Evening star., 1951-03-04
Donohue Slated
For Committee
Approval Soon
Republican, Democrat
Members Support
Him for Commissioner
By Don S. Worren

~Su Ne FN0ftSH
Confirmation of the appoint.
ment of F. Joseph Donohue as 9
member of the Board of Commits
sioners to succeed Guy Mason il
expected to be recommended this
week by the Senate District Com
mittee.
Support was voiced by both
Democratic and Republican mem
bers. Some even suggested that
the committee report to the SEN
ate might be unanimous, although
some members, pending the day
of voting, were reserving judg-
ment.
A favorable decision was pre-
dicted yesterday by Senator
Welker. Republican, of Idaho, who
had taken the lead in examining
Mr.. Donohue'S past legal service
to the liquor industry here and
his venture into the California
Senatorial campaign last fall in
the interest of former Represent
ative Helen Gahagan Douglas.
Senator Welker said he still
thought there might be 'some en-
barrassment" for Mr.. Donohue to
sit as a commissioner on problems
Of licensing and regulation of the
liquor industry, possibly involving
some of Mr.. Donohue's former
clients.
Opponents Failed, Senator Says.
Senator Welker said he thought
1t would have been more appro-
pirate for Mr.. Donohue to have
been appointed to some different
position"
But on the question of conf1rma-
ton, Senator Welker yesterday
told reporters: ''Mr. Donohue'
opposition failed to present any
evidence to disqualify him. I shall
vote for his confirmation"
He added: 1T is pretty won
derful to have practiced law as
long as has Mr.. Donohue (26
years. and yet have not a single
person take the stand to complain
Of anything about his honesty or
integrity"
Spokesman for church. prohibi-
tion and other groups have op-
posed the Donohue appointment
but none challenged his ability or
integrity. Some voiced fears that
because of his background as
counsel to liquor dealers he might
let this influence his judgments
as a commissioner.
Promises to Sever Connections.
Mr.. Donohue, however, said he
had no feeling of embarrassment
over this point since he should
and would consider his duty to
the public above any sympathy
for any former client.
He also promised that, if con-
firmed, he and his law partners
would sever any connections with
Milton S. Kronheim. liquor whole
saler, or other liquor license
clients.
The Democratic side of the Dis
trict Committee, which includes
numerous members who are per-
sonally and politically dry, is ex-
pected to vote solidly for Mr..
Donohue.
Senator Case, Republican, of
South Dakota. ranking minority
party member of the District
Committee, was withholding COM
ment as to any decision, as he
has done since the beginning of
the hearings.
Bennett Reserves Commitment.
Another Republican member,
Senator Bennett of Utah, said he,
too. was not ready to commit him
self but he added that the testi-
mony indicated that Mr.. Donohue
was "a man of principle, charac-
ter and ability"
Senator Bennett said it was
unfortunate" that the nominee
had background as an attorney
for liquor interests, but he added
that it was doubtful 'if this Is of
sufficient Importance to outweigh
the testimony regarding his per-
sonal integrity
Senator Hunt, Democrat, of
Wyoming, likewise withholding
announcement of his final vote.
made the point several times dur
ing the hearings that any other
lawyer no doubt would have been
quite willing to accept fees for
legal services to Mr.. Kronheim
or others in the liquor business.
Senator Hunt asked why, with
a potentially larger income from
the law business, Mr.. Donohue
was willing to take appointment as
$4,000 District Commissioner.
Hearings. Resume Tuesday.
To that Mr.. Donohue replied:
Senator, for 80 years I have
seen many distinguished men
come to the Congress of the United
States. They have been pitifully
underpaid. I can make as great
a sacrifice as they-and we can't
measure public service in terms
of profit"
Hearings on the Donohue nom
ination are to be resumed at 10
am. Tuesday. The opposition has
stated it's case and Mr.. Donohue
has been cross-eXamined by COM
mittee members. But Chairman
Nicely has ruled that since opposi-
ton witnesses were heard at
length the hearings should not be
concluded until all Donohue sup
porters have had a chance to
testify.
Two Cho+ ia C%runoIe