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Show THE THREE-RING CIRCUS 177 vided after October 1, 1963, plus the waters of the Gila to the extent of one million acre-feet annually." California attorneys felt that Knapp's testimony was so "flatly and demonstrably untrue" that they prepared a brief answering it in great detail. This was printed and distributed to the members of Congress, as well as being used in their own testimony.* April 5, 1949 A part of the session had been concluded before Engle was in a position to begin the cross-examination of Knapp, which Murdock had assured him he would be given time to conduct. Then he learned from a member of his staff that Knapp had been permitted by Murdock to leave Washington for Arizona. He con- cealed his profound aggravation as he calmly said to Murdock: "Mr. Chairman, I desire to be recognized at this time in pursuance of the commitment made by the chair yesterday." 236 Murdock refused to recognize him, and attempted to call another witness. Now Engle's anger showed in his eyes as he gazed thoughtfully about the raised horse- shoe-shaped bench behind which the committee mem- bers sat. Only nine of the twenty-six members who com- prised the committee were present. Engle made a point of order, telling Murdock: "No quorum is present. I object to further proceedings on that ground." Under House rules, such a point of order had to be given precedence. It was a parliamentary maneuver 1 It is a document which would be great of interest to attorneys studying western water cases, and may be obtained from the Colorado River Board of California. Its length prohibits its inclusion in this volume. |
