The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-02-13

their success or lack of 1t "
ultimate fate Of the propose
court. It appeared likely that the
declaration Of Sen. Bennett Champ
Clark, D, Mo-, against the plar
would be followed soon by other de-
cisions among o bloc Of senators
still undecided on Mfr. Roosevelt'i
program.
20 Senators Not Committed
Approximately 20 senators moi
yet committed definitely hold the
balance Of power" in the upper
chamber scheduled to be the maj.
or scene Of battle on the issue
Leaders Of the administration drive
and Of the coalition opposition
group both claimed heavy per-
cettage Of the undecided bloc.
Less than 40 senator's have def
initely pledged themselves publicly
or privately to either side. The ex-
act number is uncertain because oil
several recent switches.
The Administrations first oper
answer to critics Of the program will
come tomorrow night when Attor-
ney General Homer 8. Cummings
delivers q radio address. Sen. Jo-
siah william Bailey, D., N. c., also
will take to the Hastings soon to
speak for the opposition, particular
1y insurgent democrats.
Opponents Confident
Under the barrage OF speeches
throughout the nation, foes Of the
plan hoped that congressional de-
velopments soon would see their
ranks strengthened by declarations
of ct least half dozen senators
they claim definitely as allies.
Interest centered on such veter-
ants as Sen. Burton K. Wheeler, D.,
Mont, who yesterday suddenly can
celled plans to issue q statement:
Sen. Millard Tydings, D., Md, who
has yet TO commit himself: and
Sen. Lynn Frazier, r., N. D., who
has indicated opposition tendencies
Wheeler fatty contradicted reports
he had committed himself against
the plan.
Supporters Of the presidents plan
expressed belief that o dozen SEN
ators as yet noncommittal could be
counted In administration ranks.
Point To Sen. Norris
they pointed TO Sen. George Nor
ris. Ind, Neb., who has opposed the
program but will vote for It II his
own proposals fail: Sen. Robert M.
La Toilette, p, Wis, who has been
favorable but has kept out OF the
controversy; and Sen. Walter F.
George, D., Ga, who has never hes
itatod to speak out when he OPP
poyed an administration measure
but so far has kept silent on the
court plan.
The desire of both sides to move
slowly was emphasized by import
ance attached to the impending
supreme co1rt decision on the Wag-
ner labor relations act. The cabi-
net was understood to have dis
cussed the court issue yesterday
with members confident OF the out
come.
Mr.. Roosevelt earlier this week
let It be known through White
House attaches that he considered
the Judiciary reorganization pro-
gram o necessary prelude TO legis-
lation designed to achieve the OBJ
jectives Of the MIRA and the AAA
Of the first New Deal.
Wagner Act Decision
The Wagner act decision might
in the opinion Of well-informed
congressman, affect the presidents
apparently determined drive for
his court proposals. They argued
that a decision unfolding the act
might remove some OF the pressure
behind Mr.. Roosevelt's program al
1t would indicate an avenue for the
second New Deal to follow in Its
proposed social legislation.
1t was contended that invalida-
ton of the Wagner act would
prompt Mr.. Roosevelt to argue that
the action emphasized the need for
his court program to put into effect
legislation approved at the last
election. Opponents Of his propos-
ais, however, argued that an adj
verse decision merely would en-
phasize the need for protecting the
independence of the court In the
American system Of checks and bal
ances.
Next Action Monday
Next congressional action on the
plan was scheduled for Monday
when the Senate judiciary commit
tee may again consider the bill. II
II does, Sen. Frederick Van Mugs
D., Ind, will formally move to
separate the section affecting the
supreme court from the general re-
organization sections.
above all things" said Chairman
Henry r. Ashurst, D., Ariz., Of the
Senate Judiciary committee, u
don't want haste. want the bill
explored. I want microscopes put
on It,"
The house committee. headed by
Chairman Hatton Summers, d.
Tex, will resume consideration OF
the bill on Tuesday, likewise taking
its time.
Clarks statement that he was
totally unable to agree" on the
presidents plans described the SUI
preme court proposals as Chang
ing the rules while the game is In
progress" He said the changes APP
peared to be radical and unneces-
sary without submission TO the
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