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REVIVAN NARA Ladies and Gentlemen: In 1934 when I announced my candidacy for the United States Senator from Missouri, it was only after very careful consideration on my part and only after having received numerous insistent requests from many of my friends and the leaders of democracy in the State. Prior to my announcement a number of trial ballons had been sent up. Three or more able and distinquished men from Kansas City and several from other parts of the State made these trials but before their ballons had reached any heights at all they were punctured and fell flat. I had other plans for 1934 but was constrained to heed the call of the Democrats of Missouri and made my campaign on the platform of supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt in his very humane program to relieve suffering and to improve economic conditions in this country. To this pledge I have strictly adhered. I have supported the President through all these six years and is my intention to continue that policy. I shall introduce two issues into the coming campaign, which will not only provide for better edministration in government but will be helpful to businessmen. First, I propose to use my efforts to obtain a revision of the various laws both in the State of Mq ssouri and in the National Congress which will provide for the adoption of 100% merit system in selection, appointment, retention, and promotion of all persons in the emplyy of the Federal and State governments. I am willing to renounce all claims to patronage that I may have and to devote my energies toward the real intent and spirit of the merit system of appointments for public jobs and, furthermore I expect to bend my efforts toward a reformation of the existing Civil Service laws in the Federal Government so that all favoritism and academic influence of many colleges and universities may be eliminated and that the Civil Service may be placed squarely on annones efficient and competitive basis. Second, I will work for the amendment of the existing Social Security laws which pertain to the operation of the Unemployment Compensation benefit program. This program, though it has been in operation for the last. two years, has not reached more than 30% of the workers for which it was intended. Hügh funds have been

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