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Ford Newsletter, Jan.-March 1952
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Ford Newsletter, Jan.-March 1952
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This file contains material relating to Winston Churchill, Harry Truman.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Department of the Treasury. Internal Revenue Service. 7/9/1953-
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
For release January 10, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R, FORD, JR.
The Fords, Mike, Betty and Dad, arrived in Washington without incident and
for the last few days have been trying to unpack all of the boxes and luggage we so
carefully packed for shipment just a few days before in Grand Rapids. I'm beginning to
realize that with each addition to the family the process of moving back and forth to
Washington becomes slightly more complicated. Big and little toys for Mike take up
plenty of room in boxes and suitcases. In addition, baby clothes and other equipment
for the addition to the family in March complicate the moving operation. These diffi-
culties bring to mind a remark an old-timer in the Congress once made - "Congressmen
should either be bachelors or have a grown-up family." Naturally, I can't entirely
agree but for several days twice a year one does wonder if the elder statesman didn't
have a point.
*
*
*
Although the Congress didn't officially reconvene until January 8th a good
many representatives were back on the job a day or two after New Years Day. My first
few days were spent looking over the accumulated correspendence, consulting with
various officials on imminent problems and talking with other members of Congress
about the prospects for 1952. It is very interesting to get the reactions from other
Congressmen who have spent several months at home with their constituents. From my
observations to date here is the consensus of Congressional probabilities in 1952:
1. The House and Senate will concern themselves largely with appropriation
measures; little else. In other words, budget matters will jam the legisla-
tive agenda and all other proposals will be secondary.
2. President Truman's request for another tax increase will be rejected by
the Congress.
3. Investigations by Congress will be the order of the day. The present probes
will be continued and other investigations will be coming up. Watch for
startling investigations of the State Department, Alien Property Custodian,
Federal Housing, Defense Department, War Assets Administration, and the
Department of Justice. It should be obvious at this time that wherever
Congress takes a good look at what has been going on behind the scenes in the
Executive branch of the government under President Truman's regime, there is
substantial evidence of political connivery and bad government shenanigans.
4. Congress will be more economy minded. Voters are rightly demanding less fed-
eral spending and as a consequence a real effort will be made to cut the
President's mammoth budget--including the funds for the Army, Navy and Air ForcetORO,
GERALD LIBRAR
For release January 17, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
On January 9th President Truman presented his State of the Union Message to the
Joint Session of the House and Senate. This was the fourth State of the Union
message I have heard Mr. Truman deliver. The consensus among those who saw and heard
the address was that the President failed to "ring the bell." The nation awaited an
inspirational call but instead was handed a pretty dull and largely political pre-
sentation. Frankly, the President looked worn and weary even though he had just
recently returned from a nice vacation at the Florida White House at Key West.
I was deeply disappointed in Mr. Truman's State of the Union message, princi-
pally because he never once urged any economy in the operation of the federal govern-
ment. The President talked about continuing high taxes but failed to advocate any
reductions in federal expenditures at the same time. The proposals of the Hoover
Commission were entirely ignored. Practically all of the emphasis by Mr. Truman as
the leader of the Democratic Party was on programs and policies that will cost the
taxpayers more and more billions of dollars. As the President read his 40 minute
speech it seemed as though he included every spending program that he had ever ad-
vocated in his years as Chief Executive. Obviously as a sponsor of more and more
spending by the federal treasury, Mr. Truman could offer no hope of reduced taxes.
The message seemed like the resurrection of all the old relics of the last four State
of the Union speeches in which Mr. Truman urged socialized medicine, the Brannan Plan
and so forth.
The joint session of the Congress on this occasion was unusual because Winston
Churchill sat in the gallery along with hundreds of others to listen to the President's
address. Mrs. Truman sat on the right of Mr. Churchill and Anthony Eden, the British
Foreign Minister, on his left. When the Prime Minister entered the House Gallery
he was given a very spontaneous ovation, and in the typical "Winnie" fashion he gave
a most polite bow with gestures. It was interesting to note that Mr. Churchill, dur-
ing the President's address, read a copy rather than listened. On January 17th the
Prime Minister will return to the House of Representatives to make an address of his
own. The contrast between "H.S.T." and "Winnie" will be interesting to observe.
*
*
*
Under the auspices of the Greater Washington Evangelistic Crusade, Dr. Billy
Graham will be in the nation's capital from January 13th through February 10th. Your
Congressman intends to be in the audience on as many occasions as possible for I'm
sure that Dr. Billy Graham has a truly inspirational message. It is encouraging to
know that this great leader is bringing his message of crusade to Washington so that
those in the federal government can benefit.
LIBRARY
Your Washington Reveiw - Page 2
With the President's budget message for the next fiscal year due shortly, our
citizens should be interested in some important facts. Only three times during the
past 20 years has the United States had a balanced budget. It is significant that
our nation got out of the red only during the time the Republicans controlled both
Houses of Congress, and this was accomplished without sweeping tax raises--in fact,
taxes were cut in 1947. From 1932 through 1946 the federal treasury has a sizeable
deficit every year. In 1946 there was a treasury surplus of over 700 million and in
1948 a surplus of over 8 billion dollars. The Republicans during the 80th Congress
controlled the purse strings in those years. There were deficits again in 1949 and
1950 while the Democrats ran the show. Last year there was & surplus but this is
accounted for by increased taxes and furthermore this year the red ink will be even
greater. A continuation of such fiscal irresponsibility will inevitably bring about
bankruptcy.
