The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-08-04
Five Weeks Recess Was
Wanted in Which to Re
Pair the House Party Or
ganization.
MONDELL ACCUSED
OF POOR JUDGEMENT
1t is Not Believed That
Storm Can Be Weathered
for Much Longer Without
Hopeless Split.

Washington, August 3.---The calling
off Of the proposed recess OF the house
of representatives from August 2 to
September . is a deep disappointment
to the house OF republicans who had
planned during the five weeks recess
to patch up their party organization
in the house. ~
Republicans on all sides have had
the growing realization that the house
of organization has been steadily beat
ing further upon the rocks since con-
gress met in Extra session on May 81
and cannot weather the storm much
longer under present conditions with
out splitting entirely apart.
Leaders of both parties have watch
ed the situation with deep interest.
the republicans viewing it with alarm
and the democrats with amused grati-
ficatfon.
The republican leaders in the SEN
ate recognized the remedy but could
not suggest or apply it for fear of be-
ing charged with debating to- the other
body have declared that the whole diff
ficulty arises from the absence among
the house leaders of a man strong
enough to line up the republican men,
bers and hold them securely I'm check.
There are two great difficulties in
the republican house organiza tion. One
IN that most OF the time half a dozen
men are trying to lead the party in .dif-
ferent directions: none OF them has tho
ability. and the members win not fol-
low. The other is that floor leader
Mondell IL showing very poor political
judgement and either leads in the
wrong direction or fails to marshall
his forces at all.
The republican national committee
members are crying aloud for a change
VI leadership in the house. 1t would
pc worth a million dollars a day in
campaign funds IL the house could be
adjourned and stay adjourned until
after the 1920 elections. these leaders
assert.
The party leaders in the senate are
predicting there will be big shake
up in the house. and fearfuliy admit
hat IL 10 does not come soon hopes of
countrywide republican success in
1920. which appeared so bright six
months ago, will go aylimmering.
In the eleven weeks of the extra
session the democrats. although hand
icapped by majority of forty for the
republicans. have been generally able
to control the political situation. and
have politically ut-manouvered the
republicans at every turn.
One fault found with the house re-
publicans Is that their course has been
SO bitterly partisan at all times and
so violently critical of President will
son and his administration that it
will drive away from the party the
support OF all but the rock-ribbed re-
pubiicans. Their continued nagging
OF the president and his administra-
tion and complaint with every phase of
the conduct of the war is calculated
1t is said. to create sympathy for him
among the people who are very apt to
turn against anyone continually kick
ing the under dog around.
Bitter complaint is being made
asainst the leadership. or rather the
lEtk OF leadership. of Floor Leader
Frank Mondell. of Wyoming lie is
too bitterly partisan and cannot hold
the republicans in line. 1t Is charged.
the republican membership has nev-
ef really recognized Monden rs lead
er He was nor their choice: they
wansed James Mann. But Nc Mann
would not take the floor leadership !
after he had loss tie speakersbfp. lie
iut Mondell forward. and Monoell was
elected simply because the republican
membership. feeling ashamed because
tney had angrily turned down Mann
Tor speaker, dill not have the courage I.
20 turn down his man Monden.
Moncell narrowly escaped being |
"ditched' two weeks ago after a series |
or blunders and no doubt would have
been tossed aside had not Mr.. Mann |;
come hurriediy out of retirement on /
ms Illinois farm and made an appeal |
70 the members for harmony.
unwilling TO be directed at all times |
oy Mondell in whose political judge
ment they have no faith, some Of the
republicans look to Speaker Gillett !
for guidance. while others take advice |
from one Of the five members OF the
steering committee Under these cir |
cumstances IL is not remarkable that I
the republicans have been continual (
" bested by the democrats.
The democrats. on the other hand /
are working in greater harmony ,han
they have shown in many years They
have the right spirit: it is all for marty l
with no individual aspirations Under
(COntinued on Page EirhtN