Evening star., 1947-03-09

cation to the Republican National
Convention. Up to date, however,
there has been no statement from
Mr.. Bricker-nor from Mr.. Taft
about the matter.
The. decision Of Senator Bricker
on the Lilienthal appointment,
therefore, is awaited with unusual
interest. If he breaks with Senator
Taft and supports Mr.. Llienthal,
he will be considered in some quar-
ters still a potential and perhaps a
likely opponent of Taft for the
presidential nomination. 1t is con-
sidered extremely doubtful that he
will do SO.
Vote Is Set for 10 Am.
Two Republican Senators told a
reporter yesterday that Senator
Bricker has indicated to them that
he does not favor confirmation of
Mr.. Lilienthal, the Associated Press
reported. Both of the Senators said.
however, that they did not bar
last-minute change of mind by the
Ohioan. Both asked to remain
anonymous.
The Senate committee vote is
set for 10 am. tomorrow. Two Of
the committee NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Vandenberg, Republican, of Michi-
gan, and Connally, Democrat, of
Texas-are among congressional
leaders invited to a White House
conference with President Truman
on the problem of aid to Greece at
the same time. This was not ex-
pected to prevent a vote on the
Lilienthal nomination, however.
Chairman Hickenlooper said yes
terday he would seek to have the
Atomic Energy Committee meet all
9:15 am, so that Senators Vanden-I
berg and Connally might be present
to cast their votes. If this does not
work out, he said, the committee
would meet as planned and the two
Senators could vote by proxy, pro-
yided . quorum actually is, present.
The other seven members are ex-
tpected to be on hand. 9w 4
Might Reach Floor Wednesday.
A committee report tomorrow may
bring nomination up for Senate con-
sideration Wednesday. provided the
printed record Of public hearings on
the nomination are ready.
Senator McKellar, Democrat, Of
Tennessee, arch foe of Mr.. Lilienthd,
yesterday promised "the damnedest
light that was ever put on in The
Senate against confirmation OF the
nomination. Senator McKellar led
the fight against Mr.. Lilienthal in
the committee hearings.
Numerous Republican leaders of
the Senate, including Majority
Leader White Of Maine, Senator
Taft, who is chairman Of the Repub-
lican Steering Committee; Senator
Wherry of Nebraska, Republican
whip" and Senator Bridges of New
Hampshire, chairman Of the Appro-
priations Committee, have declared
against Mr.. Lilienthal.
On the other hand, Senator VAN
denberg, president pro tempore of
the Senate, is expected to support
Mr.. Lilienthal vigorously Several
other Republicans have announced
they will vote for him.
Senator McKellar will have a
number of Democrats in his corner
against Mr.. Lilienthal.
Confirmation Expected.
The belief continues, however,
that the appointment will be con-
f1rmed by substantial vote. An
overwhelmingly favorable report of
the committee, it is predicted, will
have its influence upon Senators
who have not followed the case
closely and have not yet made up
minds.
The fight over Mr.. Lilienthal's ap-
pointment in the Senate itself will
run at least a week. it is believed.
with the attack being spearheaded
on the Democratic side by Senators
McKellar and Stewart Of Tennessee
and on the. Republican side by
Senators Taft, Bridges. White and
Wherry. ..-..~.,. 80, g. -
Senator Taft said yesterday he
wants the Senate to vote on the
Lilienthal nomination before it takes
up the nomination of Gordon R..
Clapp to head the iva board. The
Clapp nomination was reported to
the Senate adversely by the Public
Lands Committee some time ago.
Il think the Senate ought to
settle the main issue first," Senator
Taft said, referring to the Lilienthal
appointment. ut would be unfair
to Mr.. Clapp to vote on his appoint
ment before that"