United States Senate
Washington
July 13, 1939
My Dear Mother:
The lack of coordination
of my letters with events
already written about
by you is due to the
break in continuity of Senate
sessions. You had already read
and written me about the
Vanderberg-Lawrence articles
when I wrote you to look them
up. But your letter was at
the Mayflower, while I was
writing from here.
The hullabaloo by
columnists regarding the
supposed trade is groundless.
There was no negotiation, no
agreement in advance. What
occurred was that when Sen.
Adams (in charge of the Easy Money
Bill) was about to accept the
Pittman silver amendment I
rose as acting minority leader
and gave notice that I would
object on parliamentary grounds.
Therefore, while a parliamentary
question was being debated,
I turned to the Republicans
and asked what they wanted
done. They said let them
go. They are getting into
position where they will
have to support the opposition
So I turned and waived the notice.
Subsequently, the voting occurred
in harmony with the strategy-
We were eminently successful.
Nothing but the strong arm
method of a powerful executive
backed by his Atty. Genl. really
defying the law and the action
of Congress, defeats our accomplish
ment. Don't fear that I shall
depart from moral principle or
righteous conduct.
Best love,
Warren