Evening star., 1933-01-11
Short Session Filibuster,ng.

The present row among the Demo-
Gratis in the Senate over the Glass
banking bill does not give the country
hope for the future. II there is one
thing the country needs it is an i'm
provement In the banking system so as
to prevent as far as possible bank
failures, which in the United States
have run into the thousands during the
depression, although in Canada end
Great Britain there have been few. If
any, failures Senator Carter Glass Of
vi g.nia, one of the authors of the
Fsde-al Reserve System, which ad-
mittedly was a great step forward, has
presented bank reform bill, far reach
ing in effect and designed to remedy
some OF the ills of the banking situa-
ton. His bill vas carefully considered
by the Senate Banking Committee be-
fore 1t was fa7orably reported to the
senate. Ard now Senator Huey Long
of Louisiana, like Horatius at the
bridge. has declared. that the bill shall
rot pass. Wi h couple Of othe-
Democrats ready to stand on his right
and left hani. Mr.. Long proclairns that
the GAS bill is not TO loe voted upon
al the present session-,ln' ess, indeed,
1t be amended SO as to suit Mr.. Long.
He is particularly opposed to the pro-
visions permitting an increase OF
branch banking.
The Senator from Loui dams declares
in the Senate that his vice is the voice
Of Roo-evelt, the President-elect, when
he speaks of the Glass banking bill.
Senator Glass, on the other hsnd, Is
said to be the selection of Mr.. Roosevelt
for Secretary of the Treasury. Further
more, Mr.. Glass believes that the
President-elect would sign the banking
bill! If it were sent to him by Congress
after he takes ofice. despite the fact
that Mr. Long takes absolutely the con-
trary view.
In long session" Of Congress- as
distinguished from the present short
session." which ends March 4, Mr.. Long
might flibuster in vain against the
pending banking bill. But under the
present circumstances, with all the
appropriation bills pressing for consid-
eretion and the Democrats champirg
at the bit to get the beer bill voted
upon, Mr.. Longs efforts are Likely to
prove effective, unless. indeed, the
Senate should be willing to adopt
resolution imposing the cloture rule.
The only other effective measure would
be resort to long night sessions in an
effort to wear the Louisiana Senator
down. This course Is tough alike on
Senators supporting measure as well
a. On those opposing It,
When yesterday Mr. Long was pre-
vailed upon to permit the deficiency
appropriation bill to come before the
Senate for consideration Senator Nc
Kellar Of Tennessee, another Democrat,
threw monkey wrench into the ma
chinery by offering an amendment pro-
F10AAS bAAoe OAiCAC VIC Pub3ANAty A[SdAdAAl5
income tax refunds, and the Senate
adjourned in a tangle. Surely the
Democrats will not undertake at the
present moment to accuse the Repub-
licans of obstructive tactics in the Sem
ate, or with seeking to force an extra
session OF the Congress.
For years Senator Glass. recognized
among the Democrats as a lea6ing
authority on banking. had thorn in
his side in the Senate, the former Sen
ator Thomas ]. Hefiin of Alabama, who
did not agree with Mr.. Glass. Finally
this thorn was removed through the
defeat Of Mr.. Henin for denomination
after he had refused to support Al
Smith for President in 1928. If the
Virginia Senator heaved sigh Of relief,
probably no one will blame him. But
today Mr.. Glass may mutter prayer
fully when he thinks of the Junior Sem
ator from Louisiana: How long, o
Lord, how long!"
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