A motion to void the measure by striking out the enacting clause, offered by Rep. William E. Miller (R-NY), was rejected on a teller's vote of 140-91.

Miller's proposal brought GOP Leader Marti, of Massachusetts to his feet with a warning to Republican members not to fall in a trap and help Southern Democrats "scuttle" the legislation.

Miller's move appeared to have taken the GOP leadership completely by surprise. He was co-author of the original Republican civil rights bill which was incorporated in the bill now before the House under the name of Rep. Celler (D-NY), chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

'HITLER DECREES'

Miller told the House he had come to the conclusion that the bill was dangerous. He compared it to "Hitler decrees" he said he had encountered as a prosecutor at the Nuernberg war crime trials.

Earlier, the House rejected on a voice vote an amendment by Rep. Willis (D-La) which not only would have limited the bill t setting up the inquiry commission but would have denied that body subpoena powers and required it to consult with local authorities.

As it stands now, the civil rights legislation gives the commission board inquiry powers and opens the way for the federal government to give additional legal aid to persons whose civil rights are in jeopardy.

The House turned down an amendment that would have added discrimination based on age to the matters to be investigated by the commission.

COALITION VICTORY

But a coalition of Southerners and some women representatives picked up enough side strength to vote in tentatively an amendment adding discriminations based on sex to the commission's agenda.

Offered by Rep. McDonough (R-Calif) and strongly backed by Rep Katharine St. George (R-NY) the amendment carried by a 115-83 teller vote. It is subject to roll call vote later.

Southern Democrats making a late ditch fight against the civil rights legislation, which Rep. Colmer (D-Miss) has called a political device to "curry favor with certain minority groups."

Actually, Colmer said, the bill would do no more to improve the condition of Negroes than national prohibition did for temperance.

While the Southerners do not appear to have enough strength to defeat the measure they have succeeded in reducing to a snail's pace its progress through the House.

As the legislation moved slowly toward a decisive vote, Southern Democrats forced two quorum calls which consumed almost an hour.

READING DEMANDED

Rep. Davis (D-Ga) also demanded that the journal of yesterday;' proceedings - a 7,500-word document - be read, but he abandoned this maneuver when the House agreed to suspend consideration of the bill at 4 p.m.

Then the anticipated parade of amendments began. Speeches can be made on each amendment to postpone the time when the House takes final action.