Evening star., 1941-02-23
BY J. A. OLEARY.

Opponents of the bill to aid Britain
last night threatened a filibuSter If
Majority Leader Barkley carries out
a suggestion that the Senate work
longer hours, starting Tuesday, to
speed passage of the measure.
Near the close of a long holiday
session during which the attack on
the bill was continued by Senators
McCarran, Democrat, of Nevada;
Taft. Republican. of Ohio, and Cap
per. Republican, of Kansas. the Ma
iority Leader gave notice that alter
Monday he may move to begin daily
meetings at II m. instead OF noon.
The announcement brought from
Senators Wheeler, Democrat, OF
Montana. and Clark, Democrat, OF
Missouri, opposition leaders, a charge
of pressure methods and warn
ing no time would be saved.
Barkley Denies Pressure" Charge.
Senator Clark declared if the II
o'clock hour is fixed he would de-
mand the reading of the journal OF
the preceding day, procedure ordl-
narily dispensed with by unanimous
consent.
That means" Senator Barkley re-
torted. that the Senator Will not
abide by the will of majority OF
the Senate if it decides to meet
earlier. It can only be interpreted
as meaning he will resort to par
Iiamentary procedure to prevent 1t.
The fare-up ended with Senator
B2rklev leaving the question open
to further negotiation over the week
end, after insisting supporters OF
the bill have no desire to apply
pr- -ssure.
As the three opponents hammered
at the bill on the Senate floor, Sena-
tor McCarran predicted it would put
the United States into war within
so days after its enactment. Sen
ator Taft said it would put the
issue of war" before the country
within six months and Senator Cap
per asserted it would give the Presl-
dent complete war making powers.
Passage Hoped by Saturday.
Despite yesterdays developments
and the fact that several more days
of speech making are in sight, lead
e5 we're hopeful of passing the bill
b Saturday of this week.
With passage a virtual certainty
aYd by substantial vote, interest
at the Capitol is centering on the
l9st-minute effort to write in further
amendments. The 20 or more
changes drafted by individual Sena-
tors fell into two classes, some by
opposition Senators to restrict the
povers of the President in carrying
out the program, others by men VINO
will vote for the bill but who are
seeking notifications.
Two proposed changes OF the lat
ter type-to name the countries 10
he aided and to set up Congress
sional group to consult with the
President at his invitation-Were re-
ported to be gaining strength.
No Plan to Accept Changes.
Administration leaders insisted
last night no agreement has been
made to accept any further changes
in the bill, but some friends OF the
lease-lend program thought the Two
amendments just mentioned may
win approval.
Three of those in charge OF the
measure-Senators Barkley, George,
Democrat. OF Georgia and Connally,
Democrat, of Texas said, however
that there was no present plan 10
accept further revision Of the Dill
Senator George told reporters that
any additional amendments might
have an adverse moral effect" He
said the changes might be inter-
preted abroad, especially in Japan,
as a setback to the President and
a sign of American disunity.
Senator Connally and Senator
Austin. Republican, of Vermont, a
supporter of the measure, agreed
that 1t was unlikely that further
amendments would make any ap-
preciable change in the final vote
An Associated Press poll of the
Senate showed 50 now are for the
bill, 20 against, and 81 uncommltted.
Two could not be reached.
The naming Of Great Britain,
Greece and China as the countries
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