Evening star., 1948-07-26
Special Session
Meets, Awaits
Truman Speech
9. 0. P. Leaders DeIo'
Decision on Program
Pending Address
By }. A. O'Leory

The Elghtleth Congress recon-
vened at noon today, with Re-
publican leaders holding their
fire until they hear from Presi-
dent Truman what he wants
them to consider.
I'VE are not going to fire until we
see the whites of their eyes," Speak
er Martin told a press conference.
The remark was suggested to him
by Chairman Taft of the Senate
Republican Policy Committee, who
with other top-ranking COP men,
bers met in the Speakers Office this
morning.
The Speaker explained that they
had "a preliminary general discus
sion" of the legislative situation, but
without any decision on a program
until after they hear President Tru-
mans message He will address
them in joint session in the House
chamber at 1890 tomorrow.
Price control, especially on food,
and the housing shortage are ex-
pected to be high on the list of Mr..
Truman'S recommendations
Political Speeches Begin.
Republican members of the House
wasted no time in attacking the
Presidents call for the special ses-
sion.
Hardly had 310 members answered
the roll card and heard read the
Presidents proclamation calling the
session before they attacked the
President in a furry of one-minute
speeches.
Representative Bender, Repub-
lican, of Ohio said the special Ses-
sion is nothing but a continuation
of the Democratic National Con-
vention." Representative Gross, Re
publican, of Pennsylvania blamed
the high cost of living on the ad-
ministration, especially the foreign
aid program, which had sent large
quantities of goods abroad.
Another Republican, Represen-
tative Javits of New York, said
housing is still the No. l domestic
bill before the House. He said the
long range housing bill can be
passed in a few days if members
will sign the petition to force ii
from it's committee pigeon hole:
About IS additional signatures are
needed.
Senate Meets Briefly.
The opening Senate session was
more restrained. 1t lasted just IL
minutes and after the opening
prayer a quorum call showed IS of
the SO Senators on hand.
The only Senate business trans
acted was passage of the resolution
authorizing joint meeting with
the House tomorrow to hear the
President, and appointment of a
committee to notify him Congress
has complied with his call to re-
convene.
Meanwhile, the President called
top Democratic Congressional fig
ures to the White House for a pre-
view Of the message.
White House Press Secretary
Charles G.. Ross said Mr. Truman
worked virtually all morning on the
draft of the message, as he had
dona on a weekend cruise on the
Potomac with some of his top ad-
visers. Then he went into the con-
ference with Democratic leaders, IN
cluding Senator Barkley of Ken
tucky, the Vice Presidential candi-
date.
Others attending the conference
were Senators Lucas of Illinois, Nc
Grath of Rhode Island and Nc
Mahon of Connecticut, and Repre-
sentatives Mccormack of Massa-
chusetts, Priest of Tennessee and
KirWan of Ohio.
Speech To Be About rs Minutes.
Leslie Biff1e, secretary of the Sen
ate minority policy Committee, also
took part. Mr.. Ross said the mes
sage is expected to take 20 to Is
minutes to deliver.
Senator Taft, who also is chair
man of the Joint Economic Com
mittee, which deals with the broad
aspects of imitation, told reporters
there has been no time for COM
mittee meeting since he got back
today.
In addition to Speaker Martin
and Senator Taft, the Republican
leadership meeting was attended by
Senate President Vandenberg of
Michigan, Senator Wherry of Ne
braska, acting Republican floor
leader, and Senator Millikin Of
Colorado, chairman of the Repub-
lican Conference; House Majority
Leader Halleck Of Indiana, House
Whip Arends of Illinois and Rep
resentative Brown of Ohio.
When Speaker Martin said he was
glad to see the press corps. someone
jokingly asked if he was really glad.
YES" he replied. Il am very hap
py to be here"
Asked what had kept the COP
leaders in session for more than an
hour without any decisions on a
See CONGRESS. Page Ash