8/30/77

INTRODUCTION

FRANK PURE FOOD COMPANY (FRANKSVILLE) LABOR DISPUTE
Scope and Content Note: Cannery strikes although highly publicized as farmer-labor dispute. WLRB summoned when strikes in October 1937 and May-June 1938 allegedly threatened spinach crops. Kyle and S. Norman Moe participated in contract negotiations at request of newly organized and inexperienced union. Contract ratified and crops saved. Recalls poor working conditions in plants and low wages which justified labor grievances.

PARTICIPATION OF WLRB MEMBERS IN CONTROVERSIAL AND WELL-PUBLICIZED LABOR DISPUTES
Scope and Content Note: Not directly involved in mediation, but occasionally lent assistance, especially in early days of Board's existence. Not involved in Franksville dispute.

WLRB MILWAUKEE OFFICE
Scope and Content Note: Established two months after creation of WLRB.

REACTION TO LABOR DISPUTES IN FARMER-OWNED COOPERATIVES
Scope and Content Note: While some farmers feared losing partial control of their cooperatives, Kyle recalls no serious problems. Most labor disputes involved privately-owned processing concerns. Occasionally, farmer-legislators and others approached Kyle privately to express concern about farmer-labor difficulties. News media and such Republican legislators as Vernon Thomsen, exploited farmer-labor disputes.

FARMERS' REACTION TO UNION ORGANIZATION IN DAIRY PLANTS
Scope and Content Note: Feared union labor would price farmers out of market, challenge farmer control of coop management and disrupt smooth operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS IN DAIRY COOPERATIVES
Scope and Content Note: Wages low, but good, if not better than conditions in private plants. Farmers resented wage differential between plant workers' eight-hour day and farmers' fourteen-hour day.

PHIL LA FOLLETTE'S REACTION TO UNIONIZATION OF FARMERS' COOPERATIVES
Scope and Content Note: Phil forced to consider the matter because of attention it received in news. No recall of discussing issue with Phil; no recollection of discussions with Ed Littel about labor problems.

LABOR DISPUTES IN WISCONSIN COMPARED TO OTHER STATES DURING EXISTENCE OF WLRB
Scope and Content Note: Fewer, shorter and less costly strikes than in neighboring states. Wisconsin's relative degree of labor peace interrupted during period of intense rivalry between state AF of L and CIO.

IMPACT OF FARMER-LABOR DISPUTES ON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Contributed to Heil victory. Kyle not directly involved in 1938 campaign but kept in contact with campaign workers in rural areas. Kyle could sense farmer dissatisfaction with labor legislation; farmers felt Phil's administration was pro-labor.

IMPACT OF SPECIAL (“WPA SESSION”) ON ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Another “material contributing factor” to Phil's defeat. Legislators highly resented Tom Duncan's pressure tactics, necessary from Phil's standpoint because of Paul R. Alfonsi's weakness as assistant speaker.

WISCONSIN AGRICULTURAL AUTHORITY (WAA)
Scope and Content Note: Introduced in 1937 special legislative session to balance labor bills. Failed to placate those farmers who opposed changing their traditional operations. Not a major issue in the session.

KYLE'S INVOLVEMENT IN SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Scope and Content Note: Kept reasonably well-informed of events through Capital Times which became progressingly more critical. Kyle recognized conflict of interests between legislators who favored traditional, unhurried legislative process and Phil's overzealous tactics to reintroduce bills defeated in regular 1937 session.

SPECULATING ON WHETHER PHIL WOULD HAVE USED TACTICS IN
Scope and Content Note: Doubtful; as first term governor, Phil recognized the importance in moving cautiously and expected to remain in office for a second term.

PHIL'S MOTIVATION IN
Scope and Content Note: Wanted substantive accomplishment and felt special session was time to act.

PHIL'S ADVISERS
Scope and Content Note: Tom Duncan, aggressive and assertive; other less vocal advisers included Gordon Sinykin, A.W. Zeratsky, and Ralph Immell.

END OF TAPE 12, SIDE 1

INTRODUCTION

PUBLIC CRITICISM OF LA FOLLETTE'S LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Scope and Content Note: Special legislative session passed all La Follette's programs except highway safety. Public sentiment influenced by disapproving newspapers, especially Capital Times, supposedly the “voice of the Progressives.”

