LABOUR OPPOSITION

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22244, 13 January 1944, Page 3

LABOUR OPPOSITION

MR ROOSEVELT CRITICISED NEW YORK, Jan. 12 The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says Labour spokesmen have voided strong opposition to President Roosevelt’s proposed national service legislation. The president of the Congress of Industrial Organisations, Mr Philip Murray, termed the proposal “quack medicine.” The spokesman disagreed with Mr Roosevelt’s contention that legislation would prevent strikes. They pointed out that Britain and Canada have compulsory service laws, nevertheless strikes are increasing in those countries. Wholeheartedly endorsing the scheme the New York Times, in an editorial, says “the enactment would give Berlin and Tokio complete and final proof that we intend to fight this war to the full limit of our power and ability.” Following his address to Congress it is announced that President Roosevelt is to see the leaders of the two big trade union movements in America. They are Mr Philip Murray, and Mr William Green, president Gf the American Federation of Labour. Campaign Platform Many Republicans and Democrats interpret President Roosevelt’s message to Congress as his campaign platform should he become a candidate for a fourth term of office, says the Washington correspondent of the New York Herald-Tribune. Strong administration supporters, who never thought of a Presidential candidate in 1944 other than Mr Roosevelt now feel that they have a platform to go on. The Herald-Tribune, in an editorial, says the message shows Mr Roosevelt at his best and worst. Only one decent reaction is possible—accept the best and forget the rest. National service, with the correlated action of taxes, prices and profits, is the key to all present difficulties. These basic recommendations are sound and should be adopted.