The Guardian

BARS RACE PREJUDICE FROM CONSCRIPTION

WASHINGTON - Color prejudice in the Army and Navy received a decisive set-back Monday when the Senate, after a bitter debate, passed by a vote 53-21 the Wagner amendment to the Burke-Wadsworth conscription bill.

Introduction by Senator Robert Wagner (Democrat) of New York. the amendment was added to Section 3(a) of the Senate bill. That section as originally drawn read:

"The President is authorized, whether or not a state of war exists, to select for training and service in the manner herein provided, and to induct into the land and naval forces of the United States, such number of men between such ages as in his judgment is required for such forces in the national interest:

"Provided, That any person between the ages of 18 and 35 shall be afforded an opportunity voluntarily to enlist and be inducted into the land or naval forces of the United States for the training and service prescribed..."

As amended by Senator Wagner and approved by the Senate Monday the last part of the section reads:

"Provided, That any person between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of race or color, shall be afforded an opportunity voluntarily to enlist and be inducted into the land or naval forces, including aviation, of the United States for the training and services prescribed..."

In all three votes were cast. The first vote, a voice vote, sounded about even to listeners in the gallery. The second, a division by standing, resulted in a 22-21 count in favor of the amendment. The vote was so close that a roll-call was demanded. On this final vote the count favoring passage of the amendment was 53 to 21.

Vigorously supporting his amendment Senator Wagner charged that the War Department had discriminated against colored men who desired to enlist. Senator Pat Connally of Texas could not forego the opportunity to reel off one of his characteristic diatribes of race hatred although his state of Texas, observers argue, is faced with the menace of being among the first to suffer attack should England fail.

The Wagner amendment now goes to House for consideration. The sentiment of House members are reported in favor of the amendment. Army and Navy officials may try to fight it, informed sources said.

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