*
*
The House Committee on Appropriations is starting work several months early this
session of the Congress. Last year there was long delay while the committee wrangled
over technical procedural questions. For example, my subcommittee didn't start hear-
ings until late March of 1951. In contrast, this year the subcommittee opens its
hearings on Wednesday, January 16th when the Army Quartermaster Corps presents the
budget for all the national cemeteries, These witnesses will be followed by General
Pick and his staff of the Army Corps of Engineers. According to the President's
budget there is a demand for even bigger river, harbor and flood control appropria-
tions. "ith the public demanding sizeable reductions in federal spending it is
exceedingly difficult for me to understand how President Truman can request more funds
for the "pork barrel" part of the federal budget. My subcommittee on appropriations
which last year acquired the title "the stingy five", will be, I hope, just as tough
again during this session of the Congress. Frankly, I look forward to the job of
picking out the weaknesses in the President's spending proposals. Our subcommittee,
composed of three Democrats and two Republicans, has done a conscientious job in the
past and will do the same this year. If we could get some help from the White House
and the Senate the American taxpayers would be the beneficiaries.
*
*
VISITORS: G. T. Vermurlen of Holland; H.P. Herrinton, E. Hunter Crouch and Carroll
Streeter, all of Grand Rapids; William Swart, Sr. of Spring Lake.
For Release January 24, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Last week Winston Churchill made his third address in a decade to a joint
session of the Congress. It is my recollection the two others were made while I was
overseas with the Navy in World Var II. On his third appearance in the House Chamber
I had a reasonably good seat just behind the berobed Justices of the Supreme Court
and a few rows of Senators. This was close enough to observe him carefully, watch
his unusual mannerisms and feel his impact on the audience.
What was my reaction? One should divide the answer in two parts. First,
what was the effect of his appearance and his method of speaking. Second, what of
the content of his remarks.
The Churchill appearance and manner of speaking fell below the standard
set by General Douglas MacArthur. Undoubtedly the setting for the Prime Minister
wasn't as dramatic as the occasion when General MacArthur appeared before the House
and Senate last spring. Yet I looked forward to a Churcillian gem and somehow it
wasn't quite up to expectations. It surpassed President Truman's best but then the
President isn't much of an orator. Somehow there was a hope Mr. Churchill would
deliver another "blood, sweat and tears" speech. Instead the Prime Minister stuck
precisely to his prepared text. Obviously this restriction cramped his oratorical
style: Nevertheless it was a real treat to see and hear this great statesman who rep-
resents our staunch British friends. The audience in the House Chamber, before, dur-
ing and after his address, warmly applauded this resolute leader of 77 years. The
ovations were richly deserved.
The British Prime !inister got off on the right foot in his speech when he
said, "I have not come here to ask you for money." At this point he was interrupted
by applause. H& struck another responsive note when tribute was paid to the late
Senator Vandenberg of Michigan.
There was the usual pomp and ceremony customary to such occasions. There
were eight Justices of the Supreme Court with only Justice Black absent. The diplo-
matic representatives of most nations were present. However, no emissary of Soviet
Russia was in the group. Any representative of Stalin would have been more than
slightly embarrassed by Mr. Churchill's remarks. The members of the President's cabi-
net also occupied reserved seats in the well of the House Chamber. Mr. Truman was
absent. It was reported he watched the speech from a television set in his office.
The speech, or its content, was impressive. Mr. Churchill believes the
United States, Great Britain and their allies can ward off a third global war by
accumulating atomic weapons and other deterrants to aggression. The Prime Minister
described America's atomic bomb as the supreme deterrent and the most effective
LIBRAR
Your Washington Review
guarantee of victory but warned the United States "not to let go of the atomic weapon
until you are sure-and more than sure-that other means of preserving peace are in
your hands."
Mr. Churchill asserted he was here to ask, "not for gold but for steel,
not for favors, but for equipment" to help in the British rearmament program. He
convincingly stressed the importance of American-British cooperation in meeting prob-
lems around the world and declared our two countries now "are working together for
the same high cause."
Some vital questions were left unanswered but after all not every knotty
issue can be resolved in a 35-minute speech. Mr. Churchill could have cemented
American-British ties by announcing that Great Britain was dropping its official rec-
ognition of Red China. It was evident, however, the English patience was being
strained by the policies of the Chinese Communists. In addition, most Americans would
have felt better if there had been a little more "give" by the British on the issue of
European Federation. There was a pledge by England to help European unity but one
wonders if that can be attained with Great Britain remaining a bit standoffish.
When it was all over I alked back to the House Office Building with sev-
eral other Congressmen, both Democrat and Republican. It was the consensus that Mr.
Churchill had done a far better job of tying up American-British unity than could have
been done by the preceeding Prime Minister, Clement Attlee of the Labor government.
