EMPLOYMENT OF NEGROES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 112, 24 February 1950, Page 3

EMPLOYMENT OF NEGROES

BILL SEEKS TO BAN DISCRIMINATION OPPOSITION IN LOWER HOUSE ‘N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) (Rec. 9.30) WASHINGTON, Feb. 23. Republican and Southern Democratic opponents of the Administration’s contentious Fair Employment Practices Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday, secured at least’ a temporary victory in 1 the House early to-day. The House, after a 15-hour filibuster, approved a Republican amendment that would make observance of the Bill voluntary instead of compulsory. s Administration leaders immediately secured an adjournment of the House before a final vote could be taken. The Bill proposes the establishment of a Fair Employment Practices Commission with power to enforce rules agaiqst discrimination in the hiring or dismissal of workers because of their race, colour, or creed. The Administration claims that the Bill is a necessayy step to implement the Emancipation Proclamation. Southerners say that the Bill is a vicious attempt to stir up racial strife. The rules provide that the Bill must be disposed of in one legislative day unless the House, by a two-thirds vote, decides that discussion may continue. The Southern Democrats kept speakers on their feet all yesterday afternoon and evening to hold off a vote.