New-York tribune., 1908-12-12
RADICALISM In SENATE
ELDER LEADERS WORRIED
Fear "ReUoIt" at Special Session
of Congress.
From The Tribune Bureau. J

Washington Dec 1.-The growth Of radcalism
in the Senate in the lAst few years has now
reached a point where It IS the cause or graVe
concern to the elder statesmen who have long
dominated the Senate. and who by their con-
servstism and strict discipline have been able TO
kill all the more extreme measures which orig
mated in the Senate came over from the House.
There are now only two of the Big Six who a
few years ago dominated the Senate. They are
Senators Aldrich and Hale Senator Lodge acts
with them nowadays. The original big Six con-
sisted OF Aldrich, Allison, Platt OF Connecticut
Hale Spooner and Hanna One by one these men
have dropped out by death or resignation untl
only the two named remain. They are q powerful
pair, and this year they will continue TO control
the affairs of the upper house, but when the Sen
ate for the special session next March there
may be revolt which will overthrow their DO
minion.
In any event, it will be necessary to recognize
the claims of some men Of radical tendencies and
certain OF them already jockeytng for position
in the contest for the choicest committee assign
ments. In the list of those whose position cannot
be fixed with certainty are Messrs Flint Nelson
McCumber Dolliver. Smoot and Guggenhem. and
probably Nj. Foraker's successor. whoever he may
be. Most of these men are disposed to side with
the conservatives, but may, nevertheless de-
eide to remain uncommItted until they see just
what is offered to them in the way of committee
piums by the different factions.
There are nineteen radicals, speaking from the
point of view of the 'elder statesmen on the
unofficial list of the next Senate. They are John
son, of North Dakota; Beveridge and Crawford, of
South Dakota; Bristow, OF Kansas; Bradley. Of
Kentucky La Toilette, Nixon. Piles, Sutherland
Smith, of Michigan; ,Borah. Bourne, Brown
Dixon. Gamble and JONES' Of Washington; Hey
burn, Burkett and Cumnins It will be seen, there
fore, that with the aid Of the Democrats the radi-
Gals, should they decide TO act with the minority,
could control the Senate. With minority Of
thrty-one, and nineteen radicals, the total would
amount to fifty, out Of ninety-two votes in the
Senate, and If the votes classed as doubtful
to go 20 the radicals the elder statesmen
could command only thirty-three votes in the
Senate
The first show OF strength will come when the
caucus of Republican Senators is called next March
to name the committee committees. If the
radicals agree to abide by the decision OF the
caucus. where they would. of course, be outvoted.
they can effect little in the reorganization of the
Senate, and this is the expectation OF the older
members, who believe that the radical wing Is
made up too largely of men OF violently divergent
views and of those who place their own interests
and prominence before any common good, to prove
susceptible to discipline capable Of fighting as
unit. Nevertheless, the elder statesmen view
the situation with concern, and until the question
is settled one way the other there Will be con-
siderable anxiety regarding the outcome.