Somehow one feels a greater strength in the British government with Winston Churchill
at the helm.
*
*
*
An amusing incident was recently related in one of the columns in a
Washington newspaper. Here it is:
"A motorman on a Washington streetcar tried several times, without success,
to get the standing passengers to move to the rear of the car. In desperation, he
stopped the car, turned around and said to them: 'Come on folks, let's go through this
car like Truman went through the Treasury.' It worked. The passengers moved to the
rear. Even the taxpayers in Washington understood what the conductor had in mind.
*
VISITORS in Washington this week have been: Mr. H. P. Herrinton, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
J. Dykstra, Mr. Robert D. Stouten, Mr. Raymond F. Powell, Mr. Emery Driscal, Mr.
Frank Witheril, Mr. Joseph Cichon, Mr. Jacob Vebber, Mr. Ed Huizenga, Mr. George Palaid
Mr. Fred Briggs, Mrs. Fay Day, Mr. Al Spenchi, Mr. John J. Annalis, Mr. Al Spenck,
Mr. Willsie H. Nelson, Mr. John W. Morris, Mr. Gordon M. Smith, Mrs. Florence Peterson,
Mrs. Helen Tambhe, Mrs. Frances Parks, Mrs. Louis Thompson, Mr. Klaas DeRinter, all
of Grand Rapids, and Mr. John J. Anmalis of Marne, Mr. B. Wiersma of Holland, and
Mr. Hunley Stoker of Byron Center.
For release Feb. 14,1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The House of Representatives recently considered and approved the Presi-
dent's proposal for the Reorganization of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. There
was a good bit of debate, pro and con, on the merits of this reform so it
might be well to review the situation from top to bottom.
For many years the 64 Collectors of Internal Revenue and some assist-
ants throughout the United States have been political appointees, nothing else.
Consequently in many instances the various Collectors were not qualified for
the job of handling federal tax collections. Mr. Finnegan, an F.D.R. appoint-
ment and a good friend of Mr. Truman out in Missouri, is a good example. He
admitted working about 4 hours a day on his $11,500 a year job as a U.S. tax
collector and spending the rest of the time on his own in fancy deals, some
such deals being on tax returns filed in his office. Another Bureau of Internal
Revenue man, Mr. Delaney in Boston, a political appointee of Mr. Roosevelt,
likewise got in a peck of trouble for finnigiling with taxpayers. Mr. Delaney,
who was not a career man in the Bureau of Internal Revenue but only a political
"Hack", was recently convicted by a jury and is about to spend some time in
a U.S. prison.
Several years ago the Hoover Commission recommended that the Bureau of
Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs be consolidated into one agency
known as the Revenue Service. Legislative bills to implement this Hoover
Commission recommendation were stalemated in the House and Senate Committees
since early 1950. No action simply because the dispensers of political patron-
age didn't want their longstanding prerogatives destroyed. Only the sordid
scandals of recent date stimulated any reforms by the President and his Con-
gressional leaders in the House and Senate. It's amazing how public indignation
can give Good Government a shot in the arm.
Did the President's reorganization plan for the Bureau of Internal Revenu
carry out the Hoover Commission recommendations? To a degree, yes. The
President's plan does establish a direct line of authority and responsibility
from the Commissioner on down and does place every position below the Com-
missioner under Civil Service. The White House reform achieves slightly more
than 10 per cent of the Hoover Commission recommendations and leaves the re-
mainder of the overdue revisions undone.
One fact must be borne in mind. Placing the Collectors of Internal
Revenue or their successors under Civil Service does not necessarily take tax
collecting under this Administration out of politics. It should be added that
the Hoover Commission also proposed some changes in Civil Service itself that
Your Washington Review
Page Two
should have been combined but were not with the President's Reorganization Plan
for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. You might be interested in a comment from
the Director of the Hoover Commission's Citizen Committee who said he did "not
like.
the timing.
on which the R.F.C.
and the Internal Revenue is
being reorganized.
: . after the pot has boiled over. We believe in using
reorganization for fire-prevention - not as a fire extinguisher." Because the
proposed reforms will do some good by eliminating a few of the weaknesses in
the old set-up the opposition in the House of Representatives was somewhat lim-
ited. Obviously it would have been better to enact into law the Hoover Com-
mission legislative proposals which would have done the whole job.
In conclusion it can be fairly said, President Truman took his time about
getting rid of the 6 Revenue Collectors who were under fire, just as he cried
"red herring" when Communists were charged to be in the State Department. The
White House has been inclined to deny, to cover up, to delay and to act only when
forced to do so by obvious danger.
****
In the last year Congress has been able to do something about cutting down
nonmilitary federal expenditures but very little has been accomplished in con-
trolling the reckless waste of manpower and material in the Armed Forces. Here's
what I mean. Chairman Byrd of the Joint Committee Reduction of Nonessential
Federal Expenditures said the federal civilia mayroll rose to 2,504,789 on De-
cember 31, 1951. The total represented an increase of 21,098 since June 30,1951.
Senator Byrd said the payrolls of nondefense agencies shrunk by 21,410 during the
six month period, but the military establishment increased its civilian staff by
42,508 during the same period.
