Evening star., 1936-03-31
BY JOHN C. HENRY.

Anxious to take fullest advantage
Of the internal dissension which has
split the Townsend old-age pension
organization, the special House Com
mittee investigating the movement
went into executive session this after
noon to discuss plans for the i'm
mediate future. Robert E. Clements,
retiring oficial, will return to the wit
ness stand when the committee re-
sumes open hearings tomorrow.
Among the possibilities under con-
sideration by the committee is that of
sending investigators into the States
where reports of dissatisfaction re-
Gently have arisen. From disgruntled
Townsendites, 1t Is believed consider
able information on financial prac-
tices Of the regional officials might be
obtained. Rumors Of dissension have
come from Ohio. New York, Michigan,
Texas, Oregon and other States dur
ing the last week or so.
A second point being considered by
the committee was the chance that
Representative McGroarty, California
Democrat, and Clements might join
forces to build up a new national or
ganization in support of the Nc
Groarty bill now pending in the House.
McGroarty denied this possibility
yesterday on the ground he has no
need Of a national organization and
simply is offering his bill subject to
the wishes Of the original Townsend
ties and to the will Of Congress.
McGroarty predicted this morning
that the Townsendites will rally to
the support Of his measure rather
policies Of DR.. Francis e. Townsend.
The Representative has claimed stout
ly that it is the doctor who has
abandoned the real principles of the
old-age revolving pension plan.
Lists $500 as Maximum.
The McGroarty measure would
provide for q monthly pension to all
citizens so or more, but uses the $500
per month figure only as a maximum
pension. Economists figure the 2 per
cent transaction tax specified as rev.
enue raiser would make available only
about $3.50 per person.
The possibility Of new support for
the McGroarty bill as distinct from
the original Townsend proposal arises
from the sharp break which occurred
between Dr. Townsend and the Repre-.
sentative yesterday. Answering DR..
Townsends statement in the Western
edition of the Townsend Weekly.
national headquarters (of the Town
send movement) cannot undertake to
indorse the private political ambi-
tions of Representative McGroarty"
the latter this morning issued the fol-
lowing call for Townsendites to make
their choice:
It am not seeking any quarrel
with DR.. Townsend. but it Is apparent
that the millions of members Of the
Townsend clubs must make decision
concerning the way they wish their
representatives In Congress to carry
on the fight for an adequate. respect
able. old-age pension.
Denies Political Ambitions.
When he first learned Of the weekly
article yesterday afternoon, McGroarty
declared:
when DR.. Townsend accuses me of
political ambitions. he is talking like
a fool, just fool There is no man
in this Nation who has fewer political
ambitions than I. I didn't want TO
come to Congress. don't want TO
stay. I hope he can say as much"
Meanwhile, agents of the House In
vestigating Committee, working under
direction Of James r. Sullivan, COM
mittee counsel. are continuing their
examination OF the records of Old-Age
Revolving Pensions, Ltd. preparatory
to further quizzing Of Clements.