The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1919-05-17
FOR
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Republicans May Overcome
Senate Deadlock In
This Manner
DEMOCRATS COULD
SAVE SITUATION
If They Remain Outside Until organiza-
ton Is Completed the Republicans
Could Garry the Day-No Active Leg
islation for Few Days.

WASHINGTON, May 17-As an out
come of the opposition of Progressive
senators to the contemplated appointment
to Senator Penrose of Pennsylvania, as
chairman of the finance committee in the
reorganization of that body, it developed
yesterday that, if the Old Guard
leaders program is defeated, Mr. Penrose
may be carried along on the committee as
its acting chairman. This, while nos ex-
actly to Mr.. Penrose's liking, might
come about, it was said, in the event of a
deadlock.
Senate leaders discussed the possibility
of the Progressives uniting upon some
senator as against Mr. Penrose, and in
that way depriving the Republicans of
the necessary majority to approve the
committee selection of Mr.. Penrose II
they did this, both the Republicans and
Democrats, lacking majority of senators
present, would be unable to name one of
their own number and the situation would
arise in which the finance committee
would have no permanent chairman In
| this event, it was suggested, Mr.. PEN
rose would be named by she Republican
majority on the committee and serve as
its nominal head.
| Under the new senate organization, the
| Republicans and Progressives will have
80 senators and the Democrats A. Senator
/ Borah insists that at least seven Progress
sivcs will oppose Mr.. Penrose on the floor
of the senate If that opposition devel-
ops and the Democrats do not go to the
aid Of the Republicans by remaining away
/ from the chamber and allowing the Re
publicans to have a safe working majority
until the committee slate is put through
| the deadlock would occur 1t would re
quire one more vote than the entire Dem
ocratic strength to approve the committee
nominations.
Old Guard leaders insisted yesterday
| that they were confident them slate would
be put through Talk Of Mr.. Warren
OF Wyoming becoming chairman of the
agricultural committee instead OF the ap
preparations committee as a compromise
with the Progressives gained force. Sen
ator Lodge expects to name the commit
tee of nine the steering committee ane
the committee ON patronage by Saturday
He conferred during the day with Senator
Martin OF Virginia, Democratic leader
of the last senate, over the Republican
plan for organization Of the senate nexi
Monday, with Senator Smoot as presi
dent pro tenn The Democratic senators
will meet in caucus today and name til,
minority officers of the senate Mr. Mar
tin will probably be chosen as minorit!
leader
The senate docs not expect to get down
20 active work for several days after or
ganization. The Presidents message i
expected to come by cable on Monday
The senate may appoint a committee t
inform the White House that it is read.
, for business, although with the Presden
away, this formality may be abandoned.
After the days session, during whcl
! the league of nations may be projecte
into debate, the senate may adjourn 70
T three days and continue the three-da
! recess arrangement until legislative bill
touching upon appropriations reach tn
: upper body from the house