Evening star., 1940-03-19
Up to the House

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new Hatch bill, the fate of this
wholly desirable measure rests with
the House, where 1t will be referred
within few days to the Judiciary
Committee. That committee already
has subcommittee on a companion
bill by Representative Dempsey of
New Mexico, and it is to be hoped no
time will be lost in taking up the
broadened Senate measure.
There are two reasons why prompt
action is desirable: This is the last
regular session of the present Con-
gress, which means that any legisla-
tion left incomplete this year would
die and have to start all over again
in both Houses in January, and, sec
ond, the country Is on the eve of a
national campaign now, whereas
next year, with no elections in the
offing, congressional attention no
doubt will be focused on other prob
lens.
When the Senate battle began two
weeks ago the bill was intended
mainly to extend to thousands of
State employees, paid in whole or in
part from Federal funds, the same
ban against political activity already
imposed on employees OF the National
Government.
AS the fight progressed two pro-
visions were adopted to curb private
campaign contributions, along with
a series of amendments making
comparatively minor changes in the
application of the political ban to
Federal and State employees.
The two amendments that go be-
yond the original scope of the bill
would have this effect: Limit to
$4,000 the amount any individual
could contribute to campaign in
one year, and prohibit any person or
firm making contracts with or per-
forming services for the Government
from contributing while negotiating
such contracts or performing the
services.
Opponents Of the bill have enter
tanned the hope that the limiting Of
private campaign gifts would cool
the ardor of some of the supporters
of the bill, but it did not have that
effect in the Senate. There is no
reason to believe the result will be
any different in the House-if the
full membership of that body is given
the opportunity to vote on the issue.
The main point to keep in mind is
that unless this new Hatch bill passes
at this session, one great army Of
public employees out in the States will
be free to engage actively in the
coming campaign, although part of
their compensation comes from the
Treasury, while the Federal Govern
ment's own employees are barred
from such activity. The logic of put
ting both groups on an equal basis
requires no extended argument.
AS repeatedly pointed out in the
past, the bill is not intended to pre-
vent any public employe from voting
as he pleases, or from expressing his
opinions. On the contrary, it's pur-
pose is to erect safeguards against
the use of these large groups Of State
workers, financed partly by Federal
aid, as active political campaign
workers. The rapid expansion of the
Federal-aid system in recent years
makes such legislation an essential
link in the chain of statutes govern
ing elections.
Senator Hatch, Democrat, of New
Mexico and those on both sides of
the political aisle who stood with
him, are entitled to commentator
for their perseverance and patience
in bringing the measure to a final
vote without the inclusion of amend
ments that would have weakened,
rather than strengthened, the origi-
nal act.
Senate Majority Leader Barkley,
in particular, deserves praise. His
position was not an easy one. When
the first test vote was taken on
major amendment ten days ago,
forty Democrats were lined up on
the opposition side, while only twen-
ty-two stood with him to retain es-
sential features of the original act
and the new bill. On final passage
yesterday, Senator Barkley's position
was vindicated, when thirty-four
Democrats joined with twenty-five
Republicans, one Progressive and one
Independent for the bill. Only
twenty-seven Democrats and one
Farmer-Laborite voted against.
A measure that wins a two-to-one
Endorsement in the Senate is entitled
to its day in the House, and it is to
be hoped the Judiciary and Rules
Committees will cooperate to bring
it out in time for consideration be-
fore adjournment.
Scientists announce the discovery
Of hitherto unknown hereditary
characteristic in certain men: Abil-
ity to roll up the tongue sideways.
It may be hereditary with them, but