Evening star., 1935-01-20
Capital Sidelights
BY WILL r. KENNEDY.

Another century-old problem has
been boldly tackled by new member
of Congress-who brings a practical
knowledge as "the only practical radio
announcer In the House today" to
solution of how to improve audition
In the House chamber. Representative
Karl Stefan Of Nebraska is so years
old. with a notable record as news
paper writer, traveller and radio an
nouncer, succeeding In Congress the
picturesque and quaint figure OF
Edgar Howard with flowing locks,
drawing speech with a tear in the
voice, and the old-style ministerial
black bow tie, flat-topped black felt
hat and Bryanish cape cloak.
After conferences with David Lynn,
architect of the Capitol, Speaker
ByrnS and many members, and after
a three-week study Of the situation,
Representative Stefan made his pro-
posal to his colleagues in Congress
assembled. He is opposed to anything
that would change the appearance Of
the historical chamber He finds
Congress "is not taking advantage OF
modern equipment which would bring
invaluable improvements and more
comfort, make more efficient service
to the constituents, aid the Speaker,
lend more dignity to the legislative
body and render more humane treat
ment to speakers and employees who
today must yell at the tops of their
voices the word in important docu-
ments, punctuated by the hammering
of the Speakers gavel, in order that
we may hear"
He urged installation Of loud speak
ing equipment in the House chamber,
emphasizing that "the Speaker could
control the House more easily" with a
microphone at the Speakers desk, one
at the clerks desk. one each at the
reading tables, with invisible loud
speakers in various parts of the cham
ber, the wiring placed in conduits
under the floor. There Is tiled air
chamber under the floor. Repre-
sentative Stefan made it plain he was
not giving a saleSmanShip talk on
equipment. He pointed out that while
Congress in joint session found 1t i'm
possible to hear all the President said
in his message, speaking directly to
them, through the use Of such equip
ment three radio chains enabled
people miles away from lines Of COM
munication, without telephones, miles
from railroads, to hear every word
distinctly while we who sat here in
the presence of the President, hearing
his voice, seeing him in person, were
unable to hear what he said"
This experienced broadcaSter also
conferred with expert technicians in
the radio field and promised Congress
the best talent of the industry to solve
its addition problem.
while We must preserve the beauty
of the artists who designed this his
torical chamber rs years ago." said
Mr.. Stefan, I'VE must bear in mind the
rapidity of the development Of modern
science, and wherever it Is possible we
must take advantage of modern me-
chanical equipment, especially when it
will be Of direct benefit to the people
whose interests we serve.
Representative McSwain Of South
Carolina. chairman Of the Military
Affairs Committee, insisted that when
such equipment is installed, loud
speaker be placed in the press gallery
so that those gentlemen there would
not have to strain their ears as they
do now to hear the proceedings on the
floor'-thus letting the public know
one of the great difficulties experienced
by the newspaper men in following
debate on the floor.