****
This is Lincoln's Birthday time. In Washington, D.C. over 7,000 citizens
got together at a $1.00 chicken dinner to honor the 16th President of the U.S.A.
One of the soundest speeches made at this gathering was by a negro lawyer. It's
well worth reading.
"I join in this tribute to Abraham Lincoln not only for what he did for the
people of my race, but for the virtues for which he stood. We have come a long
way in America, and we want to be sure that America remains the land of oppor-
tunity and the haven of the oppressed.
"My people do not always get the best of the breaks when it comes to earn-
ing power, but we have been self-supporting, honorable and upright. Like all
Americans, we have tried to save our money, we have bought insurance, annuities,
Your Washington Review
Page Three
cheat us out of our due.
"But the waste in Washington today is working a terrible hardship on the
frugal people of America. What kind of a deal are we getting when we give 100
cents worth of work in our younger days and get back 49-cent dollars in our old
days?
"If the Republican Party does no other single thing but restore the
purchasing power of the dollar, the poor people of America and the old people
of America will go down on their knees in thanks. We've got a belly full of
government-sponsored inflation. And the time to get rid of it is now. You can
bet your 49-cent dollar that the American voters are not going to make the same
mistake twice in four years. 11
* * *
Your VISITORS: Washin From Grand Rapids, going to school in the District, Barbara
Zamierowski; also Samuel H. Himelstein of Grand Rapids; and from Grand Haven,
Claud VerDuin.
61 our due.
* * *
But LSP wante In Washington Loday 1.8 working a tarrible bardship or the
Truga) people of America. What kind of a desi are IN getting LOP
cents worth of work Lr our pounger days and got beak Scluard 5.17 our did
days?
"If tite Party dues thing bit -
purchasing power of the dollar, the of ⑉
of America will 80 on their have in Chanks. Vehre the bolls 4.5 of
govemmet-sponscred inClation. at D 10 now, You can
bet your L9-eent Golar that the the sms.
mistake twice in for yeare. is
VISITORS: from Grand Habils, neing school in the Distimer,
Zedword also Submit H. of Prond Syddat and from Grant Haven,
CLAIM
NK
CLOACD
for release Feb. 21
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
There was high drama on Capitol Hill last week and
it didn't involve legislative matters. The principles in a single
act provided a tense and solemn spectacle which agitated much
'speculation and curiosity among newsmen and spectators alike who
flocked to the Katyn committee public hearings, the first in his-
tory to present a masked witness.
The select House committee under the chairmanship of
Rep. Ray Madden of Indiana was carrying on its hearings in an at-
tempt to discover exactly who is the villian in the case of 10,000
Polish officers massacred in the Katyn Forest in 1939.
This particular indident was a cloak and dagger affair
with a twist. The cloak was substituted by a cylindrical-shaped
mask designed to disguise the Polish prisoner of war eye-witness
to the mass murder. Replacing the dagger was a Russian pistol which,
the hooded witness explained, was the type of guit used on the vic-
tims before they were thrown into the graves. The witness spoke
through an interpreter, Reman Pucinski, a reporter from the Chi-
cago Sun, who is now on leave of absence from his paper to act as
investigator and interpreter for the committee. Under an extreme
emotional strain, this unusual witness admitted that he had with-
held his story until he could reveal it to the proper authorities
in this country to which he had pledged his loyalty. Doubtless,
the mysterious and ominous aspect of the former prisoner of the
Russians as well as the violence of bis story set the mood for the
startling declarations which were to follow.
At the first hearing held on October 11, 1951 shortly
after establishment of the seven member committee, Lt. Col. Donald
B. Stewart testified that following his capture by the Germans in
1943 he was taken to a prison camp where he first heard about
Katyn. Despite the fact that the officers showed definite reluc-
tance, the Germans demanded that Col. VanVliet who testified later,
and Lt. Ccl. Stewart should make a tour of investigation of the
Katyn graves.
Both Col. VanVliet and Lt. Ccl. Stewart testified
that at the scene of the massacre, they estimated the number
dead in the three open graves "about the size of swimming pools"
(more)
GERALD FORD JBRANT
-2-
at about 10,000. VanVliet and Stewart said that while the Ger-
mans attempted to vindicate themselves of the murders, the Amer-
icans who had "volunteered" for the tours, refused to accept the
proofs which the Germans offered. However, almost to a man the
witnesses stated they had formed opinions severally that the Russian
Communist leaders were responsible for the murders.
Henry Cassidy, foreign correspondent in Moscow when
the graves were discovered, cancelled a trip to London to report
on the death of King George and the proclamation of the new queen
in order to be present for questioning by the committee. His
frank report confirmed the opinions of the American Army officers.
Since no impartial investigation bad been permitted previously
and since those who visited the graves had no way of proving the
"evidence" shown by the Germans, the observers were reluctant to
accept as true anything they were told and persisted in making
their cwn observations.
Father Lecpold Braun, chaplain to American Catholics
in Moscow, was a mcst favorable witness. His responses to questions
were accurate, definite, and excellently presented. His well-
defined tones rang through the committee chamber as he accused the
NKVD of utter ruthlessness. "Noone", he said, "who is captured
by the NKVD, generally speaking, lives to tell of his experiences."
