Evening star., 1953-06-09
Fixed Sentence
Proviso Slows
D. Crime Bill
Senute Debate on
Controversial Plan
Possible Tomorrow

More argument over the fixed
sentences spelled out
in the Districts crime bill ap-
peared certain today, as the
House-passed measure awaited
Senate action as unfinished
business"
The big bill sailed through the
House yesterday after an hours
debate featuring criticism of the
judges here for too much leni-
ency in their sentences.
In the Senate, the bill came
up on the calendar. where one
objection could-and did-post-
pone action.
Acting Majority Leader Know
land moved to make the crime
bill unfinished business tomor.
row. which would give the MEM
bers opportunity to debate it.
Whether it will come up tomor-
row, however, remained in doubt
because it is likely to give way
to several appropriations bills.
Arguments Expected.
Whenever it comes up, how.
ever, the fixed minimum sem
tences are expected to stir a
round of argument. Senator
Hendrickson, Republican. Of
New Jersey. started the ball roll
ing yesterday when he told the
Senate he was 'loath to have
the legislative branch interfere
with the judiciary"
Senator Hendrickson said
later, however, he was sure
amendments ironing out the
objections to the fixed sem
tences could be worked out.
Chairman Case of the Senate
District Committee. who told
the Senate yesterday he vas
anxious to see all the work
done on this legislation bear
fruit, declined to speculate on
the fate of the fixed minimum
sentences. He pointed out, kow-
ever, that there were many other
important features in the omni.
bus bill.
Representative Davis, Demo-
crat OF Georgia, author of most
provisions in the omnibus bill,
set the tone for the debate in
the House yesterday by declaring
that Washington has acquired q
reputation as place where
criminals stand very good
chance Of not having to pay the
penalty for their crimes.
Celler Leads Opponents.
Representative Celler, Demo-
crat of New York. led the scanty
opposition to the mandatory
minimum sentences by warning
the legislators they were taking
q backward step which would tie
the hands Of the judges. The
attack on the judges began when
Representative Robsion, Repub-
lican, of Kentucky said the bill
constituted serious indictment
of the way the judges are using
their discretion"
Representative Rivers, Demo-
crat. of South Carolina asked
Mr.. Davis. What excuse do the
judges give for their apparent
indifference to public safety?"
Mr.. Davis replied that the
judges gave no excuse.
We've become the laughing
stock of the United States"
thundered Mr.. Rivers. THE only
safe way to travel around WASH
ington is in an armored car or
a tank"
Celler Argues Against.
Representative Celler argued
that fixed minimum sentences
do not necessarily reduce crime.
He added that New York does
not have mandatory minimum
sentences.
Representative Hyde. Repub-
lican of Maryland. retorted that
New York may not have manda-
tory minimum sentences but it
does provide life imprisonment
for "three-time losers"
Mr.. Hyde added that from
practicing law here himself he
knew that lawyers handling
criminal cases in the District
have made it a practice to get
cases before judges known TO
be soft-hearted and lenient.