy
PERSONAL
January 7, 1936.
Dear Frank:-
Many of us have been discussing the coming campaign,
particularly that in Michigan. To foresee a battle such as has
not been waged in the United States since 1861. The recent
occurrences, with possibly more serious ones in the spring, will
mean that every effort must be put into the campaign. You are
familiar with the demoralized state of the Democratic organi-
zation in Michigan. We have been studying the matter for months
and no solution has been offered other than to have you assemble
the discordant elements. No one has been able to suggest a
candidate for the Governorship who shows the slightest likelihood
of a successful outcome with the exception of yourself. We
appreciate that this entails much personal sacrifice. If you
are successful it would be an outstanding achievement, but even
if you should fail and this Administration continues, your work
would obviously be recognized.
Jim Farley has been working closely with the Michigan
State Highway Commissioner and his Business Manager. They have
offered to give their best personal effort and to throw into the
campaign all of their resources. Mr. Kennedy will act as Campaign
Manager, and 1a prepared to go to the Philippines to spend such
time as may be necessary for you to outline the preliminary steps
that you desire in organizing the campaign. We feel that it would
be well for you to signify your willingness to run 80 that the
necessary build-up may be made before Mr. Kennedy leaves for the
Philippines, for you will obviously not wish to return until the
last possible moment. There are many constructive moves that
should be made, such as to secure the support of the University
Regents.
There are one or two minor problems amongst which is
the selection of a proper candidate for the Senatorial contest.
This man should, if possible, be a Protestant and, of course,
the best vote-getter. Apparently Mr. Picard is the best material
for the Federal Judgeship and we would suggest that a Protestant
be selected for this position until after the election, giving us
at the time of his appointment his resignation, dated November
fifteenth, at which time Mr. Picard could be appointed. Under
these circumstances possibly Mr. Picard should run against Senator
Cousens, as having commanded a larger out-state vote than any
-2-
other candidate, particularly if you do not accord with the
nomination of a Protestant because proper material is not
available.
The last two questions do not require an immediate
answer but merit your personal consideration. We should, ap-
preciate, however, an immediate answer as to your willingness
to run because it will take a lot of time to set up the proper
organization and prepare for this critical campaign in Michigan.
You, of course, appreciate my high regard for
your work in the Philippines and my feeling of confidence in
the results of your candidacy and personal appreciation of the
sacrifice which it will mean.
As ever yours,
Honorable Frank Murphy,
United States High Commissioner to the Philippines,
Manila,
Philippine Islands.
PSF: brank ACTION Murphy COPY
NAVAL MESSAGE
1936
2220 NPG
RECEIVED AT NAVY DEPARTMENT
ROUTINE 068 $
9-27-66
FROM : CINC AISATIC
RESTRICTED
ACTION: NAVAL AIDE
ACTION COPY
6
SCREAMENT PRINTING orner
e-tiel
sun- in
0012
FOR PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
WILL GLADLY UNDERTAKE WITHOUT CONDITIONS ERRAND SUGGESTED
IN YOUR LETTER OF JANUARY SEVENTH . IT WILL BE NO SACRIFICE ON MY
PART TO MAKE ANY EFFORT THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU. LETTER FOLLOWS
AFFECTIONATE REGARDS
FRANK MURPHY
HIGH COMMISSIONER 2235
TOR CODE ROOM 1309 12 FEB 36
DISTRIBUTION
NAVAID
ACTION
TO BE HANDLED BY
OFFICERS ONLY
ADMINISTRATIVE CIPHER
PSF: Frank Murphy
WAR DEPARTMENT
1
MAY THE RECEIVED & WHITE HOURS
1936
WASHINGTON
May 4, Mayoby 1956.
The President,
The White House.
Dear Mr. President:
There is inclosed herewith a copy of a confidential
cablegram for you received in this Department today from
the United States High Commissioner to the Philippine Is-
lands.
Respectfully yours,
Grang.
Got. Secretary of Wgr.
1 Incl:
Copy cable No.295,
par.l, 5-4-36 from
P.I.
Translation of cablegram received May 4, 1936.
