ustxtxb_obs_1969_09_26_50_00010-00000_000.pdf

two House members from viewing antiquities in his custody. The House went “on record in disapproval of the actions and conduct of Commissioner Sadler in his relations with the Legislature and reprimand[ed] him for such action and conduct, and as a matter of legislative policy . . . state\( dl that it expects all who appear before it or its committees, and particularly officials of the state of Texas, to conduct themselves in a forthright, cooperative, and direct manner in the best spirit and letter of the laws and policies” of the Legislature. On the last night of the first called session the House had voted to delay passage of the reprimand resolution, it being felt by a majority that Sadler had not had adequate opportunity to defend himself. Sadler the next day claimed he had been vindicated. This led to a prompt denial that vindication had been the House’s intention, a denial voiced by Rep. Temple Dickson, Sweetwater, who had led opposition to passage during the first called session of the resolution. Sadler spoke in his own behalf during the second called session, addressing the Rules Committee that was considering the Farenthold resolution. He had also spoken to the same committee during the first session when the committee first considered the reprimand. Sadler’s arguments against the resolution at times turned into attacks on the personalities and characters of some who oppose his handling of land office affairs. In a speech at Lamesa last month, the commissioner had said, “The beatniks of Austin and Washington and all of those who advocate overthrow of the government I call guilty of sedition. They, and the professors who advise students to burn their draft cards, are the kind of trash that has been after me.” His appearance before the Rules Committee this month was characterized by much of the same sort of talk. He asserted that Jeff Burke, the Rio Hondo diver who has been outspoken in his criticism of Sadler, was tried \(but not for negligent homicide in connection with an automobile accident in 1963. Sadler also said Burke had been convicted of driving while intoxicated; Burke later denied this. Sadler said Burke did not, as had been heard, lose the top part of one ear while serving in the military during World War II; rather, it was bitten off by a man with whom Burke was fighting at a Pecos drive-in in 1961 while Burke “was twisting a sensitive part of [his opponent’s] body.” Burke, who sat smiling nearby while Sadler recounted all this, later confirmed that Sadler was substantially correct about this last point. Sadler also said Burke was a business associate of Billy Sol Estes. Then, turning to Mrs. Farenthold, who also was seated near Sadler, the commissioner said, “And, Mrs. Farenthold, God bless you, your husband paid a $20,000 fine for smuggling precious jewels into the country.” Mrs. Farenthold afterwards told reporters that the jewels had belonged to a relative of her husband who died in France in 1941. Mr. Farenthold brought the jewels back to this country in 1947, being advised to do so by an attorney. Mrs. Farenthold said the settlement with customs was “friendly.” SADLER WAS questioned closely by the committee after he finished speaking. Particularly acute questions were put to him by Rep. Jack Ogg, Houston conservative, who later said his questions were based on the allegations of the Farenthold resolution. As Ogg saw it, Sadler did not deny the substance of those allegations. The resolution was considered a few hours later by a subcommittee, which recommended to the House membership that it be passed. Passage came the next morning, 63-49 38 members not voting. Among other last-minute acts of the Legislature was passage of an antiquities code, a measure that, during the regular session, gave rise to the controversy about Sadler’s dealings with Platoro and with the Legislature. The code provides safeguards for the recovery of artifacts of historical and financial value. G.O. Political Intelligence The last day of the second special legislative session there was talk that the lawmakers might be back one more time in 1969 in October to handle some redistricting chores. That talk since has been discounted, it being felt that redrawing the congressional and legislative districts can await the 1970 federal census next April. Virtually sure to be a factor, whenever redistricting is taken up, is a ruling by the US Supreme Court expected this fall, that will require single-member districts for state legislatures. An Indiana case is to be heard this fall on appeal of a lower federal court decision that held that multiple-member districts are unconstitutional. 10 The Texas Observer EL CHICO, Jr. Burnet Road & Hancock Dr., Austin Beer patio under the stars Fast service & carry-out Delicious Mexican food Dinners $1.15 to $1.45 An operation of R & I INVESTMENT CO. Austin, Texas Alan Reed, President G. Brockett Irwin, Vice President One of Pete Gunter’s two articles in the Aug. 29 Observer on the Big Thicket was reprinted in the Sept. 5 Congressional Record at the instance of Sen. Ralph Yarborough. John Connally insists he has no political plans, and that includes running against Senator Ralph Yarborough next year. The former governor says he could not be happier leading the private life of a Houston lawyer. But when a reporter recently asked him if running against Yarborough was possible “in his wildest imagination,” Connally answered, “You never know what a man is goint to do. I don’t want to be coy or evasive. You never know what you are going to do.” Bruce Alger, the former Dallas Republican congressman, these days serves as chairman of the United Congressional Appeal, which raises money for the election campaigns of conservative congressmen. UCA is an arm of the right-wing Liberty Lobby. Group Research, the liberal group that keeps abreast of developments on the right, reports that UCA claims to have distributed $90,000 to conservative congressmen last year in 29 states. The goal for the coming camp $250,000. The dedication of the Dougl ; MacArthur Academy of Freedom s planned next month at Brownwoou. _le Academy, founded by right-wing mon , y as a place to foster conservatism ainong students interested in governm&.ntal careers, has since been taken over by Howard Payne College, a Baptist sch: -.1. Gen. William C. Westmoreland, Army chief of staff and former commander of US forces in Vietnam, will deliver the main address at the Oct. 18 ceremony. Also on hand will be MacArthur’s widow. She, Westmoreland, and Fred Duckworth, president of the MacArthur Memorial Foundation, will receive honorary doctoral degrees from HP. Among new directors of the college are State Rep. W. S. Heatly, Paducah. “Rookie of the Year” in the Texas House of Representatives for this year is Rep. Henry Sanchez, Brownsville. The choice is made every other year in an election among representatives. Liberal members, always outvoted so far, refer unkindly to the award as the “Go Along To Get Along Trophy,” among other things.