Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-10
HOOVER TO SPEED
REPLY TO SENATE
Indicates Refusal to Return
Nominations of Three Pow
er Commissioners.

CONTINUED From First Page)
missal was a routine operation Of law
applying to all employees of the COM
mission; that no power policies were al
stake and that the recall move was be-
yond the Senate's rights, since tn" COM
missioners had taken Office.
If President Hoover stands pat, the
difficult course Of impeachment would
be the only path open for any Senate
attempt to remove the commissioner
from Office.
Thirteen Republicans, 80 Democrats
and the l Farmer-Labor member voted
for recall of the three commissioners
Five Democrats joined 80 Republicans
in opposition. Only one record vote
was taken, that on recall of Chairman
Smiths nomination. The other names
were considered by viva voce votes.
The dismissed men, Russell and King
figured in extensive conflict with the
old commission, opposing the policies
of Executive Secretary Bonner, who also
ocrat, Montana, author Of the recall
motion, contended they were let out
"for doing their duty
Other Suggestions Made.
The opposing forces were led by Sen
ator Golf of West Virginia and SEN
ator Couzens of Michigan, both Re-
publicans. Senator Bingham, Repub-
lican, Connecticut, protested that the
action constituted irregular in1peach-
ment proceedings" since it was based
on action taken by the men in office
rather than on their qualifications be-
fore assuming the duties.
Alternative suggestions were advanc-
ed, one for an investigation by a Sen
ate committee, another for a resolution
requesting the President to dismiss the
commissioners, but the recall forces
would not be turned from their pur-
pose.
Until the President replies to the
Senate demand, last nights action
clears away one of the most engross-
ing topics. which have served to de-
issues, however, are in the way and al
ready Senator'S have insisted that the
Jones maternity aid bill, long-stand-
ing source of conflict, be taken up be-
fore preceding to consideration Of ap-
preparation bills. The maternity bill
was made the order of business today:
Smith Indicates No Surprise.
Action of the Senate in asking for
the return of their nominations met
with silence on the part of the three
members of the Power Commission
concerned.
Smith, who has been indisposed sew
eral days, was in his office for only a
few minutes this morning and upon
departing, left word that he would not
be back today. He indicated that the
action of the Senate did not come as
a surprise. Draper and Garsaud, who
have been busy familiarizing themselves
with the details of their office, were
at their desks early, working as usual,
and there was no indication that they
anticipated any departure from custom.
In the meanwhile, Russell and King
also appeared at the commission, where
they still maintain offices, and spent
the best part of the morning in con-
ference.
While they have insisted all along
that their removal was uleyal-tLat
their position S were continued under
the new law recognizing the Power
CommisSion-both have made applica-
ton for reappointment, but Russell
said this morning that that was done
merely to conform to the resolution re-
Gently adopted by the commission. I'M
der which all employees whose services
1t was commended would be ended with
reorganization of the commission (King
and Russell included), were invited to
apply for retention of their places.
Commissioner McNinch is the four
year man and Commissioner William
son the three-year man. Neither of
these participated in the removal action.