Evening star., 1937-02-08
Judiciary
Continued From First Page.)

ator Ashurst say whether he favored
the Van Nuys motion to invite Su-
preme Court members to appear be-
fore the Senate committee.
II will say this, however" said
Ashurst, "if the Supreme Court, the
Chief Justice or any other member
should indicate desire to appear be-
fore the Senate committee, they will
promptly be heard. A cordial invita-
ton for them to appear would be ex-
tended and would vote to invite
them"
Ashurst pointed out that in March,
1885. the Senate Committee had in
vited the Chief Justice to submit his
views on a bill to expedite appeals in
injunction cases to the Supreme Court.
Ashurst wrote the Chief Justice at that
time extending the invitation, and the
Chief Justice, accompanied by Asso-
ciate Justices Brandeis and Van De-
vanter, did appear before the COM
mittee.
Ashurst said that If the committee
voted to invite the members Of the
court, as chairman he would, of course,
extend the invitation.
Sentiment in the Senate Judiciary
Committee seems to be almost evenly
divided over the Presidents plan to
increase the Supreme Court. On the
other hand, his recommendations re-
garding the lower courts and expedit-
ing judicial proceedings have almost
unanimous support. 1t is obvious that
II Van Nuys could succeed in having
the bill divided into two parts, that
part relating to the Supreme Court
would have an even more difficult road
to travel.
Subcommittee Problem.
Whether the bill will be considered
by the full Senate committee from
the start or whether q subcommittee
would be asked to deal with 1t Is
another matter that will come up
probably at, the committee meeting
next Monday. Ashurst said no deci-
sion in regard to this matter had yet
been reached.
AS rule, bills are considered first
by subcommittee, which hold hear
ings II necessary, and then by the
full committee. In view of the i'm
portance of the Presidents reorganiza-
ton bill, however, the full committee
may hold hearings and have charge
Of the bill from the start.
President Roosevelt, it was asserted
in informal quarters today, is anxious
to get the judiciary reorganization
bill put through Congress and enacted
into law promptly. This is to be done,
1t was said, before he asks Congress
to enact q new N. r. A., or additional
legislation for agriculture. It was said
also that the Presidents attitude in
opposition to q constitutional amend
ment at this time had not been in
huenced by the calling of a meeting
by Senator Norris and others to dis
cuss what should be done about the
Constitution and the Supreme Court.
Although regular debate will not
begin in either branch Of Congress
until the committees report on the
legislation, discussion has been so
widespread that many members pre-
dicted 1t would break out on the floor
at any time.
Opinions about the prospects Of the
legislation differed. Administration
leaders predicted 1t would be ap-
proved, but they agreed party lines
would be split.
In the Senate there already were
exressions Of opposition from Senators
Borah, Republican, Of idaho; Glass,
Democrat, Of Virginia; Vandenberg,
Republican, Of Michigan; Bailey,
Democrat, Of North Carolina and
others.
Members who recalled 3oTahb IA