Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-07
Ardent New Dealers
Continue Fight for
Full ". P. 4. Fund
Speeches May Delay
Senate Vote on Relief
Again Today
BY ]. A. O'LEARY.


A group of unyielding New Deal
ers in the Senate is ready to con-
tinue the fight to raise the $780,
600 900 compromise w. P. A. fund
agreed upon by regular administra-
ton leaders and the economy bloc,
with a result that action may be
put of again today.
Although informal polls last night
indicated approximately go votes for
the compromise figure already ap-
proved by the House, the advocates
of the additional $50,000,00O asked
for by the President are claiming be-
tween 80 and IS votes and hoping
that further debate will arouse add
ed sentiment for their cause both in
the Senate and throughout the
country.
Meanwhile the House Appropria-
lions Committee took the first step
in its comprehensive investigation
of the w. P. A. by announcing
appointment of j. O'Connor Roberts.
a Washington attorney and former
solicitor of the Veterans Admins
tration, as its counsel. The next
meeting of the House group was set
for April IL.
The committee is considering using
the Justice Departments Omen to
aid the inquiry. Committee men,
bers said the Federal agents would
be used if needed and if F. B. I.
Director j. Edgar Hoover agreed.
Pepper Leads Fight.
Senator Pepper, Democrat, OF
Florida is leading the battle for
the S50,OOO,OOO which checkmated
the plans of leaders for a vote yes
terday, and said it was doubtful the
discussion would be completed to-
day because of the number of Sen.
ators who have signified a desire
to speak.
Democratic Floor Leader Barley
said If the vote is not taken today
he may hold the Senate in session
tomorrow.
Aside from the amount Of money
involved. the effort to restore the
cut holds possibilities of widening
the breach in Democratic ranks
that led to the original $4,000 900
reduction in the earlier relief bill
in February. 1t was to avoid such
! a contest on the floor, and a later
battle with the House in conference,
that regular Democratic Leaders
agreed to the 100000 900 figure
when the bill was being reported.
While another day or two Of
debate may win some additional
support for the Pepper motion, those
in charge of the bill are confident
substantial majority will stand
firm for the compromise informally
agreed upon.
Confident President Wants Sum.
Senator Pepper said last night
that he has not been in commune
cation with the President since the
fight started, but is confident the
Chief Executive still wants the full
amount. He said also that some
Senators had indicated to him they
were sorry they had agreed to sup
port the lower amount. The Pres
ident Is still in the South, but is
expected back in Washington within
few days.
Senator Mead, Democrat, Of New
York is scheduled to continue today
the plea he was making in support
of the Pepper motion when the
Senate recessed yesterday. He con-
tended the cut would add to distress
in large cities.
After a speech of more than three
hours by Senator Pepper. Senator
Adams, Democrat. of Colorado. in
charge of the bill, insisted $780, 00.-
900 is adequate to meet the situa-
ton for the next three months and
still provide a cushion for the early
part of July If the next regular re-
lief bill is not available by that
time.
When Senator Adams reiterated
on the floor that w. P. A. added
$4,000 persons to its rolls in Feb
ruary, after Congress had cut its
fund, Senator Pepper asked II the
Colorado Senator regarded that as
an unjustiflable increase.