Father Braun cutlined Russia's general policy to "decapitate the
heads of the nations they wish to destroy", the genccide deplored
by the committee.
Two American military officers, three escaped pris-
oners (one a Polish colonel who himself escaped the fate of cthe
others at Katyn by an "accident"), an ambassader, a Cathclic priest
and a press correspondent have presented their testimonies. There
has been no significant discrepancy in their stories. Mr. Pacinski
states that witnesses are clamoring to give their information tc
the committee, including a grave-digger forcibly employed by the
Russians to bury alive some of the Polish officers.
The major point at issue in this whole matter is
that no only othe Poles have been violated but the whole human
race. It can leave no doubt in our minds as to the type of bar
barians with which we are dealing in both diplomatic and military
affairs. It was mentioned several times during the hearings that
it is almost impossible for civilized Americans to imagine either
(more)
-3-
the fact of this treachercus slaying or the kind of people who
could be guilty of such atrocities.
The hearings will resume abcut March 15. In the
meantime the committee is hard at work compiling their evidence.
Chairman Madden has suggested that the Russians be invited to
give their side of the story. Such a procedure, of course, is
typically American. Whether the Soviets deserve that treatment
or not, in the face of all this evidence, is another matter.
The more Americans hear about past Communist policies and prac-
tices the less we are inclined to accept Communist promises in
the future. Nevertheless, should Seviet leaders accept the commit-
tee invitation, it would be most interesting and most enlightening
to hear what they have to say.
# # #
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
For release February 28, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERLAD R. FORD, JR.
Still puffing from a heated march up Capitol Hill, indignant military
moguls find themselves racing back down the Hill in the direction of the Pentagon
for reinforcements. The House Armed Services Procurement subcommittee, holding fort
in their "chamber of horrors" at the top of the Hill, are proving to be the twelve
toughest men our combined military strength ever encountered. Extravagance in mili-
tary spending is the big issue in this battle of wits.
Chairman Hebert, wielding the whip, frowns on "circus tactics" in the
course of these hearings, but for all practical purposes he is causing the Pentagon
lions to jump. The ofttimes successful army strategy, "confuse the enemy," is back-
firing. While Pentagon officials attempt to befuddle committee members and the
general public with circumlocution, bewindering facts and figures on military waste
compiled by committee investigator, Paul Monahan, deal a confounding blow to their
bravado.
One impetuous Navy chief, Admiral Fox, unable to restrain himself at a
hearing one morning, set out to do a bit of "debunking" but was amiably reminded that
his time had not yet come. This prized Pentagon "salesman" must sit tight until the
committee decides to call on him, which will, no doubt, be in the near future.
Admiral Fox claims to have an exhibit of his own which will show what his team, the
Navy, has been doing in the past in the way of economy.
Other high-ranking witnesses lamented the red tape stumbling block.
Requisitions and orders, they say, wander like phantoms through the corridors of the
Pentagon before reaching the proper channels. This military procurement chaos is
causing tremendous repercussions in our nation's economy and it would seem Congress
ought to launch a phantom-hunt to nail down some of these spectres.
In the rear of the committee chamber, row upon row of easels nine feet high
display examples of thriftless spending on the part of the military. These easels
illustrating some of the more horrible samples of extravagance are there for public
examination and enlightenment. (Thus, the name "chamber of horrors.")
*
*
*
A recent communication from the Federal Security Agency Office of Education
reports that applications submitted early, preferably before April 1, will facilitate
speedier processing and distribution of critical materials needed in the construction
of schools, colleges and libraries. Supplies of steel, copper and aluminum are ex-
pected to be short through the third quarter of this year necessitating strict con-
servation measures in design and construction. So, this is just a reminder to you
school folks to get your applications in promptly.
*
*
LIBRARY
Your Washington Review - Page 2
In the early mail one morning our office received a curious package from
an old friend, M/Sgt. Jack Lindsay, now serving with the army in Korea. After much
scrutiny and wild speculation which accomplished nothing, we called upon the
Congressional reservoir of facts, the Library of Congress, to explain what this
tiny match-stick contrivance could possibly be. The gimmick, we discovered, is a
miniature Korean "jigi" or pack-board, made by the children of the Munske Home in
Korea, which the natives use as a carry-all. It holds everything from food and
clothing to babies. No doubt you've seen it in newsreel pictures of Koreans fleeing
from their homes carrying all their possessions on their backs. At any rate, we can
be assured that it's not a secret weapon.
Jack, by the way, is the son of Mrs. Julia Lindsay, 1114 Prospect SE.,
Grand Rapids.
Visitors to Washington this week were: General L. Welch, Willie L. Thurman,
Raymond P. Duba, Villsie Nelson, R. C. Stevenson, I. Nadolsky, Steve Dunn, all of
Grand Rapids.