W4 107/105 Cable Manila.
Secwar, Wash.,
Cox,
May 4th. No. 295.
Rush. CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE PRESIDENT. Pursuant your message shall
leave May 13th, designating J. Weldon Jones, Financial Adviser, to act during
my absence pursuant opinion of the Attorney General, unless appointment of
Acting High Commissioner is authorized by Congress. In latter event, respect-
fully suggest appointment of Jones, who was formerly Insular Auditor; is
thoroughly familiar with routine of office and general policy, and has my
entire confidence. Careful arrangements will be made for orderly conduct
of business during my absence.
Par. 2. ***
Murphy
PSF: Frank Murphy
THE WHITE HOUSE
file
WASHINGTON
pullate
Weann / 36
7/7 1936
When I told Gov. Gen. Murphy about his
appointment, he said:
"I wanted to have a talk with
the President because I want to sub-
mit my resignation and get back to
Michigan by tomorrow night, if possible.
"Tell him I have the letter with
me and everything worked out very
carefully."
V
K
PSF
file mayaly Cores
Jan 19, 1938.
m
Memo to Missy
From Jim Farley
Encloses statement b Gov. Murphy which he thinks
Pres. ought to see before his conference withthe Auto
dealers on Jan 21st.
SEE--Jim Farley folder-Drawer 1--1938
psFrank murphy
Sub File
Summary of Conversation with Gov. Murphy, Lansing, Mich. 9/1/38
The DETROIT FREE PRESS story of 9/1/38 is spreading all over the
State and the reporters are asking Murphy when and why he and FDR
fell out.
Murphy: I've won everything in the Special Session--The relief
appropriation, the Housing program and the mortgage
moratorium. It's simply marvelous. You were the only
one who advised me to call the session and you were
absolutely right. Every State Department head I have
and everyone else said it was the wrong move.
Hal Roosevelt is on the payroll of the finance companies-
has actually received cash from them-and they of course
are controlled by the automobile industry and consistantly
opposed to me and the President. He sits in with Comstock
and his gang and tells them: Well boys it was tough but
I finally got FDR talked off Murphy. Then they hand the
story down the line to the rest of the boys.
I wish you would see that the President gets the newspaper
story and also tell him about the victory at the special
session. I am the only real supporter he has in the State.
I'd like him to come out here and make a speech for me even
if he doesn't dedicate the Port Huron bridge and I'd like
to see him in advance and tell him a few things. If you
can get that word to him it will help tremendously and I
will appreciate it very much.
HON
use
1818
E
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
LANBING
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
September 1, 1938
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Harry:
I am enclosing an article that
came out this morning in the Detroit
Free Press. You can gather from it
what is in store for me in this cam-
paign. The same sort of thing is going
out all over the state.
Hall Roosevelt is a close friend
of Clifford Prevost.
With my kindest regards,
Sincerely,
Honorable Harry L. Hopkins
Works Progress Administration
Washington, D. C.
Da
E
the
pected by political berevers
great surprise to the Capital.
&Greferring to the victory for
to the present." Mr. Roosevelt
c. long time topbring the past
the is often true that It takes a
me of Tuesday's primaries was:
President today on the out-
the only comment offered by
visiting -ibst-state-in-behalf that-state of
Cotton Edi, Smith over Gov. Olln
Governor
defeat of McAdoo was wholly
tor Smith,which which did not come
Rep. David Lewis mext. week-
effort to "purge" Senator*Millard
The voontinue- his
Sharidan Downey,
Senator /William Gibbs McAdoo by
South Carolina and the defeat of
Johnston, New Deal candidate in
the victory of Senator Ellison D.
House staff today LARTE result of
LM Gloori discended over the White
am
no
Amount
donger
patrona patronage-matters: Visiaters: The latter and
sociated WILE Hall Roosevelt in
G,Donald Kennedy, are clossly as-
agener and this manager,
michine\ever Sever/ erected in Michigan.
deirt the most Ppowerful
agoner RThe lat-
State H a Commissioner
Gov. (Murphy and
cidedly complicated because of a
who Ochigan situation de-
Dawth antistly state campaigns
Instruction dorp. And possal
Roosevelt/wa of being strongly nd-
Mornia Und South Carolina, Mr.
