The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-02-06
CONSERVATIVE
DEMOS TO JOIN
IN OPPOSITION
Republicans Charge F.D.R.
Scheme Attempt to
"Pack" Court
BORAH NOT TO BACK
ENTIRE PROPOSAL

WASHINGTON, Feb. G. (UP)
The nations supreme court JUS
tees today were confronted with
the gravest crisis since the days
Of the bred Scott decision, and
chung fast to the traditions of
privacy. Despite the undercur-
rent of tension, the Justices unan-
imously refused any comment on
the proposal Of President Roose-
welt to enlarge the court.
Chief Justice Charles Evans
Hughes refused to see reporters
and declared that he had no COM
ment to make.
Congressional sources indicated
that the views of members of the
supreme court would be sought rs
one Of the first moves in the inn.
pending battle over the proposed
judiciary reform.
Members of the supreme court
are expected to be invited to tes-
tify before the judiciary commit
tees Of both the house and the
senate.
BY HARRY WILSON SHARPE
United Press Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8. (UP)
Republican leaders of congress
charged last night that President
Roosevelt's judicial reform pro-
posals contained q disguised at
tempt to "pack" the supreme
court which has upset SO many
important New Deal policies.
Administration leaders, how
ever, promised early action and
lauded the program.
Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg,
R., Mich, one of the most potent
G. o. P. leaders, led the attack.
81 most emphatically do not
agree" he said, ITO packing the
supreme court no matter how
adroitly the objective is describ-
ed in q multitude Of words"
Vandenberg made his protest
more emphatic by agreeing that
Intervention of the justice depart
ment In constitutional cases and
quick appeals to the supreme
court are worthy proposals., But
on the proposed retirement age
limit of 70 he recalled that the
late Justice Oliver Wen dell
Holmes "grew in wisdom with the
years and when he retired Mt 81
the whole world universally re-
0retted his decision"
House Minority Leader Ber-
trand H. Smell, R., N. Y, saw the
plan as "the most far-reaching
proposal ever put before con-
gress."
"The New Deal has wrecked
the economic stability Of the ma
tion," Smell said, "and 1t is seek
ing to undermine the judiciary"
Senator William E. Borth, r.,
Ida., one Of the senate's outstand,,
ing constitutional authorities, said
certain items Of the program
seemed to be "all right" while
there were others he could not
support. H., :, 90
such Importance" he said. that
I cannot discuss 1t hastily"
The tone of opposition COM
ment made it certain that the pro-
posal which would permit increase
of the supreme court to ID men,
bers will be the most bitterly
fought. Republicans expect to re-
ceive aid from q number OF con-
servative Democrats, including
Senator's William II. King, Utah,
Edward r. Burke, Nebr., and
probably Carter Glass, Va, Jo-
siah w. Bailey, N. c., Walter r;
George, Ga, and Harry Flood
Byrd, Va. ,.
Whether this coalition would
be strong enough to block the
plan seemed uncertain. The ad-
ininistration can match these
probable opponents with equally
vigorous supporters, and presum-
ably will be able to exert pres
sure on others, more or less IN
CONTINUED on page three)