New York, Dec. 31.
Reaction to President Roosevelt's Sunday night "fireside chat" was sparse but angry from the Axis countries, while Great Britain- and the "Balkans appeared greatly cheered by hhis strong. statements.
"Magnificent Address"
Senator Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky, Democratic leader in the ate, declared:
Tt was a magnificent address, Which certainly clarifies the, objectives of the American people."
Republican Senator Warren R. Aus~ tun of Vermont. said:
tt was just what the country need Senator Wiliam H. King, Utah Democrat, characterized the address as "one of the greatest Roosevelt speeches."
Mr. William Allen White, Kansas editor, and Chairman of the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Alles, enthusiastically commend= ed the address.
"On the Assembly Belt"
"We need not fear that we shall send our boys to war if we keep our men at home on the assembly belt, he said.
"This war will be won for world democracy if we give the president our support and trust him to keep America at peace. His statement was calm, magnificent."
Senator Burton K, Wheeler, Montana Democrat, who has long opposed the Administration's policy of ald fo Britain on the grounds that it Would Inevitably lead to American participation in the war, renewed his assertions and proposed a campaign {for @ "negotiated peace."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.