 President's main objective is to bring about what he describes as a balanced government. Everyone who's read the history of the country knows that three elements have in turn dominated our government since the earliest days. First the agricultural element, then they lost out to the northern industrialists who reached their peak during the palmy days of Mark Hanna, and then after the war the new group, the financiers and stock sellers, they ruled until the crash came. Now President Roosevelt believes that the people are now ready and determined to help bring about a balanced government in which none of these three groups will predominate, but each group will share and share like with the others. And even if we all are working together unselfishly and equally, then we will have real economic peace and security. As for the future, no one can predict, but although it is true that a great deal has happened since the 4th March, I want to assure you and I speak from knowledge that President Roosevelt has only begun to fight. Mr. Howe in all the 21 years that you and the President have been so closely and constantly associated, can you remember many busier weeks than this one just ended? Since the inauguration, no one week has been busier than another because it couldn't be ordinarily peace and quiet rain until just before the end of the session and Congress develops a high-fevered activity and runs around in circles, but this time there is no return to normal. We started in at the same gate or even faster than that which the previous session closed. That's true, there certainly has been no unemployment in your circle in the past three months, but Mr. Howe, you promised to let us know all about what's happened each week in Washington, particularly those things which get crowded out of the papers by the sensational stories which fill the first page. What has happened this week that's particularly interesting? Well, of course, things are a little lonesome in the higher intellectual circles at the moment because so many of our deep thinkers are on their way to the European Conference. We got them all for a boat named the President Roosevelt, which all Europe will think is a compliment to FD, but as a matter of fact, it is named after Teddy and is old enough to have been his christening present. I understand, incidentally, that all the members of the Commission demanded a dozen extra pencils and four pads for use on the way over. You mean to work out their plans for bringing about world prosperity? Not at all. To try and figure out how they could live on the six dollars a day, which is the limit the government will allow them. I suppose they've had time to think about economic conferences but judging from their conversation before they left, I'm convinced that the six dollar per day limit was occupying the major part of their thoughts. They had the wonderful idea of renting a cottage out in the suburbs somewhere and pooling expenses. That fell through. Some thought that the fact that you had a higher health and the suggestion that Senator Pittman and Secretary of State Hall should take turns in cooking the meals and washing the dishes met with rather a cold reception. So they all go to hotels at Mr. Cox, who is taking his family along, hiring a whole house. And Mr. Warburg, the advisory group, who is an expert on high finance and has taken probably two houses. Have you heard from? Because there was radiograms from the boat since they left. I can't say we've seen any very startling information. And I suspect that most of them are just recovering from what we call in France, Mal-de-Mer. Perhaps it's just as well that a bunch on its way to cure a sick world should learn something on the way over about a sick ocean. I suppose Congress will adjourn pretty soon with the feeling that it's done a lot toward the return of happy days. Everybody, of course, is a little more careful than the prospect of a German. But it's hard to tell whether the legislators or the people are happier about this Congress getting through its jobs. For the moment, the joyous note is rather spoiled by the gloom that is settled over the budget department. There are rumors that an additional force of cleaners was called in on Saturday night to mop up the tears shed in the way the Senate spoiled the department's beautifully balanced budget when the Senate tacked on $150 million by reducing the proposed cuts in the veterans' allowances. How does that affect the general public? Well, incidentally, that is an action that should be administered to every one of you, because it means that additional taxes will have to be raised, which will amount to about a dollar and 25 cents for every human being in the United States directly or indirectly. You can be assured that eventually you will have to dig down and give Uncle Sam $1.25 cents for yourself and your Mrs. and all the goodies if you happen to be a man of family, because in the long run, any deficiency of the budget has to be paid for by the people. Now, Mr. Howe, will you excuse a personal question? I've noticed, as I've been talking with you here, that you seem worried about something. Has anything gone wrong? Are you expecting some sort of an important message? You jump every time anybody comes into the room. Well, perhaps I better make an honest confession. As long as you've noticed it, I am dreadfully worried. Is it something you can tell me? I suppose so. It's about those kittens, kittens, two, three weeks ago. The lady, somewhere out in California, wrote me she had two highly bred Persian cats who were about to add to the family. And could she name one of the kittens after me? I was flattered, and at once agreed. But I haven't heard a word since. I mislaid the letter so I can't tell her. Day after day, hour after hour, no word about those kittens. I never realized the anxiety of respected Godfair. If anyone in California has any word right, then let me know. And be sure and tell me how mother and the young ones are getting on, and how father stood the strain. It'll be a tremendous relief.