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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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about these matters, but I'm sure that he is, because in general we've agreed on this and I shall wait until he gets back.”

Then he drew himself up. “Does the President care what John L. Lewis thinks about his program?”

I've never forgotten that. That was the opening sally. “Does the President care what John L. Lewis thinks about his program?”

I said, “Why, I presume he does, as I do. I'm interested in having your views, Mr. Lewis--interested in having your attitude. You're an experienced labor leader. You know how these problems bear on the working people.”

Brushing it aside, “Does the President care what John L. Lewis thinks?”

I said, “Yes, I think so. He's as interested as I am in this, and I shall tell him when I see him that you think this is a good idea. And I shall consult other labor leaders.”

He said, “If the President cares what John L. Lewis thinks, why does he not consult him himself?”

I saw at once what the grievance was. I said, “Well, Mr. Lewis, he hasn't been here to consult anybody. I haven't consulted with him in detail on this. I know in general that this is a program that he would be concerned about and of course, if he isn't, why, I shan't make the proposal. But I'm preparing the material so that when I





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