Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-23
Norman Thomas Leads Con-
ference Here Urging Special
Meeting of Congress.
WANTS TAX REVISION
TO HELP J0BLESS FUND
Republican Senatorial Leader
Promises to Discuss Problem
When President Returns.

An impromptu debate between Sena-
tor Watson OF Indiana. Republican SEN
atorial leader, and Norman Thomas.
former candidate for President on the
Socialist ticket, over the ACCESSIBILITY OF
a special session Of the new Congress
featured conference OF 10 or more
organizations held here today to con-
slider ways and means of urging an ex-
ira session on unemployment and in
ternational problems
Senator Watson told the delegation he
did not believe economic conditions were
such at the present time to necessitate
calling the new Congress and that he
did not believe a special session would
be helpful in expediting a return to
prosperous conditions. He assured his
callers, however. that he would be will
Ing to talk over their suggestions with
President Hoover when the latter re-
turns to Washington.
Urges Loans to Communities.
Thomas, one of those who came to
washington Tor the unoficial confer
ence, told of information he had gath
ereo as TO the need for UNEMPLOYMENT
feIle1 IN large cities throughout the
country and urged the calling of Con-
gress Immediately to make loans tn
communities to assist them in caring
Tor unemployed. He advocated the re-
vision OF income taxes as a means Of
meeting the cost OF such appropriations.
Inc conference, which had assembled
In one Of the committee rooms of the
senate ONCE Building at the call of
Benlamen G. Marsh executive secretary
OF the Peoples Lobby, had already de-
clded on program of procedure BY
which to stimulate interest in a pro-
posed special session Of Congress, one
step being to call on various congress
sional leaders. One member of the con-
ference communicated with Senator
Watson by telephone and reported back
tnat. the Senator said that while he
was strongly opposed to a special ses-
sion at this time, he would be glad to
see them in his ONCE.
Cali at Senator's once.
Mr.. Marsh promptly suggested that
tney adjourn temporarily to cali on
the Indiana Senator
Gathering in Senator Watson's Office.
the arguments for an extra session
were presented for the group by Mr..
IhomaS and by Miss Dorothy Deter.
secretary OF the Women's international
League for Peace and Freedom.
Senator Watson said that Of course
no one wants to see human suffering.
and that il he felt the various COM
munitieS OF the country had reached a
point where they were unable through
local taxation and local agencies to
care Tor the unemployment problem, he
would favor prompt action to bring
about aid from the Federal Treasury.
He emphasized, however, that he did
not believe conditions are at that pofr1t
In the United States at this time. He
said ne has been keeping in touch with
Col. Arthur Woods of the Presidents
employment Committee and with John
Barton Payne of the Red Gross.
Other Issues Considered.
Members OF the calling delegation
argued that Federal aid to the uneu-
ployed would increase their purchasing
power, and in that way help improve
business conditions.
Before calling on Senator Watson
the group had decided that the special
session should be urged not only to
consider unemployment, but also inter-
national aspects of present conditions.
several speakers took the view that
economic conditions throughout the
world have a partial bearing on condi-
tons in this country
The group also decided to ask a
number of Senators who took part In
the recent Progressive conference here
to make speeches in the near future
IN support of special session. This in
Vltation, 1t was decided, would be ex-
tended to Senators Norris of Nebraska
Cutting of New Mexico, Wheeler of
Montana, La Toilette of Wisconsin and
Senator-elect Costigan of Colorado. the
i've who took the lead in arranging that
meeting of Progressiyes two weeks ago.
The invitation also will be made 10
Senator Borah of Idaho.
Another resolution was adopted To
ay the request for a special session
before the chairmen of the Republican
ma Democratic National Committees.