Evening star., 1943-01-05

one member. 1T is going to be a
difficult enough task as it is to retain
control in the House with the re-
duced Democratic majority without
wading into fight that apparently
will be lost"
Leaders of both parties in the
House agreed that on matters di-
rectly related to the war there would
be no legislative difficulties.
Vice President Wallace, in an ef-
fort to bring about smooth work.
ing relationship in the Senate, was
reported planning to ask the leaders
from both sides Of the aisle to meet
with him soon for a discussion OF
the problems likely to arise.
Friends said such a gathering
would be designed to strengthen the
friendly relations which have ex-
listed in the past between Majority
Leader Barkley and Minority Lead
er McNary and their aides.
New COP Responsibility.
One of the latter, Assistant Minor
ity Leader Austin, said it was his
belief that the enlarged Republican
representation in both houses now
had a new responsibility to forget
politics and give strong support to
every essential war measure. This
did not mean blind acceptance of
everything the administration pro-
posed, but intelligent backing for
worthwhile proposals, he said.
The cause of winning the war is
the important element of the Seven
ty-eighth Congress-" Senator Austin
told reporters. Il am firmly per-
suaded that the war cannot be won
without harmony, unity and agree
ment upon its objectives."
Representative Mccormack, DEM
ocrat, of Massachusetts said he ex-
pected every member, without re-
gard to party, to support all war
measures"
But apparently with the 1914 pres
idential nominating conventions in
mind, he added:
If there are too many members
of the Republican party thinking of
1914 politics, that situation will in
terfere with the conduct of the war
and prevent Congress from making
its maximum contribution to the
quick and successful prosecution of
the war"
Major Fight Brewing.
On only one major subject were
leaders virtually agreed there would
be knock down and drag out
fight: On the Presidents expected
request for extension of his lease
lend authority and his power to ne
gotiate reciprocal trade agreements.
Both these powers expire in June,
and Republicans have announced
they would fight any further broad
extension of them. Administration
leaders said they would make a
fight" to continue the powers.
Both parties in the House called
organization meetings for today,
and, barring unexpected develop
ments, the outcome was pretty much
a matter Of general knowledge.
Sam Rayburn Of Texas was slated
for reelection as Speaker, Repre-
sentative Mccormack as majority
leader and Representative Martin as
Republican leader.
Senate Republicans, meeting Fri
day, are expected to redesignate
Senator McNary as their leader,
and Democrats, caucusing Thursday.
indicated their choice as leader
again would be Senator Barkley.
Meanwhile, congressional COM
mittee on peace plans was proposed
by Representative Dirksen. Repub-
lican, of Illinois. He said he would
introduce resolution tomorrow to
create a committee of six Repre-
sentatives and six Senators, with .
staff Of technical experts.
The committee would study the
geographical, ethnic, social, eco
nomic and political factors which
may enter into the formulation of .
treaty of peace" and encourage
public discussion of peace pro-
posalS."