People's Deputy

Sensible, white-topped Elmer Davis, who is gradually taking charge of some matters that vex the U.S. people, used some plain and sensible language to tell off one of last week's chief people-vexers. He wrote to Boss James Caesar Petrillo of the American Federation of Musicians:

"On December 27, 1941, you wrote an open letter to the President and the people of the United States. In that letter you said: Each and every member of the Federation and its officers pledge themselves on this occasion to do everything possible to aid in the fight for freedom.

"Despite this public and published pledge you sent a communication on June 25, 1942 to all companies engaged in the making of phonograph records, electrical transcriptions, and other forms of mechanical recording of music, advising them [that union members would make no more records].

"I am informed that if you enforce this edict three direct consequences will be the elimination of new electrical transcriptions for the use of radio stations, the elimination of new popular records for so-called 'juke boxes,' and the elimination of new popular and classical records for home consumption. I am further informed that this move in all probability will lead to court fights, possible strikes, and definitely curtailed musical service to the public in-the critical months ahead. [It] can scarcely fail to have a negative effect on morale.

"Therefore, on behalf of the people of the United States, I sincerely urge that you consider it your patriotic duty to stand by your pledge of December 27, 1941, and withdraw your ultimatum of June 25, 1942."

Petrillo's answer was one Mr. Davis might have expected. He asserted that his union would "continue to cooperate," added: "I can tell by your letter that you have been completely misinformed throughout."

Commented Elmer Davis, with restraint: "I am glad that he intends to cooperate, but I don't see how he can cooperate without changing his position."

Why should Elmer Davis, head of the Office of War Information, be the man to lambast Boss Petrillo? He had a farfetched excuse: several hundred radio stations which broadcast war information cannot keep going without "canned" music. But the truth seemed to be that Elmer Davis was becoming a sort of Presidential deputy, in charge of putting the people's thoughts into official language. This would be a useful development.

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