One for My Master

Harry Truman sent his fifth veto* to the 80th Congress last week. This time it was the wool bill.

The President himself had recommended a straight price-support program for domestic wool-growers, to replace the old program, which was terminated April 15. Congress had drawn up a bill along those lines, then loaded it down with amendments. Majority Leader Charley Halleck had tacked on provisions for import fees and import quotas to be imposed when the President "has reason to believe" that the inflow of foreign wool is harmful to U.S. sheepmen. Specifically because of that amendment the President vetoed it.

He wrote: "The enactment of a law providing for additional barriers . . . at the very moment this Government is taking the leading part in a United Nations Conference at Geneva called for the purpose of reducing trade barriers . . . would be a tragic mistake. . . . It would be interpreted around the world as a first step . . . to economic isolationism." He recommended that Congress confine its new legislation to price support.

Wool-growing is a small, uneconomical U.S. industry, but it has many political friends in Congress as well as the White House. When the clerk finished reading the President's message, the Senate swung into action. With the whole wool price-support program in danger, there was no time for dillydallying. The Senate whipped out a bill conforming to Harry Truman's specifications, in less than four hours cleared it from committee, then debated and passed it with a ringing voice vote.

In the House, Majority Leader Halleck fumed at the Senate's compliance. So did many another high-tariff Congressman. But G.O.P. leaders knew that they did not have enough votes to override. On this one Harry Truman would have his way.

This week, Harry Truman signed the Housing and Rent Act of 1947. Said he: "It is clear that, insofar as the Congress is concerned, it is this bill or no rent control at all." The bill; which continues rent controls to Feb. 29, 1948, will permit "voluntary" 15% rent increases if leases are signed which extend through 1948.

* His 76th veto since he took office. He vetoed 22 bills in 1945; 49 in 1946.

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