Airing the Chambers

"If people back home heard everything we said in the Senate," Mississippi's Senator Bilbo once blurted, "I wouldn't get re-elected and neither would some of my highfalutin colleagues."

Bilbo, at least this time, spoke for the majority. His is one ample reason why the regular sessions of Congress have never been broadcast. Thus far, only special sessions and important committee meetings have gone on the air. But according to a poll last week, in Pageant magazine, Congress is beginning to change its mind. After sampling the views of some 70 legislators, Pollster J. H. Pollock reported that 61% of them were quite willing to have microphones at their benches; only 33% were opposed; 6% were still mulling it over.

The strongest proponent of listeners-in on Congress is Florida's Claude Pepper, who for three years has been plugging a bill to legalize broadcasts. But the idea has some strong opponents. Says Ohio's Senator John Briclier: "Silly idea." Texas' Tom Connally fears for "the dignity and solemnity of the Senate."

It all made good chitchat for a nonelection year. But in 1948 Congressmen are likely to prefer to talk through the Congressional Record, where they can revise and polish their remarks. Anyway, as Delaware's Senator John Williams says, "Why make the country suffer?"

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