Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-01-18
JaVifs SEEKING
KennedyHe
BY ]. A. OLEARY
Star staff Writer

Senator Javits, Republican Of
lew York, urged President Ken.
nedy today to come to the aid
of the bipartisan liberal drive
for a stronger anti-filibustel
rule in the Senate.
With both sides expecting q
showdown vote about Wednes-
day. some informed sources be-
lieve that If the administration
sticks to its hands-off policy,
the rules issue will be side
tracked.
Senator Javits said he did
not know whether that would
be the result, but added lit GER
tainly isn't going to help" If
the administration stays out
of it.
Democratic leaders have
made 1t clear that the Presi-
dent does not intend to take a
direct position on the Senate
rules fight. But Senator Javits
said he thinks Mr.. Kennedy
should take as vigorous q
stand as he did in the case Of
the House Rules Committee
controversy.
The New Yorker pointed ou'
that the administration hai
most Of the votes in the Senate
and cannot escape its share Of
the responsibility.
The liberals will try next week
to have the first test come on
the merits of their contention
that at the start of a Congress
a majority has the conStitu-
tional right to adopt new rules
Test on Tabling Motion
The opponents contend that
any change in the rules must
be adopted in accordance with
existing rules, which require
two-thirdS of those present to
shut off debate. The oppo-
nentS have made it plain they
will not stop talking unless the
two-thirds rule is invoked
against them.
The whole issue could be side
tracked, however, on a motion
to table, which is never deba-
table and requires only a ma
jority, The big question is
whether the opposition will
have a majority when this mo-
ton is made.
If they do, the fight will be
over for this year; If they fail
they will have to continue talk
ing to prevent the liberals from
getting a vote on the merits OF
a new rule.
Tabling Might Fail
Senate Democratic Leader
Mansfield said he thought that
If a motion TO table the rule!
fight was made too soon, II
might fail. Asked what he re.
garded as too soon, he replied
today or Monday. But he die
not speculate On what NIGH
happen later next week.
In response to questions
Senator Russell, Democrat O.
Georgia, leader Of the opposi,
ton. indicated he Is not dis,
posed TO agree to let the lib,
erals have an early vote OF
their contention that a ma,
jority has a constitutional RICH
to end debate TO amend tn,
rules at the start OF a Con
gress.
Senator Russell said h
thinks the Senate ought :,
discuss this proposal at som
length for the benefit Of fu
ture lawmakers 'in case thi
: foolish question is raised again
in the year 5000"
The liberals have two alter
native proposals pending on
would let a majority OF 81 stoI
a filibuster. The other would re
duce the two-thirds require
ment 10 three fifths.
Senator Eastland, Democra
OF Mississippi, spoke yesterda
In opposition TO any rule
change. while Republican Sen
ators Javits and Case OF Ne'
/, Jersey appealed 10 the Senat
TO let a majority decide wheth
er II wants a new debate limit
Z ing cloture rule.
! Assails Filibuster
ITO my mind. the filibuste
e has no place In the Senate G
= the United States" said Sena
I tor Case For Il impairs IN
! effectiveness and demeans tn
r dignity not only OF the Senat
4 htit nj the Natiny, ,v a ,,,hnYn