AMERICAN JUDICIARY

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 11

AMERICAN JUDICIARY

THE PRESIDENT’S PROGRAMME SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, February 16. Mr M‘Adoo and Senator' Thomas, in radio addresses, urged support for President .Roosevelt’s, Judiciary programme. Senator Van Nuys also spoke over the radio, opposing the portion of the plan relating to an increase of the Supreme Court.' Mr M'Adoo said: “ I challenge anyone to show that the plan is the-re-sult of dictatorial power by President Roosevelt, i cannot conceive that the President’s power would be increased or decreased by an increase in the court membership.” Senator Thomas said that the plan was necessary, due to advices by the judiciary resulting in a virtual oligarchy. The changes were necessary to restore democracy. , Senator Van Nuys contended that the people should be the ones to readjust any unbalancing or checks to the Government, such as that complained of by President Roosevelt. Senator Van Nuys favoured the judiciary programme with the exception of an increase in the court. He insisted that the Congress should not begin tampering with the courts or tinkering with the Constitution. In a debate in Congress, Representative Murdock said a change in the court would make United States Parliamentary Government similar to that in England. Labour’s Non-Partisan League announced the calling of a national convention to arouse support for th'e President’s plan, but the support of the farmers is doubtful. Mr Louis Taber, master of the National Grange, said he doubted the wisdom of giving such power to any President. The Michigan Senate and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Houses voted resolutions opposing President Roosevelt’s programme.