Evening star., 1948-04-23
4 in House Race
Ask Support al
Bethesda Forum
Democrats Seeking
Nomination to BeuII
Seat Explain Views
By John v. Horner

-Four Democratic candidates Tor
the House in the 9th Maryland dis
trict readily agreed last night that
a member of their party should re-
place the Republican incumbent,
Representative Beall, but they had
four different ideas on the choice
for the post.
AS principals in a forum at the
Bethesda Chevy Chase Recreation
Center, Bethesda, each invited sup
port for the party nomination in the
May 3 primary
Participants in the forum, spon-
sored by the Women's Democratic
Club of Bethesda and the Young
Democratic Club of Montgomery
County, were Will Allen, Bethesda
newspaperman; F. Byrne Austin,
Takoma Park businessman; Thomas
O'Connell, Forest Glen attorney,
and Dawson j. HORNE, Myersville
sales broker.
Questioned by Audience.
Taking advantage of a question
and-ansWer period after introduc-
tory statements, the audience ques-
toned all candidates on major po-
litical issues. These included uni
versal military training, how to
combat communism, imitation con-
troll tax structures, the Taft Hartley
labor law, atomic energy regulation
and civil rights.
Answers reflected general agree
ment on the subjects, with views
conforming for the most part to the
national Democratic program. In a
few cases replies were withheld,
chiefly because time limitations pre-
vented adequate discussion of COM
plex questions.
Mr.. Allen said the congressional
nominee must practice political
morality" He said this consisted of
three parts: Protecting the COM
munity and the Nation against cor
rupting forces Of communism and
fascism, protecting freedom of
speech for all political faiths, and
protecting constitutional rights of
the individual He explained that
this covered civil rights guarantees.
Mr.. Austin took the position that
since the candidates share some
what similar views on the major
questions, sharp primary clashes
should be avoided He said the win
ner May could debate the issues
in the campaign leading to the
November election. Commenting on
the anticommunism program he said
the large cost of the European Re-
covery Program is justified.
Mr.. Horine said price controls
"are part OF the answer" to the
imitation problem. He advocated no
change in the Governments policy
on atomic energy until we can trust
the nations we cannot now trust" :"
He said business and labor must
have equal rights under law.
Mr.. OConnell advocated repeal of
the Hartley Act. He irdorsed
the Truman civil rights program
with such reservations as are nee
essary" on the fair employment
practices proposal He said that
although exact monetary needs can
not be forecast far in advance, he
favored taxes sufficient to avoid
deficit financing.
To Speak at Dinner Tonight.
Mrs. Ivan Assay. president of the
Womens Democratic Club, presided,
and Mrs. James c. Christopher, pro-
gram chairman, was moderator. Jay
Fitzgerald, president, spoke on be-
half of the Young Democratic Club.
More than 100 persons have made
reservations for a dinner tonight at
Leland Junior High School, Forty
fourth and Elm streets, Chevy
Chase, at which the 9th district
congressional candidates will speak.
The meeting is sponsored by the
League Of Women Voters of Mont
gomery County. A spokesman said
Representative Beall. Republican, of
Frostburg, and the four Democratic
candidates accepted invitations to
attend.
Dinner will be served at $50 pm.
The speaking program Is expected
to begin about 7:45 pm.