PHIL LAUNCHES NATIONAL PROGRESSIVES OF AMERICA (NPA) AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON STOCK PAVILLION
Scope and Content Note: Third strongest factor in Phil's 1938 defeat. Poorly received by Progressives friendly to Roosevelt and left-wing Progressive Party members. Kyle not foretold of event but newspapers, maneuvered by Phil's press people, foreshadowed event.

PHIL'S REASONS FOR LAUNCHING NPA
Scope and Content Note: Hoped to be president and form a national Progressive movement; Phil dissatisfied with Roosevelt; felt FDR had “run his course.”

PHIL'S CLOSEST ADVISORS IN LAUNCHING NPA
Scope and Content Note: Immell and Zeratsky. Immell temporarily appointed campaign manager.

PHIL ATTEMPTS TO BROADEN BASE OF PROGRESSIVISM AS PERSONAL PRESIDENTIAL VEHICLE

KYLE'S REACTION TO CREATION OF NPA
Scope and Content Note: Questioned timing with approaching clouds of war. Phil judged time ripe because of Roosevelt recession.

NPA STOCK PAVILLION RALLY ON
Scope and Content Note: Spotlight on Phil and NPA symbol. Sizeable audience reacted politely, but unenthusiastically. Recalls post-rally complaints from Progressive left wing and Roosevelt supporters. Press intent on defeating Phil in election; exaggerated event; misrepresented NPA flag as swastika. Unusual to have local, regional, or national political rallies with military pageantry. Phil planned rally to appeal to audience, never imagining flag's symbolism would bring criticism.

IMPACT OF “DUNCAN AFFAIR” ON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: While Duncan's Milwaukee hit and run accident was highly publicized, a minor influence on election.

IMPACT OF GLENN FRANK INCIDENT ON ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Minor contributing factor to Phil's defeat; greatest impact in Madison and other college towns. Lost some support, e.g., Fred Holmes, Daniel H. Grady, Gunnar Gunderson. Little effect on farmers whose attention captured more by Frank's spats, symbol of urban snobbery.

KYLE'S REACTION TO FRANK CASE
Scope and Content Note: Aware of situation from news media. Acquainted with Glenn Frank from mutual participation in student government at University of Wisconsin; agreed with description of Frank as “all thunder and no dawn,” satirizing Frank's book, Thunder and Dawn.

IMPACT OF HERMAN EKERN-TOM AMLIE PRIMARY ELECTION ON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Ekern-Amlie U.S. Senate primary in 1938, which divided Progressive Party between Amlie's radical Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation (FLPF) faction and Ekern's conservative element, a minor contributing factor to Phil's defeat.

DEMOCRATS' REACTION TO STRONG PROGRESSIVE SENATORIAL CANDIDATE
Scope and Content Note: Felt Duffy had been effective New Deal supporter; unhappy that Duffy being challenged by a strong Progressive.

KYLE DEFINES PROGRESSIVE PARTY FACTIONS IN CONTEXT OF AMLIE-EKERN SENATORIAL PRIMARY
Scope and Content Note: “Radicals” and “economic liberals” felt Amlie supported their interests. “Ethnic isolationists,” especially Norwegian element predominantly favored Ekern. Difficult choice for many Progressives not ideologically agreeing with either side. Kyle's working acquaintance and respect for both candidates caused personal dilemma; doesn't recall how he voted.

HEIL'S STRENGTHS IN GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Liked people; friendly; out-going; effective campaigner on one-to-one basis. Advocated traditional Republican philosophy; offered no substantive policy program. Little confidence, even among Republican Party members that he would win.

PROGRESSIVE PARTY'S DEVASTATING DEFEAT IN ELECTIONS
Scope and Content Note: Progressive Party lost all constitutional offices, two Congressional seats, and all but seventeen legislative seats. Gubernatorial defeat result of anti-Phil, anti-Progressive vote rather than pro-Heil. Wisconsin caught up in prevailing national resurgence of Republican Party.

END OF TAPE 12, SIDE 2

INTRODUCTION

MORE ON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Discussed questions raised repeatedly over Phil's politics with defeat of NPA and after 1937 special legislative session. Phil's overconfidence meant less than maximum campaign effort, despite his running for an unprecedented fourth term. John W. Reynolds nominal state Progressive Party chairman.

CONSTITUENT DIFFICULTIES IN SEEKING AUDIENCE WITH PHIL PRIOR TO ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Kyle does not recall specific incidents of constituents thwarted from an audience with Phil; visitors kept waiting occasionally because of demands on governor's time.

GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZERS FOR PHIL IN ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Disinterest and disillusion among organizers; few committed workers.

DIVISIONS IN PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Scope and Content Note: Young Progressives ideologically slightly left of center. Progressives experienced no greater division because of 1938 elections than split since party's beginning. Split more apparent over NPA issue.

PHIL'S ROLE IN PROGRESSIVE PARTY AFTER ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Maintained interest; not active participant on state level. Continued actively supporting NPA during following year; by 1940 disengaged from Party.

PROGRESSIVE PARTY LEADERSHIP AFTER ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Phil's leadership role while completing governorship passed to Orland S. Loomis, attorney general under Phil and “heir apparent” governor. Kyle defeated Kenneth Hones and succeeded Reynolds as Party state chairman.

KYLE'S RESPONSIBILITIES AS CHAIRMAN OF PROGRESSIVE PARTY STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
Scope and Content Note: Recruit a good candidate for governor in 1940; attempt to reclaim losses in Congress, state offices and state legislature.

KYLE'S INVOLVEMENT WITH NPA
Scope and Content Note: Made one promotional trip, although little confidence NPA would succeed. Motivated by desire to help Phil and disappointment with Roosevelt.

COMMENTS ON GLENN ROBERTS
Scope and Content Note: Phil's assistant district attorney and previous law partner; actively involved in Progressive Party after 1938 election; elected to party chairmanship in 1942.

BOB LA FOLLETTE'S ROLE IN STATE PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Scope and Content Note: Not an active leader. Removed from Wisconsin politics; more closely identified with national politics, a “senator's senator.”

ACTIVE MEMBERS OF PROGRESSIVE PARTY UP TO ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Most active Young Progressives included Miles McMillin, John A. Lawton, Gaylord Nelson, Carl Thompson, Roland Day, Herbert Mount, George Hampel. Young Progressives allotted a Party vice-chairmanship.

KYLE LEAVES WLRB POSITION
Scope and Content Note: Realized he would have no place in Heil administration; WLRB became dysfunctional and Kyle disagreed with concepts embodied in Wisconsin Employment Peace Act; used his resignation as political maneuver to criticize WEPA.

WISCONSIN EMPLOYMENT PEACE ACT,
Scope and Content Note: Replacing state's “little Wagner Act,” WEPA modeled after original Taft-Hartley bill pending in Congress; sacrificed labor's rights in favor of increased employer privileges. Employment peace bill sponsored by big business and drawn up in obscure Milwaukee corporation law firm; business interests recognized passage required facade of farmer support. Large cooperatives used leverage in Wisconsin Council of Agriculture to favor revised labor act. Kyle unsympathetic to bill, visualizing enforcement problems. Recalls once unobtrusively attending Assembly debate over bill.

END OF TAPE 13, SIDE 1

INTRODUCTION

ROLE OF DEMOCRAT-REPUBLICAN COALITION IN PHIL'S ELECTION DEFEAT
Scope and Content Note: Democrats and Republicans jointly agreed to run coalition candidates in primary elections to present slate of candidates in opposition to Phil and Progressives in general election.

COALITION EFFECTS ON LEGISLATURE AFTER ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Helped to dismantle progressive legislation.

PROGRESSIVES IN STATE LEGISLATURE AFTER ELECTIONS
Scope and Content Note: Thirty-two Progressives in Assembly, eleven in Senate a fairly well organized, aggressive group, but lacked strength to resist efforts to reverse earlier-enacted progressive measures.

BOB LA FOLLETTE/ROOSEVELT CONFLICT OVER FOREIGN POLICY
Scope and Content Note: Disagreement developed about 1939, intensified in 1940-41; caused repercussions in state Progressive Party between disputing isolationists and interventionists.

BOB LA FOLLETTE'S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN
Scope and Content Note: Opposed by George Mead, Republican [actually Fred H. Clausen was the Republican candidate] and James E. Finnegan, Democrat.

FDR NOMINATES AMLIE TO INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION (ICC)
Scope and Content Note: FDR unaware of strength and effectiveness of opposition to Amlie's nomination, although expected vocal opposition from conservative Democrats in Legislature. Little opposition from Progressive Party members.

EFFORTS TO ASSIMILATE PROGRESSIVE PARTY INTO DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN
Scope and Content Note: Recalls no effective efforts to consolidate parties in 1939; lack of Democratic leadership from Duffy and William Rubin. Candidacy of New Deal Democrat Francis E. McGovern for governor might possibly have been a move towards merging parties.

