New Britain herald., 1930-02-18
Hoover Calls Conference

Washington, Feb. IS Pt-Hope- ful that an exchange of ideas might produce some solution for the ad- ministration's frankly serious legs- lativc problems, President Hoover invited republican congressional leaders to the White House today for a breakfast table conference.
 Admittedly, the outlook was gloomy. Until the senate completes it's protracted debate on the tariff bill and disposes of that measure. the legislative program is blocked. And, where the tariff is concerned, the coalition of democrats and in- dcpendent western republicans IS strongly entrenched in command O. the situation.
 Those summoned to the executive mansion were Senator Watson of In diana. the republican leader, Sena- tor McNary of Oregon, the assistant party chicftain, Speaker LongWorth, Representative Tilson. Connecticut the house republican leader, and the authors of the tariff bill. Senator Smoot of Utah and Representative Hawlcy of Oregon.
 House Blamcs Senate
 The house leaders were inclined to blame the senate, Mr. TilSon was the author of the prediction tha~ unless the situation in the senate clears soon. the house will have no disposition to go ahead with pcnd- ing legislation, including bills carry ing out the presidents prohibition recommendations and measures for railroad consolidation and for strengthening the banking laws.
 There was a possibility, too. in the opinion of the Connecticut represent tative, that after the annual appro- priation bills are passed, the house may begin taking a series Of three day recesseS until the senate cal catch up with it.
 One prohibition bill proposed py the ministration-that transfer ring the enforcement unit from the treasury to the justice department already has been passed by the house and Is now awaiting action by tho senate. Tilson held the. view that this was the only one of tho four measures for strengthening the enforcement of the dry laws propos- cd by Mr. Hoover, that could be cn- acted into law at this session.
 Watson Report Gloomy
 Watson also had a gloomy rcnort for the president. The coalition is frankly in charge of the situation Tn the senate, and the regular re rublicans are virtually helpless so far as cXpediting the tariff debate is concerned The coalition has practically rewritten the tariff bill that came from the house. It hss eliminated almost all increases cx. cept those on agricultural com modities, made extensive changes iH the administrative provisions and provided work for conference com. mlttces that may keep them busy for two months.
 Alter it has sent the tariff 10 eo4ilcrclicN, tncrc arc indications that the senate will become inyol>- ed in stormy and extended debate on prohibition. How much time this will consume no one can say.
 Dry Measures Long Task
 There arc at least tour pendiug measures dealing with the dry laws which will serve to keep the prohi- bitlon controversy before the scnat.: for weeks. They are, the transfer bill, the Blaine resolution to repca! the eighteenth amendment, til. treasury department appropriatious bill and the proposal for a commit tee investigation Of enforcement, conditions.
 The last project has the suppo,l or numerous drys including suclj outstanding opponents of prohlbi- ton as Borah of Idaho, Norris Of Nebraska and Brookhart of Ioy,, The treasury supply bill makes sp- propriatons for the enforcement unit and the coast guard.