Evening star., 1928-03-15
CONGRESSAWA|TS
RADIO AGREEMENT
Bill in Conference Between
Two Houses-Commission
Expires Tonight.

Senate disagreement with the House
equalization amendment to the radio
bill has thrown the matter into con-
ference between special committees of
the two houses of Congress. Out of
the conference may emerge an agree
nlent upon which final vote will be
taken and which will be submitted 20
President Coolidge for approval. Mean
while, the Federal Radio Commission
after midnight tonight is merely an
appellate board. although the radio bill
provides for extension of its administra-
tive functions for another year.
Until the legislation comes out of
conference. the 'czar" of the radio
realm under the 1927 law stih i'll effect
is w. D. Terrell. chief of the radio
division of the Department of Com
rnerce. It is hardly likely, however,
that he will exercise his authority to
reign. for Secretary Hoover will. no
doubt, automatically refer the whole
radio problem to the Federal Radio
Commission as q theoretical appeal.
This is the logical temporary ex-
pediency. for Mr.. Hoover plainly does
not want to take hold Of the radio
problem at this juncture, If the con-
ferences in Congress drag on. however,
Supervisor Terrell Will have the radio
task forced upon him. for all existing
licenses expire April /.
Method Is Scored.
The Senate's disagreement 10 the
equalization amendment does not mean
Il has voted down the proposition over
whelmingly passed by the House to allo-
cate equal stations. wave lengths and
powers to each Of the five radio zones.
Senator Dill, father of the radio act Of
last year, obtained q technical disagree
rent In order to throw the matter into
conference. He said he regards the
purpose OF the House as praiSeworthy,
but he does not regard the method as
practicable.
Senator Dill said he believes some
reason exists to correct the present
situation. but that the House measure
needs modification Upon Commits
sioner Caldwell of New York he lays
the blame for the high powers granted
q few stations. and against Mr.. Cald-
wells confirmation he proposes to wage
q fight when it comes up for final con-
sideration soon.
That Southern Senators want the bill
In the House form was indicated by
statements 10 that effect by Senators
Broussaro. Louisiana; McKellar, Ten
nessee, and Mayfield. Texas. If the
House stands pat for its original
amendment, it may force the amend
rent to an open vote in the Senate
There. a stiff fight may be expected in
view OF the danger the measure entails
Of sulnmarily closing down many sta
tons and reducing power of some Of
the leading stations.
Intent Disregarded.
Senator Din declared the amendment
was the result of the commissions dis
regard Of the equitable service provision
Of the present law. particularly as to
zone powers. THAT intent" said he
In the Senate, has been disregarded
by the commission. But ! believe we
can reach the desired result without
n provision that win necessitate the
closing Of many stations or viii neces-
xitate shutting down stations with high
power that ought not TO be out of COM
mission at this time. ] do not think
the present language is workable or viii
bring about the result the House wants.
] believe that conference can agree
On language satisfactory 10 both House
and Senate"
With income tax returns scheduled
to be IN the hands of the Internal
Revenue Bureau by midnight tonight.
T. r. Peters viii give last-minute aid
TO those In trouble this evening through
WRHF. Mr.. Peters viii speak at 6:l5
O'Clock. The Town Crier and q group
OF old-tirne tunes viii precede him, and
after his talk a half hour musical pro.
gram viii be broadcast.