New-York tribune., 1919-05-13
Progressive Faction Likely
To Be Absent When Vote
Is Taken to Avoid En-
barrassing Organization
Borah Still Opposed
Alternatives in Committee
Chairmanships Considered
AT Capital Conference
Ne1o York Tribune
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~ vuo'sHyJON OHTeUH
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE fight
against Senator Penrose, of Pennsyl-
vania, for chairman of the Finance
Committee, and Senator Warren, of
Wyoming, for head of the Appropria-
tions Committee, now seems to have
dwindled to a mere pro forma opposi-
tion which will not go further than the
party conference. Senator Borah, of
Idaho, leader of the anti -Penrose move
ment, still maintains that he will mot
vote for Penrose," but he will not say
that he will vote against him. 1t is
pointed out that by merely absenting
himself from the Senate during the
vote Senator Borah can make good his
declaration.
1t is believed that others of the Pro-
gressive group will adopt similar
course in recording their opposition
to Penrose and Warren without COM
promising the party in the organiza-
tion of the Senate. In the event that
Senator Borah and others absent them
selves when the vote on the two COM
mlttee chairmanships Is taken, Majority
Leader Lodge will arrange pairs with
the Democrats, it is predicted, so that
their absence will not affect the result.
Silent on Conference
The Progressive group had a confer
ence here this afternoon, attended by
Senator George Moses, Of New Hamp-
SHIRE. At the conclusion of the con-
offlce the conference was held, nor
senator Moses would comment on
what transpired, except to say that
the conferences would be resumed to-
morrow, and that something concrete
was expected to develop at that time.
senator Moses attendance at the con-
terence was generally believed to be
IN the interest of harmony.
Inc progressive group, it is under
stood, at to-morrow's meeting will
frame resolutions urging the selection
OF either Senator Johnson, of Cali
dornia' or Senator Lenroot, of Wis
eonsln' as as President pro tenn of the
Senate. They will further urge Senator
Smoot, of Utah, for chairman of the
appropriations Committee instead of
Senator Warren, it is understood
should this proposal be accepted as
compromise arrangement, which is
considered unlikely, Senator Warren
might exercise his rights under SEMI
orlty to the chairmanshp of the Mill
tary Affairs Committee. This would
develop further embarrassing situa
ton IN that it would either involve a
further violation of the seniority
principle or the sdetrackng of SEN
ator sor Wadsworth, of New York, as
head of the Military Committee.
place he has been conceded by practi-
cally unanimous consent. Senator
Wadsworth, however, will make no
claims which will embarrass settle
ment of the larger organization diff
culties, he said to-day
Alternative Not Settled
Whether or not the Progressives
Wlll present an alternative for the
Penrose difficulty is not clear.
1t is further likely that the Borah
group will propose that Senator
Gronna, of North Dakota, be given the
Craftsmanship of the Agricultural Com
mittee instead of Senator Page, of
Vermont, who is in line for the place
under seniority. Senator Page, under
the seniority custom, is entitled to the
chairmanship of either the Naval At
fairs or the Agricultural Committee.
1t is understood that the party leaders
nave succeeded in securing the Ver-
mont Senator's waiver of his rights to
the naval craftsmanship in favor of
Senator Poindexter, of Washington.
Whether or not they will be willing to
propose the suggested further waiver
of Senator Pages privileges under the
seniority principle is considered doubt
full, notwithstanding Senator Gronna's
admitted qualification for the place
and the fact that he comes from the
wheat-growing section.
Senator Curtis, of Kansas, it is
thought, will be reelected whip if he
consents to accept the place. He would
have the support of the conservatives
for president pro tenn if he wanted it,