"Pure, Plain Cussedness"

"Pure, Plain Cussedness"

The 75th Congress was only seven days old when Franklin Roosevelt tossed at "it a Reorganization Plan which was counted by some the most momentous proposal to change U. S. Government and Politics since Andrew Jackson perfected the spoils system. All but forgotten in the long, bitter tussle over the Court Plan, which came some three weeks later, Executive Re-organization last week hobbled onto the floor of the House of Representatives.

It was not the daring measure which sought to add Cabinet posts, consolidate commissions, shift Government accounting and revolutionize civil service. Instead, last week's bill would merely add the six personal assistants the President had requested, six $10,000 administrators with "a passion for anonymity."

No member of the House doubted the bill would pass but Republicans decided it was time for some partisan fun. After five hours of political rock-throwing the bill was passed, 260 to 88, and sent to the Senate but not before what Democrat Lindsay Warren of North Carolina called "pure, plain cussedness" had inspired some minority members to make some proposals:

Dewey Short of Missouri wanted an amendment providing that "the President shall appoint as his administrative assistants . . . Elliott Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.. John Roosevelt, Anna Roosevelt Dall Boettiger, Sistie and Buzzie Dall."

George H. Tinkham of Massachusetts proposed that the U. S. elect three Presidents instead of one.

Harold Knutson of Minnesota lost, 48 to 140, an amendment to bar appointees over 70 years old.

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