Washington, May 10.
Mr. Frank B. Keefe, Republican Representative of Wisconsin, war over-ruled today when he attempted to prevent Mr. Harry Bridges, Australian-born West Coast maritime labour leader, from -testifying before the House. Merchant Marine Committee.
Mr. Keefe challenged Mr. Bridges" right to speak. When Mr. Bridges appeared in the Committee room, Mr. Keefe asked him. if he were an American citizen. Mr. Bridges replied in the negative.
The fiery Republican Representative immediately shouted, "then I object to your appearance. I do not propose to have any alien try and advise Congress what to do.
A voice vote, however, was held, and authorized Mr. Bridges to proceed.
The labour leader asked that the Committee force the Government-operated Maritime Commission to hire personnel through the union hiring halls.
Mr. Bridges, prior to coming to Washington, warned that coast-wide maritime labour strife would follow if the Maritime Commission refused to adhere to the principles in general practice among private shipping firms on the West Coast—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.