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Editorial
September 5, 1950
The Daily Alaska Empire
Juneau, Juneau County, Alaska
What is this article about?
Reprint of Drew Pearson's column on President Truman's refusal to approve a 35-year public housing and utilities plan for Alaska's defense, influenced by his personal experience paying off debts for 20 years, to avoid burdening future generations amid potential Russian invasion threats.
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Full Text
Tuesday, September 5, 1950
ALASKA DEFENSE-TRUMAN
In Drew Pearson's Washington Merry-Go-Round
for release yesterday, Labor Day, there are several
paragraphs relative to Alaska that we are printing
today as The Empire did not publish on the holiday.
The paragraphs are as follows:
Harry Truman's experience of going broke as a
haberdasher and paying off his debts for 20 years now
influences his decisions as President of the United
States. This was revealed at a White House conference
called to discuss the defense of Alaska-the place
which any Russian invasion might hit first.
Military advisers were trying to get the President
to O. K. a plan for public housing and utilities in
Alaska to be paid for over a 35-year period. Housing
for troops in the bitter cold winters happens to be
what Alaska needs most.
Mr. Truman listened carefully and then said: "No.
I'm not going to approve that. I spent 20 years of my
life with a heavy debt hanging over my head, and
I'm not going to burden the people of Alaska with
that kind of worry. Every year I paid $1,000 on the
debt when my clothing store went under. It wasn't
all paid until the year I was nominated for Vice-
President."
Philosophically, Mr. Truman continued: "I don't
want my children or children's children paying off
the debts for mistakes I could make in the White
House. That's why I don't want to commit our
armed forces or resources to any such long-range
plans as the Russians seem up to."
ALASKA DEFENSE-TRUMAN
In Drew Pearson's Washington Merry-Go-Round
for release yesterday, Labor Day, there are several
paragraphs relative to Alaska that we are printing
today as The Empire did not publish on the holiday.
The paragraphs are as follows:
Harry Truman's experience of going broke as a
haberdasher and paying off his debts for 20 years now
influences his decisions as President of the United
States. This was revealed at a White House conference
called to discuss the defense of Alaska-the place
which any Russian invasion might hit first.
Military advisers were trying to get the President
to O. K. a plan for public housing and utilities in
Alaska to be paid for over a 35-year period. Housing
for troops in the bitter cold winters happens to be
what Alaska needs most.
Mr. Truman listened carefully and then said: "No.
I'm not going to approve that. I spent 20 years of my
life with a heavy debt hanging over my head, and
I'm not going to burden the people of Alaska with
that kind of worry. Every year I paid $1,000 on the
debt when my clothing store went under. It wasn't
all paid until the year I was nominated for Vice-
President."
Philosophically, Mr. Truman continued: "I don't
want my children or children's children paying off
the debts for mistakes I could make in the White
House. That's why I don't want to commit our
armed forces or resources to any such long-range
plans as the Russians seem up to."
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
Foreign Affairs
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Truman Debt
Alaska Defense
Public Housing
Russian Invasion
Military Advisers
White House Conference
What entities or persons were involved?
Harry Truman
Military Advisers
Russians
Alaska
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Truman's Rejection Of Long Term Financing For Alaska Defense Housing
Stance / Tone
Admiring Of Truman's Frugal And Cautious Approach
Key Figures
Harry Truman
Military Advisers
Russians
Alaska
Key Arguments
Truman's Haberdashery Failure And 20 Year Debt Repayment Shape His Presidential Decisions
Rejects 35 Year Public Housing Plan For Alaska To Avoid Long Term Debt Burdens
Alaska Needs Housing For Troops In Cold Winters Due To Potential Russian Invasion
Opposes Committing Resources To Long Range Plans Amid Russian Threats To Prevent Burdening Future Generations