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Show Little Bill the Giant Killer Our Republican representative in Congress, William A. Dawson, appears most upset at a move by venerable Rep. Sam Rayburn to do a bit of remodeling of the nation's capitol to provide pro-vide more space in that historic building. In a recent letter to Utah voters Mr. Dawson noted that Rep. Rayburn himself amended the appropriations bill in 1955 to provide funds for the program. "It is doubtful that more than a handful of Congressmen realize the import of this bill," the Utah lawmaker said. Rep. Dawson claims to be one of the handful. Under the plan the entire east front of the most historic side of the building will be obliterated and a new facade built 32 feet further east from the present one. Rep. Dawson and the rest of the "handful" seem to feel that "Mr. Sam" either doesn't realize what he is up to or that he has some ulterior motive in backing up such a project. Now Rep. Dawson is entitled to his thoughts regarding necessity for the remodeling. But the Utah Republican seems a little out of line suggesting that Mr. "Rayburn, one of the most respected members of the House, has some underhand motive in backing this project. Rep. Rayburn must certainly be as good a judge of what needs to be done to the capitol as is Rep. Dawson. After all, we can't live in the past forever. For too long we have been living with a V-E Day conception of defense under the present Republican administration. It's time the Republicans realize that a certain amount of respect for historic buildings is a good thing but that awe of things past should not stop us from moving forward. nfJn |