THE CONGRESS: Dental Operation

Though the controversial federal FEPC bill had been buried in congressional committee for five years, the fumes of its persistent and bomblike smoldering had never left the nostrils of U.S. politicians. Eight states-had adopted anti-discrimination laws written to its pattern; both major parties in their 1948 platforms had avowed their devotion to legislation against discrimination because of race or religion. Last week, under the special rules of "Calendar Wednesday," it became obvious that the FEPC bill was going to be trucked in, like an ashcan of nitroglycerin, for consideration on the floor of the House.¶ The halls and galleries were jammed with FEPC supporters (though very few Negroes) and the floor was crowded with Congressmen when the House convened at noon. Southern Democrats and twoscore Republican allies, who had kept the bill in the wings for weeks by stubborn delaying actions, gathered to the last man to harass, confuse and delay again. It was after 5 o'clock in the evening when the bill was brought before the House— a reading of Washington's Farewell Address, bickering oratory over parliamentary points and seven time-consuming roll calls had eaten up the afternoon. The Southerners received subtle assistance from the Speaker, Texas' Sam Rayburn.

The bill's bitter opponents launched a campaign for adjournment which would have automatically kept the measure off the floor for many more months. It was 8:25 by the time the maneuver—and Dixiecrat hopes of avoiding consideration of FEPC—was beaten by a vote of 179 to 107. Then Pennsylvania's bald, stocky Republican Congressman Samuel K. Mc-Connell attacked from the flank, introduced a substitute FEPC bill which included none of the Administration provisions for enforcement.

After that the House was swept for hours by the gales of partisan debate.