New-York tribune., 1919-05-12
Fight Against Penrose and
Warren May Result in
a Compromise t< Assure
Republican Control
Situation Same i'm House
Cillett Adherents to Try
to Increase Membership
of Steering Committee
Ne,o Yorh Tribune


WASHINGTON, May 11.-A delay of
several days in effecting the Repub-
lican organization of the Senate is now
anticipated on account of the reported
intention of progressive Senators to
carry to the floor of the Senate the
fight against the selection of Senator
Penrose, of Pennsylvania, as chairman
Of the Finance Committee, and Senator
Warren, of Wyoming, as head of APP
preparations.
1t is believed here that Senator
Borah, of Idaho, the leader of the in
surgent group, and at least Senator
Kenyon, of Iowa, will vote against
Penrose and Warren for the committee
chairmanships, regardless of what ac-
ton the preceding Republican caucus
may take. This would have the effect
of developing tie vote in the event
that the respective party leaders ar
range the customary pairs for ab-
sentees.
May Force Compromise
By persisting in these tactics, it is
pointed out, the progressive group
might develop situation in which a
compromise would be necessary to as
sure a Republican control Of the Sem
ate. This is their objective, it is said.
Old, guard leaders here, however, do
not take too seriously the progressive
m "a ny,
Of the progressives, notably Senator
Cummins, of Iowa, and Senator Jones,
OF Washington, are in line for chair
manships of important Senate COM
mittees: They will not compromise
their chances in this direction, it is
said, to make a doubtful fight against
fenrose which might endanger Repub-
Iican control.
The progressive fight, it is believed,
VIII be largely confined to the party
caucus. Should the caucus be open it
is believed the progressive group will
not continue their opposition on the
moor OF the Senate, but will merely
absent themselves when the vote is
.aken and leave it to the party leaders
10 arrange pairs with the minority.
Situation Same in House
on the House side a similar situa-
non Is threatened, although it Will
nave no bearing on the organization
., Souse by the Republicans on &c
D. D, the larger margin OF contro
~ ms associated with Sneaker
eie, illett, Of Massachusetts, will
maxi determined attempt in Tho
paIey caucus to increase the member
EMP OF the Republican steering com
-"rsee from six to nine members.
.ne committee as it now stands ia
sso1ssfoiied ss1d Dy James P. Mann, who was
.S .Ssiested oy Representative Gillett for
~ speakersnip. To permit Mr.. Mann
49, ie'alh TINS control, it is believed,
.naa "vuia MAKE the Gillett victory in the
speaAershlp contest an empty one and
eiaee schlsm in the party on the
h. VI lne House which would always
DC potentially dangerous.
Longworth to Lead Fight
III representative Longworth. Of Ohio.
VIII probably lead the foht in The
.aacus .s Tor the proposed increase of the
srefing committee. With him will he
ssssociated number of Western mem
ss.s VINO are seeking to secure larger
representation On the committee for
''e sections they represent.
onooid the Longworth- Gillctt at
mp tan, however, it is not believed
nss an open rupture between the two
sdgqps Will result. Party leaders,
,ss.:.: ,Ln..e iavorably disposed toward any
.te .rs,slmate house cleaning before Con-
s1sss settles down TO business, will
.asow al their influence against any
cumming friction which would pre-
;.sh' united Republican front on the
Important legislation to be considcred d
a. tne extra session.