Evening star., 1941-03-18
Harry Bridges Plea
To Delay Deportation
Hearing Refused
Defense Denied Copy of
F. B. |. Report, Bosis of
Government Action
BY ]. A. FOX.

The application of Harry Bridges,
West Coast G. I. o. leader, for 30
day postponement of his deportation
hearing, which is set for March 81,
was denied today by Judge Charles
B. Sears, who is serving as special
examiner in the case.
Judge Sears ruling followed a
hearing at the Justice Department,
where the Australian-born Bridges
plea, presented through counsel, was
countered by the assertion of Maj.
Lemuel B. Schof1eld Special As
sistant ATTORNEY General in charge
of the immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service, that "the Government
will be prejudiced if this case is de-
layed."
At the same time, Judge Sears de-
MED a motion by Mrs. Carol King,
MIR. Bridges attorney, that the de-
fense be furnished with a copy of
the 2,50O-page report by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, which
served as the basis for the Govern
ment to reopen the case against the
labor leader. The proceedings
against Mr. Bridges were instituted
under the new Alien Registration
Act, which makes deportable an
alien who at any time in the past
has been identified with an organ
ization advocating overthrow of this
Government.
Case Reopened in February.
About two years ago the Labor
Department conducted deportation
proceedings against Mr.. Bridges,
alleging that he was member of
subversive organization-the Com
munist party-but at the end of that
trial the examiner, Dean James M.
Lands of the Harvard Law School,
held it had not been determined
that Mr.. Bridges was Communist.
When the case was reopened in Feb
ruary, Attorney General Jackson
said the Government was moving
~in the light of additional evidence"
and by virtue of the new law.
In arguing for delay today, Mrs.
King said she had been advised by
the treasurer of the Bridges Defense
Committee that more time was
needed to raise funds. Mr.. Bridges
is not a man of wealth and he draws
only modest salary as head of the
International LongShoremen's Un-
ion," she said. She pointed out also
that the transcript IN the lasS hear
ing cost $4,000 anG that $500 more
was spent to bring witnesses to the
hearing. She said Mr.. Bridges would
have to depend on union sources for
funds.
She also pointed out the Bridges
union will open its convention in Los
Angeles on April 7, but Judge Sears
said he would adjourn the hearing in
San Francisco for a week to allow
the labor head to attend the Los An
geles sessions.
Protection for Aliens Promised.
When Maj. Schof1eld said that
the Government was vigorously
opposed" to furnishing the defense
with copy of the F. B. I. report
or with the names of the Govern
ment witnesses, which also were
sought by Mrs. King, Judge Sears
said that, if it developed at the
hearing that investigation was
necessary in connection with any
of the testimony, the defense would
have time for such procedure.
''I'n see that the aliens rights are
protected" Judge Sears said.
In denying the motion to delay
the case, Judge Sears said he felt
Mr.. Bridges had had sufficient time
for preparation and commented
that, in the light of the new law,
he might have anticipated that the
deportation proceedings would be
reopened.
Meanwhile, President Philip Muir
ray of the C. I. o. called on all it's
unions to help defend Mr.. Bridges
against deportation.
All Practical Support Urged.
"Organized labor cannot stand
idly by and witness the persecution
of any of its leaders or members" :"
Mr.. Murray wrote union officials.
"It Is my considered judgment that
our affiliated unions and members
should lend every practical support
in defending Mr.. Bridges in this
case"
Mr.. Murray disclosed that a COM