2 ministration sin 4 Call-
Faetbacks by the Ad-
@defeated in the etate? In view of
vdicate that the Democrats may be
(therg/by Federal Departments In-
Other- reports- being reports being gathered
Fear Loss of -Michigan
400
razor
Murphy would not win in Novem-
to to:/have-expresed have expresed the belief that
Michigan politica and is reported
invelt keeps in close touch with
with the President Hall Roose-
stroller of nDetroit, shad conferred
Hall',Roceevelt, former City con-
the declaion was reached after G.
in campaign for re-election,
originally to to assist Gov. Murphy
calling soff the trip, designed
(walla no reason was given for
Bridge nearing completion.
new Water, International
September to to-dedicate:the
Tentative plans, had, called gfor for in
the White House announced today.
statem the Democration column,
Michigan an effort
HINGTON
Clifford
visit to PortulHuron Port Hurón
LIVE
Victory of Downey
Adoo Conceding
CIGA THE di
President's 8 Move
Chances Is Servin
ear for Governor's
1694 JIL USIGE
by Purge Failure
Ardor Dampened
friends.
the
to
Presi-
Cancels StateTrip State Trip
Dealt as Roosevelt
wDetroit.Free troit. Free Bress
Rebuff to Murphy
Thursday, September 1 1938. 108th Year.
of the Republican National Com-
mittes said, that he was not sur-
prised by: the South Carolina and
California results, adding that, "It
looks to ma like the people are
doing the purging.
The results only. confirm. del-
dence available. since. last spring
that the people of this Country,
Democrata M well M Republicans,
havel become tired of Mr. Rooses
velt telling them what they must
do," Ramilton said.
California's proposed 330-a
pension plan, which Downey bac
ed, weathered one legal attack
its opponents in the State
Senator Culbert: Olson,
preme Court today, and wond the
backed by many C.L.O. locala and
right to & to & vota of the people
qualified approval
in November Allo
to scheme, was the
Two taxpayers had? challenged
Deniocratic nomination for goyes-
the right of the proposal to appear
overs seven, others candidates/
as An Initiative: measureisoni
Aut of 7,137 precincts) Olson had
November Ballot -
214,918 votes to 93,271 for Reg.
Under the eachi
John/F. Dockwellar; his/ nearest
everyone over 50 years
opponent, who was strong for the
presentiyes would
$30 pensions. of
celver 30/l state warrantes
Ray: L Riley, veterani State
one dollar: denomination 40
officer, took the leady in the Re
week & two-cent state taxi
publicari. senatoriali contest after
would, have toll be affixed/to
trailing Philip/ militant
warrant. The stamps
farmer and New Dealy critic, fall
purchased from the
days. The count sny 8,639 precincts
Ati the end of - year each
wast Rtle Bancreft
rant would be redeemedicalth
172,060.- eliz 0
stamp tax money, accordin to
Gov.? Frank Merriam had
plan's proponents
248,780 for the Republican gover-
norship nominatiés to 111,038 for
Lieut. Gov. George JalyHatfield,
Murphy Will Deliver Plea
out of 7,346 precincial
for Visit by Mr. Roosevelt
Senator Smith&y
LANSING, Aug. 31 Govi
Wins Big Margin
phx said Wednesday that bei would
go to Washington immediately
In South Carolina, virtually
after the special legislative ses-
complete ut unofficial- returns
sion to urge President Roosevelt
gave Senator Smith 173,901. John-
to reconsider his declatori a D di
ston 139,544-a somewhat smaller
come to Michigan to dedicate the
margin than the President sala he
Port Huron-Samia bridge.
had expected for Smith.
The people at Port Huron have
Although hailing the resulta as
planned on this occasion, and the
"a victory for democracy," Senator
President has indicated to mes in
Smithlyexpressed admiration for
the past: that he would come,
Mr. Roosevelt.
Murphy sald.
