PRESIDENT AND COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 February 1937, Page 14

PRESIDENT AND COURT

NEW PLAN SUPPORTED. (BY CABLE—PBEBB ABBN.—COPYRIGHT.J WASHINGTON. February 17. Senator W. G. McAdoo and Senator Elbert D. Thomas, in radio addresses, urged support of President Roosevelt’s judiciary programme. Senator F. Van Nuys also spoke over the air opposing - the portion of the programme proposing additions to the Supreme

Court bench. Senator McAdoo said :“I anyone to show that the plan -will re-i suit in dictatorial power for President Roosevelt. I cannot conceive that! the President’s power will be increased or decreased by an increase of Supreme Court membership.” Senator Thomas said the plan was necessary because declarations by the judiciary had resulted 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 lack of balance or checks to the Government such as those complained of by President Roosevelt. He favoured the judiciary programme, with the exception of the additions to the Supremo Court, and insisted that Congress should not begin tampering with the courts and tinkering with the* constitution. |

In a debate in Congress, Mr. Abe. Murdock said that the change in the 1 Supreme Court would make the United States form of parliamentary government similar to that in England. The Labours Non-Partisan League has announced the calling of a nanational convention to rouse support for the President’s plan, but the support of farmers is doubtful. Mr. Louis’

Taber, master of the National Grand (“Patrons of Husbandry"), said that he doubted the wisdom of giving such power to any President. The Michigan Senate, and the Massachusetts and Nev! Hampshire Houses of Representatives have passed resolutions opposing President Roosevelt’s programme.