FORD & LIBRARY 077830
For release March 6, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The American people have a right to know about the Communist menace within
our own state and elsewhere. This means Congressional hearings should be broadcast,
televised and in every other way made available to our citizens. The recent censor-
ship by President Truman on other matters of national interest was wrong. Speaker
Rayburn's censorship by banning the television of Un-American Activity Committee
hearings in Detroit was wrong. Of course, it is pretty well known that Speaker
Rayburn, after permitting the televising of the Madden Subcommittee on the Katyn
massacres, the Hebert Subcommittee on Military Procurement, the Un-American Activi-
ties Committee hearings on Subversion in Hollywood, put the screws on the Communist
hearings in Detroit because of pressure from Michigan Democratic Party "bigwigs." I
fail to see why any Communist activity or infiltration should be covered up. The
House of Representatives should immediately take action to overrule the Speaker's
extraordinary decision.
*
*
*
Those bargain hunters, both male and female, who escaped the annual Washing-
ton Birthday massacre, otherwise known as the "big sale," are back at their desks or
kitchen sinks calmly nursing a few minor scars. The Lincoln and Washington Birthday
period brought a legislative lull before a legislative holocaust. Most Congressmen
used this time to arm themselves to the teeth for the big battle on the hot UMT
issue.
Debate began in the House on February 26. A tiny spark soon became a con-
flagration as legislators lugged out and let go all their heavy artillery pro and
con. The issue is drawn; the decision in doubt on this most controversial problem
of whether the U. S. should or should not have Universal Military Training.
To begin with there was a good deal of bargaining for debate time on the
floor of the House. This haggling well illustrated the sharpness of the controversy.
Only the repeated banging of the Speaker's gavel brought parliamentary order. There-
after Congressmen aired firm convictions violently opposed or explosively in favor of
the issue. Even those who were unable to obtain time to speak on the measure indi-
cated their stand by murmurs, applause and general demonstration of approval or oppo-
sition to whatever was said.
The crowded galleries well attested to the intense public interest in the out-
come. Even the House of Representatives Post Office fully realizes the importance of
this issue to the American people, judging from the deluge of letters pouring in each
day from the folks at home to their respective Congressmen. You can rest assured I
STATES FORD
Your Washington Review - Page 2
am well aware of the urgency and importance of this bill which if approved will re-
vise the American approach to military preparedness. For myself, the sympathy I might
have had for UMT has been dimmed by the record of our "military planners" in the
months following the Korean War. In the last few months among the "top brass" there
has been much talk, plenty of tax dollar extravagance, terrible waste of manpower and
comparatively little result in preparing the United States in the struggle against
Soviet Communism. The rearmament and remobilization effort in America has been badly
handled following the outbreak of the Korean War. Would the same military leaders
do any better with a UMT. I doubt it.
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Taxpayers undoubtedly will work up enough steam to blow many a gasket during
the next few days while working on their tax returns. Perhaps they will feel like
blowing even more when they realize our tax money helped pay for 921,602 surplus
gaskets for front axle housing of jeeps now kicking around the Army Quartermaster
Corps. This is just another serious example of the mismanagement in the handling of
military procurement and supply.
Our office has received notice that the deadline for filing claims under the
provisions of the War Claims Act has been extended to March 31. Those prisoners of
war entitled to compensation according to the terms of this act are urged to file
their claims as soon as possible. The Commission processes claims in the numerical
order in which they are received. Eligible under the Act are American ex-prisoners
of War, American civilians interned by the Japanese in certain areas, survivors of
deceased prisoners of war and certain religious organizations.
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Visitors to Wahington this week were: Stuart H. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. E.
Leroy Eldred, and B. C. Johnson, all of Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Emmons of
Big Rapids and William A. Draper of Holland.
For release March 13, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
If my mail hasn't been answered as promptly as usual it's only because of
the long hours spent listening to witnesses before the Committee on Appropriations.
Finally, my subcommittee on Appropriations after eight long weeks of hearings pulled
down the curtain on witnesses. 119 members of Congress plus 320 outside witnesses
from Maine to Florida, from California to South Carolina argued day after day that
we, the "stingy five" should literally open the federal treasury for flood control
and harbor developments all over the U. S.
Our subcommittee will mark up the bill very soon. It's no easy job sifting
out the unnecessary projects that can be deferred during the Korean War. Last year
we cut $126 Million (20%) from the President's budget on these items. I hope the
same result can be reported this year.
*
While native Washingtonians grumble and gripe we Michiganders feel right at
home with all the snow. The wet soggy stuff began falling last week and we've been
having regular Michigan weather ever since. Snow shovelers from way back, we take
all this in our stride and with superior airs watch our uninitiated Washington friends
sputter and fume over stalled cars and traffic jams. I can still remember the 55
inches of snow which fell on Western Michigan just over the Christmas season and I
understand from our visitors from Michigan and the newspapers that there has been
plenty more. Washington has had at least three inches of snow! What a winter!
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The Michigan princess was chosen last week at a luncheon here in Washington
sponsored by the Michigan State Association. She will represent Michigan in the
Cherry Blossom Festival the first week in April and will compete with girls from each
of the other states for the honor of Queen of the Festival. Both of our Michigan
Senators and their wives as well as many other Michigan dignitaries were present
for the occasion.