Burnet RJ Maybank, Charles-
Neither the Governor non
ton's New Dealar mayor, held &
num BS Steinbaugh, deputy higher
big lead in the eight-way race for
was commissioner and chairman
governor. but will have to enter a
of the bridge commission, had
runoff primary with Wydnham M.
celved any, word of why the Presid
Manning. Sumpter farmer, on
denti hadideclined the invitation
Sept.,11.g Coles:L. Bleases twice
T President's announcement
governory and (lonce senstor ran
threw Into confusion Democratic
thirding
Yas
planas to) make the bridge dedicaa
Thervote In T,443 precinets was:
tions the occasion of - statewide
Maybank 3717 Manning 69,397;
drivel tais baha If. of & Mackinae
Blease 56,115.20 Neville Bennett
Straità bridge.
44,400; Beni R. Adams 24,713p F.
Gov, Murphy h a d) planned to
M. Easterting6,573; John Hughes
organize a committee to be headed
Cooper 99352 Da T. Blackmon 972.
by formeriG Chase S. Oaborn)
Secretary of Commerce Daniel
which would muster. delegations
C. Roper, South Carolinian, to-
from everyo Michigan county to
day expressed the opinion that local
meet. the President. The delega
Issues were most important in the
tions mac to h a VID presented
primary. He answered with flat
Roosevelt with a petition outlining
negatives reporters' questions as
plans for the Mackinae bridge and
to whether the outcome should be
asking his support for the plan,
interpreted as & rebuke to the
The bridge. commission m es n-
New Deal or a refusal to indorse
while jwent-ahead with plans, to
the President's policies.
I
open, the bridge to traffic about
Sex
Chairman John D. M. Hamilton
The President's decision not to
come to the Id e ceremony
attr . & (Immediate -speculation
among. legislators. as to whether
Roosevelt would visit Michigan at
all in the coming governorship
campaign Democratic strategista
had counted: heavily on altPrest-
dential raily as & high spot In their
States campaign. They hopedito
revive In behalf of Gov. Murphy
and/ the State ticket they enthus-
thi Robsevelt gime
which Searried the ditate (Ucket. to
victory in 1938.
PSF Frank
Sub. F
September 2, 1938.
Dear Frank:-
Jimy is "rest-ouring" so his Secretary
showed no your note. You are dead right about
the damage of that sort of thing. The story is,
of course, not true - but - what can one do
about 187
Keep M in touch and let me know how
I can help, short of taking an actual part in
the campaign. Personally I agree that you are
going to win the election but we must leave no
stone unturned.
My best wishes to you,
w ever yours,
His Excellency
Frank Murphy,
Governor of Michigan,
Lansing,
Michigan.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
LANSING
august 193t of
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
faming.
Dear Jain -
This is importunate
publicity. lt has been given
widespread publication throughout
the state. e dont hum herr smoke
of it is true but e do hum that
Van way you confides to friends
that Hall told him the jusident
wanted it done. His l dont belier,
of course, but it has caused no and
of damage. l have always liked
Hall - appointed him to an important
post when l was mayor and Hall in
Turn has always been very good to me.
Don't writy the Jresident
with it. full luin though cteal will urin the
Election. Boat writer to all the family
MIRROR OF THE DAY'S NEWS
The Mitier in the only New York newspaper which has the complete wine service of the three
great world-wide news agencies: Associated Press, International News Service and United Prem
MONDAY, AUG. 29, 1938
THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY
Thomas E. Dewey vs. James J. Hines
WE'VE TOLD YOU ON THIS PAGE that to be con-
victed of contriving a lottery, the accused Jimmy Hines
must be guilty, in the jury's mind, beyond a reasonable
doubt. We've also told
you that the Hines brain
fights, at the ball games of the
N. Y. Giants (in which he owns
trust is trying to create
stock). His son Phil was middle-
this "reasonbble doubt" by ex-
weight boxing champ while lat
posing Tom Dewey's parade of
Harvard.
witnesses as being of bad char-
REPUTATION IMPORTANT.
