Evening star., 1939-12-31
G.0.P.Leaders
Deaf 10 Bids 10
Jackson Dinner
Congress, Opening
"Wednesday, Won't
Adjourn Politics
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.


Congress will convene Wednesday
at noon and two hours later will
listen to President Roosevelt's mes
sage on "the state of the Union"
delivered in person at joint ses-
sion of the two Houses
Whether the President will ask
for another adjournment of par
tisan politics s"-as he did at the spe-
cial session last fall when neutrality
legislation was the order of busi-
ness-has not been disclosed.
Republicans last night interpreted
the invitations issued by former At
torney General Homer Cummings,
chairman of the Jackson Day Dinner
Committee, to the G. o. P. congress
| sional leaders as clear indication
| that the administration was PLAN
ming another appeal for non-par-
| tisanship because of the war situa-
ton abroad
Martin Will Decline.
Representative Joseph w. Martin,
jr.. Republican leader of the House,
made no effort to conceal the fact
| llldU llC Olu llOl lllGNllo W kO W IllC
dinner-although he will write a
formal declination later. after con-
sulting with Senator McNary Of
Oregon and Senator Austin of Ver-
mont, respectively Republican leader
and assistant leader of the Upper
House
Il have been taught to be sus-
picious of the Greeks bearing gifts"
said Mr.. Martin, referring to the
invitations. III say, however, that
it might be good thing to have
some people at dinner given in
honor of Andrew Jackson, who still
believe in States rights"
| Mr.. Martin commented on the
statement in Mr. Cummings letter
that he was issuing the invitation
with the knowledge of the President
and after being assured by the Pres
ident he would make 'non-partisan
speech" at the dinner.
This dinner" said Mr.. Martin,
lis being given by the Democrats to
raise money for the Democratic
campaign fund. If they would agree
to give us half of the net profits
from these dinners all over the
country, We might think it over"
Decline to Be Quoted.
Senators McNary and Austin de-
clined to be quoted before answer
ing the Cummings invitation. 1t is
believed that all three of the Re
publican leaders will combine and
send joint answer. explaining why
they will not attend.
Senator Reynolds, Democrat. Of
North Carolina said he thought it
was a good idea to invite the Re-
publicans.
II think we could help the coun-
try by converting the Republicans
through the information they would
get there he told reporters with
grin.
Senator Norris. independent, OF
Nebraska, New Deal supporter who
said he had not received an invita-
ton to the dinner, asserted:
Il think the Republicans should
accept. They and the Democrats
might have a joint debate that
would be interesting to everybody"
In Camden, S. c.. Mr.. Cummings
said here yesterday some Repub-
| licans' had been invited to the
Jackson Day dinner as "a gesture
OF good will
THE period through which the
world is passing is unusual" said
Mr.. Cummings, who is in Camden
for brief vacation. The invita-
tions were extended as gesture of
good will. They were extended in
good faith and hope they will be
accepted
No Adjournment of Politics.
Mr.. Martin made it quite clear
on his return here yesterday from
Massachusetts that there would be
no adjournment of politics in the
coming session of Congress. Sena-
tor McNary and Senator Austin gave
the same impression.
The attempt of the Democrats to
say, is did Mr.. Cummings in his let
ter to the Republicans, that times
are so unusual as to make it neces-
sary to have country without po-
litical parties, is resented by the Re-
publicans. the leaders asserted.
I'VE are not at war, and there is
no prospect We will be engaged in
the war; they said. yet we are
told in effect that We must have
no parties, but a totalitarian gov
ernment. This is a demand for the
continuance of the status quo in
government here
The prospects, therefore, are for
a session OF Congress in which poll
tics and political maneuvering will
lSee POLITICS PAGE AZ