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If the King subcommittee investigating scandals in the Internal Revenue
Bureau had any notions about folding their tents, they most definitely have reconsid-
ered. No sooner had the committee set out for their California investigations several
weeks ago when Treasury Secretary Snyder and his cohorts tried to slip in with a half-
hearted probe in New York for the sole purpose of "stifling" the committee's scrutiny
of the New York tax bureau situation. Chairman King said he and his committee col-
leagues are now more determined than ever not to ouit and it looks as though they're
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out for Administration blood this time.
CERALD
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Your Washington Review - Page 2
The snag in the recent postal rate readjustment act which upped the price
of single and double postal cards has been unraveled. Last week an amendment to the
law to remove the 10% surcharge on cards purchased in quantities of 50 or more passed
both the House and the Senate. In January of 1952 I introduced a bill to remedy this
injustice in the Post Office Department. Plainly this practice was directly in re-
verse of the customary American buying policy. Usually the greater quantity of a
certain item purchased, the less it costs. This unwarranted provision which somehow
slipped into the law last year was defeating its own purpose inasmuch as the public,
in order to scape the surcharge made numerous repeated purchases of 49 or less.
Needless to say, both Post Office clerks and their patrons will be elated to see this
odd bit of legislation bounced.
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As I write this, down the hall in the House Armed Services Sub-committee
chamber, Chairman Hebert and his colleagues are firing cuestions with machine-gun
speed at a rather apprehensive Admiral Charles V. Fox. Earlier last week Admiral Fox
marched into the hearing room with his own exhibit under his arm. A series of draw-
ings or posters showing the Navy's activities in standardizing procurement, his answer
to the "chamber of horrors," was all but laughed out of the committee chamber. And
yet, a cartoon in a Washington paper recently depicted Chairman Hebert being flung
around on the tail of a tiger representing the Pentagon. It would indicate that even
though the committee seems to have the upper hand at this point there are a good deal
of misgivings as to what power the comittee actually will have to curb waste once it
has been exposed. A substantial cut in military appropriations might awaken the
Pentagon "brass."
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From the Michigan snows to the Washington snows this week came: Martin E.
Kornbleuth, Joe Griswold, Mr. and Mrs. Gauthier, Mr. and lirs. John VanderWal, all of
Grand Rapids; and I. DeBruyn of Zeeland.
BERALD
For release March 20, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Traffic in this year's Presidential ring looks rather hectic. While Ike
because of his important assignment overseas hesitates on the very rim of the circle,
Taft and Kefauver jostle each other grasping for the slippery position at the center
of the ring. Truman, due to his indecision on whether or not to run the gauntlet,
sparks the whole chaos by dashing frantically in and out again as Senator Russell of
Georgia, taking advantage of the vulnerable position of all the candidates slips in
from the sidelines almost unnoticed. Add to all this the flurry of speculation,
rumor and doubt predominating the political scene and you'll see why this year's Pres-
idential arena is about the most hazardous spot to be in at this time.
With so many likely candidates being jockeyed into and out of position for
the Presidential race it is very probable that none of the potential nominees will
win a majority of the electoral votes on January 6th. Should this occur, as it has
twice before in the history of the Uni ed States, the election is thrown into the
lap of the newly-elected House of Representatives. Each state delegation then re-
ceives one vote and it takes 25 of the 48 votes to get a certain candidate into the
White House (with its new solarium) for the next four years.
Just imagine this possibility. The Michigan delegation in the House of
Representatives in this Congress has 12 Republican and five Democrat Representatives.
Assume this same ratio as the result of the election November 4, 1952, prevails in
the House when it reconvenes in January, 1953. If the Republican candidate for
President gets 8 majority of votes throughout the state then there will be no problem.
Michigan's Representatives could cast the Michigan vote for the GOP candidate. What
would happen if a majority or plurality of the Michigan voters favored the Democratic
candidate? Would that popular vote be a mandate to the Michigan Republican Represen-
tatives to support the Democratic Presidential candidate? Or, should the GOP con-
gressmen, assuming they are still in the majority in the Michigan delegation, cast
Michigan's vote for their candidate? Only time will tell!
In case the Vice President is not elected by the necessary majority in the
Electoral College, a majority (49) of the 96 individual Senatorial votes will win
this coveted position. The Senators themselves, because the Vice President is the
presiding officer of the Senate, choose between the two vice presidential candidates
having the highest number of electoral votes.
This method of determining the outcome of a doubtful election went into
effect under the 20th amendment adopted in 1933. Previous to this, in 1800 (Jefferson
FORD
VS. Burr) the office of the Chief Executive and the vice presidency went to the candi-
dates with the highest and next highest number of votes respectively. The contested
LIBRARY
Hayes-Tilden election was decided by a special election commission in 1876.
*
Your Washington Review - Page 2
Last week Monday was District day in the House of Representatives. This
is the day on which legislation for the District of Columbia runs the gamut of
Congressional procedure. An interesting bit of eloquent debate arose on the delicate
topic of daylight saving time for the 810 thousand residents of the nation's capital.
When the argument rose to an explosive pitch one well-meaning champion of harmony
suggested that daylight saving time shall take effect throughout the district "except
it shall not apply to and shall have no effect upon the operation of any offices or
agencies of the Federal Government." The reasoning behind this we suppose was that
no sacrifice is too great to avoid confusing constituents--or perhaps that govern-
ment employees are SO accustomed to confusion that a little more would make little
difference. For myself, I was just a little baffled at the thought of getting to
work before I got up on the morning or getting home at the same time I left the
office. Happily, for the sanity of your congressman this particular amendment did
not go through.
