The Washington times., 1915-11-17
Politicians Interested In Extent
Of Southern Opposition to
Preparedness Program.
STILL "s0RE' At KlTcHIN
Many congressman Would Like
to Get His SCaIp-Prospec.
tive Leader Fearless.

To what extent is the South going to
oppose the Administration program for
national defense?
This question is being asked freely In
Congressional and political circles be-
cause Of the fact that either outspoken
opposition to tho program Of the Presi-
dent or lukewarmness exists among
number Of the influential Democratic
members from the South
1t will be 4 singular spectacle II the
coming session discloses that the bulk
of the opposition to the plans Of Dem
Ucratic Administration for prepa parcdness
comes from the South. which is consid-
cred the backbone of Democracy.
May Embarrass Party.
Since the announcement that Con-
eressnnan Claude Kitchin is opposed
to the White House program. how
ever those who are interested in ma
tional defense. either for or against
have been studying the situation among
the Southern members Of House and
Senate.
Some OF the mos. formidable OPP
position the Administration will have.
oddly enough. comes from North Caro-
lima. which has n man In Inc cabinet.
Josephus Daniels. Secretary Of the
Navy. Not only Is Mr.. kitchin out
against the program. but Congressman
Page. who Is able and influential. io
also against II.
Those who have Investigated the sit
'ation aay that the majority Of the
Southern Democrats will line up with the
ADMINISTRATION. but that there VIII re
enough lefcctions to he embarrassing
10 the party.
Cold Water For Bryan.
William Jennings Bryan has always
had strong ctip on the south. In
coming members from Southern States.
even those who will support the Presi
dent, say Bryan has n strong follow
Ing in their States. and that it smbar-
RAISES them to have Bryan turned
against the Administration and warring
One factor in the situation is that a
number OF the strongest newspapers OF
u South are backing up the Presi-
dent and throwing cold water ON Bryen
The considerations which move South
ern Democrats are not entirely those
which move Northern Democrats. The
latter. as a rule. realizing that Wilson
Is stronger than his party. will not an
tagonizc him In cases where reelection
Democratic rule assured, there Is less
consideration given this phase OF poll
tics On the other hand. for a Southern
Congressman or Senator to fight the
Administration is an invitation for oppo-
sition In the primaries.
House Democrats "SOre."
The trouble which Mr.. Kitchin stirred
up against himself as the aspirant for
leadership OF the House by writing a
letter opposing the White House army
and navy program has not yet suhsidcd.
Many House Democrats are still sore -
and wou!d like to get his SCALP
Whether serious effort is made in this
direction depends on whether the oppu-
sition to kttchm organizes before the
meeting Of The House democratic eau
Gus. which will precede opening of the
session Evidently Mr.. Kitchin thinks
he cannot be unhorsed. for he IL prepar-
Ing to occupy the quarters formerly
occupied hv Underwood. In any event,
the kitchn letter Ia looked on as sure to
create endless Ill feeling and friction.
and to make 1t impossible, should
kitchin be leader. really to lead the
House Democrats.