Evening star., 1933-02-07
COALITION CONTROL
. OF SENATE SHOWN
Test Vote Taken After Par
ties Blame Each Other for
Impeding Bills.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
The question of which national party
is responsible for the sluggish way in
which the Senate Is conducting national
business occupied an hour Of that
body's time in inconclusive debate
yesterday.
Senator Watson, Indiana, the Repub-
lican leader, forced a ballot in an
effort to prove his assertion that the
Democrat progressive coalition actually
was in control after Democratic Leader
Robinson had charged Watson with
using his "heavy hand" to delay prog
ress of appropriation bills through the
Senate. The Watson motion was beaten,
Al to 81. Five independent Republicans,
Borah Blaine, La Toilette, Brookhart
and Cutting, voted with the Democrats.
The fray started when Senator F'ess;
Republican, Ohio, put into the record
a political speech Watson delivered last
Saturday criticizing the Democratic
party. Robinson said he had been
unable to obtain a copy Of the address
but judging by newspaper reports tine
speech is as brazen a piece Of political
effrontery as has vet been produced by
the bankrupt and lame duck leadership
OF the Republican party in this body.
Says Watson Delayed Action.
Robinson continued to lash the Re-
publican leader for what he termed
Watson's effort to hold the Democratic
party responsible for the failures OF the
political organization with which he IS
associated"
This is an illustration of the feeble
and ineffective leadership which has
marked the Hoover administration"
Robinson said.
He said Watson had done nothing to
speed legislation. but instead had de-
layed action. Then he compared the
record of the Democratic House in pass
ing all but four of the big appropriation
bills with that of the Senate. which has
passed only S3000,000 deficiency bill.
IF we pass these appropriation bills"
Robinson shouted, ''it will be through
Oregon and those associated with him"
McNary of Oregon, the assistant Re-
publican leader, is slated for WatSon'S
post after March 4.
Watson didn't come into the chamber
until Just as Robinson was concluding.
He said he had not expected to find
Robinson replying to a speech he had
not read.
Declares Coalition in Control.
"The Senator from Arkansas honors
me overmuch," Watson said, as Sena-
tors began to file into the chamber.
He gives me credit for a power and
influence / have never had, and If l
had now I would not use in the manner
he describes.
Everybody knows that for four long
years a coalition has controlled the
actions of this body. The Senator frcm
Arkansas, with certain gentlemen on
this side, had complete control
Il have done nothing this session to
obstruct legislation. When the Demo-
Gratis come into full control, I hope
they will be able to organize behind
their measures in greater degree than
at this session"
Robinson broke in to say the Demo-
Gratis had co-operated in supporting all
emergency legislation. Watson said
that was because they had no program
and didn't know what else to do"
Greater Speed Demanded.
Robinson retorted that only the
President can guide "the ship of
state" and then told Watson, a lame
duck, I'VE praise God his firm hand
won't be here to guide the ship Of state
on the rocks after March A.
Just before the Robinson Watson
interchange which closed with Watson's
motion to test party control Robin
son demanded greater speed in handling
legislation.
II hope we can demonstrate
capacity to act and speed the work of
the session." he said after calling for
a night session tonight.