Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-02-27
Vote on Amendments
IoConstitution Barred
For Duration Of War
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Assecisted Press.
{ The Senate Judiciary Commit
tee today turned thumbs down
son all constitutional amend
ments for the wars duration.
= The decision effectively blocks
any immediate Senate eonsidera-
ton of pending proposals to give
the House part in treaty ratifica-
tons and to limit White House
tenure.
Noting that the prohibition
amendment was proposed during
the last war, Senator Ferguson
Republican, of Michigan, told re-
porters "the millions OF men and
women in the service should have
a part in any future constitutional
decisions"
No Formal Vote Taken.
Chairman McCarran said no
formal vote was taken but sit was
the consensus of the committee at
a closed session yesterday that no
constitutional issue be submitted to
the States by Congress until the
boys come home"
Chairman Hatch OF subcommit-
tee appointed to consider various
proposed constitutional amendments
introduced at this session said he
raised the question whether his
group should go ahead. conduct
hearings and make recommeda-
tons"
After some discussion. he said, the
subcommittee lin effect was in
structed not to hold hearings and
not to make recommendations. at
least until further orders from the
committee"
Senator Hatch is strong sup
porter of proposal to permit treaty
ratification by majority vote of
both houses instead of the present
requirement of a two-thirds vote In
the Senate only
That and other proposed constitu-
tional amendments would require a
two-thirds majority vote of both
houses, plus legislative ratification
by three-fourths of the States.
Can Originate in Legislatures.
IF any constitutional change is
wanted by the people at this time"
Senator Ferguson said, 1.-The amend
ments can originate in the legisla-
lures. Two-thirds of them can call
a constitutional convention
In addition to the treaty ratifica-
ton proposal, constitutional amend
ments have been suggested to:
Limit the tenure of one man in
the presidency to two four-year
terms.
Put ceiling of six years on the
time any man might serve, either
in presidency or any other elective
Federal office.
Abolish the electoral college and
substitute direct vote of the people
for President and Vice President.
Provide equal right" for women
In legal and other transactions.
Provide citizens of the District of
Columbia with the right to vote.
Thinks House Will Proceed.
when told of the sentiment of
members of the Senate Judiciary
Committee, Chairman Summers of
the House Judiciary Committee said:
AS far as I know the House Judi
ciary Committee, and, I believe. the
House, Is going ahead with consid-
Grafton of proposed amendments to
the Constitution"
Zone of those before the House
committee is the Summers Capper
Joint resolution proposing an amend
ment to the Constitution to grant
power to Congress to enfranchise
District residents.
GA majority of a subcommittee
headed by Representative Celler,
Democrat, of New York. already has
approved the plan, and it is to
come before the full House Judiciary
Committee soon.)
Prohibit the collection of a poll
tax as requirement for voting. !.
All the proposals are routed
through the Judiciary Committee.
While it could be discharged from
jurisdiction by majority vote of
the Senate, the action seldom is
taken.