Evening star., 1942-03-01
War Powers
Continued From First Page)

lap Of the Joint Conference Com
mittee where the measure ultimately
will land for revision
Among the provisions OF the
measure was one, swiftly adopted, to
provide free postage for persons in
the armed forces.
The final hours of the debate
longest and one of the most acri-
monious in the House since the
United States entered the war
brought new and bitter protests
against wrapping up varied and con-
troversial legislation In q single
omnibus bill. IL s-Es
Opposition on that ground brought
rejection of two of the provisions.
They would have:
Waived age. educational and resi-
dental requirements for aliens
seeking United States citizenship
provided they serve honorably with
the Nations armed forces during the
present war. The vote for elimina-
ton was 1873 to 68.
Conversation Clause Lost.
Provided compensation for civilian
defense workers, such as air-raid
wardens, who suffer injuries while
on duty.
Against both sections was leveled
the contention that they should be
handled as separate pieces CT legis-
lation. Representative Starnes,
Democrat, of Alabama argued that
this was/not the time to let down
citizenship safeguards.
The House tackled on one pro-
vision, by vote of 81 to IT. to pro-
tect industrialists whose machinery
Is reouisitioned for war work. The
amendment would require the Gov
ernment to pay the owner an
amount at least equal to the dif-
ference in the plants valuation be-
fore and after the requisition.
Chairman May of the Military
Committee sought unsuccessfully to
strike out the entire section deal
ing with requisitioning powers, but
lost by a vote of 81 to 86.
Hatch Act Imperative.
Exemption of draft board MEM
bers from the Hatch Act was or
dered on motion of Representative
Wadsworth, Republican, of New
York who said inclusion of these
officers under the act implied dis
trust. Such officials, he told the
House, are mot job holders in the
ordinary sense of the word" and no
instances OF political discrimina-
tion have been reported or would
be reported.
As passed by the House, the bill
contained these 13 emergency pro-
visions:
Gives the Interstate Commerce
Commission the same emergency
powers over motor carriers it now
exercises over railroads.
Extends the Governments power
to acquire real as we'll as personal
property for emergency use.
Provides penalties for violations
Of priorities orders.
Authorizes Federal Reserve banks
to purchase Government obligations
directly from the Treasury.
Permits the waiver Of navigation
and marine inspection laws in
emergency cases.
Removes from the requisitioning
law the prohibition against taking
machinery or equipment in actual
use and necessary for the opera
ton OF a business.
Excludes certain part-t time officers
and employees of the Government
serving in the war effort from the
Hatch Act.
These exemptions include the dol
lar-a-year men and those who are
serving without compensation In
addition TO emergency agents such
as air raid wardens and draft
board officials.
Permits the assignment OF c. G. G
workers az guards for war indus
tries. utilities and natural resources
Provides free postage for 'hs
armed forces at home or abroad.
Allows the Treasury Department