PROGRESSIVE PARTY IN ELECTIONS
Scope and Content Note: Better organized for Bob's senatorial campaign than for 1938 general elections; Party continued regular promotional activities: recruiting legislative candidates; sponsoring non-election year state-wide rallies; maintaining backing from traditionally supportive state newspaper editors; making sure candidates covered in The Progressive and Capital Times. Kyle recalls ineffective promotional scheme devised by dentist, J. U. Luetscher of Mondovi.

BOB'S CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES
Scope and Content Note: Returned to campaign in Wisconsin early as opposed to previous campaign when arrived Saturday before election; in 1940 stumped the state and used radio.

PROGRESSIVE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Five candidates competed in first open primary for governorship: “heir apparent” Orland S. Loomis, former attorney general, backed by La Follettes and most Party leaders, aroused little enthusiasm; Harold Stafford, aggressive campaigner, a Stevens Point lawyer who recently had joined Progressive Party; ambitious Paul R. Alfonsi, supported by Young Progressives; Phil Nelson, state senator from Superior; tax commissioner, Henry Gunderson, Phil's former lieutenant governor.

SOURCE OF LOOMIS SUPPORT
Scope and Content Note: Low key campaign approach; had access to large organized groups, e.g., rural electric cooperatives; lawyers; educational groups; World War I veterans. Previous Assembly and Senate experience and two terms as attorney general provided labor connections, although Loomis not strong labor candidate.

ALLEN J. BUSBY ENTERS STATE SENATE PRIMARY AS BOTH PROGRESSIVE AND REPUBLICAN
Scope and Content Note: A Progressive in principle, he changed to Republican ticket to get elected; served twenty years as Republican. Maintained progressive convictions despite Republican affiliation. Similar situations began to occur in 1940's.

END OF TAPE 13, SIDE 2

INTRODUCTION

HENRY WALLACE'S CAMPAIGN VISIT
Scope and Content Note: Sent by FDR to campaign for Bob. Kyle considered his speaking engagement in Madison to be helpful.

MANAGING BOB'S CAMPAIGN
Scope and Content Note: Campaign funding from “where we had always gotten it:” small donors, family, candidates, Progressive Party. Kyle acted as part-time campaign manager; Mrs. G. E. (Ada) Elkington, secretary of Party Central Committee, responsible for daily operations.

VICE CHAIRMEN OF PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Scope and Content Note: Approximately twelve, representing various interest groups among them: Miles McMillin, Young Progressives; George Hampel, Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation; John Handley, Wisconsin State Federation of Labor; Kenneth Hones, Wisconsin Farmers Union; William Rabe and William Owen, farmers' cooperative and rural electric interests; representatives of women; representatives of Wisconsin State Industrial Union Council (CIO).

PROGRESSIVE FORTUNES IN ELECTION AND IN SUCCEEDING YEARS TO MID-40's
Scope and Content Note: After devastating defeat in 1938 elections, Congressional delegation increased to three in 1940 with election of Harry Sauthoff, although Loomis defeated, twelve or thirteen legislative seats lost. Additional losses in legislature in 1942 despite Loomis victory. 1944 a disastrous year.

MAJOR FACTORS IN LOOMIS' DEFEAT IN GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Liberal vote evenly distributed in race among Loomis, McGovern, and Heil. Issues included Loomis' firm support on rural electrification and other farm issues and general dissatisfaction over Heil's clowning, his unpopular utterances about bringing oleomargarine into Wisconsin, and lack of support for University of Wisconsin. McGovern's decision to run was the pivotal point in election.

POSSIBILITY OF CONSOLIDATING PROGRESSIVE AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES IN
Scope and Content Note: Some hints at merging parties circulated among Party's labor sector. Generally, Progressives encouraged by results of 1940 elections and merger among liberals basically a post-war event.

COMMENTS ON TOM AMLIE'S POLITICAL CAREER AFTER
Scope and Content Note: Entered 1941 special election for vacated First District Congressional seat; Progressive Party nominated Kenneth Greenquist who entered race as independent Democrat because Wisconsin law prevented him from running under Progressive label. Greenquist and Kyle later agreed on futility of three-way race and Greenquist withdrew. Kyle, while personally disappointed, voted for Amlie instead of Republican, Lawrence Smith, whose victory ended Amlie's political career in First District. Amlie later entered Madison Democratic primary for district attorney, but Democratic Party in Dane County, led by Young Progressives, backed Richard Bardwell. Later, Amlie ran for Congress, losing to Robert Kastenmeier. In all, Kyle remained faithful to Amlie, feeling former Young Progressives owed Amlie their loyal support. Kyle disappointed in Amlie's 1941 shift to Democratic Party, which presaged liberal migration from Progressives to Democrats.

