ASSOCIATE JUSTICE HAROLD H. BURTON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/06/1944 - HFSID 34290

HAROLD H. BURTON
Harold H. Burton sends a typed letter about the proposed National War Service Act.
Typed Letter Signed: "Harold H. Burton" as U.S. Senator, 1p, 8x10½. (Washington), 1944 March 6. On his Senate letterhead to Mr. Fritch. In full: "This acknowledges with thanks your communication as to the proposed National War Service Act. For some time the Austin-Wadsworth Bills for such an Act, S. 666 in the Senate, and H. R. 1742 in the House, have been before the respective Committees on Military Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives. These Committees have held hearings, but have taken no other action. A revision of the bills has now been presented. I am anxious to avoid complete regimentation of the nation and am hopeful that it will not be necessary to go as far as these bills propose in order to win the war. I have not felt that we have reached that point. The President's recommendation of some such act, however, compels us to examine respectfully any evidence which he may submit in supporting his recommendation. On the other hand, the fact that he conditions his recommendations upon the passage of a much higher tax bill than is now pending, as well as upon the extension of renegotiation of war contracts, the adoption of a cost of food law enabling the government to place floors under and ceilings over food prices and the reenactment of the stabilization act makes it appear that, even in his opinion, the National Service Act is not of primary importance now. Yours sincerely," Handwritten postscript: "I appreciate the interest of Federal Labor Union No 22665 of Buyers in this issue. HHB". Harold H. Burton (1888-1964) was Mayor of Cleveland (1931-1932, 1935-1940) and Republican Senator from Ohio (1941-1945).Appointed by President Harry Truman, Burton served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1945 to 1958. A liberal on civil rights issues, Burton joined several decisions against racial segregation, including Brown vs. Board of Education (1954). He was more conservative on civil liberties questions, voting to uphold loyalty oaths and to deny First Amendment claims by Communist Party members. Creased at upper margin. Fine condition.