The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-06-25

In answer to criticisms voiced
by World war veterans protesting
his opposition to the bill to deport
Harry Bridges, Congressman John
NJ. Coffee has sent letters to vari-
Gus newspapers of the district and
state presenting his attitude in
the matter. Similarly, copies Of
his speech In the house setting
forth the reason for his opposition
To the bill were forwarded. Said
Coffee, in part, in his letter:
Now Is the time we should not
succumb to war hysteria. We
sh ou d keep our eyes straight
ahead and our feet on the ground.
Veterans should not get worked
up over this situation. Let them
take note Of the fact that among
the veterans who voted against
this bill were two whom all of us
regard as the most outstanding
veteran members OF the house be-
cause OF their records for bravery
overseas. These are Congressman
Miller Of Connecticut. who lost
both legs while serving in the
aviation branch OF the A. f. F,
He is Republican. The other is
d m cratic Representative Ed
Lac of California, who is the only
member of either branch who has
been given the coveted accolade OF
the congressional medal of honor.
Conservatives Opposed
Among those who voted against
this bill on the ground that 1t is
unconstitutional were such highly
reputed conservative Republicans
as former u. S Senator-now Con-
gresham - Wadsworth of New
York: also the former Rockefeller
clergyman, DR.. Eaton, congress
man from New Jersey; also that
great scholar. Congressman Luce
Of Massachusetts. Representative
Sam Hobbs of Alabama, one OF
our most conservative Democrats,
vigorously attacked the bill on the
ground OF its constitutional valid
ity. None of these men Is friendly
with Bridges, and none voted as
they did because OF approval OF
Bridges as a labor leader, or as
man.
1T is important to point out
that the Tacoma Labor Advocate,
the official organ of the American
Federation OF Labor in Pierce
county. though bitterly attacking
Bridges, in an editorial in their
May "a issue denominated the AL
len bill to deport Bridges as an
absurd and 'disgraceful proposal
That editorial was right in point
ing out that such legislative mon
strosities do more to create Com
munists and promote subversive
activities than all the Communists
performances put together.
Votes His Convictions
THE test of a legislator in these
hectic times is whether he will
vote his solemn convictions, re-
gardless of political expediency.
The Constitution il a palladium of
protection for all persons in the
United States. The supreme court
has repeatedly held this TO be true.
II we are going TO suppress the
democratic process now, let us be
frank about it. l hold that civil
rights must be accorded to those
with whom we disagree. as well as
to those whose viewpoint harmon
lies with ours.
II swore to defend the Constitu-
ton and uphold II at all times.
My vote against this bill was in
strict accord with that oath. do
not reflect invidiously upon those
Of my colleagues who voted the
other way. may say frankly that
scores OF them told me privately
they agreed with my contentious.
but they were afraid Of political
repercussions and hence voted in
favor Of the bill. though meta
phorically holding their noses as
they did 80.
Holds Bill Illegal