Evening star., 1938-01-10
Rv G. GOULD LINCOLN.

The House today by a vote of 2O9
to 1913 turned down motion to bring
before that body the Ludlow resolu-
ton for a constitutional amendment
providing for a referendum vote on
war
This action was taken after a let
ter from President Roosevelt strongly
opposing the war referendum reSo-
luton, addressed to Speaker Bank
head. had been read to the House.
In his letter. the President said:
Such an amendment to the Con-
stltution as that proposed would Grip
pie any President in his conduct of
orr foreign relations. and it would
encourage other nations TO believe
that thev could violate American
rights with impunltv.'
The President added that no was
convinced the resolution would get
the United States into war rather
than keep it out.
Speaker Reads Letter.
The letter was read to the House by
Speaker Bankhead. who left the ros-
trum TO speak AGAINST the referen-
dunn. II was one of the rare ln-
stances he had taken the floor to dis
euss pending legislation.
The House leadership. on the Demo-
cratic side, united in opposition to the
resolution and to having it brought
before the body for consideration. In
addition to Speaker Bankhead Ma
l0rltv Leader Ravburn Of Texas ana
Chairman OConnor of the Rules
Committee declared their strong oppo-
sltion.
Only 10 minutes Of debate was al
lowed on each side on the motion of
Representative Ludlow, Democrat, Of
Indiana. to discharge the Judiciary
Committee from further consideration
Of the resolution. 1t had been before
the committee for il months without
any action being taken on it.
Even if the motion to discharge the
committee had prevailed, II would re-
qulre tvo-thirds vote OF both the
House and the Senate to submit the
proposed constitutional amendment
to the States for ratification. Such a
vote in both houses of Congress could
not be obtained. ii was asserted today
by leaders at the Capitol
The vote on the motion to bring
up the war referendum resolution
split party lines wide open. Although
the Democratic party leaders rallied
In opposition to tho resolution. many
other Democrats supported it. On the
Republican side. Representative Smell
Of New York, minority leader. votec
against the resolution, and so die
other widely known Republicans. in.
Guiding Representatives Wadswortr
and Taber of New York and Luce OF
Massachusetts,.
Action Kills Plan.
The action of the House today eff.
fectually kills the war referendum
resolution. During the special ses'
sion of Congress in November anc
December, Representative Ludlow OBJ
tained 2l8 signatures. representing {
ma iority of the House. to a petition
recommending the discharge of tht
Judiciary Committee from further
COnSldeTatlon OF tne feSOlutlOn dnC
that it be brought before the HOUSE
for action.
Notwithstanding this act the Hous
today voted down the motion to dis
charge the committee Ever since i
became assured that the House woult
have to act on the proposal. the Presi
dent has let 1t be known that he op
posed it.
Several weeks ago. former Gov. Ian
con of Kansas, Republican standar
bearer in 1886, telegraphed the Presi
dent that he, too, was strongly op
posed to a war referendum amend
ment
Mr. Rayburn, appealing TO his col
leagues on both sides of the chambe
(See CONGRESS, Page A-4)