acter as a whole-largely a
bunch of ex-convicts, policy
Character witnesses are not
racketeers (wo of whom were
permitted to testify that they
JAMES A. FARLEY
arrested after testifying) and, in
know the defendant to be of
one case, a self-admitted per-
Suppose be matched his word
spotless character, nor can they
jurer.
against Weinberg's before a jury
tell specefic instances when the
Hines has another line of de-
that has only one Democrat on
defendant was generous, kind,
it
fense: the improbability that a
or honest. Character testimony
person of good character has
must be confined to the de-
committed a crime may, of it-
fendant's reputation for good
crime charged. For instance,
self, be sufficient to raise a rea-
character. The legal theory de
since Hines is not accused of
sonable doubt at to his guilt.
that several good deeds are not
murder, evidence showing that
FARLEY AND DEMPSEY?
considered evidence of good
character, but that general repu-
he is reputed to be meek and
So, at the close of The Peo-
tation is.
mild is on no value; since he is
ple's case, the defense has the
Evidence of good character
not accused of perjury, evidence
right to produce prominent men
is not of Itself enough to raise
that he is reputed never to have
as character witnesses. It is ex-
a reasonable doubt and lead to
told a lie is of no value. But
pected that persons from such a
acquittal-it is of dubious
since hp is accused of contriving
wide variety of walks of life as
value where The People's case
an illegal lottery, testimony TO-
Jim Farley, Back Dempsey, and
is fully supported by eye wit-
garding his repuattion for hon-
State Supreme Court Justice
nesses or where the circumstan-
estypand Prespect for Naw and
Samuel Rosenman will testify.
tial evidence is overwhelmingly
government is of value.
The Postriaster General and
convincing. But with many of
Hines are political pals. In his
Only the defense, not the pro-
Dewey's witnesses connected
secution, can raise the issuel of
fight against the Tammany lead-
with the underworld, evidence of
character. Dewey in presenting
ership, Farley has backed Hines
Hines' good character may lead
The People's case cannot place
and made him New Deal patron-
the jury to doubt the truth of
on the stand witnesses to show
age dispenser in Manhattan.
the testimony of Weinberg and
that Jimmy Hines histe bad
Dempsey's connection with
the rest.
reputation, But if, expected,
Hines is through the sporting
MUST APPLY TO CASE
the Hines defense raises the is-
world. Hines is often at the
Character evidence must al-
sue, Dewey can try to prove that
races, in a ringside seat at prize
ways bear a close relation to the
Hines has a bad reputation
Washington
MERRY GO-ROUND
By DREW PEARSON
and ROBERT S. ALLEN
Masthere of the rolemn which appears every day. in this agare are PM widnet Their vieropointa, do add
necessarily reflect those of the Daily Xirror.)
WASHINGTON.-Governor Frank Murphyof Michigan is one of the&Presi
dent's closest and most esteemed friends. He is also a devoted and uncompromising
New Dealer. But this did
not keep a member of
State Department is now in the
dog-house as-far u Roosevelt
the President's family
is concerned.
from secretly trying to
When Joe Kennedy came.
put the skids under
back from London he told
Murphy.
Roosevelt plenty about the gen-
eral uselesaness of the career
The ambitious master? mind
boys abroad. To this cans be
of this scheme was G. Hall
added several serious situations
Roosevelt, brother of Mrs.
into which the career boys have
Roosevelt and former/controller
of the City of Detroit
led Roosevelt, the most impor-
tant being the Roosevelt bless
Several [email protected]
Michigan Demoeratiesfconven-
ing of the British-Italian agree
ment,
tion, Half cames to Murray D.
