HARRY F. "MR. ECONOMY" BYRD SR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/07/1951 - HFSID 34292

HARRY F. BYRD
Democrat criticizes Truman's appropriations during "State of Emergency."
Typed Letter Signed: "Harry F. Byrd" as U.S. Senator, 1p, 8x10½. United States Senate, 1951 February 7. To Mr. W.E. Edwards, Los Angeles. In full: "I want to thank you very much indeed for your letter, which I have carefully noted. It is a matter of great regard to me that the President has not recommended a reduction in non-defense spending, and a number of us Senators will prepare amendments to reduce the budget he has submitted. In the critical situation existing, it is vital that we cut nonessential expenditures to the very bone. Enclosed is a statement which expresses my views as to what should be done before imposing additional new burdens of taxation on the people. Thanking you again for writing me, and with best wishes." Horizontal crease touches signature. Fine condition. Accompanied by Byrd's statement, 1p, 8x10½. Headed: "Statement by Senator Harry F. Byrd (D-Va.) for release Sunday, February 4, 1951." In part: "To pass a 'quickie' tax bill of $10 billion to be followed by another, as requested by the President, would be a most unwise procedure...General Eisenhower has warned that our war-alert status may last 20 or 30 years. We must husband our financial strength and tighten our belts for the long struggle ahead...." Fine condition. With original postmarked envelope bearing Byrd's printed frank. Lightly creased, else fine. Written less than two months after President Truman declared a "state of national emergency" on December 16, 1950. His announcement was prompted by military setbacks in the Korean War caused by the entry of Communist China and by evidence of the nuclear-armed Soviet Union's intentions of placing Europe, Japan and the Far East under its influence. Truman's plan called for a "stepped-up mobilization" of the country's human resources and military-industrial complex. By calling a moderate mobilization, the President was able to get America ready for large-scale war without diplomatically declaring that intention. The state of emergency gave the President more powers without the need for Congressional approval. Among these powers were the ability to give military contracts precedence over civilian and the imposition of wage and price controls. Truman's plan gained widespread support despite Byrd's criticism. Byrd was a former newspaper publisher and apple grower and had previously served as Governor of Virginia (1926-1930).He was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a vacancy in 1933. His financial expertise is evidenced by his appointments to the Committee on Finance and the Joint Committees of the Reduction of Nonessential Federal Expenditures and Internal Revenue Taxation. Byrd was the younger brother of Admiral and explorer, Richard Byrd. The Senator resigned in 1966, eleven months before he died. He was succeeded by his son, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Three items.