The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-02-13
HUGHES RANKS
alarmed BY
Walsh SHIFT
Montana Senator Deserts,
Lending Influence to
Opposition.
LEGAL ETHICS ASSAILED
Supreme Court ConfrereS
Draw Fire for Going
Beyond Law
LEGAL ETHICS ASSAILED
BIZ Tnitcd prexs

Bp Unitcd Press
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-The
opposition to Charles Evans Hughes
continued to gather strength in the
senate today in such a fashion that
for the first time since debate began
three days ago, there was some
doubt that he could ultimately be
confirmed.
While the opposition has not ye&
attained majority and Republican
Floor Leader Watson again ex-
pressed confidence that he could
keep his votes, it was learned that
Senator Thomas j. Walsh Dem,
Mont), one of the outstanding Con-
stitutional lawyers of the senate, has
decided to join the opposition. Walsh
voted for Hughes in committee.
Walsh said privately that Hughes
once had changed his mind about
an important proposition and that
he thought he, too, would do SO.
Effects Others
Because of his legal standing,
Walsh was expected by the oppose
ton leaders to carry several votes
with him. If he does. the strength
of the opposition will be such as to
put the outcome of the contest in
doubt.
This development came while the
lobby investigating committee was
ascertaining that Hughes wrote the
contract which the American Cy-
anlmtd Company proposed to the
government for Muscle Shoals.
While there was no allegation
that Hughes action was improper,
there has been a strong sentiment
among the Democrats and indie
pendent Republicans against leas-
ing Muscle Shoals to private inter-
estS. The matter was expected to
be called to the attention of the
senate later in the day by s 1ator
Black (Dem., Ala.
Fight on New Lines
Meanwhile the attack upon the
appointment continued in the senate
along new lines. Senators La
Toilette (Rep, Wis.,, Nye (Rep..
N. d. and Glass Dem, Va con-
tended that the majority OF the su-
preme court as now constituted and
as proposed to be constituted, If
Hughes is confirmed, has gone be-
yond Interpretation of the law.
Nye also touched upon Hughes
political activities. He quoted from
what he said were Hughes own
words in refusing to be considered
as presidential candidate in 1919.
1.-THE supreme court must not be
dragged into politics" Nye said
Hughes said at that time.
The westerner, for the first time
in the debate, questioned Hughes
legal ethics. He said it was of
doubtful ethics for Hughes to ap-
pear before the supreme court as
counsel after having served as a
member of the court.
Nye pointed out that President
Taft refused to take up law prac-
tice after he left the White House
because he had, as President, ap-
POAAlCCQ 90 LldliJ JuOECos
Charges UsurpatiOn
Senator La Toilette (Rep., Wis.,
said the issue was "transcendental"
involving the power which federal
judiciary has usurped" to invalidate
laws Of congress. 1t was the same
question that his famous father.
Fighting Bob, fought for so many
years, advocating limitations of the
courts power to hold laws uncon-
stitutional.
Taking cognizance of the over
night change in the senate, Wat
son admitted that he might not be
able TO carry out his threat to keep
the senate in session tonight until
it votes. Wednesday he said he
had the votes to do it.
But make no mistake about it,
we will confirm him when we get
to vote" Watson said.