Upon the advice of Sumner
Van Waggoner, State Highway
Commissioner, and told him that
Welles, this was hailed by the
Washington didn't think Murphy
President as & great step/ to
ward péace. Since then, Cham-
could be re-elected and wanted
Van Waggoner to be the party's
FRANK MURPHY
berlain's pet has proved. a flop.
gubernatorial champion,
Mrs. Roosevelés brother "put
Vice-Presidential Rest
Van Waggoner is, a. popular
the finger" on him.
glad-hander withwone of the
Three Texas Congressmen,
velt who in 1932 first discovered
Sam Rayburn, Marvin Jones and
strongest personal machines in
the history of Michigan. He
Frank Murphy, then Mayor of
Wright Patman, happened to be
has been quietly grooming him-
Detroit, and recommended him
together in one corner of their
self to run against Senator
so highly to brother-in-law
State this Summer, when Jones
Franklin D. Roosevelt that the
remarked:
Arthur Vandenberg, when the
latter comes up for re-election
latter appointed Murphy Gov-
"I think I'll call up Jack Gar-
in 1940. But with Hall broadly
ernor-General of the, Philippines.
ner in Uvalde and go down to
intimating that the White House
see him."
Commerce us. State
wanted him to substitute for
"Don't call him up, sug-
Murphy, Van Waggoner got.
gested Patman. "He'll. think you
It looks as if the State
busy.
want something from him and
Department's move to swallow
He sent out a call to his
put you off. Just drive by there
Hoover's famous Bureau of
county highway supervisors for
and you'll find him sitting on
Foreign and Domestic Com-
a secret conference on the Sun-
the front porch in his stocking
day before the deadline for fil-
merce, and make it part of the
feet smoking a cigar."
career diplomatic service, has
ing candidacies. At the confab
Suppose he's out fishing."
Van Waggoner related what Hall
reached & bad stumbling-block.
demurred Jones. Then I'd have
Roosevelt had told him and
That stumbling-block is
As-
to wait a whole day!
asked his henchmen what they
sistant Secretary of Commerce
"Oh, be always goes fishing
thought about biserunning for-
Dick Patterson, who is putting
at five in the morning and is
Governor.
new life into the Bureau, also
back by noon, replied Patman.
Their overwhelming advice
putting upla tough fight with
So Congressman Jones took
was to stay) out of the race:
the President against the State.
the advice, drove to Uvalde un-
They informed Van Waggoner
Department transfer.
announced, and sure enough
that despite Hall" assertion of
The Bureau of Foreign and
found the Vice-President of the
Murphy's weakness, the Gover-
Domestic Commerce has suf-
United States sitting in a. rock-
nor had a strong hold on the
fered from two things: 1-It
ing-chair on his front porch,
State and an excellent chance to
was staffed with a good many
stocking-footed and smoking a
be re-elected. They advised Van
Hoover hold-overs, not in sym-
big cigar.
Waggoner to let Hall find some-
pathy with the New Deal. 2-
Merry-Go-Round
one else to axe Murphy.
Because of this, they got such
Van Waggoner took his lieu-
bad breaks that they acquired
WPA Federal Theatre offi-
tenants advice. He went to
the morale of a badly whipped
cials are negotiating with Louis
Murphy, told him the whole
football team.
J. Alber, veteran booking agent,
story and assured him he would
Patterson) has. been giving
to arrange. a tour of their
support his renomination at the
them new encouragement. An-
Broadway hit, "one third of a
convention-which he did.
other factor helping him to
nation".
NOTE-It was G. Hall Roose--
block the transfer-is that the-
(Copyright, 1938, by United Feature
Ryndicate, Inc.)
TELEGRAM
PSF Frank. murphy
The White Sub. File House filled
6 WU JM 10
Mashington
personal
Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 26, 1938.
The President:
Will try to be worthy of your courage and loyalty.
Frank W. Murphy.
12 Noon
fulenal gend
PSF: Frank Murph
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Nov RECEIVED 12 11 WHITE 44 AM
LANSING
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
dr.
Nov. 11, 1938
Dear Mr. President:-
It is a disappointment which I know you
share that in the scheme of things our good
fight here in Michigan was not destined this
time to meet with success.
But even though it has brought keen re-
grets, the election has also brought splendid
rewards. Please believe me when I say that to
me the finest of these is the inspiring demon-
stration of loyalty you gave to the people in
espousing my cause. You could not have done
more, nor could anything be a more cherished
compensation for defeat.
The important thing, however, is not the
result of the vote - it is the task of keeping
alive the cause of good government and social
progress which you have so splendidly advanced.
