The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-12-04
C. O.P. DODGES
BATTLE WITH
MOSES FOES
Issue Evaded at Meeting,
but ProgresSiveS viii
Demand Custer.
MORATORIUM is FIRST
Hoover Debt Holiday Plan
Is Placed at Head of
Legislative Program.
PU Tinted press

By United Press
WASHINGTON, Dec. A With
progressives absent, senate Repub-
licans organized today in a peace
full conference undisturbed by any
mention of the fight against Sen
ator George Moses (Rep., N. HI, as
president pro tenn.
The Republicans gave first place
on the legislative program to the
Hoover debt moratorium proposals,
reelected their old officials, includ-
ing Floor Leader Watson, and adj
journed, ready to start the session
Monday.
Seven progreSSiveS who are plan
ming to vote against Moses in the
senate later, purposely boycotted the
gathering. Senator Couzens (Rep.,
Mich), who is preparing to join
them in the Moses fight, attending
the conference, but made no men
ton o. the subject.
Try to Dodge Issue
Watson announced later the Re-
publicanS would take the position
that senate officials automatically
will continue at their posts until
objection is raised against them.
This means the Republicans will
try to let Moses continue as preSi-
dent pro tenn. The progreSSiveS,
however, are planning to raise the
question and the place may be de-
clared vacant.
Democrats took notice of the pres
ident pro tenn. situation. They off,
cially nominated Senator Pittmann
OF Nevada as their candidate against
Moses. Their officials also were re-
elected, Robinson Of Arkansas as
floor leader, Thomas J. Walsh, Mon
tana, assistant leader, and Shop
pard, Texas, whip.
The position taken by the Dem
ocrats was exactly opposite that
by which the Republicans avoided
Moses row. The Democrats
thought denomination of their
officers was necessary.
Moses was not present at the
Republican conference. He is out
Of town.
Make Peace Gesture
The G.. o. P. conference made a
mild gesture for peace with the pro-
gressiveS by naming one of their
number, Nye IN. D. to the commit
tee on committees. No committee
assignments were made at the con-
ference.
Watson said the program of the
first few days of the senate session
would be: Monday, organization;
Tuesday, reception of President
Hoover'S annual message; Wednes-
day, budget message; Thursday,
special message on the moratorium.
The moratorium message will be
sent to the finance committee for
immediate consideration, the leader
added. He expressed the opinion
that no major legislation would be
permitted to take precedence over
the moratorium.
The question Of the program was
raised in the conference by Senator
Hiram Johnson (Cal), who is pre-
pairing to fight against the mora
forum.
Republicans agreed in conference
to dispose of the Helm Bankhead
senate contest Monday, if it is pos
sible to complete committee action
by that time.
No Decision on Bankhead
Chairman Hastings, of a senate
privileges and elections subcommit-
tee, has reported that violations of
the law in Alabama were SO wide
spread that there is doubt whether
a legal election for senator took
place in 1880.
No decision has been made on
opposing the seating of Bankhead.
There was much discussion of
it" Senator Watson said after the
conference. mo action was taken
whether Bankhead should be asked
to stand aside. We simply discussed
the precedents."
The Democrats decided to vote
Monday to seat Bankhead. They
did not pass on the merits of the
case. Bankhead was present at the
Democratic conference.
The case was explained to the
Democrats by Senator George (Ga.)
member of the subcommittee
49,