Evening star., 1947-01-03
Taylor Gets Jump
On 6. O. P, Offers
Resolution First
By J. A. oLeory

Senator Bilbo. Democrat, of
Mississippi, storm center of two
Senate Investigations, was barred
temporarily from taking the
oath of office today while mem-
bers of his own party fired the
opening guns in the fight to pre-
vent him from being seated.
Although the move to prevent
Mr.. Bilbo from being sworn in had
been heralded by his Southern col
leagues as Republican plot to win
the 1948 presidential election, it un-
expectedly became a Democratic
performance on the opening day.
The Republicans had motion
ready to bar the Mississippian, but
Democrat, Senator Taylor of Idaho,
got the jump on the COP by offering
a barring resolution first.
Overton Proposes Substitute.
After the Westerner had spoken
for more than an hour, the next
move also came from the Democratic
side. 1t was in the form of sub
stitute by Senator Overton of Louisi-
ana proposing that Senator Bilbo
be permitted to take the oath, with
out prejudice, pending final de-
cision on charges that he encouraged
the denial of voting rights Of Mis-
sissippi Negroes and accepted money
and gifts from contractors he had
aided in getting war business.
n1Ir{y,ry tho cnanphnc nf SnnotnrS
Taylor and Overton, Senator Bilbo
listened quietly. Packed galleries
watched the tense scene on the floor.
After Senator Overton offered
his substitute resolution, Senator
Thomas, Democrat, of Oklahoma,
Bilbo supporter, Immediately de-
manded a roll call to determine
whether a quorum, or majority, OF
the members was present. This was
regarded as q time consuming de-
vice.
The call showed 81 Senators
present.
Several Republicans, including
Senator Taft of Ohio, sought a
chance to speak, but retiring Sem
ate Secretary Leslie Biff1e, who pre-
sided, recognized Senator Overton.
Taft Seeks to Delay Debate.
Senator Taft proposed that the
Senate be allowed to organize, hear
President Trunian's message Mon
day and then debate the Bilbo case
at length.
This was objected to by Senator
Overton, however, who pointed out
that would permit the. swearing inI
of all the other Senators-elect and
increase the Republican vote.
The battle over Senator Bilbo held
up all other steps in the organiza-
ton of the Senate, and kept 80
other newly-elected Senators cool
ing their heels also while the debate
went on. These newcomers, as well
as Senator Bilbo, may sit on the
sidelines, but cannot join in the de-
bate or voting on the seating OF the
Mississippian.
ONLY one new Senator, former
Gov. Baldwin of Connecticut, Re-
uublican, was sworn in. His name
was the only one that came ahead
of Bilbo alphabetically.
Filibuster Threat Denied.
Senate leaders had no idea this
afternoon whether 1t would take
day, a week or longer to reach a
showdown vote on the Bilbo seating
moves. The time will depend en-
tirely on how long group OF Sena-
tor Bilbo's Southern colleagues talk
They denied threatening filibuster
but said they expected few days
Of debate.
In his opening speech Senator
Taylor defended the right OF free
speech, but asserted that "intimi-
dation and violence can not mas
ouerade as free speech; indeed, they
destroy the freedom Of the elec-
torate."
Further on Senator Taylor de-
clared: "I do not exaggerate when
say thatsat this moment the honor
and prestige of the Senate hangs
in the balance. To millions OF
Americans who have not previously
evinced an interest in politics, to-
days action will alone determine
whether this body is worthy of re-
spect As the highest legislative body
r.~. my