Roosevelt and His " Rubber Stamps ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 36, 12 February 1937, Page 6

Roosevelt and His " Rubber Stamps ”

PACKING SUPREME COURT CRITICISED United Press Association—By Elec trio Telegraph.—Copyrigh t. Received Thursday, y.ao p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. Tike House passed a Bill permitting the voluutury full-pay retirement of Supreme Court justices at the age of 70 which some factious hope will pave the 1 way for a compromise through the retirement of at least two justice®, but President Roosevelt intervened personally to prevent the immediate passage of another measure ctmt&ining less controversial proposals regarding the inferior courts. The President notified the leaders of his desire to discuss the matter further, thus preventing the splitting of hi* programme which was the objective of the forces opposing him. Representative Cox (Democrat) stated: “Roosevelt is asking for power that no one man in the world ought to enjoy. It is the most terrible threat to constitutional government in the history of the nation." Representative Lauiueek (Democrat) flayed the proposal and criticised members of the House for permitting their leaders to use them as rubber stamps. The New York Times' poll of the Senate now shows 21 against, 18 for aud 35 uncommitted. Bishop Manning devoted a sermon Is condemnation of Mr. Roosevelt's plan which he said would be the death blow to constitutional democracy. Under the drought and flood control proposals a Bill to create seven great river authorities who will be authorised to erect, maintain and operate dams and reservoirs, and conserve national resources, has been submitted to th* Senate.