The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-09-22
ROOSEVELT HAS
SPLIT UP LINES
Continued from Page u

flee to plan against repeal Of the
arms embargo.
In that office 20 years ago 10
senators met to shake hands on
mo compromise opposition to Wood
row Wilson'S League of Nations.
johnson and Sen William E. Borah,
R., Idaho, are left today of that
group which converted lost cause in
to a political triumph.
But the setting was the same and
Sen. Robert M. LaFollette, Prog,
Wis, who was his fathers secretary
in 1919, emerged from the meeting
to announce: ''We'l fight from hell
to breakfast"
The Isolationists strategy board
mustered IS Republicans, eight
Democrats, two farmer-laborites and
one Progressive. They denied any
intention to filibuster but promised
debate which already seems to doom
Mr.. Roosevelt's hope that this extra
ordinary session can adjourn In
three weeks.
IsolatiOnists Wait
Isolationists said they had not de-
cided whether to begin their major
attack in the senate foreign rela-
lions committee or wait until bill
is sent to the floor. Polls indicate the
administration has majority OF at
least one in the 23-man committee.
The anti-repeal senators met twice
yesterday and will meet again, al
though nothing Is Immediately
scheduled.
"I do not feel that those at the
meeting represent our full strength
johnson said. IT haven't the slight
est hesitancy in saying that the
country is behind our position"
Senators who met in Johnson's
office were:
Republicans-(12) Borah, Van
denberg, Capper, Nye, Tobey, Dam
aher, Frazier, Quincy, Reed. Brldg-
es Lodge and Barbour.
Democrats-( 8-Clark, Mo-, Clark,
Idaho, McCarran, Downey, Overton,
Walsh, Holt and Bulow.
Farmer Labor ~ e. Lundeen,
Shipstead.
Progressive - (1) - LaFollette
| Avalanche Of Mail
An avalanche of mail has hit the
capital with Isolationists and some
doubtful senators reporting an over
whelming majority of opinion OPP
posing repeal of the arms embargo.
From the same senatorial sources,
word passed to the press gallery
that business pressure was develop
ing against repeal
But the Democratic front is clos
ing in defense of Mr.. Roosevelts
program. Sen. Carter Glass, D., Va,
elder statesman and distinguished
anti-New Dealer, was White House
caller yesterday and emerged prais-
ing the presidents plan.
Other senate conservatives, not
ably southerners who have Jared
the administration by earlier defec-
lions, are back on the reservation.
Most of the Democrats who met
with johnson yesterday are compar-
alive newcomers to the senate.
There is determined drive to
prevent early adjournment, regard
less of early disposition Of the ne(l-
trality issue.
Chairman Pittman of thee senate
foreign relations committee win see
the president today for last minute
discussion of the bill to be brought
forward for debate in the senate
The committee meets tomorrow but
without assurance that bill car
be brought to the floor for several
days.
A group of Democratic COMMITTEES
members met yesterday after hear.
ing the presidents neutrality mes
sage and work began on legislation
to be presented to the committee
tomorrow. M
Repeal of the arms embargo Is the
primary administration objective
The president has proposed tina
congress approve other safeguards
cash and carry. prohibition agains'
Americans exposing themselves Il
war zone dangers and the like.