Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-23
SENATORIAL TALKS
. ON RADIO STARTED
Metcalf and Harrison Discuss
Questions Before Gov
eminent.
BY MARTIN CoDEL.

On the heels of the announcement
Of the plan of The Washington star
to conduct weekly radio forum, the
National Broadcasting Co. staged the
frst of a weekly series of senatorial
discussions on governmental topics over
Nationwide network last night.
Senator Jesse H. Metcalf of Rhode
Island, speaking from his home here
and Senator Pat Harrison of Mississippi
1naugurated the new feature by dedi-
eating 1t to the promotion of better
citizenship through clearer understand
ing of government. The Washington
anniversary feature came as an I'M
scheduled surprise to the radio audi
ence, but Senator Metcalf said a
Senate broadcast committee had spent
several months in preparation for the
series.
This series of speeches by United
States Senators and the weekly Satur-
day night debates on current questions
to be conducted by The Washington
Star over the Columbia BroadcaSting
Systems national hook-up, represent
perhaps the most important develop
ments in the cultural side of broad
casting so far this year. The basic
plan of both sponsors is to promote the
American political ideal through the
newly developed medium of communi-
cation.
Senator Metcalf discussed the pur-
poses OF the broadcast, telling the audi
ence that it would not be dramatic or
spectacular, but an exposition of Gov
eminent through the Senate, which he
said was "a good barometer of Govern
ment." Senator Harrison detailed the
duties and responsibilities of United
States Senator.
The Star Series on March 2.
Later plans for this series have not
been disclosed by the chain organiza-
ton, but it is probable that it will also
include members of the House. Mean
while, The Sar'S broadcasts over the
Columbia System will begin with an
address on the significance of the in
augurations by Senator Borah on Sat-
urday night, March 2.
Senator Borah'S inaugural of this
program will be followed by the de-
bates on the farm relief and tariff queS-
tons by Senators and Congressman,
anticipating the short session of Con-
gress devoted to those matters that is
due to begin in April. Senator McNary
of Oregon and Senator Smith of South
Carolina are scheduled for the farm
problem debate. Representative Gar
ner of Texas and Representative Haw-
ley of Oregon, viii debate the tariff
question.
While the national radio public is
being assured of some splendid new
services from Washington via the
chains, the problem of governing radio
itself is one of the vital subjects before
the expiring Congress. Opposition to
the Watson-White bill to extend the
administrative authority of the Federal
Radio Commission another year is be-
ing met with the threat that cloture
will be invoked to gain passage of the
bill in the Senate.
Senator WatSon's committee on in
terstate commerce is holding back its
report on the confirmation of the two
new appointees to the commission, Ar
thur Batcheller and Prof C. NJ Jansky,
jr., pending the disposal of the bill in
the Senate. There it is blocked by the
unwillmgneSS of Senator Copeland of
New York to retain the licensing au-
thority in the hands of the commission
and his demand tlaat the authority
shall go back to the Department of
Commerce within the year.
Determined to Get Action.
So determined is, Senator Watson to
ecu dNtAOAA Dll bAlC D11is WHICH HAS passed
the House, that it is reported he has
petitioned the required number of Sena-
tors to invoke a rule rarely enforced in
the Senate, where the rights of minori-
ties are jealousy guarded. This rule
would call for vote within 48 hours
on whether the bill should be con-
Sidered Two-thirdS of the Senate would
be needed to bring the measure up
A favorable cloture vote would be tan
tamount to passage of the bill.
The difficulty with cloture, however,
Is that the men who are most strongly
in favor of the radio bill. like Senators
Dill and Wheeler, are utterly opposed
to cloture in principle. They would be
faced with the exigency of voting to
get a measure through by means they
have never yet been willing to employ.
However, Senator Watson is convinced
that an overwhelming majority of the
Senate fayors the passage of the bill.
The legislative Jam has already led
to determinations, and more may be ex-
pected in the week remaining before
adjournment. If the bill fails of enact
ment. Oswald Schuette, executive Sec
rotary Of the group of independent
manufacturers banded together as the
Radio Protective Association, said in a
statement that a successful filibuster
against the radio measure would prove
"a decisive victory for the radio trust "
He charged the Radio Corporation of
America and affiliated companies with
seeking the defeat of the bill because
they feel they could deal better with
the Department Of Commerce than with
the commission. The independents, he
added, are urging that the commission
life be extended.
(Copyright, 1929. by North American News
paper Alliance.l