New-York tribune., 1914-11-05

that they will be more uuculent, less
likely TO stake the fortunes OF Dem
ocracy entirely upon the record or the
administration, which has led them 70
disaster instead Of triumph
The same condition, IL IL predicted
will prevail in the next Congress
where the difficulties OF the admins
tration will probably be even more ex-
aggerated. With narrow majority,
suspicious Of the leadership which
nearly brought IL 20 the point Of not
existing at all, Tammeny Democrats
resenting the downfall Of their organi-
cation and insurgency cropping out ~
intervals, it is predicted that the Presi-
dent will encounter trouble IN putting
through his legislative programme.
There were indications in the latter
part Of the last session of Congress
that the grip Of the President on Con
gress was being loosened. Rebellion
broke out against his canal tolls pol
icy. Recalcitrants In the majority
ranks opposed his antitrust bills, the
war revenue bill aroused dissatisfac-
tion and discomfort, and the cotton
flibuster at one time seemed menae-
ing. This insurgent movement WILL
il is expected, become serious from the
administration point Of view when
Congress reAssembles.
Wilson Democrats are getting very
little comfort when they contemplate
the reduced majority in the House.
They realize that while the House Will
be nominally Democratic IL Will no
longer be subservient to the White
House If past performances can be
used in gauging the future.
Secretary Garrison, who can find
humor in almost anything, is about the
only member Of the official family who
well concealed any disappointment he
might have felt over the result. lie
said he spoke in four districts and the
Democrats were successful in two.
Il split ffty-ffty. and II everybody
else had done as we'll we would have
had majority of 72 in the House, as
we aimed at a majority Of 154." he
said
The wiping out Of the topheavy
Democratic majority in the House also
prCsages the end of the absenteelsm
which has become so prevalent during
the last twelve months. Incidentally,
New York City members were among
the chronic absentees, and will now
have to remain in their seats II they
would have hand in shaping legisla-
tiOn.
Whenever majority in the House
is reduced approximately to twenty 1t
Immediately becomes dangerous for
any party leader to permit absentee
ism. There is recurrent danger that
the other side will put over some
thing" during the absence Of members
of the opposition. During the session
recently closed many rollcalls dis
closed the absence of one-half Of the
435 members Of the House. There can
be no more Of this, now that the DEM
ocrRts have been reduced to a major
ity which is almost shadowy.
Insurgency in Democratic ranks is
lust beginning TO reveal itself and
probably will grow. There are already
Democratic insurgents on the ques-
tions of big navy, rural credits leg
islation and appropriation bills. One
of the hardest fights of next winter
will be over the naval increase, and no
one can now forecast whether two,
three or four battleships will be au-
thorized.
With the promotion to the Senate OF
Representative Underwood, the present
Democratic floor leader, Representa-
tive Kitchin, of North Carolina, is
slated 70 lead the next slimly Demo
cratic House.