ABSTRACT
The bulk of Franklin D. Roosevelt's work was the less dramatic, but more important, management of the Navy's shore business. The only person whom Roosevelt could trust completely, he became the Assistant Secretary's eyes and ears and his secret agent in many a sensitive business. Louis Howe had even less experience than Roosevelt for this role. Ordinarily the Navy's business matters were handled routinely in the various bureaus. The professional Navy men could take Roosevelt in their stride, but Howe was more difficult for them to accommodate. Roosevelt then passed the buck. Congress must decide whether to build a Navy plant, encourage real competition, or, if current practices seemed wise, provide, direct and open legislative subsidy rather than the hidden cushion of collusive bidding. Much of the work involved the Navy Yards. Their chief problem was the friction between commanding officers and naval industrial managers.
