JUDICIAL REFORM

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 121, 16 February 1937, Page 9

JUDICIAL REFORM

Attorney-General Defends Roosevelt’s Plan

(Received February 15, 7 p.m.)

Washington, February 14.

The Attorney-General, Mr. H. S. Cummings, speaking over a coast-to-coast hook-up of both major broadcasting systems, appealed to the people to disregard “hysteria and irresponsible talk” and turn their minds to the realities of President Roosevelt’s proposal for judicial reform. He asserted that the only real objection to the plan came from those who wish to retain on the Supreme Court Bench judges who could be relied upon to veto progressive measures.

He contended that the President’s programme was reasonable, moderate, direct and constitutional, and made the charge that the technique of the last political campaign had been revived to make President Roosevelt the target of accusations that he was seeking a dictatorship. Mr. Cummings’s talk is considered to be the first of a series of efforts by the Administration to persuade backers of President Roosevelt to seud telegrams and letters to Congressmen to offset the thousands of opposition messages already received. Senator Minton will make a similar speech to-morrow night and others will be made during the week. • The “New York Times” states that President Roosevelt is ready to talk over the radio if necessary. The latest poll of the Senate shows 33 for the proposal, 29 against and 34 not committed. House leaders are reported to be insistent that the Senate should vote on the plan first.