Coolidge Denies Red Charges at Hearing

Chemistry lecturer A. Sprague Coolidge 15 climaxed over three hours of angry debate in a State House committee meeting yesterday by emphatically affirming, "I am not a Communist."

His statement followed a statement that he and Harlow Shapley, Paino Professor of Practical Astronomy, were Communists. The exchange took place before the House Constitutional Law Committee at the State House.

Before the committee was a bill which would call for establishment of a commission to investigate Reds in education, government, politics, and industry. Coolidge and Philippe Villers '55, representing the H.L.U., were among those who appeared opposing the measure.

Gallery Insulted

Rep. Charles Ianello, in heated testimony, said Coolidge and Shapley were Communists, and after he was called down by the committee, referred to the unfriendly gallery as "Dopes! Communists!"

Coolidge, an American Civil Liberties' official, replied to the charge, adding that he "opposed Communism in two organizations."

Villers opposed the bill on two grounds from an educational aspect. He said such a commission was not needed to dredge up Red affiliations because "students are well aware of the Communist threat." He added that it was not the job of a legislative group to enact an administrative law.

Constitution Bans Reds

In defense of the proposal, sponsored by Rep. James A. Burke, Superior Court Clerk Thomas Dorgan used the state constitution in an attempt to prove that preaching of foreign political doctrines in schools is illegal--that schools must teach "chastity, obedience, and love of country."

Burke, in initial defense of the measure, said the bill was aimed at groups with "high sounding names," and that he was certain Communists were working "within the shadow of this very statehouse."

An opposing Boston minister vehemently announced: "We do not need you to protect us. We can think for ourselves."