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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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through this period. The problem was, “What will we do with La Guardia?” La Guardia had had some kind of high, or relatively high, military post in the First World War, which made him feel that he knew all about war. The minute the European war broke out he was very restless, knew more about it than anybody else did. He was that kind. He was a very sensitive and alert man. He did know a lot of things. His mind was quick. His imagination was quick. He foresaw things that other people perhaps would not have noticed.

He and his friends began to be a problem to the President because he had to be appointed to something. Knudsen was appointed to something. Hillman was appointed to something. All kinds of people were being appointed to various things and were being regarded as the great people to save and defend America. La Guardia couldn't stand it.

Among the people who were always promoting him and who admired him very much was Ickes. He a parently was very impressed by La Guardia. Where he knew him from or how he knew him, I don't know. I don't recall what he says about him in his books, but he was always saying, “Why don't you get La Guardia for this? Now, La Guardia would like to do that. La Guardia might do that, Mr. President.” That would always come from Ickes.





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