Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-29
The Control of the Next House.

The election of the Speaker and the control of
the organization of the next House of Representa-
tives probably will be decided by handful of In
dependents 1t is certain that neither Democrats
nor Republicans will have majority sufficient to
do so. The election returns in their latest revision
show two hundred and thirteen Democrats two
hundred and fourteen Republicans and third
group composed of three Progressives, Socialist
a Prohibitionist and free lance In that group
Of six. lies the balance of power.
There are two contested seats for which certif-
Gates have not yet been issued. II the Democrats
win both of these, they will be able to elect their
candidate for Speaker with the aid of three indie
pendent votes, while the Republicans will need
four Independent votes. On the other hand, the
Republicans will need only two Independent votes
if both contests are won by them, while the Demo-
Gratis in that event will need five 1t is worth
noting that in both contests-one of which is in
the second Pennsylvania district and the other in
the third New Jersey district-the Democratic can
didates now seem to have the advantage
Washington correspondents report the indie
pendents altogether taciturn in their intentions
1t is conjectured, however, that Mr. Kelley of
Pennsylvania, who is a Progressive Mr. Randolpb
of California, Prohibtionist, and Mr. London. of
New York. Socialist, will vote with the Democrats
Mr.. SchalI, Progressive of Minnesota. and Mr.
Fuller. an Independent. of Massachusetts, are re-
garded as favorable to the Republican side A
doubtful factor is Mr.. Martin, of Louisiana once
Democrat but a Progressive. Coming from
large sugar district, he is keenly concerned with
tariff protection for interests and on that ac-
count would be inclined. perhaps, to support Re
publican organization. His former colleagues point
out. however, that with Democratic Senate and
Democratic President it would impossible for the
Republicans to put through reactionary legislation
on the tariff any other matter even though they
ad a ioritv in IT..
Louisiana Progressive may decide, therefore, to go
with the Democrats in electing Speaker and or
ganizing the House, and trust to the Tariff Com
mission for what he considers justice to sugar
On broad principles would expect indie
pendents and Progressives to vote with the Dero-
Gratis rather than with the Republicans Also as \
matter of Governmental efficiency it is better that
responsibility in the House be placed upon the Dem
ocrats. Republican control Of the House machinery
would merely to block the legislative wheels
without accomplishing anything constructive The
Democrats, despite their reduced membership in
the House. in position to get positive results
because they have safe working majority in the
Senate and because Woodrow Wilson is President
II the Democrats are put in control of the House
they will be constantly their mettIe to give the
country the best possible service 1t is likely too
that the broader measures of the Administrations
program will be supported by number of Repub-
hcans. That has been true of the present and the
preceding Congress. Indeed. there ares cheering
signs that narrow obstructive partisanship is CIV
largely because he has exampIifed that idea that
President Wilson has so strong hold on the
eountrys confidence There is good reason to ex-
pect. then that the big. nonpartisan tasks under
taken by the next Congress will be carried success
fully to completion.