This is just another reason why I believe that Congress should not be act-
ing as the city commission or town council for the City of Washington. Washington
should have "home rule" and the sooner the better.
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Some not unforeseen but nonetheless startling figures finally came to light
in the past week. Battle casualties in President Truman's "police action" in Korea
now total more than 106,000 with 18,458 dead and 12,624 missing. We can only hope
that negotiations now in progress will come to a speedy and favorable conclusion.
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On the more checrful side, now that the fateful March 15thhas passed, we
can be pretty certain that taxes won't go any higher. Right now more citizens are
giving more of their income to taxes than they did during World War II. In some
cases, two out of every three dollars of business profit is eaten up in taxes. Tax
dodging is costing billions; tax favoritism is causing big scandals. It's pretty
apparent that there's only one way left for taxes to go. That's down!
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Visitors to Washington t' is week were: Mrs. Lynn H. Clark and Bob Stoltz
of Grand Rapids.
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For release March 27, 1952
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
It is pretty much taken for granted that a weekly columnist has very little
chance to "seoop" anyone. At best, he hopes to captivate readers with a new twist to
the old facts. Bearing in mind the fact that the daily newspapers have spread the
news long ago, I wonder how one goes about editorializing on the birth of a new son!
Little John Gardner joined Betty, Mike and me last week Sunday morning,
weighing in at 6 lbs. 15 OZ. So now mom, pop and big brother join forces to give
young Johnny an assist in facing the big problem of growing up.
We all want to thank our friends who sent their congratulations at this
time. It gives a kind of extra special warmth to the occasion when your friends join
in to share the good news. One greeting struck a practical note in the midst of all
these profuse rejoicings: "Jerry, I think you'll find that the cost of raising
another dependent these days comes to far more than the government allows in tax
exemptions," You see! They do catch you coming and going!
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Pandemonium of the week: I lifted the telephone receiver to call the
Treasury Department for some information about Defense bonds. The operator snapped
the familiar "Capitol" and I went through the customary procedure of code numbers,
extensions, etc. The next few hectic moments, I reflected later, were also not an
uncommon occurrence, I was transferred to no less than eight different sections of
the same department, spoke to eight various squeaky-voiced, gruff, drawling, patron-
izing secretaries, each of whom knew exactly where I could get my information, prompt-
ly switched me to someone else who in turn passed me on to another. After about ten
minutes of this process, my natience gave up the ghost when an understanding soul
(number eight) offered to relieve me of my burden and call me when she had found the
information.
Weary, shaken and bewildered I set this experience up against the President's
proposed personnel expansion in almost every government agency. From where I sit it
looks like just a wee bit too much specialization already.
Another example of this same type of excess comes from a recent Budget Bureau
release which calculated that 3,632 government press agents blow the Truman bugle,
costing an outlay of over 17 million dollars of your tax money each year. Have you
heard enough of the Administration "tooters" or should these 3,632 press agents con-
tinue to shower you with their expensive publicity? Frankly, it appears that Congress
is fed up with this situation and as a result there may well be some ex-government
public relations experts out in the cold trying to build up a little propaganda on
their own behalf.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
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Your Washington Review - continued
Mr. Newbold Morris, the President's alleged "graft clean-up" man, really
got himself in the Washington frying pan, and most unnecessarily. Even though Mr.
Truman was mighty tardy about taking any action to throw the "bums and hanger-ons"
out of the Federal government, the belated appointment of a corruption hunter was a
step in the right direction. Newbold Morris with a little tact and sagacity, could
have stepped in and helped the Congress weed out the grafters that seem to lurk in
the retinue of most of the agency "political big-wigs" in the nation's capital.
Instead of cooperating with the Congress, Mr. Morris has been antagonistic
to say the least. In addition, fuel was added to the flame by the revelations be-
fore a Senate investigating committee that Mr. Morris and his New York law firm were
$100,000 beneficiaries in legal fees for the unusual ship-sale deals following
World War II.
The House and Senate undoubtedly will turn down the unusual powers the
President wants for his "puppet." Why? Because most of the members of Congress
honestly feel that Mr. Morris is emotionally unstable, naive to the extreme and only
duplicating the investigations which Congress has pursued successfully for over a
year.
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Defense Mobilizer Charles E. Wilson last week brought good and long overdue
news to harassed consumers. According to OPS authorities and probably in spite of
them, declining wholesale prices will soon begin to have their effect on retail
prices. Restrictions on producers of consumer goods are slowly being relaxed so that
with more consumer goods available, competition will continue to force prices down,
particularly if Congress can reduce the President's outrageously extravagant federal
budget. Looks like a bright spot on the economic horizon and one always likes to
leave looking toward brighter prospects.
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In Vashington to greet the spring were: Martin Verdier, Harold S. Sawyer,
Henry Sonneveldt, G. Bonfield, E. W. Habighorst, Fritz Mueller, Jr., all of
Grand Rapids.
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