KYLE'S RACE FOR WALWORTH COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Scope and Content Note: A hasty write-in campaign in behalf of Kyle, a “crusading” Progressive candidate for district attorney, organized mainly by clergy concerned by such vice as gambling and slot machines, combined with effort to strengthen Amlie's Congressional candidacy.

PRIMARY ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Party strategy similar to 1940, with more enthusiasm and confidence due to Loomis' near victory in 1940. Heil aided Progressives by continuing to defame himself. Finances remained a problem; legislative candidates easily recruited but defeated in general elections.

LOOMIS' LOYALTY TO PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Scope and Content Note: Never feared Democratic Party would co-opt Loomis. Kyle has speculated that Loomis in 1944 might have switched to Republicans for greater success in working with legislature and constitutional officers.

END OF TAPE 14, SIDE 1

INTRODUCTION

LOOMIS VICTORY IN ELECTION
Scope and Content Note: Victorious despite Democrat Dr. William C. Sullivan probably taking more votes from Loomis than from Heil.

LIEUTENANT GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION IN
Scope and Content Note: H. Roy Johnson, reputable railroad brotherhood representative from Wausau, opposed well-known Racine newspaper publisher and state senator, Walter S. Goodland, a successful vote-getter.

KYLE LEARNS OF LOOMIS' DEATH
Scope and Content Note: Aware of Loomis' critical and worsening condition from periodic reports received in Whitewater; death anticipated.

IMPACT OF LOOMIS' DEATH ON PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Scope and Content Note: Critical event, since Loomis and Sauthoff last hope for the Party.

COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR WALTER S. GOODLAND
Scope and Content Note: Kyle unimpressed and discouraged with Goodland's political record and considered him “independent, gruff, honest,” but “pretty reactionary.” Goodland inspired little confidence, but as governor was a “pleasant surprise,” possibly reverting ideologically to days as La Follette supporter. Kyle speculates about independence assumed by politician in only term in office, and a governor's unique perspective of events. Goodland, with high moral standards, in conflict with such young Republicans as Vernon Thomsen.

KYLE DOESN'T KNOW THOMAS COLEMAN

EFFECTS OF WORLD WAR II ON STATE POLITICS
Scope and Content Note: Bob La Follette and congressmen concentrated on isolationist issue; state officers adhered to state issues; liberal farmers' interest in social legislation not significantly reduced by economic prosperity caused by the war; newly-created Wisconsin Association of Cooperatives (WAC) lobbied in behalf of domestic and national economic legislation, especially tax bills.

KYLE VACATES PROGRESSIVE PARTY CHAIR IN
Scope and Content Note: Returned to private law practice, assumed duties of Whitewater city attorney, and conducted hearings for National War Labor Board (NWLB). Glenn D. Roberts succeeded Kyle in September 1942.

KYLE A PROGRESSIVE CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS IN PRIMARY
Scope and Content Note: Approached by First District labor leaders, and agreed to run. Ran impersonal and unstructured campaign depending on support and assistance from former contacts and acquaintances; death of Tom Morrissey had resulted in loss of avid supporter.

KYLE'S CONTACT WITH PROGRESSIVE PARTY AFTER TERM AS PARTY CHAIRMAN
Scope and Content Note: Kept abreast of current developments; attended platform convention in Madison after being nominated as Party candidate. After 1944 primary, Kyle vowed never to run again for political office because of financial and physical drain.

COMMENTS ON DANIEL HOAN
Scope and Content Note: Milwaukee “practical socialist” turned New Deal Democrat who led liberal Progressives towards Democrats using vehicle of Dane County Citizen's Committee. Assembled slate of Progressives for Democratic Party in 1944. Hoan's opportunism led to a “Hoan slate of Progressives.”

RIVALRY BETWEEN MILWAUKEE AND MADISON DEMOCRATS
Scope and Content Note: Always some minor rivalry. Recalls how stalwarts prided themselves in rousing the state against Madison wing, i.e., La Follettes and Blaine.

END OF TAPE 14, SIDE 2