Evening star., 1937-08-03
HOUSE D. c. GROUP
CALLS OFF HEARING
ON P|CKET|NC BAN
PaImisano Resolution Would
Regulate Actions on U.S..
Building Strikes.
CONSIDERATION PUT OFF
UNTIL NEXT SESSION
Misunderstanding of Plan S
Purpose Cited as Labor Fights
Proposal.

Chairman Palmlsano of the House
District Committee this morning called
of previously announced hearing for
tomorrow on his day-old resolution to
regulate picketing public buildings in
the District.
After a conference with Bryce P.
Holcombe, business agent of Painters
Union Local 7 here, PalmiSano issued
q formal statement, declaring:
There seems to be some misunder-
standing as to the purpose of this res
olution. In order to give the propo-
nents and opponents of this resolution
time to discuss and consider it, feel
that January, when Congress recon-
venes, would be the proper time to take
up the matter
PalmlSanoS resolution and two
others designed to ban picketing of
embassies and legations drew the fire
last night of the Central Labor Union
as "un- American and unfriendly to
the voteless District of Columbia The
embassy resolutions were introduced
in the House by Chairman Nc
Reynolds of the Foreign Affairs Com
mittee and in the Senate by Chair
man Plttman of the Foreign Re-
lations Committee The plan of action
for these bills has not been an
nounCed.
Justice Denies Authorship.
Although it was declared that
Falmisano introduced the bill at the
request of the Justice Department,
which denied responsibility. to fore
stall Workers Alliance hunger
march planned here for August %, the
Representative said in his statement:
The proponents of this bill and
do not want the opponents to feel
that an effort is being made to rush
II through Congress during the re-
naming few days of this session. For
that reason called off the meeting" :"
Holcombe said after his Palmisano
conference that the Representative
denied his resolution was aimed at
such picketing as union painters are
now conducting before the Internal
Revenue Building, where a painters
strike has long been in progress.
Il am not in favor of legislation
which would rob labor of its privilege
OF picketing,' Holcombe quoted Pal
misano.
Holcombe was interested in having
tomorrow's House hearings called off
because he Is to be present at a Labor
Department hearing at the same time
on dispute between painters and the
Treasury Department Procurement
Division over painters wages.
Would Ban Demonstrations.
The Palmisano measure would pre-
vent any type of demonstration in the
vicinity of Government buildings here
without permit issued by the super
intendent of metropolitan police
The resolution specifically stipulates
1t shall be unlawful Ito display any
flag, banner or device designed or
adapted to bring into public notice
any party, organization or movement,
or the political, social or economic
views or purposes of any individual
or group within 500 feet of any public
building. Penalty for violation would
be a fine of sl00 or 60 days impris-
onment, or both.
Held Unfriendly to Labor.
Holcombe last night attacked the
measure as unfriendly to organized
labor. He said he would notify Pal
misano's constituents in Maryland of
the action taken by the legislator. If
the measure becomes law, Holcombe
declared he would take it to the
courts and fight it up to the Supreme
Court OF the United States if nee
essary.
I'VE are not picketing the Govern
ment at the Revenue Building" de-
clared Holcombe. I'VE are only pick
citing the out-of-toWn contractors and
their non-union men who are brought
officially directed at the non-union
contractor and not at the Govern
ment.
IF Palmisano attempted to take
such action against his own constitu-
ents they would undoubtedly rise up
In arms" declared Holcombe. But
We here in the District of Columbia
have no vote and are helpless to pro-
tect ourselves against such legislation"
He said he would ask to be heard
on the bill, and would fight "to the
end for the constitutional right to
ricket"