The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-12-23
BINGHAM PLAN
TO RUSH BEER
BILL BEATEN
Senate Democrats Act to
Keep Full Credit for
Own Party.
C. 0. P. is TOO LATE
Republican Overture for
Short Cut Is Refused in
1923 Vote.
BY WALKER STONE
Times Stan Writer


WASHINGTON, Dec. %. 49, The
senate Democrats say of the Collier
beer bill: This is our baby"
The Democrats argue: Modifica-
ton was an orphan in the prohi-
bition storm. We applied for adop-
ton when we wrote the beer pro-
vision into our platform. The voters
OF the country granted adoption
papers Nov. g., The Democratic
party proved itself a good parent
when it passed the bill through
the house. Aud the Republicans
are too late in protesting their af-
lection"
In this frame of mind, the Demo-
Gratis today defeated a Repub-
lican overture-an offer by Sen
ator Hiram Bingham (Rep., Conn.,
to lead the Collier bill over a short
cut through the senate and on the
doorstep of the White House. His
move was beaten, 48 to %, on a roll
, call vote.
Differ on Motives
Senator Bingham has beer bill
also a 80 per cent measure on the
senate calendar 1t was sent to
the calendar last session by the
committee on manufactures, with
an unfavorable report.
Bingham moved today to take up
his bill, strike out the text and sub
stitute the text of the Collier bill.
Such procedure would have done
away with the necessity of requiring
consideration Of the bill by a senate
committee His only motive, Senator
Bingham said, was to save time.
But the Democrats saw another
motive. They pointed out that the
procedure automatically would have
changes the name of the measure to
the Collier Bingham bill-connoting
a hybrid Republican Democratic
parentage-not at all suitable
name for "our baby"
Ample Time, Is Claim
The Democrats contend that SEN
ator Bingham was trying to rush the
GROWER to the White House with
out allowing tine for the senate to
blow off the froth,
There is ample time, say the
Democrats, for orderly considera-
ton" OF the bill, first by the jul
dietary committee, to which it was
referred yesterday for report on
it's constitutionality ana later to
the finance committee, for a report
on its revenue aspects.
Rumors that the beer bill might be
"smothered in committee were
spiked Thursday by Senator George
w. Norris (Rep., Neb), chairman
Of judiciary and one-time prohibi-
zionist. Senator Norris promised
that he personally would support
the bill and that his committee
would act promptly.
Oppose Tax Amendments
Rumors of an organized drive to
load the bill down with amend
ments. providing a general sales tax,
nuisance taxes and numerous tariffs,
also were offset by announcement
of Democratic members of the
finance committee, following
caucus. that they would oppose all
tax and tariff amendments.
Still another rumor was squelched
when Senator William E. Borah de-
MED reports that he planned to
conduct a filibuster. The Idaho
senator said, however, that he would
make "a few remarks" Moreover,
he indicated the line of his attack
by issuing a formal statement,
which said, in part:
IF facts have any place in the
discussion of the liquor question,
the beer bill is in violation of the
Constitution.
Borah Opposes Bill
"The original proposal was for an
alcoholic content of 275. The
brewers appeared and insisted on
&c. That is the alcoholic content of
practically all beers prior to prohi-
bition.
1T is said that the beer tax will
raise $500, 100000 If it raises that
amount, it will be because it meets
the expectations of those who are
demanding an Intoxicating bever-
age. otherwise, it will raise no sub
stantial amount.
1--WE are proposing, in other
words. for the sum of $l25000,0OO
to 5000, 100000, to establish by gov
eminent action the principle of null
lifcation. We are betraying the
Constitution for thirty pieces OF
al.