I have no fear that the progressive cause will
be seriously harmed. Its forward pace may be
slackened, but over the long years ahead it will
continue, with the inspiration your leadership
has provided, to march steadily ahead.
It was to reassure you of my undiminished
devotion to this cause and of my continued de-
termination to fight for its fulfullment that
I wished to write you these lines.
With the assurance of my everlasting
gratitude for all that you have done for me,
and with affectionate regards, I am
Sincerely,
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
PSF:
TELEGRAM
The White House
Mashington
16 WU JM 350pm 41
Detroit, Mich., Nov. 15, 1938.
Marguerite Le Hand:
I will greatly appreciate it if you will see that the
President receives my letter mentioned Sunday. I am especially
anxious because while it is a poor effort it is an earnest one
to express my gratitude to him. Best wishes.
Governor Frank Murphy.
PSF: Orank Murphy
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
LANSING
STATEMENT
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
December 2, 1938
My dear Mr. President:
Since the election I have attempted to
analyze our situation on a nation-wide scale,
and now that the event itself is receding and
the perspective is growing clearer, my thoughts
on the subject are somewhat crystallized.
Trusting not to appear presumptuous, I wish to
take the liberty of presenting a few suggestions
in line with the conclusions I have formed.
Knowing you as I do, and having the con-
fidence in your courage and magnificent leader-
ship of which I need not tell you, I know that
you will not be persuaded by recent events either
to compromise or temporize about the great things
for which you stand. For our democracy to go
ahead and the progressive cause to remain a
vigorous force in the life of our country, the
battle must go on with continuing spirit and
enthusiasm. A partial shift in public feeling
must not be permitted to stalemate the great
adventure for the people. Rather it should
steel us to the need of acting immediately and
of immediately mustering every force to insure
that the battle will go on.
Today the forces of economic recovery are
unmistakably in motion. And for that the credit
must go to your courageous recovery measures - the
same type of measures which six years ago saved
the nation's manpower and averted bankruptcy for
municipalities and states. They served their
purpose brilliently then, just as they are doing
today, but they have run their course, and the
great, underlying problem of unemployment is still
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
LANSING
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
unsolved. That in my opinion is the weakness
of our position.
The correction of that weakness I believe
should be our primary objective from now on.
Giving full credit for the efficacy of the
recovery program to meet an emergent situation,
and keeping those features which should be made
permanent, we should now direct our energies
primarily toward the task of providing a job at
no less than a living wage for every man who is
willing to work. The signs of the times here
and abroad suggest to me that definite progress
toward this end must soon be made if we are to
prevent the election trend from becoming a re-
actionary sweep with possible disastrous results
to our democratic institutions.
This undertaking should be accompanied by
sound expension of the social security program,
this to include more adequate and more complete
unemployment insurance and more adequate provision
for unemployables and the sick. The housing
program should be energetically carried through.
The great problem of making necessary medical
care available to all our people should be
vigorously attacked. I am particularly impressed
with the necessity and the feasibility of begin-
ning construction in the near future of the
laboratories which must be the heart of any sound
health program. And as a sup lementary measure,
the mentally afflicted should be given the finest
care which an enlightened government is capable
of providing.
The composite task is harder now than it
was six years ago. There is not so much of the
STATE OF MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
LANSING
SIGNATURE
FRANK MURPHY
GOVERNOR
glamor of marching to war which so inspired
the people in 1933. Not only is the problem
at hand more basic, but the opposition, having
been encouraged by the retreat of the depression,
is now more determined. Progressives must not
allow adversity to dampen their ardor. It is
all-important that in the next two years the
flags be kept flying - that government under
progressive leadership continue vigorously to
serve the best interests of the public. That
is why we must have a greater stoutness of
heart than ever.
I am supremely confident that under the
leadership of a President whom I deem the
greatest ever to occupy the position, the
American people will continue to move forward
in the pathway marked out by democracy.
With greatest respect and high esteem,
I remain,
Devotedly,
His Excellency Franklin Franklungly D. Roosevelt
President of the United States
Warm Springs, Georgia