Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-13
SHOWDOWN NEARS
IN SENATE ON ISSUE
OF EXTRA SESSION
Vote on Relief Fund Will Be
Test-FiIibuSter Threat
Faced by Leaders.
DECISION TODAY SOUGHT
UPON S20,O0O,O00 ITEM
Victory Believed Assured by Prom.
Use Money Could Be Used
to Buy Food.
BY the Associated Press,

BY the Associated Press.
Senate leaders announced at the out
set of today's session in the face of
threatened filibuster that they would
insist upon the Senate remaining at
work today until a vote is taken upon
the $2o,0oO,0OO drought loan compro-
mise.
A comfortable majority for the
drought relief proposition was assured
on the basis of the statement Of Secre-
tary Hyde that there could be no pro-
hibition against the use of the loans by
the farmer borrowers for the purchase
OF food and clothing.
AS Senator Thomas, Democrat, Okla
homa, began a speech which he said
would be limited "only by human en-
durance," Senator Smoot-a Utah Re-
publican-notified the Senate he would
ask it to remain in session until it has
voted.
SmoOt In Charge of Bill.
Senator Smoot is in charge of the
Interior Department appropriations bill,
to which the drought loan compromise
is attached.
It is one of the appropriation meas
ures that must be passed before the
March 4 adjournment If an extra ses-
sion of the new Congress is to be
avoided.
Senator Thomas replied to Smoot
that he would call attention in the
record the first time the Utah Senator
left his seat.
The Senate at last appeared to have
reached the crossroads on whether an
extra session is to be forced and both
Democratic and Republican leaders
were determined to force this to an is
sue in drive to avoid such a meeting.
Roll Call Is Asked.
After Thomas had spoken for more
than two hours, Senator Wheeler, DEM
ocrat, Montana, interrupted him in the
midst OF a discussion OH the war debts
to make a quorum call This gave the
Oklahoman an opportunity to rest for a
few minutes, when he resumed.
Smoot kept his seat as Thomas pro-
ceeded, but the two were the only reg
ular attendants in the Senate.
AS it became clear to the leaders
that a flibuster was in progress, con-
ferences began. 1t was determined first
to see how much support, If any, Thorn
as had among other members. The
leaders did not think he could carry on
Meanwhile, Senator Smoot blocked
the transaction of any other business
so as to prevent even another quorum
call for rest for Thomas.
1t was in response to Borah'S reso-
luton that Secretary Hyde yesterday
telegraphed the administrators view
of the loan funds scope. The Hyde
statement was not received with whole
hearted acclaim. One Senator said
Ind a UfNly
sion report, another suggested it be
referred to Attorney General Mitchell
for Interpretation.
Text Of Telegram.
Secretary Hydes telegram to the
Senate, which was sent from Louis
vile, KY. yesterday, follows:
my attention has been called to the
resolution Of inquiry directed to me re-
garding the proposed amendment to
joint resolution No. 211 for relief of
farmers in the drought-stricken areas
approved December 20. AS have al
ready indicated. 1t Is not my under
standing that the reason for this legis-
lation Is to provide loans for food, but
for purposes beyond those already made
by the joint resolution referred to,
which may be necessary to secure crops
and where emergency for such assist
AMT CAAoIo. Lie pIOfLolOu Oh IOOQ,
medicine and clothes by gifts is the
major purpose of the Red Cross, who
are now generously meeting this need
and are able to do so. Their services
are particularly necessary to the great
numbers of tenants and others who
have no security to offer for loans and
to whom the creation of debt for food
would be a hopeless burden.
ION the other hand, it is my under
standing that the major purpose of
this additional legislation is in effect
to restore the weakened credit situa-
ton and that when loans under any
part of the amendment are made to
those who have the security indicated
for that purpose, and for making a
next crop and for rehabilitation for
drought, there could be no prohibition
against the proceeds of such loans be-
ing used for food or other supplies, If
they were necessary to effect the pur-
pose.
st am confident that the organiza-
ton and relief by the combined agen-
cies will adequately care for the drought
sufferers. Fair and sympathetic In
depreciation of the authority granted
to the Department of Agriculture would
be only natural in view of its close con-
tact and particular interest in those
affected. The department will GER
tainly give such administration"