The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-11-02
Party in Power Should Re- tain Control in Both Houses-Senate Majority May Be Increased
PROBABLE EFFECT
 OF WAR ON VOTERS
 IS VERY UNCERTAIN
Democrats Appear to Have Good Chance in New York" Solid South" Will Stand Firm

Washington, November 1.--tSpecial.) ] both houses of Congress for another two years is strongly indicated in the reports coming in from all parts of the country on the probable results of the election to be held next Tuesday. Fore casts from political experts assert that the Senate will be democratic by an in- creased majority. Certain gains are claimed from Vermont and Kansas, with strong probability of electine democratic senators in Connecticut and . good chance in Wisconsin. In Neva- da there is some doubt ss to the eIec- ton of the democratic candidate for the senate, which may cost the party n seat in fine upper body.
 The democratic majority in the House, it is conceded, will be reduced. Various estimates are submitted as to the prob able loss. These estimates vary from a net loss of 30 to 70 members of the present House. The most reliable and dependable sources, however, predict that the House will be democratic by major jty of approximately 10.
 Element of Uncertainty
 One difficulty in forecasting this years election arises from the uncertainty as to the effect which may be produced upon the voters by the European war, and the depression in business arising out or that struggle. Against that influence must be set the Presidents tremendous popularity, and the further fact that through his slSillful handling of the Mex ioan problem this country has maintained itself at peace with all the world while most of the other great nations are in- Nolved in war. This element entering into the election Tuesday may enable the dem- ocrats to win over enough votes to elect & large democratic majority in the House. Here Is an estimate based on present Indications and returns compiled by the best posted Washington correspondents, who have made careful study of the sit , uaton:
 ! Present House, democrats 2S5, repub- Leans 129, progressives 15 democratic va cancies 6.
 Next House. democrats 2i1, republicans zS0, progressiyes 4
 
 cated democratic majority 47.
 Loss to Democrats
 This indicates clear loss to the dem- ocrats, taking account of the present va- cancies, of 50 seats There are, of course, certain advantages in a reduced major ity, but no party has ever thought so highly of these advantages as to be in different to obtaining as big a majority As possible and the smaller the majority the greater is the uncertainty as to leg islation.
 The progressive vote all over the coun- try is expected to be greatly reduced dozen seats to that party. The repub- 1icans are expected to gain from both parties about 50 to 65 seats.
 In the Senate tho situation is as fol- lows:
 Present Senate. democrats 5S, repub- lcans Al. progressives ].
 Next Senate, democrats 56, republicans B. progressves 8.
 Present democratic majority 10; indi- <ated democratic majority 16.
 The New York Herald, which has made q canvass of the congressional situation, gives the democrats but 19 majority in the House and 14 in the Senate. The Herald says
 The outstanding impression from all
 
 tricts is tEat nearly everywhere local conditions are favoring the republicans. But for the European war and the per scnal popularity of President Wilson, there is reason to believe the poor busi- ness conditions, democratic extrayaga and additional taxation on the eve of election to meet treasury deficits would result in republican landslide"
 New York Situation In New York the democrats have a good chance to elect James w Girard as successor to Senator Elihu Root who is moi candidate for reelection. Mr. Gi- lards work as amba assador to Germany during the present war crisis, and Presi- dent Wilson's course in avoiding war
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