ROOSEVELT RULE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 6, 8 January 1934, Page 7

ROOSEVELT RULE.

President's Increased Popularity

In the U.S.A.

WELL SEATED IN SADDLE

NEW YORK, January 3

After six months of "almost unlimited power," President Roosevelt faces Congress and the indications are that he can have his way whenever ho demands it. The President's popularity has grown, not diminished; his hold on the country is stronger than ever before. There were times during the special session in June when the President was forced into a compromise to avoid legislative defeat. Some seasoned "oldtimers" are predicting that there will bo lively times during the pending session. On tho other hand, most observers believe that Mr. Roosevelt possesses such a strong hold on the popular imagination that nobody will long dare to stand against him. During the next few weeks Congress will immerse itself in "log-rolling" activities, and the party bosses will work out details of legislation. Much will be heard of majority and minority leadership, but in the main it looks like Roosevelt rulership all the way. Out of a total membership of 435 there are 114 Republicans, whose leader, Mr. B. H. Snell, says: "Wo shall go along with the President in any recovery legislation where the proposition seems at all fair." There may be quarrels between party groups over silver and taxation issues, but, for the most part, this session will probably "go along with Mr. Roosevelt" in all that this implies. The No. 1 "man of the hour" next to President Roosevelt appears still to be General Hugh Samuel Johnson. From time to time well-informed authorities have asserted that "General Johnson is on his way out" and that "he is being kicked upstairs." But this new year he still rules supreme. His "chisellers" and codes, his "crack-downs" and his Blue Eagles have achieved world-wide fame. Altogether, ho has used to the utmost all of the "almost unlimited powers" with which Congress and President Roosevelt endowed him. His sun may be setting and Mr. Morgenthau may be closer to President Roosevelt than General Johnson, but the* chances are that the latter may continue to administer the N.1.R.A., if not be the N.I.R.A. personified, for quite a time yet.