Evening star., 1949-01-28
Reds Control Abroad
Proves Need 10 Bar
fiIibuster, Lodge Says
By J. A. o'leory

Communist success In tying up
European Legislatures was cited to-
day by Senator Lodge, Republican,
OF Massachusetts as one reason the
Senate should tighten It's rules
against filibustering.
As the Senate Rules Committee
resumed hearings, Southern Demo-
Gratis and Senators from the North
and West continued to wrangle over
whether the proposed new curbs on
debate are aimed at passing civil
rights program or for use In ma
tional emergencies.
The Southerners have offered to
limit debate on issues affecting ma
tional security but the only con-
crete compromise they have sug-
sested would require 30 per cent of
the members to vote to shut of de-
bate.
Eastland Challenges Lodge.
Senator Eastland, Democrat, Of
Mississippi challenged Senator Lodge
to put his finger on a single case
where prolonged debate has en-
dangered national defense.
THE fact that thing has never
happened before doesn't mean it
cannot happen" Senator Lodge re-
torted. I'VE have international COM
munism to deal with today. which
we never had before. We have seen
parliamentary bodies abroad where
q small group Of Communists have
gained control and tied things up"
Senator Knowland, Republican, of
California observed that the atom
bomb also may change the nature
OF future emergencies, requiring
speedy action.
Southerners Fear Restrictions.
1T we have another Pearl Harbor
at any time In the future, 1t prob
ably will not occur on some distant
island, but will be aimed at the in
dustrial areas Of the United States" :"
Senator Knowland added.
Several Southern Democrats who
took the stand today to oppose any
new general restrictions on debate
indicated, however, their belief that
the new rules are designed to pass
the civil rights program.
Senator Byrd. Democrat, of Viz
einia spoke directly % that issue,
declaring:
I urge my colleagues in the Sen
ate not to change the most vital
governing rule of the Senate in the
political atmosphere that was cre-
ated in the last presidential cam
paien, when the question OF civil
rights was made a political football
In the effort of both great national
parties to appeal to the votes Of
organized minorities."
Admits Abuse of Freedom.
Senator Byrd admitted that free
dom of speech in the Senate has
been abused" at times. But he in
sisted that freedom of speech and
the press Is sometimes abused out.
side Of the Senate. He argued that
the benefits of free speech and the
press vastly overshadow their
faults
Senator Byrd contended that
progress is being made in working
out the civil rights problem and
predicted ftrwill be solved, but not
BY coercion and Federal force"
The virginian said lynching has
been reduced to three in the last
two years and the poll tax remains
h only seven States.
Senator Lodge asked Senator
Byrd how he would change the rules
TO prevent delay in case Of another
Pearl Harbor attack.
Long Enters Argument.
Senator Byrd called attention to q
proposal by Senator Stennis, DEM
ocrat, OF Mississippi to let 80 per
cent of the Senate close debate at
any time.
Senator Long, Democrat, Of Loui-
nana interjected that "the Army
and Navy did not wait for declara-
tion of war to start shooting at
Pearl Earbor."
After hearing Senators Mcclellan.
Democrat, of Arkansas and Robert
son. Democrat, of Virginia defend
freedom Of Senate debate. the COM
mittee again recessed without end
ing the hearing.
Six more Southerners want to be
heard when the committee recon-
veres at 10 am. Monday, and Chair
man Hayden expressed confidence
testimony could be completed that
day.
Today's first witness, Senator
Maybank, Democrat, of South Caro-
Lima. warned Northern colleagues
that a time may come when they
would want the right to filibuster
against some bill Objectionable to
them and offered by the South. He
testified:
"It is not inconceivable that at
some future time some Southern
Senator may introduce a bill which
would be considered most obnoxious
70 the residents of some other
section of our country. I am sure
that the people of that section
would be glad to know that their
own Senators would have the legal
right to fight with every conceivable
parliamentary device in order to
delay and ultimately kill such bill.
1t may not seem so now, but the
time may come when Senators from
other States may delight in using
the various devices Of unlimited
debate which some of US are now
accused of abusing"
MARYLAND Mine 0wne,