Evening star., 1917-11-07
HOLDS THE BALANCE
OF POWER IN HOUSE
Politicians Here Speculate on.
Effect of Tammany's Vic
tory in Greater New York.
MUST BE RECKoNED WITH

Politicians in Washington were spec
ulating today as to what effect Tam
many's victory in Greater New York
will have upon national politics as re-
fected in strengthening Tammany's po-
sition in the national House of Repre-
sentatives.
Tammany can control. If it desires to
exercise the power, thirteen seats IN
the House. There are that many demo-
Gratis from the boroughs of New YORK
city now in Congress. While some
would resent being dominated as Tam
manyites for purposes of classification
the fact remains that Tammany can
dictate the nominations for their places.
William Sulzer was the only man VINO
held his seat without asking the grace
of Tammany.
That group Of thirteen votes. capable
of being welded as a whole, Is recog-
nized to be of vital Importance to the
national democratic party and to the
administration. In the present close
division between democrats and repuo-
licans in the House. 212 to 213. Tam
many holds the balance of power. II
has held 1t before and upon occasion
used it to the discontinue OF the demo-
cratic organization of the House.
1t is realized here that Tammany
owes nothing to the national admins
tration for its victory OF yesterday
On the other hand, the national party
will have to seek Tammanys suppor'
in the House and its aid in any ma
tional campaign in the future. one
important consideration, however: Is
that II Tammany is under no opnga-
tion to the administration neither mas
1t any grudge.
Administration Kept Glands Off,"
The administration kept "hands or
in the campaign which ended with the
balloting yesterday. No member OF
the Presidents official family took part
in the proceedings. nor was any ad-
vice offered or remonstTance suggest
ed. Dudley Field Malone, who became
a Hillquiter, had already quit MS 1ea.
eral position given by the Presioent
for Ioyal democratic service.
II is the feeling here that Tammany
viii have to be reckoned with by the
administration from noy on. ana oy
Tammany Is meant an Ne" .ta aola HoE.s n,as
A. that. however, Tammany has never
bothered q great deal about federal
PATRONAGE at large. The most II de-
.mands q any federal omcss q Msn ss
YsIs31s YSEm WRfHan faoasn lu sraah esnoiamepta ior
the reward Of the faithful
The real important thing from q ma
t,onal viewpoint is that Tammany may
Increase its power in the House or
0anization. AS is well known, the or
ganization is now controlled by the
southern element in Congress. The
House leader, Mr.. Kitchin. chairman OF
ways and means and arbfter OK COM
mittee chairmanships and assignments.
important committee chairmanshlps are
held by southerners.
Fitzgerald Notable Exception.
Chairman Fitzgerald. of the appro-
priations committee is a notable excep-
ton to the rule Of southern domination.
He has vast power as it is through his
position attained by seniority of serv-
ice. and service which can justly be
claased as conspicuous and useful. He
has influence with his colleagues from
greater New York. whether they ac-
knowledge fealty to the Tammany or
ganization or not. The House organfza-
ton will, 1t is said, find 1t desirable to
take Mr.. Fitzgerald close into their con-
fabulations. programs and policies.
Tammany's victory Is held to spell
more work, and harder. for the republi-
cans in the congressional campaign
next fall. After taking over the city
the first of the year. Tammany. 1t Is
said, will begin to increase and tighten
its organization and will cast about for
several seats in the House now held
by republicans and regarded as worth
fighting for by the democrats.