Evening star., 1947-02-11
Ex-Head Of iva
Calls LiIienfhaI
Power Seeker
Dr.. Morgan Testifies,
Patterson Praises, Tuf'
Opposes Nominee
BY the Asseeioied Ress

DR.. Arthur E. Morgan, ousted
nine years ago as chairman of
the Tennessee Valley Authority,
today accused his successor,
David E. Lilienthal, of making
dishonest" statements and har-
boring a desire for irresponsible
power"
DR.. Morgans testimony, given to
Senators considering Mr.. Lilien-
thal's qualifications as chairman of
the Atomic Energy Commission, was
the second blow at the nominee to-
day.
Friends of Senator Taft, Repub-
lican, of Ohio, chairman Of the
powerful Republican Policy Com
mittee, disclosed earlier he intends
to vote against Mr.. Lilienthal's con-
firmation.
In contrast to the positions taken
by DR.. Morgan and Senator Taft,
however, Secretary of War Patter-
son indorsed Mr.. Lilienthal as quail
fed and loyal.
Two Difficulties Mentioned.
DR.. Morgan told the committee
that Mr.. Lilienthal had excellent
abilities in some ways and was "an
exceptionally suitable person for ad-
ministrative relationships, where he
had no contrary purposes"
But, he said, he had encountered
two principal difficulties in working
with Mr.. Lilienthal.
zone arose out of his desire to
be irresponsibly in power" he testi-
fled. II think I could have gotten
along as far as that was concerned.
"But representations were made
to the public by the IVA, as the
IVA, which I found to be, in a short
word-dishonest."
"I came to point where I could
no longer be quiet under the cir
cumstances," he said, explaining
that as result of the controversy
he was removed from Office by Presi-
dent Roosevelt.
AS an example, he told of a meet
ing between the iva board and the
late Wendell Willkie on proposals
that iva purchase all or part OF
Commonwealth & Southern, Mr..
WILKES utility company.
He said Mr.. Lilienthal insisted
afterwards on giving the press a
statement to the effect that COM
monwealth 81 Southern had refused
to cooperate on any basis with iva
except on being allowed a monopoly
lin the four States where the private
power company operated.
DR.. Morgan said this was contrary
to the facts and "a case of explicit
misleading Of the public"
Senator Taft refused to make 9
public statement on the matter, al
least for the time being.
Nevertheless, some of his asso-
ciates told reporters privately that
he had informed them he would
vote against Mr.. Lilienthal on the
ground that he is "a New Dealer
He told them, they added, that he
did not know what position Re-
publicans in general would take.
Doubt ON Chances Raised.
Two other highly placed Republi-
cans-Chairman Bridges Of the Ap-
propriations Committee and Sena-
tor Wherry of Nebraska, the party
whip-announced their opposition to
the nominee yesterday.
Senator Taft's move raised added
doubt concerning Mr.. Lilienthafs
chances for confirmation, because
the Ohioan is rated by many as the
Republican welding the most in
fiuence on domestic policies.
On the other hand, Senator Van.
denberg, Republican, of Michigan
generally recognized as the party's
spokesman in international matters
has questioned Mr.. Lilienthal sym.
patheticaIy through the lengthy
hearings. His associates on the com.
mittee have taken for granted that
he will support Mr.. Lilienthal on the
showdown.
The apparent difference in views
between Senators Vandenberg anc
Taft may pose difficult problem fol-
many Republicans who have beer
inclined to follow Senator Vanden-
berg on international matters ane
Senator Taft on questions of do
mestic policy. The future of do
(See ATOMIC, Page A-6.)